Recruitment Notice: Director of Programs

job description 

The Foretia Foundation is seeking a Senior Director of Programs and Strategy to manage and coordinate its growing portfolio of programs and to lead institutional-wide strategic engagements. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the selected individual will be responsible for:

1. Portfolio Management:  The Senior Director will oversee the foundation’s thematic portfolios. Key responsibilities will include:
   • Ensure that all projects are delivered on time and in accordance with Foundation quality standards
   • Work with Program Managers to guide Foundation programming and direction and develop Foundation portfolio in line with overall strategy
   • Ensure that all projects/programs are planned, implemented and completed within budget and scope.
   • Quality Assurance – overseeing, reviewing and approving products and projects developed by program and project teams prior to final submission.
   • Work closely with the Foundation’s leadership team to ensure that projects are executed and delivered in accordance with Foundation operational standards and appropriately monitored, measured and evaluated

1. Research: Work closely with the Director of Nkafu Policy Institute to ensure that:
   • Policy research conducted by sector teams meets the Foundation’s research quality standards
   • the Foundation’s research agenda, strategy and programs are strongly aligned.
   • There is effective coordination between teams in the development and production of flagship reports.
2. Strategy: The Senior Director, in close collaboration with senior management:

• Lead the design and implementation of excellent Foundation-wide processes, including corporate strategy and forecasting.
• Lead the design and implementation of effective methods and processes to monitor and evaluate institutional performance and mitigate institutional risks.
• Guide the analysis and evaluation of strategic opportunities and options and support strategic decision-making with good evidence and expert advice.
• Track external policy and funding trends, applying insights gained to advise on strategic decision-making.
• Lead special projects as requested by the General Manager

4. Stakeholder Engagement:  Working with the Foundation’s leadership team, the Senior Director will ensure that the Foundation:
   • Effectively manages its portfolio of funders and research partners. This may include organizing strategic meetings, key visits, workshops and other engagements.
   • Maintains effective stakeholder management, including strong communication of progress throughout the project cycle
   • Ensure that the Foundation has a solid framework to identify and manage its partnerships with organizations in Central Africa, across the continent and around the world.

4. Team Management:  The Senior Director will directly supervise the team leaders or experts involved in the programs he leads. This will include:
   • Assign projects to Foundation staff and consultants and manage programs to ensure efficient delivery.
   • Identify future human resources needs and skills within the program and strategy teams and work with the COO to fill these positions.
   • Effective management of team members, especially championing the development of junior team members.
5. Fundraising:  The Senior Director:
   • Effectively manage the cost of all proposals to ensure the Foundation meets its cost recovery objectives.
   • Work with senior leadership to identify and develop project/funding proposals.

Qualifications, skills and experience

The successful candidate will have the following minimum qualifications:

• A relevant higher degree (Masters, PhD, Medicine, etc.)
• 8+ years of senior management and/or research experience, particularly in non-profit organizations, the private sector or academia
• Demonstrated leadership experience in developing and implementing a strategic vision
• Management experience inspiring and empowering high-performing teams
• Bilingual (good working knowledge of English and French)
• Commitment and passion for the Foundation’s mission and vision
• Exceptional writing skills
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills and a high level of diplomacy
• Proven ability to engage and motivate others in achieving mission-driven goals
• Strong track record in effectively leading a performance and results driven program and team
• Strong work ethic, integrity, initiative, follow through and good judgment
• Ability to balance priorities and competing tasks and deliver products in a timely manner
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities, goals and situations
• Flexibility in work style, marked by an ability to work closely with a range of personalities
• Ability to resolve conflicts directly and professionally

Application process

All applications will be completed ONLINE in the application portal . To complete your application, you will need:

• A one-page cover letter indicating your relevant experience (in PDF)
• A curriculum vitae / CV (in PDF)
• A professional photo
• Previously written work (published or unpublished) that demonstrates the candidate’s abilities (in PDF)

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis (starting March 11, 2023) and will continue until the position is filled. All applications should be submitted through the online portal below

Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.