kIZUNA EDGE TALENT-HUB AFRICA

The organization is a global leader in advancing peace, justice, and equitable development. Operating in multiple countries, it designs and implements high-impact programs that address complex conflicts, systemic inequalities, and human rights challenges. Its work spans policy advocacy, strategic litigation, philanthropy, and impact investment, ensuring that interventions are not only sustainable but also scalable across local, national, and international contexts.

With a strong commitment to evidence-based programming, the organization leverages rigorous research, data analytics, and cross-sector partnerships to drive systemic change. Its teams collaborate closely with governments, multilateral institutions, grassroots organizations, academia, and private-sector actors to deliver innovative solutions that resolve conflicts, strengthen institutions, and improve lives globally.

Role Purpose

The Head of Programs is a senior leadership position responsible for translating strategic priorities into operational reality across a portfolio of programs focused on conflict resolution, justice, and equitable development. The role requires a combination of strategic vision, operational excellence, and sector expertise to ensure that programs are designed, implemented, and evaluated for maximum impact.

Acting as the deputy to the Director of Programs, the Head of Programs oversees specific thematic portfolios, manages large multi-disciplinary teams, and ensures compliance with financial, legal, and risk frameworks. The successful candidate will drive measurable outcomes, influence policy and practice, and build lasting partnerships across diverse stakeholders.

This is a high-profile role requiring an individual capable of operating at the intersection of strategy, program delivery, and external engagement, with accountability for both results and people.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Program Leadership

• Translate organizational strategy into actionable program plans with clear objectives, timelines, and performance indicators.
• Provide thought leadership and subject-matter expertise to ensure innovative approaches in conflict resolution and equitable development.
• Oversee program design and implementation across multiple countries or regions, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.

Operational and Financial Oversight

• Manage multi-million-dollar program budgets, ensuring financial accountability and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.
• Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor program performance using MEL frameworks, adjusting strategies to achieve outcomes.

People Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of program managers, technical experts, and external partners.
• Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance across the program portfolio.
• Ensure robust talent development, succession planning, and capacity-building initiatives.

Stakeholder Engagement and External Representation

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with governments, multilateral institutions, NGOs, philanthropies, academic institutions, and private-sector partners.
• Represent the organization externally at conferences, policy forums, and high-level meetings to promote programs and influence outcomes.
• Identify opportunities for partnerships, co-funding, and knowledge sharing to expand program reach and impact.

Program Delivery and Impact

• Ensure programs are delivered on time, within budget, and achieve targeted outcomes.
• Oversee grant-making processes and partnerships, including proposal review, monitoring, reporting, and compliance.
• Use evidence and lessons learned to inform program improvements and organizational strategy.

Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in program management, preferably in conflict resolution, international development, or social impact sectors.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing, implementing, and scaling multi-country programs.
• Proven financial, legal, and risk management accountability at a programmatic scale ($5M+ budgets).
• Strong experience managing international and/or remote teams.
• Track record of building strategic partnerships with governments, multilaterals, NGOs, and funders.
• Familiarity with grant-making, MEL frameworks, and philanthropic best practices.
• Fluent in local languages relevant to program operations.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinking and operational execution
• Program design, monitoring, and evaluation
• Strong financial management and analytical skills
• Leadership, team-building, and people development
• Effective stakeholder engagement and negotiation
• Communication, advocacy, and policy influence
• Ability to manage complex, multi-country initiatives

What We Offer

• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and exposure to global networks.
• Competitive benefits including health and dental insurance, retirement savings, life insurance, and paid parental leave.
• Flexible work arrangements and generous leave policies to support work-life balance.
• Inclusive and collaborative culture that values diversity and impact.