About Practical Action
Practical Action is a global innovator, inspiring people to discover and adopt ingenious, practical ways to free themselves from poverty and disadvantage. With over 50 years of expertise, Practical Action has a strong heritage, and track record of bringing communities and experts together to find practical, sustainable solutions to enable people to meet their needs, which work for both people and the planet. The group consists of a UK registered charity with community projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America, an independent development publishing company and a technical consulting service.
About Global Distributors Collective (GDC)
The Global Distributors Collective (GDC) is a collective of 250+ last mile distribution (LMD) organisations operating in over 50 countries. These are organisations that focus on providing benficial products to underserved consumers, i.e. low-income, remote, or otherwise marginalised people. The GDC has two main strategic pillars:
- Help distributors improve their business performance and grow
- Build a collective voice for the last mile distribution sector
The GDC was founded in 2018. It is a partnership between Practical Action and Bopinc; Practical Action hosts the GDC and Bopinc is the GDC’s strategic and implementing partner.
About the role
The Investment Catalyst Facility (ICF) is a core initiative under GDC’s Access to Finance (A2F) workstream. Its main goal is to mobilise debt capital for last-mile distributors (LMDs) by addressing both supply- and demand-side financial challenges.
We’re seeking a strategic and hands-on Programme Manager to lead the GDC Investment Catalyst Facility (ICF)— The ICF supports high-potential businesses with investment readiness coaching, financial diagnostics, and access to catalytic funding to unlock small-ticket debt deals. You’ll be responsible for managing the full programme lifecycle—from company selection and pre-investment support to investor engagement and post-investment learning—while ensuring alignment with GDC’s wider Access to Finance goals.
This role is ideal for someone who is CFA or CPA qualified with strong experience in SME finance, early-stage investing, or business advisory services, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. You’ll bring a deep understanding of financial modelling, strategic coaching, and investor dynamics—alongside a passion for supporting inclusive business models. If you’re excited about working with a global network of impact-driven enterprises and using innovative finance to drive systems change, we’d love to hear from you.
Practical Action is looking for a dynamic finance professional to help shape the future of last mile distribution. He/she will oversee the implementation and management of the ICF, ensuring it effectively mobilises capital for GDC members. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong experience working with, investing in and/or advising start-ups and SMEs operating in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia or Latin America. A strong background in finance, project management and stakeholder engagement are essential.
How to apply
A detailed Job Profile can be accessed from the download section.
If you are ready for an exciting challenge with an organisation whose mission and values are particularly relevant in these rapidly changing times, please forward your application, curriculum vitae and cover letter to: Practical Action, Kenya Office by email: recruitment@practicalaction.or.ke no later than 3rd August 2025 indicating ‘GDC Investment Catalyst Facility Programme Manager” in the subject line of the email.
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- Cover Letter detailing motivation and suitability for the role.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting relevant experience.
- References from at least two professional contacts.
- Two work samples such as a blog post, publication, training deck, pitch deck or other written work.
Only candidates who already have the legal right to reside and work in Kenya will be considered. All information/data given will be handled in the strictest confidence and will only be used for recruitment purposes.
Additional Information
Practical Action is an equal opportunities employer, and we encourage applications from under-represented groups. We stay committed to cultivating an inclusive and diverse working environment and believe that people from different backgrounds or cultures give us different perspectives, and the more perspectives we have, the more successful we will be. By building a culture where everyone feels heard, respected and valued we give everyone working with us the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Practical Action is committed to safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults and as such candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
