Programs Officer - Open Foundation West Africa

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to hr@ofwafrica.orgby 20th January, 2025. Please include “ Programs Officer Application ” in the subject line.

Job Summary:

The Programs Officer (Project Management) will be responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all programs and projects undertaken by Open Foundation West Africa. This role requires strong project management skills and experience, as well as a commitment to achieving the organization's mission and objectives. The Programs Officer will work closely with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of programs in alignment with organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Planning and Design:
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and other team members to develop program objectives, strategies, and work plans.
• Conduct needs assessments and stakeholder consultations to identify program priorities and target beneficiaries.
• Design and develop detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets for program implementation.

• Project Implementation and Coordination:
• Lead the execution of program activities according to the established project plans and timelines.
• Coordinate with internal teams, external partners, and consultants to ensure the effective delivery of program components.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks and issues, and implement corrective actions as needed to keep projects on track.

• Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management:
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with project partners, donors, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates on project activities, milestones, and outcomes.
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings, workshops, and trainings to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing.

• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL):
• Develop and implement MEL frameworks to track and measure program performance and outcomes.
• Collect, analyze, and report data on program indicators, outputs, and impacts to inform decision-making and learning.
• Conduct regular evaluations and assessments to identify lessons learned and best practices for future program design and implementation.

• Capacity Building and Technical Assistance:
• Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to project partners and beneficiaries as needed.
• Develop and deliver training sessions, workshops, and materials to build the skills and knowledge of program stakeholders.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange and learning opportunities among program participants and relevant stakeholders.

• Budgeting and Financial Management:
• Develop project budgets ensuring alignment with program objectives and organizational requirements.
• Monitor project expenditures and financial performance, tracking expenses against budget allocations and identifying variances.
• Prepare regular financial reports and forecasts to inform decision-making and ensure compliance with funding regulations and guidelines.

• Risk Identification and Mitigation:
• Conduct risk assessments for each project, identifying potential risks, vulnerabilities, and challenges that may impact project success.
• Develop risk management plans to mitigate identified risks and ensure contingency measures are in place to address unforeseen issues.
• Monitor project risks throughout the project lifecycle, implementing proactive strategies to minimize or eliminate potential threats.
• Document lessons learned and best practices related to risk management for future program planning and implementation.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as international development, project management, or a related discipline. Master's degree preferred.
• At least 3-5 years of experience in program management, with a focus on project planning, implementation, and monitoring in the nonprofit or development sector.
• Strong project management skills, with experience in developing project plans, managing budgets, and coordinating project teams.
• Certification in project management is an added advantage.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, donors, and community groups.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Open Foundation West Africa.