Strategy & Program Design Consultant (SME & Enterprise Development)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Strategy & Program Design Consultant (SME & Enterprise Development)

Company: Allied Talent Partners

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa (Remote)

Job Type: Contract / Temp

Category: Strategy & Program Design (with a focus on Development Economics)

Date Posted: 2026-05-21T07:14:26

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design and implementation planning for Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) development programs, focusing on translating client objectives into actionable strategies.

• Develop compelling, client-ready proposals, concept papers, and strategic narratives that articulate program rationale, commercial viability, and expected impact within emerging economies.

• Synthesize program results into robust impact reports, positioning outcomes to support follow-on funding and long-term client engagement.

• Apply strong structured problem-solving skills to translate ambiguous client needs into clear strategic frameworks and practical, commercially sound program approaches.

• Leverage expertise in economic inclusion, enterprise and supplier development, and impact measurement principles to drive measurable outcomes for sustainable development initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a contract position with potential for ongoing project-based support, requiring a candidate comfortable with flexible engagements and delivering high-quality outputs with minimal supervision. The focus on "emerging economies" and "sustainable development" within the context of a "talent marketplace" suggests a mission-driven organization with a strong emphasis on measurable social and economic impact.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the complete design of SME development programs by translating client objectives, constraints, and funding structures into clear program logic and actionable implementation plans.

• Define target sectors, specific SME segments, and critical growth barriers, then architect the program's structure, including cohort design, support models, and funding allocation strategies.

• Develop comprehensive implementation plans detailing the delivery approach, critical timelines, and essential activities required for program success.

• Embed robust performance measurement frameworks, including Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for revenue, profitability, and job creation, alongside defining necessary data collection mechanisms.

• Produce end-of-program impact reports and strategic narratives, effectively synthesizing program results into clear, compelling outputs for client reporting and future funding opportunities.

• Craft client-ready proposals and thought leadership pieces that articulate program design, rationale, and anticipated impact, demonstrating strong commercial and operational viability.

• Translate research findings, stakeholder engagement insights, and quantitative/qualitative data into practical recommendations and actionable program approaches.

• Continuously engage with clients and stakeholders to understand evolving needs and refine program designs for maximum effectiveness and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "end-to-end design" and "client-ready outputs with minimal oversight" indicates a senior-level consultant role where autonomy and proactive problem-solving are paramount. The inclusion of "commercial logic" and "measurable impact outcomes" highlights the need for a strategic thinker who can balance development goals with business realities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, or a related field is strongly implied for a Strategy Consultant role.

Experience: 5-10 years of relevant experience is estimated based on the role's seniority and advisory capacity.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in strategy consulting, advisory services, or program design, with a strong preference for work within SME development, enterprise and supplier development, or economic inclusion sectors.

• Demonstrated ability to design commercially and operationally viable programs, initiatives, or strategic interventions in complex or constrained operating environments.

• Experience developing high-quality, client-facing deliverables such as proposals, presentations, concept papers, strategic narratives, and comprehensive impact reports.

• Familiarity with the South African B-BBEE framework, enterprise and supplier development initiatives, or client-funded SME support programs, demonstrating an understanding of the local ecosystem.

• Expertise in translating research, stakeholder engagement, and diverse insights into practical recommendations and actionable program approaches.

• Proven ability to operate independently within project-based or consulting settings, managing ambiguous briefs and delivering near client-ready outputs with minimal supervision.

• Strong structured problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to translate ambiguous client needs into clear strategic frameworks, workstreams, and tangible deliverables.

• Advanced analytical judgment and synthesis skills, capable of integrating complex information and positioning recommendations credibly and persuasively.

• Ability to develop innovative program concepts, models, and client propositions that are both practical and commercially compelling.

• Advanced presentation and communication skills, including the ability to create polished slide decks, concept documents, and strategic materials from scratch.

• Aptitude for quickly learning new client contexts, sector dynamics, and program requirements while operating autonomously.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with international development organizations or non-profits focused on sustainable development.

• Familiarity with specific sectors relevant to emerging economies in Africa (e.g., renewable energy, agriculture, technology).

• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools to support impact reporting.

• Experience facilitating workshops and engaging diverse stakeholder groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of strategic thinking, practical program design, and strong execution capabilities, particularly within the context of development economics and SME growth. The explicit mention of "South African B-BBEE" suggests a potential focus area or a need for localized understanding.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of end-to-end SME development program designs, clearly outlining objectives, target beneficiaries, support mechanisms, and expected outcomes.

• Present case studies demonstrating successful development of commercially and operationally viable strategic interventions, including proposals or concept papers.

• Include examples of high-quality client-facing reports, such as impact assessments, strategic narratives, or program evaluation summaries, highlighting data synthesis and persuasive communication.

• Demonstrate experience in translating research, stakeholder feedback, and analytical insights into actionable program logic or strategic recommendations.

Process Documentation:

• Detail your methodology for developing program logic and translating client briefs into structured program designs and implementation plans.

• Illustrate your approach to embedding performance measurement frameworks, including KPI definition and data collection strategy design for development initiatives.

• Showcase your process for synthesizing complex program data and stakeholder feedback into compelling impact reports and strategic narratives.

• Outline your method for structuring and writing persuasive client-ready proposals and concept papers for development projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on program design and reporting, a portfolio demonstrating tangible outputs related to strategy development, program architecture, and impact communication for SMEs or development projects will be critical. The ability to articulate the process behind these outputs is as important as the final product.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a contract/temp role in South Africa with remote work and a specific project duration, a daily or weekly rate is more likely. Based on the experience level (5-10 years), the context of consulting in development economics, and South African market rates for specialized consultants, an estimated range could be:

• Daily Rate: ZAR 4,000 - ZAR 7,000 per day (approximately USD 215 - USD 380 per day).

• Weekly Rate: ZAR 20,000 - ZAR 35,000 per week (approximately USD 1,075 - USD 1,900 per week).

This estimate is based on research of consultant rates in South Africa for strategy, program design, and development economics roles, considering the contract nature and specialized skills required. Rates can vary significantly based on specific client budgets and the consultant's negotiation.

Benefits:

• Contractual Engagement: Opportunity to work on impactful projects with a mission-driven organization.

• Flexibility: Remote work arrangement offering work-life balance and the ability to manage work from any location within Africa.

• Professional Development: Exposure to diverse SME development initiatives and client contexts, enhancing expertise in program design and impact reporting.

• Networking Opportunities: Connection with a network of experienced professionals focused on sustainable development in emerging economies through Allied Talent Partners.

• Project-Based Work: Potential for ongoing project-based support, providing consistent engagement opportunities over a 6-month period.

Working Hours: The role is described as "Remote" with an implied 40-hour work week, typical for consulting engagements. However, the contract nature may allow for some flexibility in scheduling, provided deliverables are met and client meetings can be accommodated. The initial engagement is approximately 6 weeks, with potential for intermittent project-based support over the following 6 months.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is estimated based on typical consulting rates for a specialized role in South Africa, acknowledging the temporary nature and remote work. Benefits are framed around the advantages of contract work and working for a mission-aligned organization.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company operates within the Human Capital/Talent Marketplace and Sustainable Development sectors, with an initial focus on Africa. Allied Talent Partners (ATP) is an initiative of the Three Cairns Group, indicating a strong commitment to development impact.

Company Size: Allied Talent Partners (ATP) is described as a "mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace." While the exact size of ATP itself isn't specified, its parent organization, Three Cairns Group, is a specialized consultancy. ATP's function is to connect professionals to opportunities, implying a lean operational structure focused on matching and management. This suggests an environment that values agility, impact, and strategic partnerships.

Founded: Allied Talent Partners is an initiative of the Three Cairns Group. The founding date of Three Cairns Group is not specified, but its focus on sustainable development and human capital suggests a relatively recent, modern operational approach.

Team Structure:

• The consultant will likely operate within a project-based team structure, reporting to a Project Manager or a senior lead within the client organization or Allied Talent Partners.

• Given the "minimal oversight" requirement, the consultant is expected to be largely self-directed within their project scope.

• Collaboration will be essential with client teams, other consultants, and potentially the Allied Talent Partners platform managers for contracting and compliance.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Program Design: Emphasis on translating research, stakeholder engagement, and quantitative/qualitative insights into practical, evidence-based program designs.

• Impact-Oriented Reporting: Focus on synthesizing results and positioning outcomes to demonstrate measurable impact (revenue, jobs) for reporting and future funding.

• Agile Project Management: The project-based nature and potential for ongoing intermittent work suggest an agile approach to project delivery and client engagement.

• Commercial Acumen: Integrating commercial logic and viability into development program designs to ensure sustainability and effectiveness.

Company Website: https://www.alliedtalentpartners.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely collaborative yet independent, emphasizing mission impact, professionalism, and the ability to deliver high-quality strategic work in development contexts. The connection to Three Cairns Group suggests a sophisticated approach to development challenges.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Consultant or Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Strategy and Program Design, specifically within the development economics and SME support domain. It requires significant autonomy and the ability to lead critical project components from conception to reporting. It’s not a typical "operations" role in the sense of sales or revenue operations but rather a strategic consulting function that underpins operational delivery in development programs.

Reporting Structure: The consultant will report to a TBC (To Be Confirmed) direct report, likely a Project Manager, Program Director, or a senior lead at Allied Talent Partners or the client organization. The role requires independent work with periodic check-ins and reviews.

Operations Impact: The "operations" impact here is indirect but crucial. By designing effective SME development programs, the consultant directly influences the operational capacity and growth trajectories of SMEs, contributing to job creation, economic vitality, and sustainable development in emerging economies. The success of these programs, as measured by KPIs such as revenue growth and job creation, is the ultimate demonstration of impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialized Expertise: Deepen expertise in SME development, enterprise and supplier development (ESD), and impact measurement within African markets.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead multiple program design engagements and manage complex client relationships.

• Network Expansion: Build a strong professional network within the sustainable development and impact investing sectors in Africa.

• Future Engagements: The clear potential for ongoing project-based support provides a pathway for continuous engagement and income generation.

• Transition to Full-Time: While this is a contract role, successful consultants may be considered for future opportunities within Allied Talent Partners or its network.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a strategic consulting role focused on designing the "how" of development programs, rather than managing day-to-day operational execution. Growth is tied to deepening specialized knowledge and successfully delivering complex projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote role, allowing consultants to work from their preferred location within Africa. The "Remote OK" status indicates a modern, flexible work arrangement.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the primary focus is on "Africa," with specific mention of "South Africa" in the location requirements. The client's operational base or target impact area may be broader across the continent.

Workspace Context:

• Autonomy: Consultants are expected to manage their own workspace and schedule effectively to meet project deadlines and client needs.

• Technology Reliance: Heavy reliance on digital collaboration tools, video conferencing, and cloud-based document sharing for communication and project delivery.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Opportunities to collaborate with diverse teams and individuals across client organizations and the Allied Talent Partners network, fostering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.

• Impact Focus: The work environment is driven by a mission to achieve tangible development outcomes, fostering a sense of purpose and contribution.

Work Schedule: Expected to align with standard professional working hours (e.g., 40 hours per week), with flexibility to accommodate client time zones and project demands. Periodic travel may be required for client meetings, workshops, or program activities, though the extent is not specified beyond "periodic."

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role offers significant flexibility, but it demands strong self-discipline, effective time management, and excellent virtual collaboration skills. The "periodic travel" is a key consideration for candidates based outside of major hubs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the CV and portfolio to assess alignment with the required experience and skills, particularly in strategy, program design, and SME development.

• Case Study/Project Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a past project or a hypothetical case study demonstrating their approach to designing an SME development program, articulating commercial logic, and outlining impact measurement.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on structured problem-solving, analytical judgment, understanding of the South African development ecosystem (e.g., B-BBEE), and experience with client-facing deliverables.

• Cultural Fit/Team Alignment: Conversation to assess how the candidate operates independently, their communication style, and their alignment with the mission-driven nature of Allied Talent Partners.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio to clearly present your role, the challenge, your approach, and the measurable outcomes for each project.

• Highlight Program Design: Specifically showcase examples of end-to-end program designs, demonstrating your ability to translate objectives into actionable plans and commercial logic.

• Showcase Client Deliverables: Include polished examples of proposals, concept papers, strategic narratives, and impact reports, emphasizing quality and persuasiveness.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, highlight quantifiable results (e.g., % increase in SME revenue, number of jobs created, funding secured) achieved through your program designs.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience relevant to SME development, enterprise and supplier development, and emerging economies in Africa.

Challenge Preparation:

• SME Development Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing a program for a specific SME sector or challenge in an African context.

• Impact Measurement Frameworks: Articulate your approach to defining KPIs and measuring the impact of development initiatives.

• Commercial Viability: Demonstrate your ability to integrate commercial realities and funding constraints into program design.

• Client Communication: Practice articulating complex strategies and recommendations clearly and concisely for a client audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will heavily rely on evaluating past work and the ability to articulate strategic thinking and practical execution through a portfolio and case discussions. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their expertise in designing impactful, commercially sound development programs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Productivity Suites: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) for document creation, analysis, and presentations.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar platforms is beneficial for managing tasks and timelines, especially in a remote, project-based environment.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with video conferencing tools (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet) and team communication platforms (Slack, Microsoft Teams).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Advanced Excel skills are essential. Experience with data visualization tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced charting in presentation software would be advantageous for impact reporting.

• Research Databases: Access to and ability to leverage industry reports, market research, and economic data relevant to SMEs and development in Africa.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM/automation role, understanding how CRM data might inform SME targeting or how automation could streamline program processes is a plus. Familiarity with how client-facing tools are used in development organizations could be beneficial.

• Survey Tools: Experience with tools like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms for stakeholder engagement and data collection.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is geared towards standard consulting and remote work tools. The emphasis is on analytical and presentation software to support the core responsibilities of strategy formulation and reporting.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to sustainable development and improving economic opportunities in emerging economies, particularly in Africa.

• Excellence & Impact: Dedication to delivering high-quality strategic work that yields measurable, positive outcomes for SMEs and communities.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and effective communication, both internally with Allied Talent Partners and externally with clients and stakeholders.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards and providing credible, persuasive advice and deliverables.

• Agility & Adaptability: Embracing flexibility in project engagements and adapting to diverse client needs and challenging operating environments.

Collaboration Style:

• Independent Contribution with Integrated Support: While expected to work autonomously on assigned projects, consultants must be able to integrate their work with client teams and Allied Talent Partners' project management.

• Proactive Communication: Regular updates, clear articulation of progress, challenges, and recommendations are crucial in a remote, project-based setting.

• Partnership Approach: Engaging with clients and stakeholders as a trusted advisor, fostering a collaborative environment for problem-solving and program design.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing insights and best practices from past engagements to enhance the collective knowledge base of Allied Talent Partners and its network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture prioritizes impact, professional rigor, and collaborative problem-solving, all within a mission-focused framework. Candidates should demonstrate an alignment with these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Dealing with broad or ill-defined client briefs and translating them into concrete, actionable program designs.

• Contextual Complexity: Understanding and adapting to diverse economic, social, and political landscapes across different African markets.

• Impact Measurement: Designing robust frameworks to measure the often-intangible or long-term impacts of SME development initiatives.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Managing expectations and securing buy-in from various stakeholders with potentially competing interests.

• Project-Based Nature: Adapting to the intermittent nature of contract work and managing the transition between projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Development Economics: Gain practical experience in designing and evaluating interventions for SME growth in emerging markets.

• Exposure to Diverse Sectors: Work across various industries and sectors critical to African economic development.

• Strategic Program Design Mastery: Hone skills in creating innovative, commercially viable, and impactful development programs.

• Cross-Cultural Competence: Enhance ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders across different cultural contexts.

• Impact Reporting Expertise: Develop advanced capabilities in synthesizing data and articulating the societal and economic value of development initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex development challenges, build specialized expertise, and contribute meaningfully to sustainable economic growth in Africa, all while offering flexibility and professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing an SME development program from initial client brief to implementation plan. What are the key phases and considerations?"

• "How do you ensure commercial viability and operational realism are embedded in development program designs, especially within constrained environments?"

• "Walk us through a time you translated complex research or stakeholder feedback into actionable strategic recommendations or program designs. What was the outcome?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Allied Talent Partners and its mission to solve human capital bottlenecks in sustainable development?"

• "Describe your experience working independently on project-based engagements. How do you manage your time and ensure deliverables are met with minimal oversight?"

• "How do you approach collaborating with client teams and diverse stakeholders who may have differing priorities or perspectives?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each portfolio piece, frame it as a narrative: the client's challenge, your strategic approach, the specific program design elements you developed, and the measurable impact achieved.

• Focus on Deliverables: Clearly articulate what you produced (e.g., program logic framework, implementation roadmap, impact report structure, proposal document) and why it was effective.

• Quantify Impact: Use numbers and data to demonstrate the success of your designs, such as projected revenue increases, job creation figures, or funding secured.

• Highlight Process: Explain how you arrived at your solutions, showcasing your structured problem-solving and analytical methodology.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize aspects of your work that directly relate to SME development, enterprise development, and impact measurement in emerging markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect questions that probe your strategic thinking, program design methodology, ability to deliver client-ready outputs, and understanding of development economics. Be prepared to use your portfolio as concrete evidence of your capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Strategy & Program Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Allied Talent Partners platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that prominently features your experience in SME development program design, enterprise and supplier development, and impact reporting. Include specific examples of proposals, strategic frameworks, and implementation plans.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight strategy consulting, program design, stakeholder engagement, and experience in emerging markets or development economics. Quantify achievements where possible, using keywords from the job description like "program design," "impact reporting," "commercial logic," and "SME development."

• Prepare for Case Scenarios: Anticipate discussing your approach to designing development programs, measuring impact, and navigating client complexities. Practice articulating your process and rationale clearly.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Allied Talent Partners and the Three Cairns Group's mission, values, and work in sustainable development. Understand the context of their operations in Africa.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.