Who are we?

Fetola is a social enterprise dedicated to sustainable MSME development as a means to tackle unemployment, inequality, and poverty. With a strong track record in business start-up and acceleration, we help entrepreneurs build thriving, environmentally sound businesses that drive economic growth and job creation. Our innovative approach, diverse programs, investment funds, and strategic partnerships position us at the forefront of impactful change in South Africa.  

Agile, inclusive, and results-driven, we foster a collaborative culture where every voice matters. With 87% of our accelerator alumni still in business after ten years, this is nine times the national average as we are committed to creating deep, lasting impact. True to our name, which means "change" in Sesotho, we believe that together, we can ‘Fetola’ the world!  

At the heart of all we do is our commitment to People, Planet and Profitability —ensuring a future where businesses thrive while making a meaningful difference.  

Who are we looking for?

• Outcome-driven: focuses on results, not tasks
  
• Proactive and decisive: anticipates issues and acts early
  
• Strong communicator: manages clients and difficult conversations confidently
  
• Adaptable: thrives in structured but evolving pilot environments
  
• Systems thinker connects data, people, and delivery into a cohesive whole
  
• Accountable: takes ownership of results under pressure
  
• Market Access and Investment Readiness: an understanding of the linking MSMEs to markets and preparing them for investment (Equity, Loans or Grants).
  

What will you do:

The Programme Manager is responsible for delivering high-impact SME development programmes that achieve measurable business growth and access to finance outcomes, while maintaining strong client relationships and contributing to the development of scalable programme models.

This role sits at the centre of execution, stakeholder management, and strategic adaptation—ensuring that programmes do not just run but deliver real results for MSMEs and clients.

Core Purpose:To drive programme outcomes, not just activities—ensuring MSMEs grow, clients see value, and Fetola builds scalable, high-impact solutions.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Delivers programmes end-to-end (planning, execution, reporting, team coordination)
  
• Manages MSMEs and keeps them engaged throughout the programme journey
  
• Leads client relationships, ensuring confidence and satisfaction
  
• Tracks, analyses, and reports on data, turning it into actionable insights
  
• Coordinates across multiple portfolios and specialists to deliver value
  
• Adapts programme design in real time, especially in pilot environments
  
• Contributes to building scalable, licensable programme models
  

Requirements

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Commerce, Business analytics, Economics, Enterprise Development or related field (master’s preferred).
  
• 3 - 5 years’ prior work experience as a programme/project manager, preferably in the enterprise development sector
  
• 5-8 years total work experience
  
• Proven experience in small business development / MSME growth / Supplier Development and experience working with corporate clients, funders, or donor-funded initiatives
  
• Proven exposure to market access initiatives (e.g. supplier development, linking MSMEs to markets, partnerships)
  
• Understanding of investment readiness (e.g. preparing businesses for funding, financials, pitching, investor expectations)
  
• Budget management experience
  
• Proficiency in Project Management Tools
  
• Excellent spoken and written English with public presentation skills
  
• Stakeholder management and excellent industry networks
  
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
  
• Multilingual speaking multiple South African languages – advantageous
  

Benefits

• Flexible working policy
  
• Medical aid and Vitality
  
• Group life cover and access to a financial advisor
  
• Study support
  
• Extra leave perks
  
• A competitive salary
  
• Wellness programme
  
• The chance to make a real difference
  
• Collaborate with an amazing skilled and passionate team