Head of Ecosystem Enablement

**Purpose of Role**:
We are seeking a visionary leader to join AGGP_SA as the Head of Ecosystem Enablement, responsible for driving South Africa’s entrepreneurship ecosystem enablement. This critical role integrates strategic partnerships, advocacy, and ecosystem improvements to align with AGGP_SA’s Winning Aspiration of enabling a Healthy Entrepreneurship Ecosystem that enables the start and growth of businesses.

**Objectives of Role**:
**ECOSYSTEM ENABLEMENT**:

- Lead the development and execution of a strategy to strengthen South Africa's entrepreneurship ecosystem in line with AGGP_SA's vision and goals..
- Facilitate impactful collaborations, knowledge-sharing, and innovative joint initiatives to enhance the entrepreneurial environment.
- Identify gaps and opportunities within the ecosystem and design targeted interventions to address systemic challenges.
- Promote scalable and sustainable models that enable entrepreneurs to grow their ventures and contribute meaningfully to economic development

**STRATEGIC PARTNERSHPS**:

- Design and execute AGGP_SA’s strategic partnership engagement model.
- Build and maintain relationships with key players in government, development finance, international agencies, and entrepreneurial support organizations.
- Convene platforms for strategic collaboration, fostering joint efforts to support ecosystem enablement.
- Identify and vet potential partners to ensure alignment with AGGP_SA’s goals and values, fostering impactful and sustainable collaborations.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of partnerships, ensuring they deliver measurable value and contribute to the entrepreneurship ecosystem's growth.

**ADVOCACY**:

- Develop and lead AGGP_SA’s advocacy strategy to influence entrepreneurship policies and practices.
- Represent AGGP_SA as a thought leader at high-profile platforms to drive entrepreneurship discourse.
- Advocate for accessible support services, entrepreneurial education, and national policies promoting entrepreneurship
- Build coalitions with key stakeholders to drive collective advocacy efforts and amplify AGGP_SA’s impact on entrepreneurship development.
- Lead campaigns to raise public awareness about the importance of entrepreneurship in economic growth, poverty reduction, and social transformation.

**FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT & BUDGETING**:

- Develop, implement, and monitor the annual operational budget and financial forecasts, ensuring alignment with strategic goals
- Maintain financial discipline by closely tracking expenses, ensuring accountability across all departments, and identifying areas for cost optimization.
- Prepare and present regular financial reports to senior management, offering insights into performance, variances, and areas requiring attention.
- Ensure adherence to financial regulations and internal policies, while identifying and mitigating financial risks to safeguard the organization’s financial health.

**TEAM MANAGEMENT**:

- Foster a culture of excellence and collaboration within the team
- Proven expertise in strategic partnerships, advocacy, and ecosystem enablement

**Experience and Qualifications**:

- Master’s Degree (NQF level 9) in a relevant field.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience, including senior management roles.
- Proven expertise in strategic partnerships, advocacy, and ecosystem enablemet.

**Competencies**:

- Strategic Thinking and Visionary Leadership
- Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management
- Analytical and Evidence-Based Decision-Making
- Financial Acumen
- Team Leadership and Development
- Communication and Presentation
- Problem-Solving and Innovation
- Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Knowledge
- Cultural Competence and Inclusivity