Africa Insurtech Ecosystem Manager

Are you an enthusiastic advocate for cutting-edge technology and innovation? Does the idea of nurturing and growing a global community of trailblazing startups and scale-ups ignite your passion? Have you successfully built and fostered partnerships in the tech and insurance industries before? Are you adept at planning and executing high-impact events like networking gatherings and regional summits? Do you excel in managing multiple projects simultaneously, while maintaining a structured and efficient approach? Are you a quick learner with a knack for systematizing processes to bolster an innovation ecosystem? If you're a self-starter with a robust background in business development, community building, or operations, and possess a strong network in the insurance and tech worlds, then the role of Africa Insurtech Ecosystem Manager at ALX could be your next big challenge!

ABOUT US

Africa has an untapped talent pool that is increasing exponentially, with a projected workforce that will exceed India and China by 2035. Fuelled by this, our mission at Sand is to create work opportunities for millions of Africa’s youth and solve the world’s shortage of technology talent. We have 3 brands represented in our ecosystem:

• With ALX, we're cultivating the fastest-growing pool of technology talent globally, training aspiring professionals in software engineering, cloud computing, data science, and Salesforce across over 60 countries. ALX fosters a vibrant community for top tech talent, igniting transformative careers by preparing top technology talent for extraordinary opportunities for impact.
• Through Sand Technologies we help companies and governments to optimize operations and make important decisions utilizing advanced data and AI. We go beyond the AI hype by tackling serious problems that really matter.
• With The FutureList, our research, platform and ecosystem teams identify innovative startups around the world and connect them with the partners and investors they need to scale. We convene events in tech hubs and curate opportunities for partners, investors and accelerators looking to connect with top technology and talent.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Build Community

Networking Events

• Plan regular networking events and innovation gatherings in cities across key African insurance markets, overseeing all details from top to bottom, ranging from venue, agenda, invitations, collateral, content capture, and feedback collection. Here is an example of a dinner we hosted in London.
• Work with the Research team, local Partnerships and Entrepreneurship Managers, other Ecosystem Managers, and any partners to develop and invite the guest list of top local innovators and stakeholders in the Insurance and Insurtech sector.
• Coordinate with global and local partners affiliated with co-hosting or sponsoring each event to ensure their objectives are also met. 
• Responsible for achieving attendance and NPS score targets.

Innovation Scouting

• Attend other industry events to build relationships, monitor trends, and identify new stakeholders.
• Connect insurtech startups to larger companies for collaboration and potential M&A opportunities.
• Develop innovation programs and other initiatives that help advance the adoption and promotion of technology in the insurance sector across Africa.

Develop Partnerships

Business Development

• Report to ALX’s Africa Managing Director.
• Collaborate with the Sand Insurance team to craft compelling AI value propositions relevant to insurance companies operating across Africa.
• Responsible for business development performance for this segment.

Talent Programs

• Responsible for increasing uptake of Sand’s corporate training solutions amongst African insurance companies, which includes data, engineering and AI upskilling for all levels of employees, including C-Suite executives.
• Build partnerships that enable the paid and unpaid placement of data science and engineering program alumni from ALX into roles at insurance companies in the region.

REQUIREMENTS 

• Must-Haves
• 7+ years of experience in business development, community building or operations management;
• 3+ years experience building partnerships or clients in the insurance industry in Africa;
• Concrete intrapreneurial or entrepreneurial experience;
• Demonstrated ability to learn from experimentation and testing;
• Strong relationship-building skills & stakeholder management;
• Flexibility to travel frequently;
• Experience and/or passion for new technologies;
• Extensive network in the tech ecosystem;
• Highly proficient with G-suite, especially Google Sheets (intermediate skills minimum);
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Proactivity, resourcefulness and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, flexible, and entrepreneurial environment;
• Ability to work independently.

• Nice-to-Haves
• Leadership experience and/or experience building and growing a team;
• Experience securing major event sponsorships
• Experience designing and implementing events with over 100 attendees;
• Experience managing a national or global online community and hosting regular webinars;
• Past experience founding or investing in technology startups.

LOCATION

Based remotely in one of the three largest insurance markets in the African region (South Africa, Nigeria or Kenya), with authorization to work in that market. Your mission will be to build a thriving community of tech innovators and decision-makers, both online and offline, across the African insurance sector. This will involve running branded events, attending industry trade shows, establishing key relationships with startup founders, investors, hubs, and top insurance companies, and contributing significantly to the growth and dynamism of various tech ecosystems within your region and beyond.

Please note that this role is being hired for the ALX entity.