Venture Analyst & Coach
ALU · Rwanda
ABOUT ALU
At the African Leadership University (ALU), we're more than just an institution—we're a catalyst for transformation. Our mission is to develop a new generation of ethical and entrepreneurial leaders who will shape Africa's future. Through our innovative curriculum, focus on experiential learning, and vibrant pan-African community, we empower students to become changemakers, problem-solvers, and innovators. At ALU, we're not just teaching; we're nurturing the leaders who will drive Africa's progress and prosperity in the 21st century
We are dedicated to fostering an open yet secure environment, balancing the safety of students, staff, and visitors with respect for individual rights, and safeguarding responsibilities.
HOW WE WORK
The ALU Team works in starkly different ways to traditional academic bureaucracies. We approach education from first principles, empower individuals to design, test, and implement creative new ideas, and work closely together to craft transformative learning experiences. We are deeply passionate about our students and excited by the challenge of building something entirely new.
The African Leadership University is committed to ensuring the safety and Well-being of all students under our care. As part of this commitment , we have a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place , which outlines our Zero-tolerance approach to any violation of safeguarding.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Venture Analyst & Coach supports the development, assessment, and performance tracking of student-led ventures across ALU’s Student Ventures Program (SVP). The role focuses on venture screening, founder coaching, post-funding monitoring, and data-driven decision-making to ensure founders progress responsibly and funding is deployed effectively. This role sits at the intersection of venture analysis, founder support, and accountability, ensuring that promising ventures are supported while risks are identified early and managed appropriately.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
Venture Screening & Assessment (Core Function)
- Support the review and screening of applications for SVP programs, including Ventures Lab, ScaleUp Lab, and thematic accelerators.
- Assess ventures using defined evaluation criteria, rubrics, and data room reviews.
- Provide written assessments and recommendations to support selection, rejection, or conditional progression decisions.
- Flag inconsistencies, gaps, or risk indicators in venture submissions and founder claims.
Founder Coaching & Venture Support
- Provide hands-on coaching to founders across venture development, traction, execution, and operational readiness.
- Support founders in building and improving data rooms, financial models, traction plans, and pitch materials.
- Conduct structured progress reviews and milestone check-ins with assigned ventures.
- Escalate risks, underperformance, or integrity concerns to the Senior SVP Associate where necessary.
Post-Funding Support & Monitoring
- Support funded ventures through post-grant monitoring, KPI tracking, and milestone verification.
- Assist with tranche-based disbursement tracking in line with signed MOUs and funding annexes.
- Review progress reports and supporting evidence submitted by founders prior to tranche releases.
- Identify discrepancies between reported progress and observable outcomes.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
- Collect, analyse, and maintain venture performance data including traction, revenue, user growth, and operational milestones.
- Prepare internal summaries and reports to support funding, continuation, or termination decisions.
- Support longitudinal tracking of venture outcomes post-program.
Administrative & Cross-Functional Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate venture records, documentation, and reporting folders.
- Collaborate with Finance, Operations, and Program teams on disbursements and compliance.
- Perform any other duties reasonably assigned by the Senior SVP Associate or C4E Manager.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Entrepreneurship,Management, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience supporting, analysing, or working with early-stage ventures or startups.
- Experience with venture analysis, consulting, investment, or accelerator programs is an advantage.
Key Skills & Competencies:
Venture &Analytical Competencies
- Strong understanding of startup lifecycles, traction metrics, MVP validation, and execution risk.
- Ability to analyse financials, KPIs, and founder reports critically and objectively.
Coaching & Communication
- Ability to coach founders constructively while maintaining accountability.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly for feedback and reporting.
Operational & Judgment Skills
- High attention to detail and integrity in assessment and decision-making.
- Ability to manage multiple ventures simultaneously under tight timelines.
Professional Attributes
- High integrity, sound judgment, and comfort handling sensitive issues.
- Calm, objective, and solutions-oriented.
ROLE OUTCOMES / SUCCESS INDICATORS.
- High-quality, evidence-based venture assessments.
- Improved accuracy and reliability of founder reporting.
- Reduced funding risk through early detection of underperformance or misuse.
- Strong founder satisfaction balanced with accountability.
- Clear, timely reporting to leadership and finance.