Director of Programmes

Our client is looking to hire a Director of Programmes to oversee its diverse programme portfolio focused on supporting the professional development of African researchers and practitioners, and encouraging policy and public engagement with local research. The Director of Programmes will lead in the development, management, strategy, and growth of core programmes helping to meet strategic goals and contributing to the institution’s long-term sustainability.

The Director of Programmes will also be responsible for cultivating strategic partnerships with academic institutions, research organisations, regional and national bodies, and other actors and stakeholders in Africa’s higher education sector. They will work collaboratively with staff to deliver innovative programming for young, African women in research and academia, and report directly to the CEO.

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in programme development, execution and administration in the non-profit and/or higher education sector. The ideal candidate will be able to use their prior academic and/or research experiences to provide substantial intellectual contributions to the programme development and implementation activities. Our ideal candidate will also be a policy and science engagement champion.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the continued development of  programmes, and its institutional
  presence within Africa, and beyond.
• Provide leadership, direction, and technical support to programme managers.
• Help identify future training and recruiting needs for a high performing team.
• Develop programme budgets in liaison with the various programme leads and oversee the monitoring of account expenditures.
• Cultivate productive partnerships, and build support for programmes
  amongst key stakeholders including; academic institutions, research organisations, regional and national bodies, think tanks, civic organisations, government decision makers, and funders.
• Provide formal and informal mentorship to beneficiaries who are young, African women in research and academia
• Develop management reports and share programme updates with the relevant internal and external stakeholders.
• Work closely with Communications teams to translate data, evidence and learning from programmes into compelling narratives and action points that are shared with key stakeholders and the public.
• Work closely with the M&E team to review and analyse implementation and progress of the various programmes to ensure that standards of excellence are maintained as well as to enable continued adaptive management.
• Work with the CEO and Fundraising Working Group to support fundraising and other resource mobilisation activities.
• Represent the company at conferences and meetings with other NGOs, funders, experts, and consultants; ensure follow-up, as needed. This may include international or domestic travel.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in science, technology, engineering, maths (STEM) and/or the social sciences (MA required, PhD preferred).
• At least five years of experience working in a substantively similar role in a relevant professional context such as a non-profit/NGO, research institution, development agency, consultancy, or think tank.
• Experience working in African research or academic settings, including universities, research institutes, think tanks, consulting, international organisations, etc.
• Demonstrated competence in programme management, budgeting and financial management, and people management
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and proven ability in science communication, across a variety of audiences.
• Attention to detail and strong organisational, analytical, and critical thinking skills
• Curious individual with ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and to seek assistance with projects as required
• An interest in continual learning and professional growth
• The ability to thrive in a role with a great deal of autonomy in an environment that is highly collaborative, communicative, and team-oriented.
• Commitment to the Institute’s mission and values.

Terms of Offer
Compensation and benefits for the Director of Programmes position include:

• Competitive salary
• 21 days of paid holiday leave
• 10 days of paid sick / family leave
• 3 months paid parental leave, in the event of the birth or adoption of a child by the employee or employee’s partner
• Health insurance and pension

Qualified and interested applicants who meet the specifications are requested to send their CVS to v[email protected] by 14th October 2024. Please indicate the position applied for on the subject line. Applications will only be considered if they are submitted with the duly completed form highlighted below; https://forms.gle/rBsZUKGZsJQu9sZKA

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted