The Position
The Specialist – Program Governance plays a pivotal role in facilitating seamless coordination, thorough documentation, and successful execution of YE FFA’s technical governance framework. This encompasses management of the Program Steering Group (PSG), Strategic Advisory Group (SAG), and Coordination & Collaboration Committee (CCC). The position delivers critical oversight and operational management of governance mechanisms, ensuring strategic alignment, efficient operational delivery, and robust institutional accountability across AGRA’s 10 YE FFA countries.
The successful candidate will function as the central governance framework for the YE FFA Portfolio Management Hub (PMH), guaranteeing that decision-making processes are thoroughly documented, action items are systematically monitored, and feedback mechanisms between oversight and execution teams operate seamlessly. Additionally, this individual will oversee governance schedules, facilitate executive-level meetings, draft strategic briefs, and ensure the consistent implementation of approved resolutions. The position plays a pivotal role in enhancing AGRA’s reputation and alignment with the Mastercard Foundation and other key stakeholders by upholding governance engagements that are punctual, transparent, and outcome-driven.
Key Responsibilities and Obligations:
The incumbent will be tasked with overseeing a diverse array of operational functions, ensuring seamless execution and adherence to established protocols. Primary accountabilities include managing daily workflows, coordinating cross-departmental initiatives, and maintaining rigorous compliance with organizational standards. Additionally, the role demands meticulous attention to detail in monitoring performance metrics, generating insightful reports, and implementing strategic improvements to enhance efficiency. Strong leadership and collaborative skills will be essential to guide teams, foster a productive work environment, and achieve predefined objectives.
Governance coordination and documentation require establishing structured processes to ensure regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. This role demands meticulous attention to detail in maintaining accurate records, facilitating stakeholder communication, and aligning organizational policies with industry standards. Responsibilities include drafting governance frameworks, coordinating cross-departmental initiatives, and ensuring timely reporting. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in governance tools, and the ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements. Experience in policy development, audit support, and change management is highly desirable.
Deliver comprehensive administrative and organizational assistance to YE FFA governance bodies and their affiliated boards and committees.
Plan and oversee governance calendars by organizing schedules, handling logistics, and coordinating meetings for PSG, SAG, and CCC.
Draft and distribute agendas, briefing documents, and relevant background materials prior to scheduled meetings.
The incumbent will be responsible for recording, consolidating, and disseminating meeting minutes, action items, and follow-up tracking systems to ensure accountability among stakeholders.
Ensure governance decisions are consistently aligned with organizational policies, donor stipulations, and regulatory mandates in partnership with the Director of Gender, Youth, and Inclusiveness.
Ensures accurate tracking of decisions and maintains alignment throughout the organization. Reports progress and outcomes of decisions to relevant stakeholders. Facilitates cross-functional collaboration to guarantee consistent implementation of decisions. Monitors adherence to decision timelines and identifies any deviations requiring intervention. Provides recommendations to optimize decision-making processes and enhance overall organizational alignment.
Maintain a centralized governance decision log while ensuring that all action items are tracked through to completion.
Track the advancement of resolutions and recommendations to guarantee alignment with both strategic objectives and operational priorities.
Proactively identify operational bottlenecks and escalate potential risks to ensure swift resolution in collaboration with relevant leadership.
Generate regular governance performance updates and insights—including monthly reports—for leadership consumption.
Ensure the systematic archiving of governance records in AGRA’s knowledge repository.
We collaborate with stakeholders and oversee coordination efforts to ensure seamless alignment and effective communication across all relevant parties. This role involves managing relationships with key stakeholders, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring that all parties are informed and engaged throughout the process. Our aim is to foster trust, resolve conflicts, and drive collective decision-making to achieve shared objectives.
Act as the primary liaison among key governance stakeholders, such as PSG, SAG, CCC, AGRA leadership, and external collaborators, to ensure cohesive communication and alignment.
Cultivate productive stakeholder engagement and transparent communication both prior to and following governance meetings.
Leverage cross-functional collaboration to facilitate governance forums, aligning all inputs with institutional strategic priorities.
Facilitate governance-focused initiatives, including educational workshops, executive evaluations, and collaborative partner discussions.
Guarantee that all governance-related communications adhere to established brand guidelines and regulatory compliance requirements.
Governance systems and reporting encompass the frameworks and processes implemented to ensure compliance, transparency, and accountability within an organization. These systems monitor and manage risks, track performance metrics, and facilitate accurate and timely financial and operational reporting. Key responsibilities include establishing governance policies, maintaining regulatory adherence, and producing reports for stakeholders to support strategic decision-making. Proficiency in governance frameworks, regulatory requirements, and reporting standards is required, along with strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills to effectively manage and communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
Design and oversee governance systems, encompassing tracking tools, dashboards, templates, and reporting frameworks, to ensure their ongoing functionality and effectiveness.
Enhancing governance frameworks, strengthening risk management protocols, and reinforcing accountability mechanisms.
Prepare governance reports and briefing notes for management and partners with punctuality, ensuring they receive relevant and up-to-date information.
Provide assistance in organizing and managing critical governance events, such as the Annual YE FFA Learning Summit and portfolio reviews.
Key Qualifications and Experience Required:
Applicants must possess a minimum of three years of relevant work experience in the specified field, along with a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline. Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools is essential, as is the ability to demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully managing projects and collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams. A commitment to continuous learning and adaptability to evolving industry trends is highly valued.
A bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, International Development, Project Management, Political Science, or a closely related discipline is required.
A certification in Project Management Professional (PMP) or Governance and Compliance would be highly beneficial.
With a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in program governance, coordination, or administration within international development organizations or donor-funded initiatives, the ideal candidate will bring a wealth of expertise to the role.
Proven track record in overseeing multi-stakeholder governance structures, including program steering committees and advisory boards.
Demonstrates a strong capability to monitor decisions, compile precise documentation, and ensure adherence to governance standards within intricate operational settings.
With a proven track record in collaborating with donor-backed institutions—including the Mastercard Foundation, the World Bank, and bilateral agencies—you bring valuable expertise to this role.
Possesses exceptional coordination, communication, and organizational abilities, adept at managing numerous priorities concurrently.
Demonstrates advanced mastery of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, alongside expertise in digital collaboration platforms such as Teams and SharePoint.
Display a comprehensive grasp of organizational governance frameworks, decision-making methodologies, and systematic policy monitoring.
Proficient in organizing, coordinating, and overseeing cross-functional collaborations to ensure seamless project execution.
Proven ability to craft clear, concise, and compelling written materials, including high-level reports and briefs, with strong analytical and communication skills is essential.
Proficient in developing frameworks to monitor advancement and preserve institutional knowledge.
Proficiency in governance frameworks relevant to agricultural initiatives and youth employment programs in Africa are required.
If you meet the criteria for this role, kindly forward your application along with a comprehensive CV—including your email address and phone number—via email to recruit@agra.org. Be sure to include the job reference number SPG/GYM/05/2026 in the subject line of your application email.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
10 years
