Purpose
The Regional Director for Africa is the senior executive tasked with driving revenue growth, cultivating partnerships, and expanding Women for Women International’s strategic impact throughout the continent. In this role, they will oversee line management, coordinate regional operations, and provide leadership guidance to Country Directors across Africa.
The position enhances WWI’s unified framework by fostering stronger alignment among country strategy, program execution, operational efficiency, and revenue generation throughout the continent. Serving as the Regional Director, Africa, this role spearheads a multi-year regional strategy that integrates philanthropic initiatives, institutional funding, corporate collaborations, diaspora contributions, high-net-worth donations, and carefully selected earned-income or investment-driven prospects.
The Regional Director for Africa is tasked with driving regional revenue growth while providing pivotal leadership in mentoring and overseeing Country Directors. This role fosters cross-country collaboration, enhances strategic planning and performance discipline, and proactively identifies and mitigates opportunities and risks. Close coordination with Programs, Operations, Finance, Risk, Compliance, and Communications ensures seamless alignment and execution.
This position serves as WWI’s key external liaison for Africa within the Global Revenue Team and other pertinent global forums, acting as the organization’s primary representative for regional partnerships and market expansion efforts across the continent.
We are seeking a dynamic Engagement professional to foster meaningful connections and drive active participation within our organization. This role involves developing and implementing strategies to enhance interaction with stakeholders, ensuring their continued interest and involvement. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, a proactive approach, and the ability to analyze engagement metrics to refine initiatives. Responsibilities include designing engagement programs, managing community outreach, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to align efforts with organizational goals. Proficiency in digital engagement tools, data analysis, and a track record of measurable success in engagement roles are essential.
As the principal external liaison for Women International (WWI) across Africa, you will engage with regional donors, corporate entities, philanthropic networks, intergovernmental organizations, and key strategic partners to represent the organization effectively.
Devote significant efforts to outreach initiatives aimed at securing financial support, cultivating strategic partnerships, and enhancing WWI’s visibility across regions.
Work in close partnership with Country Directors and global colleagues to facilitate integrated regional planning and execution.
Consistently collaborate with the CEO, CPP, COO, and other key leadership figures to discuss regional priorities, address potential risks, evaluate performance metrics, and identify required support.
Develop and nurture robust partnerships with African philanthropic, corporate, institutional, and diaspora networks to establish WWI as a trusted and influential regional collaborator.
Oversee and execute a range of critical duties encompassing project management, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to drive organizational objectives forward. Ensure adherence to deadlines, budgets, and quality standards while fostering a culture of accountability and innovation. Lead strategic initiatives, streamline operational workflows, and provide mentorship to team members to enhance productivity and professional development. Monitor progress through regular assessments, address challenges proactively, and implement solutions to maintain alignment with company goals. Additionally, maintain open communication channels with stakeholders to gather insights, address concerns, and ensure transparency in all operations.
Efficiently manage and execute the timely transportation of goods from designated pick-up points to their respective destinations, ensuring all deliveries are completed within specified timeframes. Handle packages with care to maintain their integrity during transit and uphold company standards for safety and service excellence. Communicate proactively with dispatch teams and customers to provide updates on delivery statuses and address any concerns promptly. Maintain accurate records of delivery routes, times, and any incidents that may arise. Adhere strictly to traffic regulations, vehicle maintenance schedules, and company policies. Possess a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record, with the ability to operate delivery vehicles safely and efficiently. Prioritize customer satisfaction by ensuring deliveries are accurate, courteous, and completed in accordance with all contractual obligations.
The role involves developing and implementing strategic initiatives to guide organizational growth and efficiency, requiring a keen analytical mindset and proficiency in data-driven decision-making. Responsibilities include conducting market research, analyzing industry trends, and aligning business objectives with actionable plans. The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong leadership, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across departments to ensure cohesive execution. Proficiency in strategic planning tools and methodologies, along with a results-oriented approach, is essential for driving sustainable success.
Devise and implement a cohesive Africa regional strategy that aligns with the Global Revenue Strategy while accounting for local country conditions.
Transform global strategic priorities into a structured, actionable regional strategy by integrating market opportunities, country-specific plans, country-level programs, and operational preparedness to ensure seamless execution.
Annual priorities, targets, and review frameworks will be developed to evaluate regional revenue performance and facilitate leadership coordination at the Country Director level.
Drive Africa’s contribution to WWI’s revenue objectives in a manner that balances strategic impact with operational feasibility, prudent risk mitigation, and alignment with local country conditions.
The role focuses on driving revenue growth through strategic partnerships and expanding market presence. Key responsibilities include identifying and cultivating high-impact alliances, negotiating mutually beneficial agreements, and executing initiatives to enhance market penetration. The ideal candidate will possess a proven ability to foster collaborative relationships, analyze market trends, and develop innovative strategies to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Strong communication skills, a results-driven mindset, and experience in revenue optimization are essential for success in this position.
Develop and execute a multi-year revenue strategy for Africa, encompassing philanthropy, corporate partnerships, institutional funding, diaspora giving, and selected earned-income ventures.
Develop and oversee a comprehensive regional donor and partner pipeline, emphasizing African philanthropy, corporate social responsibility initiatives, regional institutions, development finance institutions, and diaspora networks.
Engage proactively with affluent African individuals, family-led foundations, multi-regional corporate entities, and continental institutions to uncover and nurture high-value prospects.
Strengthen and diversify Africa’s revenue streams to enhance the region’s resilience and reduce its reliance on conventional supporter markets.
Elevate WWI’s program offerings and unique value proposition within the region, cultivating a clear and cohesive narrative for donors, partners, and external stakeholders alike.
Demonstrate exemplary stewardship, robust reporting practices, and meaningful donor engagement initiatives across all regional partnerships and revenue channels.
The role focuses on cultivating and maintaining institutional and regional partnerships, ensuring strategic alignment with organizational goals. This position requires a proactive approach to networking, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement to strengthen relationships across diverse sectors. Responsibilities include identifying partnership opportunities, negotiating agreements, and monitoring performance metrics to assess impact. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in partnership development, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of institutional prospects, including African development banks, regional organizations, bilateral donors, and regional donor platforms.
Facilitate collaborative initiatives with local and national stakeholders to enhance competitiveness, deepen partnership quality, and reinforce localization credibility.
Ensure proposals and partnership models comply with WWI standards, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and align with the operational realities of country-level delivery.
Build and enhance strategic partnerships with key institutions, including the African Development Bank, the African Union system, regional economic communities, and pertinent UN agencies and regional platforms.
As the successful candidate, you will generate revenue and drive innovation through strategic initiatives and creative problem-solving. This role requires a proven ability to identify and capitalize on income-generating opportunities while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and inventive thinking. You will be responsible for developing and implementing innovative solutions to enhance productivity, streamline processes, and maximize financial performance. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a track record of successfully monetizing ideas and transforming concepts into tangible, revenue-generating outcomes. Strong analytical skills, adaptability, and a forward-thinking mindset are essential to excel in this position.
Evaluate and expand revenue-generating or market-driven prospects that align with WWI’s initiatives, such as Village Savings and Loan Associations (SLAs), market systems, training curricula or products, digital solutions, and other mission-consistent approaches.
Assist regional teams in evaluating, testing, and expanding revenue-generating strategies that demonstrate solid unit economics and practical operational viability.
Develop strategic collaborations with private sector entities, fintech firms, agribusinesses, and market-linkage platforms across Africa to further WWI’s strategic objectives and enhance women’s economic empowerment.
The Country Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership and ensuring effective coordination across all operational facets within the designated country. This role demands a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s mission, coupled with the ability to align local initiatives with broader strategic objectives. Key responsibilities include overseeing program implementation, managing cross-functional teams, and fostering partnerships to drive sustainable impact. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills, a proven track record in program management, and a deep commitment to the organization’s values and goals. Additionally, strong communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities are essential to navigate complex environments and build consensus among diverse groups.
You will oversee the Country Directors across Africa, fostering their performance, ensuring accountability, and facilitating their professional growth.
Offer executive coaching, mentorship, and high-level strategic support to Country Directors, with a strong emphasis on leadership enhancement, strategic planning, effective fundraising, partnership cultivation, and seamless cross-functional collaboration.
Foster enhanced collaboration and knowledge exchange throughout African country offices while advancing a more cohesive and unified regional strategy.
Proactively identify and elevate critical country-specific risks, dependencies, and support requirements to the appropriate global teams for timely resolution.
Facilitate the alignment of country-level strategies with regional prospects, organizational objectives, and resource allocations to ensure cohesive and effective implementation.
Collaborate with PCC to enhance performance management, cultivate succession planning, and foster leadership development initiatives throughout the Africa region.
Cross-functional integration involves close collaboration across various departments and teams to ensure cohesive project execution and goal alignment. This role requires effective communication and coordination with stakeholders from diverse functional areas to streamline processes and drive collective success. Responsibilities include facilitating information sharing, resolving interdepartmental challenges, and fostering a unified approach to problem-solving. Strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a results-driven mindset are essential to bridge gaps between teams and enhance operational efficiency.
Collaborate effectively with the Chief Procurement and Policy Officer (CPP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) to ensure regional revenue targets are supported by program excellence, attainable delivery timelines, appropriate staffing levels, regulatory adherence, operational preparedness, and robust financial oversight.
Collaborate with Finance, PCC, IT, Risk, Compliance, and Communications teams to ensure robust execution across country and regional operations.
Deliver rigorous forecasting, strategic planning, and thorough performance evaluations throughout the designated region.
Foster innovative approaches to operational workflows that enhance synergy between regional teams and worldwide departments.
Governance, Risk, and Stewardship responsibilities encompass the establishment and enforcement of robust frameworks to ensure organizational compliance, mitigate potential risks, and uphold ethical standards. This role demands a thorough understanding of regulatory requirements, strategic oversight, and the cultivation of sustainable practices that align with stakeholder expectations. Duties involve identifying emerging risks, implementing preventive measures, and fostering a culture of accountability across all levels of the organization. Additionally, the position requires collaboration with leadership to integrate governance principles into business strategies, ensuring long-term resilience and transparency in decision-making processes.
Uphold stringent safeguarding protocols, ensure donor adherence to established guidelines, maintain financial transparency, and foster ethical partnerships throughout the region.
Oversee the regional evaluation and escalation of risks associated with markets, partnerships, funding, operations, and delivery.
Maintain clear and consistent communication with global leadership regarding emerging issues, necessary mitigation actions, and required support.
Demonstrate responsible management of donor resources, strategic partnerships, and organizational reputation by making well-considered decisions, maintaining clear accountability, and escalating issues when necessary.
Demonstrating expertise and influence through strategic representation and visionary thought leadership is essential. This role requires the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, engage stakeholders effectively, and establish credibility as an authority in the field. Candidates must possess strong communication skills, a deep understanding of industry trends, and the capacity to inspire and guide others toward innovative solutions. Responsibilities include shaping public perception, fostering meaningful dialogues, and championing forward-thinking initiatives that drive progress and set new benchmarks.
Position WWI as a leading and authoritative advocate for women’s economic empowerment, gender equality, financial inclusion, and market-driven solutions across the African continent.
You will serve as WWI’s representative in various regional policy discussions, donor forums, philanthropic networks, corporate collaborations, and strategic alliances.
Cultivate partnerships with international non-governmental organizations, local non-profits, private sector entities, and academic research institutions to enhance WWI’s influence and effectiveness across the region.
Facilitate the enhancement of visibility, establish thought leadership, and strengthen strategic communications in collaboration with the relevant global teams.
We are seeking a dynamic individual to oversee team operations and cultivate a positive organizational culture, ensuring alignment with company values and goals. This role requires strong leadership skills to motivate and develop team members, fostering collaboration and engagement across departments. The ideal candidate will prioritize diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being, creating an environment where innovation and productivity thrive. Responsibilities include setting clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, and implementing strategies to enhance team performance and retention.
Develop and guide a high-performing regional team across Africa, establishing clear objectives, fostering accountability, and facilitating professional growth.
Develop and sustain an environment characterized by high performance, teamwork, continuous improvement, and rigorous adherence to execution standards.
Facilitate a clear comprehension among country and regional staff regarding the alignment of their responsibilities with both regional achievements and the organization’s overarching global mission.
Champion inclusive leadership and cultivate robust cross-functional collaborations throughout the Africa region and globally.
Overseeing additional duties as assigned represents another facet of this position, including tasks such as coordinating cross-departmental initiatives, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, and maintaining accurate documentation for compliance reporting. The role may also entail participating in strategic planning sessions, facilitating team collaboration, and addressing ad hoc requests to support broader organizational objectives. Proficiency in managing multiple priorities while maintaining high attention to detail is essential to fulfill these supplementary responsibilities effectively.
Perform any supplementary tasks deemed necessary by the International Chief Executive Officer.
Uphold WWI’s Code of Conduct, Safeguarding policies, and core organizational values—Empowerment, Integrity, Respect, and Resilience—with unwavering commitment.
Exemplify WWI’s core leadership values—namely, decisiveness, accountability, courage, adaptability, and inclusivity—through every action and decision.
We are seeking a candidate with a robust understanding of key competencies and specialized abilities relevant to the role. The ideal individual will possess a comprehensive grasp of essential techniques, methodologies, and industry-specific knowledge required to excel in this position. Additionally, proficiency in applying practical expertise to real-world challenges is essential for success.
Requirements
Your application letter must comprehensively address all criteria marked with an (A); failure to do so will result in automatic rejection of your submission.
Situated within an African nation where you possess the legal authorization to work, as outlined in employment requirement (A).
A master’s degree is a prerequisite for this position.
A decade or more of high-level leadership experience in fundraising, partnerships, business development, international development, or closely related disciplines is required.
Demonstrated expertise in identifying and communicating donor trends and revenue potential across Africa, specifically aligned with WWI’s strategic objectives, supported by a proven history of securing at least $5 million annually from a minimum of two distinct donor segments, including corporate entities, to advance social impact initiatives focused on women’s empowerment.
Proven expertise in market-based revenue strategies, social enterprise initiatives, or blended finance models, demonstrated through prior professional experience.
Proven expertise in crafting and executing strategic partnerships across Africa, engaging with both regional and global development organizations, demonstrated through measurable achievements.
Experience directing multi-country programs across Africa, encompassing strategic planning, budget formulation, revenue projection, team leadership, financial reporting, and coordination with a global office.
Engaging with networks and strategic forums dedicated to women’s rights and economic empowerment is required.
Established expertise in obtaining substantial financial contributions from philanthropists, corporations, foundations, institutions, and strategic partners across Africa or similar environments.
Proficient in African philanthropic ecosystems, corporate CSR trends, diaspora contributions, and institutional funding frameworks.
Proven track record in formulating and executing multi-year strategic plans, accompanied by quantifiable growth objectives.
Exceptional proficiency in managing teams, mentoring employees, and fostering leadership growth within the organization is required.
Proven ability to cultivate strong professional relationships, negotiate effectively, and represent the organization externally with professionalism and confidence.
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential, with proficiency in additional African languages considered beneficial.
Demonstrates a strong dedication to advancing women’s rights, promoting gender equality, and adhering to ethical fundraising standards.
Capable of undertaking travel, both domestically and abroad, as needed to fulfill role responsibilities.
We offer a competitive benefit package designed to support your professional growth and personal well-being. Included are comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, along with a generous retirement savings program featuring company contributions. Employees enjoy paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and sick leave, as well as flexible spending accounts to manage healthcare and dependent care expenses. Additionally, we provide opportunities for professional development, wellness programs, and work-life balance initiatives to foster a thriving and engaged workforce.
A competitive, location-adjusted salary package is provided, determined by local market conditions and the candidate’s level of experience.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
10 years
