Manager & Senior Associate (Projects)

The Manager and Senior Associate roles offer the opportunity to work at the intersection of public policy, institutional reform, and Results-Based Financing (RBF), partnering with governments, development partners, and philanthropies to improve the effectiveness and impact of public service delivery.

• Term: Full-time 
• Reporting to: Director (for Manager) & Senior Manager (for Senior Associate)
• Expected starting date: Immediate, subject to the candidate's notice period
• Application deadline: July 31, 2026

Managers and Senior Associates at Instiglio are a core part of project teams, overseeing most aspects of project execution and team management in close collaboration with Project Leads. You will gain expertise in results-based approaches and deepen your consultancy skills, translating complex concepts into easy-to-understand insights. You will advise clients on difficult, yet important, adaptations of their practices and lead teammates to deliver impactful projects that enhance development outcomes across Africa.

You will also play a leading role in growing the Nairobi office, from recruitment and capacity building to nurturing stakeholder relationships with both the donor community and government partners in East Africa that lead to project growth. Managers will also be asked to make wider contributions to Instiglio’s global management and strategy as an integral part of the management team.

Some of your tasks will include:

• Senior Associates are likely to act as project managers of 1-3 project workstreams (reporting to a Manager) or stand-alone projects (reporting to a Lead), while Managers are likely to oversee 3+ stand-alone projects at any given time.
• Leading and overseeing the development of technical components of RBF instruments and data-driven performance management systems. 
• Leading the creation of proposals and client deliverables, articulating technical concepts in an eloquent and accessible manner. 
• Managing project budgets and contracts with clients and subcontractors, anticipating issues, and proactively addressing them. 
• Planning, delegating and overseeing tasks to effectively and efficiently achieve the best results within the team.
• Proposing, structuring, and overseeing data analyses to draw actionable insights/hypotheses.
• Preparing and delivering clear and effective presentations to stakeholders in the public and private sectors. 
• Coordinating and motivating project teams and supporting team growth through coaching and mentorship within and outside of projects.
• Actively improving our RBF and Performance Management services and our delivery approaches.

We are growing a team of resourceful go-getters that are driven by our mission, curious about the world, and dedicated to a life of learning. An ideal candidate will have:

• Experience:
  • Senior Associate: At least 6 years of experience, including 4 years of relevant work experience in international development, management/ strategy consulting and/or in the public sector.
  • Manager: At least 8 years’ experience, including 6 years of relevant work experience in international development, management/ strategy consulting and/or in the public sector.
  • Demonstrated experience in Results-Based Financing and/or Performance Management is an additional advantage, but is not required.
  • Experience working with governments and government agencies is highly desirable.
• Knowledge:
  • Results-Based Financing mechanisms and/or experience related to the field
• Education:
  • Master's degree or equivalent in Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Public Administration, Business, or related fields.
• Language skills: 
  
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills in English. Professional working proficiency in French is an added advantage.
• Skills: 
  • Proven track record in managing complex client projects and interacting with diverse stakeholders.
  • Experience growing and managing teams in an entrepreneurial atmosphere.
  • Exceptional strategic thinking, problem solving, and structured thinking.
  • Ability to develop complex analytical frameworks and have exceptional working proficiency of the most common analytical principles to give structure to the analysis.
  • Exceptional people skills: Ability to relate well with people from different backgrounds, build trust, and solve problems.
  • Ability to communicate complex ideas  in an eloquent and accessible manner.

Managers and Senior Associates at Instiglio have a chance to develop a variety of skills, with the guidance of more experienced senior staff. Instiglio has a strong feedback culture, with all staff receiving bi-annual formal, structured reviews, in addition to real-time feedback. Additionally, a mentorship system and development plans are in place to ensure that staff receive proper support in their professional development.

The selected candidate(s) will be based in our Nairobi office and the opportunity is open to individuals with a right to work in Kenya. Instiglio has adopted a hybrid working model i.e., a minimum of two (2) days a week at the office for face-to-face connections. We offer generous benefits, which include seven (7) personal days, sixty (60) remote workdays, travel and health insurance, a company holiday between Christmas and New Year's in addition to the legal vacation days, and parental leave, among others.

Please apply by submitting your CV and answering the application questions.

 

Instiglio is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fairness, inclusion, and giving everyone a chance to thrive.