Project Director

Project: Peshawar

Job Overview

LMKT is seeking an experienced and visionary Project Director to lead its Ignite-funded technology incubation center in Peshawar. The Project Director will set the strategic direction of the center, build a thriving community of high-growth tech startups, and cultivate strong partnerships with investors, mentors, universities and corporations. The role oversees the delivery of incubation and acceleration programs, manages the center’s budget and resources, uses data to drive decisions, and ensures the project meets its contractual obligations and agreed KPIs with Ignite. This is a senior leadership role for someone passionate about entrepreneurship and building the startup ecosystem in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

1. Startup Ecosystem Leadership:
   • Develop and implement a strategic vision for the incubation center, fostering a vibrant and supportive community for tech startups.
   • Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, mentors, universities, and corporations, to facilitate funding, mentorship, and partnerships.
   • Oversee the selection and onboarding process for promising tech startups with high growth potential.
2. Program Development & Execution:
   • Ensure that comprehensive, needs-driven incubation and acceleration programs are in place, covering business model development, investment readiness, marketing, and legal guidance.
   • Oversee resource planning and ensure all functional teams have the tools, budget, and support needed for effective delivery.
   • Review programme performance against KPIs and milestones, directing course corrections where needed.
3. Mentorship and Coaching:
   • Ensure a qualified and active pool of mentors and advisors is maintained, with the Program team responsible for recruitment, onboarding, and matching.
   • Engage personally with senior mentors and advisors where strategic relationships or high-stakes guidance is required.
   • Provide coaching and guidance to startups on critical business issues and challenges, when needed.
4. Networking and Visibility:
   • Ensure a well-structured calendar of events, workshops, and networking opportunities is planned and executed by the relevant team.
   • Ensure a robust marketing and communications strategy is in place and actively promotes the incubation center and its portfolio startups.
   • Represent the center at industry conferences and events, building partnerships and raising awareness.
5. Budget Management and Resource Allocation:
   • Manage the incubation center’s budget effectively, ensuring efficient allocation of resources for program delivery and operations.
   • Review financial reports and performance data prepared by relevant teams, using these to guide strategic decisions and demonstrate program impact.
   • Secure additional funding through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships, as needed.
6. Data -Driven Decision Making:
   • Ensure systems are in place to regularly capture and report on startup progress, program effectiveness, and industry benchmarks.
   • Use data to inform strategic decisions, program improvements, and resource allocation.
   • Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in startup incubation
7. Compliance to contract with Ignite and agreed KPIs:
   • Ensure that the project is executed in line with contractual obligations agreed with Ignite.
   • Ensure that required external audits are conducted on time.
8. Management-directed responsibilities:
   • Perform any additional duties assigned by senior management to support organizational priorities and evolving business needs. Ensure timely execution with professionalism and accountability.
9. Cross-departmental support / shadowing:
   • Collaborate with and shadow own and other departments as required to ensure operational continuity and knowledge sharing.
   • Provide support on interdepartmental tasks when needed by the management.

Key Skills & Requirements

Education

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Economics or a related field from an HEC-recognized institution.
• Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and substantial relevant experience may also be considered.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership or project management role.
• Proven experience in startup incubation, acceleration, entrepreneurship development, venture capital or innovation programs.
• Experience managing donor- or government-funded projects with contractual deliverables, KPIs, budgets and external audits (experience with Ignite or similar programs preferred).
• Demonstrated track record of building partnerships with investors, corporates, academia and government stakeholders.
• Experience securing funding through grants, sponsorships or partnerships.
• Familiarity with the startup and business ecosystem of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be an added advantage.

Skills

• Strategic leadership with the ability to set vision and lead multi-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of startup business models, growth strategy and investment readiness.
• Program design, project management and performance monitoring against KPIs and milestones.
• Budget management, financial oversight and resource allocation.
• Stakeholder management, networking and partnership building.
• Data-driven decision making, reporting and impact measurement.
• Coaching and mentoring founders on critical business challenges.
• Excellent communication, presentation and public representation skills.
• Contract management and compliance with donor requirements.
• Fluency in English and Urdu; Pashto will be an added advantage.