Africa Programs Manager

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Program Management:

• Lead the strategic direction of regional programs by conducting thorough analyses of the political, social, and economic landscapes in Africa.
• Develop and implement program strategies, ensuring alignment with Engage Afrika’s mission and goals.
• Oversee all aspects of program implementation, including financial planning, resource management, and monitoring of progress and impact.
• Mobilize new resources through proposal writing, strategic partnerships, and donor engagement.

Event Management:

• Plan and execute large-scale events, including the African Women Summit and the Girl Child Summit, with attendee numbers ranging from 100-500 individuals.
• Manage all event logistics, including venue selection, vendor coordination, A/V management, registration processes, and day-of event management.
• Develop event flows and scripts that align with program objectives, ensuring effective communication and engagement with stakeholders.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to produce event collateral, including invitations, signage, and digital communications.

High-Level Engagement and Partnerships:

• Cultivate and manage relationships with high-net-worth individuals, corporate sponsors, government officials, and other key stakeholders.
• Represent and engage Afrika in high-level meetings with government officials, ambassadors, donors, and partner organizations.
• Drive strategic partnerships and sponsorships to enhance program reach and impact.

Team Leadership and Coordination:

• Lead and manage a diverse team of program staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Conduct regular team meetings, provide mentorship, and manage performance appraisals.
• Recruit and onboard new team members as needed to support program growth.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Ensure high-quality reporting on program progress, including financial expenditures, impact assessments, and key learnings.
• Utilize data and feedback to continuously improve program delivery and strategy.
• Manage program documentation, including standard operating procedures, evaluation reports, and knowledge sharing across teams.

Resource Mobilization and Donor Engagement:

• Develop and maintain a robust network of potential donors and partners.
• Write proposals and develop program documentation to secure funding and resources.
• Provide timely and accurate reporting to donors and stakeholders.

Gender Mainstreaming:

• Ensure that gender equality and inclusivity are integrated throughout all program activities, including event planning and team management.
• Promote and incorporate knowledge of gender equality in all program knowledge management activities.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Business, or a related field; a Master’s degree is highly preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in program management, event planning, or development cooperation, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in planning and executing large-scale events, including virtual and in-person formats.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with high-net-worth individuals, government officials, and international partners.
• Strong understanding of regional development issues in Africa, including local governance and gender mainstreaming.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, CRM systems, and online event platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in French, Swahili, or another major African language is a plus.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a proven ability to motivate and coordinate diverse teams.
• Highly organized, strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Leadership and Vision
• Project and Event Management
• Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement
• Financial and Resource Management
• Team Leadership and Development
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
• Gender Mainstreaming
• High-level Communication and Negotiation Skills