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Program Manager

Position Overview

Reports to: Matrix reporting, solid line to Program Manager at HQ / dotted line to Country Operations Director.

Location: Accra, Ghana.

Key Responsibilities

Program Management and Implementation:

  • Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of all programs in Ghana across key sectors, including health, education, governance, and economic development.
  • Create concept notes and proposals for new programs.
  • Ensure the delivery of high-quality projects aligned with Africa Relief’s values and objectives.
  • Manage day-to-day activities, including addressing project challenges, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, and meeting project timelines.

Leadership and Staff Management:

  • Provide leadership, mentorship, and development opportunities for program staff, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.
  • Foster a positive, collaborative work environment that promotes growth and teamwork.

Financial and Compliance Oversight:

  • Ensure that project expenditures are in line with approved budgets and provide regular forecasts to headquarters.
  • Monitor subawards, review partner budgets, and ensure timely financial reporting and adherence to technical and quality standards.

Risk Management and Monitoring:

  • Identify and mitigate potential risks related to project performance, financial issues, and compliance with local and international regulations.
  • Lead the development of risk management strategies and ensure program activities remain on track.
  • Implement monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems to track program performance and ensure impact targets are met.

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation:

  • Represent Africa Relief in Ghana, liaising with government authorities, donors, local NGOs, and other key stakeholders.
  • Build and foster relationships with international NGOs and other organizations to form strategic partnerships.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, ensuring Africa Relief’s programs meet the needs of local populations.
  • Engage in external networking opportunities to promote Africa Relief’s mission and explore opportunities for new partnerships and funding.

New Business Development:

  • Stay informed about emerging trends and needs in Ghana that may present new program opportunities for Africa Relief and create need assessment data.
  • Submit grant requests to international organizations, including UN stakeholders, to secure funding for programs.

Reporting and Communication:

  • Provide regular updates and reports to the Program Director at headquarters on program progress, challenges, financials, and impacts, and keep the country operations director cc’d at all times.
  • Ensure clear and transparent communication with all stakeholders, including staff, donors, and partners, to facilitate project success.

Technical Leadership:

  • Engage with technical practices and share information on best practices within the region to enhance program performance and innovation.
  • Attend relevant external events, conferences, and forums to represent Africa Relief and stay updated on regional developments in international aid.

Travel and Site Visits:

  • Conduct regular field visits to project sites to monitor implementation and provide direct support to field teams.
  • Ensure that programs are being executed as planned and address any challenges that may arise.

Qualifications:

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in international development, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Experience:

  • Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in program management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role managing complex programs or regional offices in international development.

Skills:

  • Strong leadership and people management skills, including experience mentoring and developing staff.
  • Proven expertise in financial management, including budget tracking, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with donor regulations.
  • Strong knowledge of project management, M&E, risk management, and compliance with donor requirements.
  • Ability to represent the organization at high-level meetings with donors, government officials, and other stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to report effectively to senior leadership.
  • Fluency in English required; proficiency in local languages or French is an advantage.

Travel:

  • Willingness to travel within the region and to international headquarters as necessary.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and references to Jobs@africa-relief.org with the subject line: Program Manager/Ghana - [your last name].