Job Description

Portfolio Execution Advisor

Department: Investment

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Nairobi

Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa. ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.

High-Level Overview
The client is seeking a Portfolio Execution Advisor to work closely with CEOs and leadership teams across a portfolio of operating businesses to maintain momentum, track progress, and drive accountability against agreed priorities. The ideal candidate will bring strong operational and execution experience, combined with the credibility and pragmatism to challenge senior stakeholders, unblock issues, and push teams toward delivery.

Role and Responsibilities

Role: Portfolio Execution Advisor
Direct Report: TBC
Candidates Required: 1

Key Deliverables:

• Check in regularly with CEOs and leadership teams to monitor execution against agreed priorities
• Track progress on key initiatives, identify delivery risks, and escalate issues where required
• Push teams to maintain momentum, accountability, and follow-through on critical actions
• Support problem-solving and unblock issues slowing execution
• Maintain simple governance and reporting rhythms across the portfolio
• Provide practical challenge and support to leadership teams to improve delivery discipline

Requirements

Experience Required:

• Experience supporting business leaders to execute transformation or operational improvement initiatives
• Experience working directly with CEOs or senior leadership teams
• Experience operating in fast-paced or underperforming environments requiring hands-on follow-through
• Experience driving accountability and delivery across multiple concurrent priorities

Technical Requirements:

• Strong execution and performance management capability
• Ability to establish practical governance, reporting, and accountability mechanisms
• Sound commercial judgment across varied business environments
• Ability to quickly identify delivery gaps and operational bottlenecks
• Pragmatic approach to driving action and maintaining execution momentum

Other Skills:

• Strong executive presence with the credibility to challenge senior stakeholders constructively
• Ability to influence and motivate teams without direct authority
• Direct, practical, and outcomes-oriented working style
• Resilient and comfortable operating in ambiguous or high-pressure environments
• Strong follow-through and accountability mindset

Additional Information: Best suited to candidates with a mix of transformation, operating, or portfolio oversight experience who are comfortable staying close to execution and holding senior teams accountable.

Working Arrangement
Location: Nairobi or Kigali
Language: English
Travel: Periodic travel to portfolio company locations as required for governance oversight and execution support

Terms of agreement:
Start Date: Immediate
Contracting Period: 6 months