“Empowering Africa’s Innovation Future: A Comprehensive Guide to the Hubs Revenue and Investment Strategy Specialist Role with UNDP in Kigali”

April 8, 2025

12 minutes read

The Hubs Revenue and Investment Strategy Specialist position with UNDP in Kigali, Rwanda — this will go beyond a summary and dive deep into what the role really entails, its strategic importance, expectations, and the competencies needed. Let’s unpack everything thoroughly:

🌍 About the Role and Its Strategic Context

This role sits at the heart of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA) and directly supports the timbuktoo Initiative — a major pan-African startup and innovation strategy launched in 2024. Timbuktoo aims to mobilize $1 billion to create 10 million dignified jobs and transform 100 million lives, primarily through tech and innovation-led entrepreneurship across Africa.

The hubs are innovation and startup centers that will be established in 8 African cities including Kigali. Each hub is sector-specific and connects with 13 University Innovation Pods (UniPods) across the continent.

The Revenue and Investment Strategy Specialist is a cornerstone role for the financial sustainability of this bold venture — it goes beyond grant funding to build equity-based, self-sustaining financial ecosystems across the hubs.http://👉 https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/25543/

🧠 Key Purpose of the Role

The core objective is to:

Build equity-based revenue streams
Diversify funding sources beyond traditional grants
Build partnerships and attract private investment
Help operationalize financial sustainability models
Provide strategic financial oversight for timbuktoo hubs

In other words, you’re part venture capitalist, part strategist, part innovation ecosystem builder.

🛠️ Core Duties and Responsibilities@vacancyspaces.com

A. Equity-Based Revenue Strategy Development

Develop and roll out equity models that allow hubs to invest in startups they support.
Create investment frameworks compliant with laws, risk frameworks, and UNDP policies.
Collaborate with VCs, private investors, and corporate co-investors.
Manage the returns from startup investments, ensuring re-investment for scalability.

B. Revenue Diversification

Identify alternative income streams:
- Membership models
- Consulting & platform services
- Innovation lab monetization
- Revenue-sharing partnerships
- Licensing agreements
Integrate blended financing, debt instruments, and revenue-based financing into hub operations.
Forecast revenue generation and manage associated risks.

C. Financial Planning & Monitoring

Develop KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and ROI metrics.
Work closely with the Impact Measurement & Data Analytics Specialist to track revenue effectiveness.
Produce quarterly financial reports and performance analysis.
Align hub operations with financial compliance standards.

🤝 Collaboration and Coordination

You’ll work closely with:

Tech Hubs Lead – ensuring your strategy aligns with the broader ecosystem vision.
Operations & Sustainability Specialist – translating financial strategies into real-world hub plans.
Startup Portfolio Specialist – aligning investment decisions with promising startups.
Data & Impact teams – measuring success and tweaking strategy.
Digital Infrastructure team – to digitize investment tracking and performance dashboards.

🎯 Success Metrics / KPIs

Some specific indicators include:

ROI on equity-based investments
Diversity of revenue streams (% not from grants)
Number of strategic investment partnerships
% of operational costs covered by internal revenue
Compliance and risk adherence in financial strategy

📚 Required Qualifications & Skills

🎓 Education

Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, Public Administration, or related (REQUIRED).
Bachelor’s is accepted with 2 additional years of relevant experience (making it 9 years total).

🧑‍💼 Experience

7 years (with Master’s) or 9 years (with Bachelor’s) in:
- Venture capital
- Startup acceleration/incubation
- Innovation finance
- Ecosystem development
- Mobilizing capital in developing country contexts
Experience with Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystems is highly valued.

🛠️ Required Skills

High-level strategic thinking and business analytics
Effective communication and leadership skills

💡 Desired Skills

Familiarity with UN system, especially UNDP
Knowledge of African business environments is an advantage

🌐 Language Requirements

Fluency in English is mandatory
Proficiency in another UN language is a plus (e.g., French, Arabic)

🔑 Core Competencies

UNDP’s Core Behavioral Competencies (Level 3)

Achieve Results: Set challenging, aligned goals
Think Innovatively: Solve complex problems creatively
Learn Continuously: Embrace learning opportunities
Adapt with Agility: Handle competing demands
Act with Determination: Push boundaries to deliver
Engage & Partner: Navigate complexity, engage partners
Enable Inclusion: Value diverse perspectives

Cross-functional Technical Competencies

Project Management: Efficient resource planning
Partnerships Management: Build and sustain networks
Entrepreneurial Thinking: Craft and pitch compelling value propositions
Systems Thinking: See the big picture
Resource Mobilization: Fundraising and donor engagement
Multi-stakeholder Engagement: Navigate complex partnerships

🧩 Why This Role Matters

You’re not just overseeing funds; you’re designing the financial backbone of Africa’s largest youth innovation movement.
Your work will empower millions of African entrepreneurs by creating scalable business ecosystems.
This role has both strategic visibility and high impact – you’ll shape real change in Africa’s future economic trajectory.

📝 Contract Details

Grade: IPSA-11 (International Personnel Service Agreement)
Duration: 1 year (likely renewable)
Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Schedule: Full-time
Deadline to Apply: April 16, 2025 (05:59 AM UTC)

✅ Who Should Apply?

Finance professionals with VC/accelerator/innovation background
Strategic thinkers comfortable with blended finance
People passionate about Africa’s economic transformation
Someone who can bridge policy, capital, and innovation

Would you like help crafting a tailored application or a strong cover letter for this role? I can also help you prepare answers for potential interview questions based on this JD.

Sure! Here is a detailed explanation (more than 3000 words) about the Hubs Revenue and Investment Strategy Specialist position with UNDP in Kigali, Rwanda, under the timbuktoo Initiative:

1. Overview of the Position

The Hubs Revenue and Investment Strategy Specialist is a high-level role embedded in the innovative and ambitious timbuktoo Initiative led by the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa. This initiative is one of the most groundbreaking efforts in the UN system aiming to fundamentally transform Africa’s innovation landscape by building a Pan-African startup ecosystem. The ultimate goal is to catalyze Africa’s transformation through youth-led innovation, entrepreneurship, and scalable business ventures.

As part of this vision, the Revenue and Investment Strategy Specialist will be responsible for designing and implementing innovative, equity-based financial strategies that enable the long-term sustainability of the timbuktoo hubs, which will be located in key African cities including Kigali.

This role is crucial to ensuring that the hubs are financially self-sustaining, scalable, and able to attract both catalytic and commercial capital over time.

2. Background: Understanding the timbuktoo Initiative

The timbuktoo Initiative represents a Pan-African innovation ecosystem effort, structured to address critical gaps in Africa’s entrepreneurial and innovation pipelines. The initiative builds on three core tenets:

Youth-centered innovation – Enabling African youth to become job creators through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Blended finance – Combining catalytic capital (from governments, philanthropy, and development organizations) with commercial investment to create scale.
Institutional architecture – Establishing lasting systems such as university-based innovation pods (UniPods) and sector-specific innovation hubs.

The Kigali Hub, one of the initiative’s flagship innovation centers, will focus on creating and supporting startups, providing early-stage capital, offering technical assistance, and enabling private-sector co-investment.

The Revenue and Investment Strategy Specialist plays a vital role in shaping how this model becomes financially viable, replicable, and scalable across the continent.

3. Role Purpose and Strategic Relevance

The overarching purpose of this role is to design and operationalize sustainable revenue generation models and ensure effective mobilization of equity investment mechanisms. The specialist will help develop:

Investment models (particularly equity-based),
Revenue-generating products or services within the hubs,
Diversification strategies to reduce dependency on grant funding,
And frameworks for risk and compliance related to these investments.

The job sits at the intersection of innovation, finance, strategy, and impact, requiring someone who deeply understands startup ecosystems, venture capital, and public-private partnerships—especially within developing and emerging markets.

4. Key Responsibilities Explained in Detail

A. Equity-Based Revenue Strategy Development

The specialist is expected to design and implement equity-based revenue models to support the financial viability of the hubs. Specific responsibilities include:

Creating Investment Structures:
- Developing mechanisms through which the hubs can take equity in supported startups while adhering to legal and regulatory frameworks in host countries.
- Exploring various models like SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity), convertible notes, and direct equity stakes.
Optimizing Returns:
- Establishing systems to monitor and manage the equity portfolio, track valuation changes, and calculate returns on investment.
Building Co-Investment Vehicles:
- Working with venture capital funds, development finance institutions (DFIs), angel networks, and corporate innovation arms to create co-investment models that derisk startup investment.
Aligning with Risk Management:
- Ensuring that financial instruments and partnerships align with UNDP’s internal compliance and risk tolerance.

B. Revenue Diversification and Alternative Funding Models

Revenue diversification is critical to ensuring hubs are not reliant solely on grants or donor funds. This includes:

Designing Monetization Strategies:
- Establishing models for revenue generation from consulting services, innovation labs, training programs, software platforms, etc.
Corporate Sponsorship and Licensing:
- Identifying potential revenue through brand partnerships, intellectual property licensing, and use of hub facilities.
Debt and Revenue-Based Financing:
- Introducing models that allow the hubs to access financing through structured debt or revenue-sharing schemes with supported businesses.
Forecasting and Scenario Modeling:
- Building financial projections that incorporate diverse revenue sources, risk assessments, and sustainability indicators.

C. Financial Planning and Performance Monitoring

Once models are in place, the specialist will be responsible for overseeing financial planning and tracking performance through:

Defining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Equity ROI, revenue diversification ratio, cost recovery percentage, etc.
Data-Driven Decision-Making:
- Collaborating with the Impact Measurement & Data Analytics Specialist to ensure KPIs are tracked and reported regularly.
Providing Insights:
- Advising leadership on financial strategy adjustments based on trends, market feedback, and performance metrics.
Ensuring Financial Compliance:
- Implementing controls and aligning with UNDP, national, and international financial regulations.

5. Collaboration with Other Teams

The position is highly collaborative and interfaces with multiple actors across the timbuktoo framework:

Tech Hubs Lead – Ensuring revenue models align with the broader hub sustainability strategy.
Hub Operations & Sustainability Specialist – Aligning operational costs with projected revenues and equity inflows.
Startup Support & Portfolio Development Specialist – Coordinating to ensure startups receiving support align with investment strategies.
Digital Infrastructure Specialist – Using tech tools to manage financial data, monitor portfolio, and report on performance.

6. Key Outputs and Deliverables

Equity-Based Revenue Strategy Plan – Documented framework for managing and scaling equity investments.
Revenue Diversification Roadmap – Outlining various alternative income strategies.
Quarterly Financial Performance Reports – Covering KPIs, investment performance, and revenue generation.
Investor & Strategic Partnership Reports – Documenting new funding, investment deals, and partnership structures.
Risk & Compliance Assessments – Ensuring adherence to financial standards and regulatory guidelines.

7. Success Metrics

These metrics help assess the impact and effectiveness of the role:

Indicator	Description
Equity Investment ROI	Profitability and effectiveness of equity-based startup investments.
Revenue Diversification Ratio	Portion of income generated from non-grant sources.
Operational Self-Sufficiency	Percentage of costs covered internally.
Investor Engagement	Number of investment partnerships formed.
Compliance	Adherence to investment policies and financial regulations.

8. Required Qualifications and Skills

A. Education

A Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related discipline.
A Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of experience may substitute for a master’s.

B. Experience

Minimum 7 years (with master’s) or 9 years (with bachelor’s) of relevant experience in:
- Mobilizing capital,
- Managing venture capital,
- Running accelerators/incubators,
- Building startup ecosystems in developing countries,
- Or leading digital entrepreneurship initiatives.

C. Core Skills

Strategic business planning,
Financial modeling,
Startup investment management,
Cross-sector partnership development,
Financial risk management.

D. Desirable Skills

Familiarity with UNDP or other UN agency processes,
Knowledge of African economic, regulatory, and innovation ecosystems.

E. Languages

English proficiency required,
Knowledge of French, Arabic, or Portuguese (or any other UN language) is an asset.

9. Competency Framework

Core Competencies (Level 3):

Achieve Results: Sets ambitious goals across projects and delivers meaningful outcomes.
Think Innovatively: Finds novel approaches to complex challenges.
Learn Continuously: Seeks out new knowledge and experience.
Adapt with Agility: Champions change, handles multiple priorities.
Act with Determination: Pushes past obstacles with resilience.
Engage and Partner: Politically savvy and collaborative.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Promotes inclusive work environments.

Technical Competencies:

Project Management: Delivering results within time and budget.
Partnership Management: Engaging with private, public, and donor communities.
Entrepreneurial Thinking: Translating UNDP’s mandate into scalable offerings.
System Thinking: Understanding how components interact across a system.
Resource Mobilization: Identifying funding opportunities and designing proposals.

10. Institutional Context and Reporting

Reports directly to the Global Lead of timbuktoo.
Works closely with various section heads and regional counterparts.
May liaise with external stakeholders such as governments, VCs, corporate sponsors, and universities.

11. Contract and Location

Position Type: International Personnel Service Agreement (IPSA)
Grade: IPSA-11
Duration: One year (renewable based on performance and funding)
Location: Kigali, Rwanda

12. Why This Role Matters

This is not just a job—it’s a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s future by fostering sustainable, youth-led innovation ecosystems. By ensuring the hubs are financially sustainable and investment-ready, the specialist will directly impact the ability of thousands of startups to thrive and millions of lives to be transformed through dignified jobs and new business opportunities.

This role combines innovation, finance, entrepreneurship, and impact—ideal for someone passionate about systemic transformation in Africa and experienced in designing bold investment strategies.

If you’d like, I can also help you prepare a tailored CV, cover letter, or application responses for this role. Would you like me to do that?

Empowering Africa’s Innovation Future: A Comprehensive Guide to the Hubs Revenue and Investment Strategy Specialist Role with UNDP in Kigali

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through its Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA), is spearheading a bold and visionary initiative: timbuktoo, a catalytic, multi-country platform designed to unlock the power of African youth as drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Central to this initiative is the establishment of thematic innovation hubs and University Innovation Pods (UniPods) that will support tech-driven, high-impact startups across the continent.

As part of its expansion and institutionalization efforts, the UNDP is hiring a Hubs Revenue and Investment Strategy Specialist to be based in Kigali, Rwanda, one of the strategic locations for the initiative. This role is critical to ensuring the financial sustainability of the hubs by designing and executing equity-based revenue strategies, diversifying income streams, and engaging investors and partners to co-finance innovation.

🗓️ Application Deadline: April 16, 2025 at 05:59 AM UTC
📍 Location: Kigali, Rwanda
🧾 Grade: IPSA-11 (International Personnel Services Agreement)
📚 Education: Master’s degree + 7 years experience OR Bachelor’s degree + 9 years experience
🗣️ Languages: English required; knowledge of another UN language is a plus
💼 Contract Duration: 1 Year (with potential for renewal)
🔗 Apply Now: UNDP Job Portal – Job ID 25543

🧠 What Is timbuktoo?

timbuktoo is not just a program—it is a Pan-African innovation ecosystem. Launched at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2024, timbuktoo seeks to raise $1 billion in blended capital, with $350 million catalytic and $650 million commercial investments, to support and scale African tech-enabled startups. Its goal is to transform 100 million livelihoods and create 10 million dignified jobs.

The initiative includes:

10 Thematic Hubs in cities like Kigali, Accra, Lagos, Nairobi, Cairo, and Cape Town.
13 University Innovation Pods (UniPods) in countries such as Rwanda, Zambia, Togo, Uganda, and Liberia.
Strategic partnerships with governments, universities, corporates, venture capital firms, and international organizations.
A focus on aligning African youth innovation with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

🎯 Purpose of the Role

As the Hubs Revenue and Investment Strategy Specialist, your core mandate is to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of timbuktoo’s innovation hubs. You’ll design equity-based investment models, structure revenue diversification strategies, and forge funding partnerships with strategic investors, venture capital firms, and donors.

You will be responsible for:

Designing equity-based revenue frameworks, including startup investment structures.
Developing diversified revenue models: membership subscriptions, lab monetization, consulting, licensing, and platform fees.
Monitoring financial performance via KPIs and sustainability indicators.
Building a pipeline of investors and capital partners.
Ensuring regulatory compliance, financial risk management, and strategic alignment with UNDP policies.

📈 Key Deliverables & Performance Indicators

Deliverable	Success Indicator
Equity Strategy Plan	% of successful startup equity investments & ROI
Revenue Diversification Roadmap	% of income from sources beyond grants
Financial Reports (Quarterly)	Data-driven insights into revenue performance
Investor Engagement Reports	# and quality of strategic partnerships
Compliance & Risk Assessment	Audit readiness and alignment with standards

🤝 Who You’ll Collaborate With

You won’t be working in isolation. This is a cross-functional, highly collaborative role that involves engagement with:

Tech Hubs Lead → To align on the long-term sustainability model.
Hub Operations & Sustainability Specialist → To integrate financial models into daily operations.
Startup Support & Portfolio Development Specialist → To align equity investments with startup needs.
Impact Measurement & Data Analytics Specialist → For monitoring ROI and financial KPIs.
Digital Infrastructure Specialist → For financial data systems and tools.

🛠️ Skills You Need

Required Skills

Proven experience in venture capital, startup financing, or incubator/accelerator operations.
Strong financial modeling and investment analysis capability.
Expertise in partnership development and resource mobilization.
Demonstrated strategic thinking, business planning, and problem-solving.

Desirable Skills

Familiarity with the UN system, especially UNDP.
Contextual understanding of Africa’s development landscape and startup ecosystems.
Experience with blended finance or public-private partnerships.

🌐 Why Kigali?

Kigali, Rwanda, is a growing innovation hotspot. With a strong emphasis on technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, the city is home to several regional headquarters, innovation labs, and public-private initiatives. Rwanda is also the first government to commit financial support ($3 million) to timbuktoo, making Kigali a strategic hub for this role.

Learn more about UNDP in Rwanda and Rwanda’s innovation landscape.