Overview

Pharo Foundation (“the Foundation”) is a mission-driven, impact-oriented organisation that designs, funds, and operates economic development programmes towards a vibrant, productive, and self-reliant Africa. Over the next decade, our goal is to create maximum impact towards three critical missions:

1. Education: ensure that all students have an opportunity to access a high-quality and affordable education and become productive citizens in a rapidly changing world.

2. Water: ensure that people and communities across Africa have access to a safe and affordable source of water.

3. Productivity: eliminate health, financial, and structural barriers to employment and productivity for working people.

The Foundation also operates Pharo Ventures which is the for-profit arm of its operations with sustainable businesses in Ethiopia and Somaliland geared towards job creation and economic empowerment.

With over 700 employees in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Somaliland, we are a diverse, multicultural, and passionate organisation. We have our headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and a liaison office in London, UK, which is home to our parent organisation, Pharo Management.

Opportunity

The Development Operations Director plays a crucial role in driving the growth of Pharo Foundation’s development program portfolio through strategic development initiatives. This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all aspects of development programs, by focusing on strategic growth, partnerships, program implementation and project development

Role: Development Operations Director

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia               

Contract type: Permanent

Reporting to: Country Director of Pharo Foundation

Functional relationships: Executive and Senior Leadership team at Pharo Foundation

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Program Planning

• Develop and implement strategies aligned with the organization’s mission and goals.

• Identify key programmatic opportunities and challenges related to empowering the next generation, addressing education sector, water scarcity, and opportunities around enhancing employment and productivity.

Program Design and Implementation

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of innovative programs and initiatives in line with our missions and impact metrics

• Ensure programs are impactful, scalable, and sustainable.

• Closely support and collaborate with the Research and Development team to oversee objective evaluation of programs during their respective life cycles.

Compliance and Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure program activities comply with relevant regulations and internal policies.

• Monitor regulatory changes and update program strategies as necessary.

Budget Oversight

• Develop and manage program budgets in collaboration with finance and executive teams.

• Monitor spending and ensure fiscal responsibility in program operations.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Establish metrics and frameworks for monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness and impact.

• Conduct data analysis to generate insights and inform program decisions.

• Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for stakeholders, donors, and the board.

 Partnership Development

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, corporations, and community organizations.

• Collaborate effectively to leverage resources and maximize program outcomes.

Leadership and Development

• Provide leadership and mentorship to program staff, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

• Support professional development and capacity building initiatives for the program team.

• Manage the team effectively to develop a high-performing team.

Job Requirements

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, economics, law, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of 10 years of senior-level experience in development, project management, or a related field, with a proven track record of successful strategic planning and execution.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders.

• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with a focus on fostering a collaborative work environment.

• Proficient in project management software and tools, with experience in strategic planning and execution.

• Exceptional organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.

• Knowledge of development best practices, legal requirements, and financial management.

Personal Attributes

• Passion for the mission and values of Pharo Foundation

• High level of integrity and ethical conduct.

• Creative and strategic thinker, with the ability to innovate and drive change.

• Results-oriented, with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes and making a meaningful impact.

How to Apply

Application Procedure

Review of applications will begin as soon as they are received, and only complete applications will be reviewed. If an outstanding applicant is identified early in the search process, we reserve the right to appoint before the deadline. For this reason, we encourage interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply at the earliest possible opportunity.  

Application Requirements

1. A detailed CV 

2. Cover letter - In your cover letter, please state where you heard about this position or saw it advertised for example through our website, jobs board, etc. 

3. An essay of 1,000 words (maximum) that captures your relevant experience with the following aspects of your role highlighted:

1. Provide an example of a complex project you led from inception to completion. How did you ensure alignment with organizational standards and objectives, and how did you measure success.

2. Partnerships are crucial for our organization's growth. Please describe your approach to cultivating and managing partnerships that advance both strategic and mission-driven objectives.

3. Budget management is critical in our organization. How have you approached developing and managing budgets in your previous roles? Provide an example of how you optimized resources to achieve financial sustainability.

1. An updated list of at least (5) referees with their name, title, current email addresses and phone numbers as follows; two supervisors, two peers, at least 1 direct report. 

Interested and qualified applicants can apply online using THIS LINK