Programme Director at Sightsavers

Description

• We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Programme Director to lead a transformative economic empowerment programme across Africa.
• This programme aims to advance inclusive development and empower young people with disabilities, with a strong focus on young women.
• By creating access to dignified and meaningful employment, the programme will dismantle historical barriers and promote economic opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Responsibilities
As the Programme Director, you will:

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership for the programme, ensuring alignment with the donor’s vision and goals.
• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans, annual work plans, budgets, risk assessments, and results frameworks.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of programme activities across multiple countries and regions.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with donors, partners, financial institutions, community leaders, civil society organisations, and private sector partners.
• Ensure technical delivery of economic empowerment interventions, including skills development, entrepreneurship, microfinance, financial literacy, vocational training, and market access.
• Establish and oversee robust systems for monitoring, evaluation, learning, and reporting.
• Lead on programme budgets, forecasts, and financial reports in collaboration with the Programme Manager and Programme Finance Manager.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations in all operational contexts.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with government agencies, the broader programme team, donor and client organisations, and others.
• Mentor, coach, and support programme staff and local implementing partners to build capacity and foster a culture of learning and innovation.

Skills and Experience
We are looking for candidates with the following skills and experiences:

• Significant experience in international development and managing large-scale, donor-funded programmes, including budgeting, compliance, and reporting.
• Experience in implementing labour systems strengthening programs and/or policy reform.
• Previous experience working with a wide range of donor organisations.
• Demonstrated capacity to operate within the international development community and function in a programme director or project leadership position, preferably with a focus on disability inclusion and/or economic empowerment.
• Proven ability to navigate complex partner dynamics, mediate differing priorities, and build consensus across organisations.
• Strong understanding of disability inclusion and gender equality principles.
• Excellent organisational, analytical, and IT skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build stakeholder consensus.
• Commitment to equality of opportunity for people with disabilities.

Salary
Local terms and conditions apply.