Full Time
Tanzania
Posted 1 day ago

Heifer International

Program Operations Lead – Heifer International (East Africa) | April 2025

About Heifer International

Heifer International has been transforming lives since 1944, helping over 36 million smallholder farming families escape hunger and poverty. Through sustainable agricultural development and economic empowerment, Heifer works with communities, especially youth and women, to build resilient livelihoods.

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As part of its ambitious goal to close the Sustainable Living Income (SLI) gap for 10 million additional smallholder farmers by 2030, Heifer is implementing the Sustainable Locally Led Development (SLLD) approach across East Africa.

To support this mission, we are looking for a highly skilled Program Operations Lead – East Africa to join our team.

Position Overview

As the Program Operations Lead, you will oversee Heifer’s programs in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. Your role will be to enhance operational efficiency, project performance, accountability, and risk management. You will also collaborate with country program leaders to ensure timely reporting, partnership development, and strategic planning.

This position reports to the Senior Director, Africa Programs – Operations and plays a critical role in strengthening Heifer’s impact in East Africa.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategy Implementation & Program Administration (30%)

Ensure timely achievement and reporting of country-specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Work with regional leadership to establish policies and procedures for efficient program administration.
Ensure all country programs comply with Heifer’s policies and local regulations.
Develop and implement operational quality standards, tools, and best practices.
Maintain clear communication with Heifer HQ and meet all reporting deadlines.
Oversee cost-effective procurement by ensuring periodic reviews of service providers.
Provide support in annual budgeting and work plan development.
Monitor budget utilization and guide teams in making corrective financial decisions.

2. Program Excellence & Impact (20%)

Assist country teams in forecasting and executing planned activities effectively.
Ensure knowledge-sharing and best practices are consistently documented and applied.
Improve program efficiency by developing and promoting innovative solutions.
Guide country teams on best practices in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) to ensure high-impact results.
Lead quarterly budget monitoring and variance analysis to maintain financial integrity.
Ensure the successful implementation of Heifer’s signature program models across country operations.
Oversee the development of project reports and ensure compliance with funder requirements.

3. Partnership Development & Stakeholder Engagement (20%)

Ensure adherence to donor and stakeholder policies, maintaining transparency and accountability.
Strengthen partnerships with governments, private sector entities, and local organizations.
Support capacity-building initiatives to enhance local organizations’ ability to manage programs.
Collaborate with regional business development teams to secure funding and expand Heifer’s project portfolio.
Represent Heifer at regional forums, donor events, and stakeholder meetings to drive fundraising and advocacy efforts.

4. Operational Excellence & Leadership (25%)

Ensure smooth project start-ups and close-outs in all assigned country programs.
Oversee the development of program frameworks to align with Heifer’s strategic goals.
Build strong, motivated teams through participatory decision-making and accountability structures.
Provide guidance in recruitment, onboarding, and transition processes.
Promote a culture of continuous learning, efficiency, and operational excellence within program teams.

5. Additional Duties (5%)

Perform other tasks as assigned by senior leadership.

Qualifications & Competencies

Minimum Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Business Administration, or a related field.
10–15 years of experience in program management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Proven expertise in market systems, value chain development, and donor-funded programs.
Experience working with governments, private sector players, and non-profit organizations.

Critical Skills & Competencies

Strong knowledge of budgeting, annual work planning, and program monitoring.
Ability to use data-driven insights to improve program efficiency and decision-making.
Expertise in fundraising, grant acquisition, and donor compliance.
Excellent problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills in diverse cultural settings.
Strong written and verbal communication abilities in English and regional languages.
Ability to scale projects while ensuring long-term impact.
Knowledge of global development trends, challenges, and opportunities.
Strategic thinker with the ability to integrate innovative and sustainable solutions.

Work Conditions & Travel

Ability to work in a flexible and dynamic environment while managing multiple priorities.
Willingness to travel extensively across East Africa and internationally as needed.
Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively both remotely and in person.

Why Join Heifer International?

Be part of a globally recognized organization driving lasting change in rural communities.
Lead high-impact programs that improve farmers’ lives and promote sustainable agriculture.
Work with a team committed to equity, innovation, and professional excellence.
Access career growth opportunities in a mission-driven environment.

Application Process

If you are passionate about transforming rural economies and empowering smallholder farmers, we encourage you to apply.

Deadline: 21st April 2025

To submit your application, follow the link provided below. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

To apply for this job please visit jobs.jobvite.com.