We are seeking an exceptional and visionary leader to shape and drive AGGPSA's ecosystem enablement strategy.
This role sits at the intersection of strategy, partnerships, advocacy, systems change, and collective impact. The successful candidate will lead AGGPSA's efforts to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem by identifying systemic barriers, mobilising key stakeholders, influencing policy and practice, and fostering collaboration across the public, private, philanthropic, academic, and entrepreneurial sectors.
The Head: Ecosystem Enablement will serve as a thought leader, convenor, and catalyst, driving initiatives that improve the conditions for entrepreneurs and contribute to long-term economic and social impact.
Ecosystem Enablement & Systems Change
Lead the development and execution of AGGPSA's Ecosystem Enablement Strategy to strengthen South Africa's entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Responsibilities include:
- Identifying systemic barriers, opportunities, and leverage points that impact entrepreneurial success.
- Designing and implementing ecosystem enablement initiatives that address critical gaps and improve entrepreneurial outcomes.
- Driving ecosystem-wide collaboration to create a more coordinated, inclusive, and effective support environment for entrepreneurs.
- Monitoring emerging trends, opportunities, and risks affecting entrepreneurship in South Africa and globally.
- Building and maintaining a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial support landscape and its key actors.
- Developing evidence-based recommendations to strengthen ecosystem performance and impact.
Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
Develop and lead AGGPSA's strategic partnership agenda to maximise collective impact.
Responsibilities include:
- Building trusted relationships with government departments, development finance institutions, philanthropic organisations, investors, academia, corporate partners, entrepreneurial support organisations, and ecosystem influencers.
- Designing and implementing AGGPSA's partnership engagement model.
- Identifying, assessing, and cultivating high-impact partnerships aligned to organisational priorities.
- Convening ecosystem stakeholders around shared opportunities and challenges.
- Facilitating collaboration and knowledge-sharing initiatives that advance ecosystem outcomes.
- Evaluating partnership effectiveness and ensuring partnerships deliver measurable value.
Advocacy, Influence and Thought Leadership
Lead AGGPSA's efforts to influence entrepreneurship-related policy, practice, and public discourse.
Responsibilities include:
- Developing and executing AGGPSA's advocacy and influencing strategy.
- Identifying policy opportunities and challenges affecting entrepreneurs.
- Building coalitions and alliances to advance collective advocacy objectives.
- Representing AGGPSA at national, regional, and international platforms.
- Producing and leveraging insights, research, and evidence to influence decision-makers.
- Positioning AGGPSA as a leading voice on entrepreneurship ecosystem enablement and systems change.
- Driving public awareness and engagement around the role of entrepreneurship in economic growth, inclusion, and poverty reduction.
Research, Learning and Insights
Lead AGGPSA's efforts to influence entrepreneurship-related policy, practice, and public discourse.
Responsibilities include:
- Developing and executing AGGPSA's advocacy and influencing strategy.
- Identifying policy opportunities and challenges affecting entrepreneurs.
- Building coalitions and alliances to advance collective advocacy objectives.
- Representing AGGPSA at national, regional, and international platforms.
- Producing and leveraging insights, research, and evidence to influence decision-makers.
- Positioning AGGPSA as a leading voice on entrepreneurship ecosystem enablement and systems change.
- Driving public awareness and engagement around the role of entrepreneurship in economic growth, inclusion, and poverty reduction.
Financial and Operational Leadership
Provide strategic oversight of financial and operational resources for the Function.
Responsibilities include:
- Developing and managing annual budgets and forecasts.
- Ensuring effective stewardship of organisational resources.
- Monitoring expenditure and financial performance.
- Managing risks and ensuring compliance with organisational policies and governance requirements.
- Reporting on performance, impact, and financial management to the CEO and relevant governance structures.
Leadership and People Management
Lead and develop a high-performing team that embodies AGGPSA's values and culture.
Responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic direction, coaching, and support to team members.
- Building organisational capability within the ecosystem enablement function.
- Creating an environment of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Driving performance and fostering professional growth.
- Master's Degree (NQF Level 9) in Public Policy, Development Studies, Economics, Business, Entrepreneurship, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive professional experience, including senior leadership experience.
- Demonstrated experience in ecosystem enablement, systems change, economic development, entrepreneurship, or a related field.
- Significant experience building and managing strategic partnerships across multiple sectors.
- Experience influencing policy, advocacy initiatives, or sector-wide change efforts.
- Proven ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
- Experience managing teams, budgets, and organisational resources.
Advantageous
- Experience working within philanthropy, development finance, economic development, entrepreneurship support, or impact investing environments.
- Strong understanding of the South African entrepreneurship ecosystem.
- Experience engaging government and policy stakeholders at senior levels.
- Strategic leadership and systems thinking
- Stakeholder engagement and influencing
- Partnership and coalition building
- Research and analytical capability
- Financial and operational management
- Communication and thought leadership
- Collaboration, adaptability, and resilience
