Purpose
The Regional Director, Africa, holds a pivotal leadership role, spearheading the expansion of Women for Women International’s revenue streams, partnerships, and strategic impact throughout the African continent. Additionally, this position entails providing direct line management, fostering seamless coordination, and delivering essential leadership support to Country Directors across the region.
The role strengthens WfWI’s unitary model by ensuring that country strategy, program delivery, operations, and revenue development are better aligned across the continent. The Regional Director, Africa drives a multi-year regional strategy that combines philanthropy, institutional funding, corporate partnerships, diaspora and high-net-worth giving, and selected earned-income or investment-aligned opportunities.
The Regional Director, Africa will spearhead regional revenue expansion while providing strategic leadership to Country Directors, fostering inter-country collaboration, and reinforcing planning and performance standards. Additionally, this role will proactively identify and address opportunities and risks through close coordination with Programs, Operations, Finance, Risk, Compliance, and Communications teams.
This position serves as WWI’s key external advocate for Africa within the Global Revenue Team and other pertinent global forums while acting as the organization’s primary liaison for regional partnerships and market development initiatives across the continent.
Engagement specialists are tasked with cultivating meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic communication initiatives. They design and execute campaigns that foster interaction, loyalty, and advocacy, leveraging digital platforms, content creation, and data-driven insights to enhance engagement metrics. Additionally, they monitor trends, analyze performance metrics, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine messaging and optimize outreach efforts. Strong analytical skills, creativity, and proficiency in engagement tools are essential for success in this role.
As the lead external ambassador for Women International (WWI) across the African region, engage with key stakeholders including regional donors, corporate partners, philanthropic networks, intergovernmental organizations, and strategic alliances to advance organizational goals.
Devote significant effort to cultivating external relationships, securing financial support, and enhancing WWI’s visibility across regions through strategic partnerships and outreach initiatives.
Work in tandem with Country Directors and global colleagues to facilitate cohesive regional planning and implementation.
Consistently collaborate with the CEO, CPP, COO, and other key leadership team members to discuss regional priorities, potential risks, performance metrics, and required support.
Develop and nurture robust connections with African philanthropic, corporate, institutional, and diaspora networks to establish WWI as a trusted and influential regional partner.
Oversee and execute a range of critical duties, ensuring seamless coordination and adherence to organizational objectives. Manage day-to-day operations with precision, maintaining high standards of efficiency and accountability. Facilitate collaboration across teams to drive project completion and innovation. Monitor performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement strategic solutions. Prepare comprehensive reports to communicate progress and outcomes to stakeholders. Ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and industry best practices. Provide leadership and mentorship to team members, fostering a culture of continuous growth and development.
Efficiently manage and execute the timely distribution of goods and services to designated locations. Ensure packages and items are handled with care, adhering to safety and quality standards throughout the process. Maintain accurate records of deliveries, track shipments, and resolve any discrepancies or delays promptly. Operate delivery vehicles safely and in compliance with traffic regulations while optimizing routes for efficiency. Provide excellent customer service by communicating delivery updates and addressing inquiries professionally. Meet daily delivery quotas and performance metrics to uphold operational excellence.
The role involves developing strategic initiatives and comprehensive planning processes to drive organizational growth and efficiency. This position requires a keen ability to analyze market trends, assess competitive landscapes, and align business objectives with long-term goals. Key responsibilities include formulating actionable strategies, overseeing implementation plans, and measuring performance against set metrics. Proficiency in data-driven decision-making, robust project management skills, and strong leadership capabilities are essential. The ideal candidate must demonstrate expertise in cross-functional collaboration, risk assessment, and adaptive planning to navigate dynamic business environments successfully.
Develop and implement an all-encompassing Africa regional strategy that is fully aligned with the Global Revenue Strategy and tailored to the specific conditions of each country.
Develop a localized strategic plan by aligning global objectives with regional priorities, integrating market prospects, country-specific strategies, operational capabilities, and preparedness for execution.
Set annual priorities, objectives, and assessment frameworks for evaluating regional revenue outcomes and facilitating cohesive leadership coordination among Country Directors.
Ensure Africa plays a pivotal role in advancing WWI’s revenue objectives in a balanced manner, carefully considering operational feasibility, risk mitigation, and local market conditions.
Seeking a dynamic professional to drive revenue growth, forge strategic partnerships, and expand market reach, the ideal candidate will cultivate business relationships, identify new opportunities, and develop innovative strategies to enhance profitability and market presence. Responsibilities include negotiating deals, analyzing market trends, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational objectives. Requirements encompass proven experience in revenue generation, partnership development, and market expansion, along with strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.
Develop and execute a multi-year revenue strategy for Africa, encompassing philanthropy, corporate partnerships, institutional funding, diaspora giving, and select earned-income ventures.
Build and manage a regional pipeline of donors and partners, with particular focus on African philanthropy, corporate CSR, regional institutions, development finance institutions, and diaspora networks.
Develop and nurture strategic relationships with affluent individuals, family-run philanthropic organizations, leading regional corporations, and expansive pan-African institutions to uncover and advance lucrative business prospects.
To enhance and broaden Africa’s revenue streams, thereby fostering greater resilience and reducing reliance on conventional donor markets.
Devise and execute strategic communications to elevate awareness of WWI’s programs and their unique value within the region, ensuring donors, partners, and external stakeholders receive a unified and compelling message.
Maintain high standards of stewardship, reporting, and donor engagement across all regional partnerships and revenue streams.
The organization seeks to establish and maintain robust institutional and regional partnerships to enhance collaboration, resource sharing, and strategic initiatives. Candidates should possess demonstrated experience in building and nurturing partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including academic institutions, government agencies, and corporate entities. Responsibilities include identifying partnership opportunities, negotiating agreements, and ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes. Strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage multiple relationships are essential for success in this role.
Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of institutional collaborations with African development banks, regional organizations, bilateral donors, and regional donor platforms.
Collaborate with local and national partners, either in a leadership role or as a supporting team member, to enhance competitiveness, improve the quality of partnerships, and bolster localization credibility through joint efforts.
Ensure proposals and partnership models comply with WWI standards, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and align with the operational realities of country-level delivery.
Cultivate and enhance strategic partnerships with key institutions, including the African Development Bank, the African Union system, regional economic communities, and pertinent United Nations agencies and regional forums.
We are seeking professionals who have achieved financial success through innovative approaches to income generation. Candidates must possess a proven track record of developing and implementing creative strategies to enhance revenue streams. Key responsibilities include identifying emerging opportunities, optimizing existing processes, and fostering an environment that encourages inventive problem-solving. Proficiency in market analysis, strategic planning, and adaptive execution is essential for success in this role.
Identify and cultivate earned-income or market-based prospects that align with WWI’s mission, encompassing Village Savings and Loan Associations (SLAs), market system innovations, curriculum or training offerings, digital solutions, and other mission-consistent approaches.
Collaborate with country teams to evaluate, implement, and expand revenue-generating strategies that demonstrate strong unit economics and operational viability.
Forge strategic alliances with African private sector entities, fintech firms, agribusinesses, and market-linkage platforms to enhance WWI’s strategic objectives and advance women’s economic empowerment outcomes.
The Country Director is responsible for providing overall leadership and strategic coordination within the designated country. This role involves overseeing program implementation, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and fostering collaboration across teams. Key responsibilities include managing local partnerships, monitoring performance metrics, and ensuring compliance with relevant policies and regulations. Additionally, the Country Director plays a pivotal role in representing the organization to stakeholders, donors, and government entities. The ideal candidate must possess strong leadership skills, extensive experience in international development or a related field, and a proven track record in strategic planning and team management. Fluency in the local language and cultural awareness are highly advantageous.
You will oversee the performance, accountability, and professional growth of Country Directors across Africa, providing direct line management and targeted support to ensure their success.
Offer expert coaching, mentorship, and strategic advice to Country Directors, with a primary focus on enhancing leadership capabilities, refining planning processes, securing funding, fostering partnerships, and fostering seamless cross-functional collaboration.
Enhance collaboration and knowledge exchange among African country offices while fostering a more cohesive and unified regional strategy.
Proactively identify and communicate critical country-specific risks, dependencies, and support requirements to the appropriate global teams at the earliest opportunity.
Facilitate the harmonization of country strategies with regional prospects, organizational objectives, and resource allocations.
Facilitate performance management initiatives, succession planning strategies, and leadership development programs across the Africa region in collaboration with the People and Culture Committee (PCC).
Cross-Functional Integration
Collaborate effectively with the Chief People and Performance Officer (CPP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) to synchronize regional revenue goals with program excellence, execution viability, staffing needs, regulatory adherence, operational preparedness, and financial governance.
Collaborate closely with Finance, PCC, IT, Risk, Compliance, and Communications teams to ensure effective country and regional implementation.
Demonstrate leadership in executing disciplined forecasting, planning, and performance review initiatives throughout the region.
Redesign operational approaches to enhance synergy between regional teams and worldwide departments.
We are seeking a seasoned professional to oversee Governance, Risk, and Stewardship initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives while mitigating potential threats. The role demands a keen analytical mindset, the ability to interpret complex regulatory frameworks, and expertise in implementing robust risk management strategies. Responsibilities include developing and enforcing governance policies, identifying emerging risks, and championing ethical stewardship to safeguard organizational integrity. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in compliance, risk assessment, and strategic planning, with a proven track record of driving sustainable business practices. Excellent communication skills and the capacity to collaborate across departments are essential for fostering a culture of accountability and transparency.
Ensure the consistent application of rigorous safeguarding measures, adherence to donor requirements, maintenance of financial integrity, and ethical management of partnerships throughout the region.
Conduct regional evaluations to identify and address potential risks associated with markets, partnerships, funding, operations, and delivery, ensuring escalation as necessary.
Facilitate clear and consistent communication with senior leadership worldwide regarding developing situations, proactive mitigation strategies, and necessary assistance.
Demonstrate responsible management of donor resources, partnerships, and the organization’s reputation by making disciplined decisions, maintaining clear accountability, and escalating issues appropriately.
We strive to cultivate representation and uphold thought leadership within our organization, ensuring diverse perspectives are valued, and innovative ideas are fostered. This initiative aims to enhance our brand’s influence by positioning us as a forward-thinking leader in our industry, driving meaningful engagement with stakeholders and the broader community. We are committed to empowering underrepresented voices and championing cutting-edge insights that shape the future of our field.
Position WWI as a leading and respected authority on women’s economic empowerment, gender equality, financial inclusion, and market-driven strategies throughout Africa.
You will serve as WWI’s representative in regional policy discussions, donor gatherings, philanthropic collaborations, corporate alliances, and strategic partnerships.
Foster strategic partnerships with international non-governmental organizations, local non-profit entities, private sector stakeholders, and academic research institutions to enhance WWI’s regional influence and effectiveness.
Facilitate enhanced visibility, establish thought leadership, and execute strategic communications in collaboration with pertinent global teams.
We are seeking a dynamic leader capable of cultivating a thriving team environment and fostering a strong, positive organizational culture. The ideal candidate will excel in guiding and motivating teams, ensuring alignment with company values and objectives. They will prioritize collaboration, open communication, and mutual respect to create an inclusive workspace where every team member feels valued and empowered. Additionally, the role involves developing strategies to enhance team cohesion, productivity, and overall performance while maintaining a supportive and engaging work culture.
Develop and guide a high-performing team for the Africa region, establishing clear objectives, fostering accountability, and promoting professional advancement.
Promote a high-performance culture characterized by collaboration, continuous learning, and disciplined execution.
Translate organizational objectives and strategies into clear, actionable insights so that country and regional teams recognize the direct impact of their contributions to both regional outcomes and the broader global framework.
Foster inclusive leadership and cultivate robust cross-functional relationships throughout the Africa region and across global markets.
Oversee additional duties as assigned to ensure smooth operational workflow and adherence to organizational objectives.
Perform any supplementary tasks assigned by the International Chief Executive Officer as needed.
Uphold WWI’s established Code of Conduct, Safeguarding policies, and core organizational values, which include Empowerment, Integrity, Respect, and Resilience.
Exhibit WWI’s leadership standards by embodying decisiveness, accountability, courage, adaptability, and inclusivity in all actions and decisions.
We are seeking a highly skilled professional with a deep understanding of relevant competencies and specialized knowledge to perform the required tasks effectively. The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive grasp of essential skills and expertise pertinent to the role.
Requirements
All mandatory criteria, designated as (A), must be explicitly addressed within your cover letter; failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified.
Based in one of the designated African nations where you possess valid authorization to work, this role requires compliance with local employment regulations.
A master’s degree is a mandatory qualification for this position.
With at least a decade of senior leadership expertise encompassing fundraising, partnerships, business development, international development, or comparable disciplines, you bring substantial experience to the role.
Proven ability to analyze donor trends and revenue potential across Africa, with a strong alignment to WWI’s mission, demonstrated through the annual raising of at least $5 million from a minimum of two distinct donor categories—including corporate donors—for initiatives focused on social impact, particularly women’s empowerment.
Proven expertise in market-driven revenue strategies, social enterprise models, or blended finance frameworks, substantiated by prior professional experience.
Proven expertise in formulating and executing strategic partnerships across Africa, collaborating with regional and global development organizations to deliver measurable results.
With a proven track record in directing multi-country initiatives across Africa, the role demands expertise in strategic planning, budget administration, revenue projection, cross-functional team leadership, financial documentation, and coordination with a centralized global office.
Engagement in networks and strategic forums dedicated to women’s rights and economic empowerment is essential.
Demonstrated success in securing substantial financial support from philanthropists, corporate entities, foundations, academic institutions, or strategic collaborators across Africa or similar environments.
Proficient knowledge of African philanthropic ecosystems, corporate social responsibility trends, diaspora giving initiatives, and institutional funding mechanisms is required.
Proven track record in formulating and executing multi-year strategies that drive measurable growth targets.
Exceptional proficiency in guiding, mentoring, and empowering teams, fostering both individual and collective growth through strategic leadership and targeted development initiatives.
Consistently demonstrates exceptional aptitude in fostering strong connections, navigating complex negotiations, and representing the organization externally with professionalism and finesse.
Fluent written and spoken English is essential. Proficiency in additional African languages would be considered beneficial.
Demonstrates unwavering dedication to advancing women’s rights, fostering gender equality, and upholding the highest standards of ethical fundraising.
Capable of undertaking travel assignments both within the region and internationally as business needs dictate.
Comprehensive benefits are offered, including health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan with company matching contributions, paid time off, and flexible work arrangements. Eligible employees also receive professional development opportunities, wellness programs, and various employee discounts. Additional perks may include life insurance, disability coverage, and tuition reimbursement, depending on the role and tenure.
A competitive salary package is provided, adjusted for location and reflective of both local market conditions and individual experience.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
10 years
