Job details

Program Operations Lead, East Africa

Get a free resume review

Heifer International is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with some form of disability.

The Organization

Since 1944, Heifer International has supported more than 36 million Small Holder Farmer (SHF) families globally to lift themselves out of hunger and poverty while caring for the earth, in partnership with the communities we serve, including youth and women. Heifer International is now accelerating its strategic approaches to closing the Sustainable Living Income (SLI) gap for 10 million additional SHF households globally by 2030 using the Sustainable Locally Led Development (SLLD) approach.

Function

The Program Operations Lead - East Africa will provide operational leadership and support to Heifer’s programs in East African country offices to improve accountability, team unity, project planning, performance and delivery, reporting, project development and risk management, performance and evaluation.

S/he will support the development and monitoring of 5P activities and implement country-specific and cross-region new business strategies that align Heifer’s programmatic priorities with funder priorities. The Lead will work with the East African country program leaders to improve timely program reporting, achievement of country-level KPIs, and partnership development and management, with the ultimate goal of moving families out of poverty. S/he will provide end-to-end operational support in the effective administration of country programs to support Heifer’s mission and signature programs. The Program Operations Lead – East Africa will report to the Senior Director, Africa Programs - Operations.

The role may be located in any of the following countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda/Rwanda.

Responsibilities and Deliverables

A. Strategy Implementation, Program Administration, Systems Strengthening & Coherence Building (30%)

Support and ensure achievement and timely reporting of assigned country-level KPIs.
Work with Regional Program leadership to provide leadership and support to assigned Country Program teams in establishing policies and procedures in administration and management capacity-building.
Ensure assigned country program operations follow Heifer and local policies and procedures consistently.
Develop and implement strategies, standards, tools, and best practices in Operational Quality to effectively engage partners, donors, and governments.
Ensure timely communication with Heifer HQ stakeholders and assigned country program teams, meeting deadlines.
Ensure assigned country programs conduct an annual review of goods and service providers to ensure cost-effective decision-making.
Ensure each assigned country maintains compliance with country-level legal requirements for Heifer’s operations.
Ensure close coordination with other relevant global, regional, and in-country initiatives.
Provide support to all assigned country offices in developing annual budgets and work plans aligned with project documents and donor contracts.
Support assigned country program teams in planning and undertaking corrective management actions based on budget monitoring reports.

B. Program Excellence (20%)

Ensure assigned country program semester reforecasts are completed based on accomplished and planned activities.
Support assigned country programs in maintaining and sharing knowledge management resources with stakeholders.
Develop and implement strategies, standards, tools, and best practices in Operational Quality to engage stakeholders effectively.
Develop strategies and promote innovations to improve the effectiveness of assigned country programs.
Provide strategic planning advice to assigned country program teams on best practices, standards, partnership principles, tools, and MEL to ensure high-quality impact.
Monitor and provide feedback on Operational Quality.
Ensure quarterly budget monitoring and monthly variance analysis for assigned country programs, with reports prepared ahead of meetings and deadlines.
Work with assigned country program signature program leadership to ensure quality delivery of Heifer’s model.
Support the development of 5P activities and effective monitoring of the same.
Review and provide feedback on regular quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports from assigned country programs to ensure compliance with quality reporting standards and deadlines.
Provide leadership in assigned country program audits and reviews.
Support country-level adaptation and changes to operating and program models that drive excellence.
Support performance review and ranking systems and processes in countries.
Manage and direct country program progress reporting for assigned country programs to ensure high-quality reports are completed, reviewed, and submitted within Heifer and funder deadlines.

C. Strategic Partnership Development and Engagement (20%)

Ensure compliance with Heifer and donor program and project guidelines, including transparency, policy compliance, and accountability to donors and external stakeholders.
Support the effective management of new partnerships and the nurturing of existing ones in assigned country programs.
Provide strategic support in the development and adoption of standardized approaches, practices, tools, and measurements in partnership and capacity strengthening.
In collaboration with regional and country business development leadership, identify and support the creation of strong interorganizational networks and efforts to strengthen the capacities of local partners for program portfolio growth and fundraising.
Represent Heifer Africa in external professional forums and donor agencies/partners in support of resource acquisition and capacity building.

D. Operational Excellence and Leadership (25%)

Ensure organizational project start-up and close-out processes are followed.
Support all assigned country offices in developing annual budgets and work plans aligned with project documents and donor contracts.
Ensure quarterly budget monitoring and monthly variance analysis for assigned country program teams, with reports prepared ahead of meetings and deadlines.
Support assigned country program teams in planning and undertaking corrective management actions based on budget monitoring reports.
Review donor reports from Country Programs to ensure compliance with quality and timeline requirements.
Support the development of the countries’ program framework for assigned country programs.
Inspire and rally country program teams through shared leadership, participatory decision-making, commitment to accountability, and Heifer’s Cornerstones.
Build capacity and support country teams in establishing operational systems and structures for efficiency and effectiveness.
Provide backstopping support to country offices in key areas, such as project start-ups, recruitments, onboarding, and transitional processes.

E. Other Duties (5%)

Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Master’s Degree from a recognized university or equivalent in Social Sciences or Business Administration.
10 - 15 years of relevant experience, with at least five (5) years in a supervisory capacity.
Ability to manage large, complex programs in market systems and value chain development.
Experience working with governments, private sector, and local institutions.

Most Critical Proficiencies

Strong understanding of annual work planning and budgeting across complex programs.
Ability to use monitoring and evaluation data to ensure program targets are met.
Knowledge and sensitivity to issues related to poverty, hunger, and the environment.
Experience managing teams and resolving conflicts among diverse stakeholders.
Excellent organizational skills.
Experience working with various commodities and value chains.
Strong communication skills within matrix reporting structures.
Ability to scale projects with a high degree of impact permanence.
Knowledge of development issues, trends, challenges, and opportunities in community development.
Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning processes.
Creativity, systematic thinking, and ability to integrate innovative solutions.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work cooperatively, tactfully, and diplomatically with culturally diverse groups.
Experience in grant acquisition and management.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work cooperatively, tactfully and diplomatically with a culturally diverse group of people.
Ability to maintain close relationships and work with team members from a distance and with limited opportunity for personal interaction.
Willingness to assign and review the work of direct reports, including direct reports in supervisory roles.
Ability to work in a flexible office environment, sitting and focusing for extended periods of time, as well as to efficiently perform tasks on the road and/or in remote conditions with limited resources.
Ability to work under pressure, perform multiple tasks and manage consistently competing priorities.
Excellent leadership qualities and communication skills with the ability to relate to individuals diplomatically and tactfully.
Willingness and ability to travel extensively as needed, both locally and internationally.

Key Behavioural Competencies

Accountability
Professional Excellence
Humility
Customer Orientation
Empathy
Innovation

Deadline for Application: 21st April 2025

Heifer International Glassdoor Company Review

3.5

Heifer International DE&I Review

3.5

CEO of Heifer International

Surita Sandosham

Approve of CEO

What You Should Know About Program Operations Lead, East Africa, Heifer International

Are you ready to take on a vital role in uplifting families out of poverty in East Africa? Heifer International is on the lookout for a passionate Program Operations Lead to join our dynamic team. In this crucial position, you will provide operational leadership and support to our East African country offices, focusing on enhancing accountability, team unity, performance, and delivery of our impactful programs. You will be working closely with dedicated country program leaders to ensure timely reporting and achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs) while developing and maintaining strategic partnerships that align with our mission. Your expertise in project planning, risk management, and operational administration will be key to executing our Sustainable Locally Led Development strategy to close the Sustainable Living Income gap for millions of smallholder farmer families by 2030. In this role, not only will you lead the implementation of effective systems and best practices, but you’ll also inspire your team to achieve excellence in program delivery. If you are excited about improving the lives of underserved communities and love working collaboratively with diverse groups, this position could be the perfect fit for you at Heifer International.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Program Operations Lead, East Africa Role at Heifer International

What are the primary responsibilities of the Program Operations Lead at Heifer International?

The Program Operations Lead at Heifer International will oversee various aspects including strategy implementation, program administration, and partnership development. This means you'll support country programs in achieving key performance indicators, develop strategies for operational quality, and ensure compliance with Heifer's and local policies. This multifaceted role also requires fostering strong relationships with local stakeholders to enhance program impact.