The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) was set up with the purpose of financially supporting Lagos State residents to foster job creation, wealth creation, and to reduce unemployment. Acting as a support system for Lagos citizens, LSETF aims to harness the creativity and innovative potential within the state. By offering various types of support, the fund’s mission is to help residents build and grow Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) or gain skills that can improve their employment prospects.
LSETF works to uplift the lives of the residents of Lagos by managing three core programs:
- Employability Support Programme: This program helps Lagosians acquire skills that make them more employable, enhancing job opportunities within the state.
- Lagos Innovates Programme: This initiative focuses on inspiring the technology and innovation ecosystem, offering support to the local tech sector.
- Loan Programme: Designed to offer financial assistance to small businesses, this program provides loans to MSMEs to help scale and grow their operations.
With these three programs, LSETF continues to contribute positively to Lagos by reducing unemployment and inspiring innovative solutions among residents.
Position Overview: Head, Startup
The Head of Startup position is a crucial leadership role at LSETF. This position involves the creation, development, and coordination of key programs and strategies. These initiatives are aimed at stimulating and supporting the technology and innovation landscape within Lagos State, all in line with the mission and objectives of LSETF.
The Head of Startup will oversee a range of critical responsibilities and ensure the success of various programs, focusing on driving positive outcomes for Lagos State’s innovation and tech ecosystem.
Job Purpose
The main purpose of the Head, Startup position is to:
- Design and coordinate programs that support the technology and innovation sectors.
- Oversee strategic initiatives that align with LSETF’s goals to support startups and the broader tech ecosystem in Lagos.
Duties and Responsibilities
The person in this role will:
- Lead the Startup Team: Provide strategic leadership to the startup team, ensuring programs align with the LSETF’s mission.
- Performance Reporting: Regularly report performance against targets to the Executive Secretary, ensuring transparency and progress tracking.
- Program Development Needs Assessment: Conduct ongoing assessments of the programs, budgeting needs, and work plan relevancy to meet emerging needs.
- Identify Startup Challenges: Recognize key challenges within the startup ecosystem and translate these into actionable insights for LSETF.
- Monitor Industry Trends: Stay informed of developments in the technology and innovation sectors, ensuring that LSETF remains relevant and effective.
- Oversee IDEA HUB Programme: Manage and maintain smooth operations for the IDEA HUB programme.
- IDEA HUB Selection Process: Design and implement a clear selection process for admission to the IDEA HUB.
- Mentor Relationships: Manage mentor relationships, onboarding new mentors as necessary to support the program.
- Workspace Voucher Programme Management: Ensure smooth operations for this program, fostering relationships with infrastructure partners, such as co-working spaces, to provide necessary facilities.
- Infrastructure Partnerships: Coordinate with infrastructure partners to provide essential support like internet connectivity.
- HUB Loan Programme: Ensure effective management of the HUB Loan programme.
- Loan Applicant Selection Process: Design a thorough selection process for applicants of the HUB Loan programme.
- Talent Development Programme: Manage the talent development program, ensuring it aligns with the needs of funding partners.
- Partnered Selection Process: Work closely with funding partners to define and implement a well-rounded selection process.
- Research and Insight: Conduct ongoing research into startup challenges, translating findings into actionable insights for LSETF’s program adjustments.
Qualifications & Experience
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Educational Background: A First Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) with at least lower credit from a recognized institution is required. An MBA or a Master’s Degree is advantageous.
- Professional Certification: A relevant professional certification is acceptable alongside an MBA.
- Work Experience: A minimum of eight years of relevant experience, including at least three years in a senior position within the innovation or technology ecosystem, or a senior position in a startup.
- NYSC Requirement: The applicant must possess an NYSC discharge certificate.
Key Competencies
Candidates must exhibit the following competencies to succeed in this role:
- Tech and Innovation Ecosystem Knowledge: A thorough understanding of the local technology and innovation environment.
- Project Management Skills: Proficiency in handling multiple projects and managing timelines.
- Leadership Abilities: Strong leadership skills, capable of guiding teams towards achieving the program’s objectives.
- Team Management & Human Capital Development: Ability to develop, motivate, and manage teams effectively.
- Relationship Management: Skilled in building and maintaining professional relationships, especially with key stakeholders and partners.
- Organizational and Planning Skills: Must be organized, with the ability to plan and execute tasks efficiently.
- Business Acumen: An understanding of business fundamentals and the economic aspects of running projects.
- Communication Skills: Proficient in verbal and written communication.
- Business Writing Skills: Skilled in report and presentation preparation.
- Analytical & Problem-Solving Abilities: Strong analytical skills, capable of solving complex issues.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Experience in engaging with community and industry stakeholders effectively.
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to apply for this position by sending their CVs to careers@lsetf.ng. Please ensure that the position title, Head, Startup, is clearly stated in the email subject.
Application Deadline: Applications must be received by close of business on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
Note: Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted.
This is an opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to Lagos State’s growth in the technology and innovation sectors. If you are passionate about helping Lagos residents achieve their business and employment goals, consider applying to join the LSETF team.
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