Country Director, Westerwelle Startup Haus Tunis

Confidential Expression of Interest: Country Director – Westerwelle Startup Haus Tunis

Country Director, Westerwelle Startup Haus Tunis

Location: Tunis, Tunisia

Timeline: Q2 2026

This is a confidential Expression of Interest for a senior leadership role to lead Westerwelle Startup Haus Tunis. We are engaging selected ecosystem leaders through private outreach before any broader public announcement. Submitting this expression of interest allows us to assess fit and align on expectations prior to an in-person conversation.

About Westerwelle Startup Haus Tunis

Westerwelle Startup Haus Tunis has been an integral part of the Westerwelle Foundation network since 2016 and serves as a key hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in North Africa.

Headquartered in Berlin, the foundation operates multiple startup hubs across Africa, including Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Tunisia and from this year 2026 onwards Ghana and delivers structured programs supporting entrepreneurs from ideation to scaling and international market access.
The Tunis hub provides a collaborative workspace, tailored entrepreneurship programs, and access to an international network of founders, mentors, investors, and partners. It plays a central role in connecting Tunisian startups with broader African markets, particularly through expansion and acceleration initiatives.

Overview:

We are looking for an outstanding Country Director to lead and further develop Westerwelle Startup Haus Tunis. This role takes full ownership and accountability for the hub's ongoing operations, strategic development, team leadership, partnerships, financial performance, and ecosystem positioning. The Country Director builds on an established foundation, strengthens program quality and reach, drives revenue through workspace and partnerships, and expands the hub's role as a leading entrepreneurship platform in Tunisia and beyond. The Country Director implements the vision and values of the foundation locally and works closely with the Managing Director based in Berlin. The Country Director is a member of the Westerwelle Foundation Management Team and reports directly to the Managing Director based in Berlin.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Development: Drive the continued growth and strategic positioning of the Tunis hub, building on its established presence since 2016. Identify new opportunities for programs, partnerships, and ecosystem engagement.
• Team Leadership: Manage and supervise the team, oversee daily operations, set clear priorities and KPIs, run regular check ins, one on ones and performance reviews, and support recruitment in collaboration with global functional Directors.
• Operational Management: Ensure compliance with legal and financial obligations, maintain strong operational standards, oversee workspace operations and member experience, and drive operational efficiency across the hub.
• Financial Management: Own budgeting, financial planning, and tracking for Tunisia. Ensure accurate reporting, cost control, and alignment with central finance processes. Support long-term financial sustainability of the hub.
• Sales & Revenue Generation: Drive sales efforts for the workspace, build a strong pipeline, and support the design and delivery of entrepreneurship programs in alignment with strategy. Contribute to partnerships and fundraising efforts by engaging corporates, development partners, and ecosystem stakeholders.
• Programs & Partnerships: Oversee and support the implementation of entrepreneurship programs in line with foundation strategy. Strengthen relationships with corporates, development partners, and ecosystem stakeholders. Contribute to fundraising and partnership development.
• Stakeholder Management: Act as the main representative, build sustainable relationships with partners, community members, investors, and ecosystem players. Maintain strong communication with Berlin and internal leadership. Represent the organization at relevant ecosystem events and convenings.
• Reporting: Handle regular reporting, including financial and operational updates, participate in leadership meetings, and ensure accurate documentation and reporting of activities, partnerships, and performance metrics.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree with 7 years' experience or Master's degree with 5 years' experience in Business administration, Economics, Marketing, International development, Entrepreneurship or a related field. Certifications in project management, business, or entrepreneurship are preferred.
• Strong familiarity with Tunisia's startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem, with proven ability to build partnerships and credibility. Familiarity with the broader African market is highly desirable. Minimum two years in a leadership position with responsibility for team and outcomes.
• Demonstrable experience driving operational execution, managing budgets, tracking performance, and delivering results. Experience with sales, revenue targets, or workspace or membership models is an advantage.
• Experience engaging corporates, development partners, or strategic partners and supporting partnership development or fundraising efforts.
• Ability to work independently, manage deadlines, communicate clearly, and operate effectively in a global team structure.
• Fluency in English and French required. Additional languages are an advantage.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong leadership and people management skills, capable of driving team performance and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Proficient in strategic planning and project management tools.
• Comfortable driving sales and growth targets.
• Ability to develop and implement comprehensive program plans and events that align with strategic objectives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to design and implement KPIs and monitor program success.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, and think, plan, and execute resourcefully.
• Experienced and clear communicator, comfortable being in front of a group.

Personal Attributes

• High level of integrity and accountability, with a strong commitment to organizational values.

• Resilient and agile, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing environments.

• Passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation, with a genuine interest in supporting startups and contributing to their growth.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders from diverse cultural backgrounds.

How to express interest: Please submit your details through the confidential Expression of Interest link, and include your Resume and LinkedIn profile. Selected candidates will be invited for a brief initial conversation.