Sr. Director - Programs, (Africa Region)

As a member of the AFR Area Leadership Team, the Senior Director, Programs will:

• Provide inspirational leadership to the program’s unit, and across the AO and regional network
• Lead and oversee the implementation of regional strategic goals of the program’s unit generating greater scale and higher impact for the Habitat network
• Hold the programs unit to account in the implementation of the regional strategy, in part through clearly and regularly communicating priorities and key initiatives with internal and external stakeholders
• Actively engage with the regional network to ensure the effective implementation of the regional strategy, including through capacity building and provision of expertise from the AO programs unit to branches and independent national organizations
• Ensure MEAL is embedded and embraced throughout projects and programs in the regional network
• Enhance HFH’s Build + Influence efforts through coordination across AOs and with the entire network to advance advocacy goals
• Serve as a key representative and thought leader on programs and advocacy relating to Habitat’s work with both internal and external stakeholders
• Represent the region in global strategic level discussions and initiatives in relation to Habitat’s Build + Influence focus, promoting cross-region collaboration
• Deputize for the AVP, overseeing the AO, when appropriate
• Oversee grant management and provide technical support to Resource Development in order to achieve Habitat’s growth goals
• Support and enhance collaboration with HFHI’s global teams, including Communications and TCIS, by ensuring alignment with geographic priorities and broader needs within the region, and through coordination with fellow Senior Directors, Programs in AOs
• Provide leadership and stewardship that supports HFHI’s Christian faith and values through active servant leadership, motivating Area Habitat staff members, serving partner families, and encouraging volunteers to follow the mission and vision of HFHI.

This position may be based Kenya (Regional Office) or Ethiopia and requires 30% travel.
Essential Responsibilities
Regional Strategic Framework Plan Realization (50%)

• Hold direct teams and regional network to account on the delivery of AO strategic framework
• Provide support to regional network in the development and implementation of Country Strategy Plans, as well as holding relevant teams to account in the delivery of programs strategy
• Support in AO and regional network realignment and resourcing processes including talent recruitment, hiring and compensation efforts in partnership with HR, to ensure AO and NOs are fit for purpose
• Serve as liaison with other HFHI departments to ensure cross-team collaboration, including alignment of support structures, processes, functions, as well as strategy execution and measurement at regional and country levels (15%)
• Identify, pursue, and manage contracts and collaborations with external implementing partners to advance regional goals (5%)
• Advise on programmatic direction for regional network, including grant management, MEAL and advocacy (15%)
• Special Projects in support of AO VP (15%)

Position Qualifications

• 10+ years’ relevant experience in one of the following: programs; impact; advocacy; or operational support
• Demonstrable track record of leading teams to implement high impact programs, preferably including MEAL and grant management functions
• Capacity to oversee and support advocacy and communications teams
• Strong skillset relating to change management, organizational development and project management
• Experience working effectively in complex, matrixed, ideally federated, organizational structures
• Demonstrated skillset in gathering and analysing information to form actionable insights, particularly in regard to contextualizing and implementing global strategy at the regional and national levels
• Familiarity with and experience in the housing sector, or a related subject matter area (such as gender, poverty, inequality, migration, climate change, WASH, agriculture, energy efficiency, or urbanization)
• Deep knowledge and experience working in the Sub-Saharan Africa region delivering high impact projects at the local or regional level
• Strong level of confidence and relational skills to build trust, influence and interface with all levels of the Habitat network, external partners and a diversity of people
• Excellent people management skills, with the proven ability to lead teams virtually as well as in person
• Capacity to lead and engage with a highly qualified and experienced team of leaders with regional and subject matter expertise
• High degree of resourcefulness to lead projects that may not be clearly defined
• Mission-driven and comfortable leading within, communicating about, and working within a Christian organization
• Strong written, presentation and oral communication skills in English
• Language: English at a minimum. Other languages spoken in the Sub-Saharan Africa region preferred.
• Active support of and contribution to HFHI Values:
• Humility – We are part of something bigger than ourselves.
• Courage – We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
• Accountability – We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission.