Senior Manager, Programs & Strategy at Food Health Systems Advisory (FHSA)

Position Summary:

• Food Health Systems Advisory is a management consulting and business advisory firm providing top-tier advisory and technical services to philanthropic foundations, international organisations, donors, governments, non-profits, and corporations on strategy, policy, and program implementation. We specialise in topics related to food systems,  nutrition, agriculture, health, and climate. Our experts work with philanthropic foundations, international organisations, donors, non-profits, investors, and food companies/ corporations focused on sustainable food systems and value addition. 
• We are recruiting an experienced and results-oriented Senior Programs and Strategy Manager to lead strategy and program implementation across our portfolio. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in strategy development, program management, consulting, monitoring & evaluation, and a strong background in food systems programming. This role requires a seasoned leader with a track record of delivering outstanding results, cultivating client relationships, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. This is an exciting opportunity to join a mission-driven team at the forefront of food systems transformation in Africa.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy and Program Leadership

• Develop and drive organisational and programmatic strategy in alignment with long-term goals.
• Lead end-to-end strategy execution for new and existing food systems programs.
• Provide strategic guidance to cross-functional teams and advise senior leadership on key initiatives.

Program Management

• Oversee the design, planning, execution, and scaling of current and upcoming programs.
• Ensure effective management of program timelines, deliverables, budgets, and partnerships.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation plans across all stages of the program life cycle.

Leadership and Team Management

• Provide end-to-end leadership and management of multi-disciplinary teams.
• Build, mentor, and retain high-performing program teams to drive delivery excellence
• Set clear goals, ensure accountability, and support the professional development of team members.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture aligned with organisational values.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)

• Establish and lead robust Monitoring and Evaluation frameworks.
• Design KPIs and impact metrics to measure effectiveness and inform strategic decisions.
• Conduct regular program reviews, data analysis, and reporting for internal and external stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development

• Engage with clients, partners, and government stakeholders to align on program goals and strategy.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, strategic partners, and alliances, and negotiate mutually beneficial partnerships to support business growth and innovation.
• Represent the organisation in high-level forums and conferences related to food systems and strategy.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in food technology, nutrition, agriculture, international development, or a related field.
• 8-12 years of relevant experience in strategy, consulting, program management, philanthropy, and/or managing donor-funded international development programs, with a minimum of 2 years at the management level.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing complex food systems programs.
• Proven track record in monitoring & evaluation (M&E), including the design and execution of MEL frameworks.
• Strong experience in leading diverse and multi-functional teams. 
• Experience in consulting or advisory roles in development, sustainability, or agrifood sectors is preferred.

Key Skills and Abilities:

• Visionary yet pragmatic thinker who bridges strategy with on-the-ground execution.
• Strong critical thinker who solves problems from the root, not just the symptoms.
• Energized by complexity and thrives in fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Empathetic but performance-driven leader, skilled at guiding and growing diverse teams.
• Strong communicator who connects easily across levels with a strategic approach to relationship-building.
• Growth-oriented and skilled in spotting opportunities, building partnerships, and crafting winning proposals.