Innovation and Business Enterprise Officer (for Mastercard Foundation Scholar Alumni of Makerere University)
The second phase of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University commenced in 2023 and will run through up to 2034. During this period, 1000 scholarships shall be offered to young African women and men who are admitted to both the Undergraduate and Graduate Academic Programmes at Makerere University's Main Campus. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to deepen inclusive University education and empower young people to transform into leaders who will make meaningful contributions to national and regional development.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Entrepreneurship Fund (SEF 2.0) aims to provide Scholars with capacity building in entrepreneurship, seed funding and business mentorship to enable them create, build and scale up business ventures that are impactful to society. In addition, there in an initiative of the Junior Mentorship Program where Scholar Alumni are engaged as Peer Mentor and Coaches for business development Therefore, the position of Innovation and Business Enterprise Officer has been designated for a competent Scholar Alumni Entrepreneur who is expected to be engaged as a part-time staff so that he/she can continue with his business enterprise.
Under the Scholars Program, Makerere University is pleased to announce one (1) Vacant Position for an Innovation and Business Enterprise Officer:
VACANT POSITION
POSITION: INNOVATION AND BUSINESS ENTERPRISE OFFICER
DUTY STATION: Makerere University, Main Campus
DURATION OF EMPLOYMENT: 4 Year Contract, Non-renewable
REPORTS TO: Program Transition Lead
Position Summary: The Innovation and Business Enterprise Officer will focus on fostering innovation and supporting the growth of new business ventures for the Scholar Community. He/She will be developing strategies to encourage creativity, identifying emerging trends, and helping translate innovative ideas into successful business enterprises, and lead in building a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs and businesses, connecting them with resources and opportunities.
Level of Effort: Part-time Program Staff (40% Effort level)
Reports to: Program Transition Lead
University Offices to liaise with: The Makerere UniPOD and all Innovation/Incubation centers in Makerere
Duties and Responsibilities.
Entrepreneurship for Learning
(i) Co-ordinate the Entrepreneurship Capacity Building workshops for Scholars
(ii) Co-ordinate the annual Scholars Entrepreneurship boot camp
2. Entrepreneurship for Business Development
(i) Co-ordinate the Scholars’ engagements during market/environmental scans to generate first-level business concepts.
(ii) Co-ordinate pitch sessions at the different levels.
(iii) Co-ordinate the access to and optimal utilization of the innovation and incubation centers in Makerere and beyond, for ideation and prototyping.
(iv) Identify and co-ordinate the Junior mentorship/Coaches Programme for business development.
(v) Identify and co-ordinate with business/industry coaches to support the Business mentorship Program.
3. Partnerships and Learning: Represent the Program in the relevant working groups of the Foundation and other relevant forums Identify, broker and operationalize strategic partnerships critical for welfare and support services of the Program.
4. Safeguarding: Monitor, identify and report to the Safeguarding Liaison Officer any safeguarding concerns that may arise during the Program implementation.
5. Reporting: Analyze and synthesize activity-related data, and compile activity and periodic reports.
6. Undertake any other duties that may be assigned by the Supervisor.
EDUCATION LEVEL AND ADDITIONAL TRAINING
The candidate should have a minimum of an Honors Bachelor’s Degree from Makerere University.
A Postgraduate qualification in Project Planning and Management or Financial management, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship and Innovation from a recognized institution is an added advantage.
A Professional Course/qualification in Entrepreneurship, Business Development or Innovations from a recognized institution is an added advantage.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, COMPETENCIES
At least 5 years’ experience in managing an entrepreneurship or social venture initiative.
Demonstrated evidence of supporting young entrepreneurs as a business coach or mentor.
Demonstrated mobilization and meeting facilitation skills.
Demonstrated Community Service or giveback for at least one Year.
Digital competence
Possess outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
Documents to Submit
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Apply Now:
All suitably qualified Scholar Alumni should submit their application letter, curriculum vitae, Certificates, and Transcripts, giving full details of applicants’ qualifications, skills, and work experience. They should indicate three references and provide full contact details. Applicants should send their merged documents to the following Email Address: info@mastercardfdn.mak.ac.ug
Applicants should make sure to attach two reference letters from two referees.
For more information about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, visit our website: https://mastercardfoundation.mak.ac.ug
Deadline for submission of the application: Monday 21st July 2025.
Note: Only shortlisted Scholar Alumni will be contacted.