The Position
The Specialist – Program Governance is tasked with facilitating the seamless coordination, accurate documentation, and successful execution of YE FFA’s governance framework. This encompasses the oversight and management of key governance bodies, including the Program Steering Group (PSG), Strategic Advisory Group (SAG), and Coordination & Collaboration Committee (CCC). The position ensures rigorous oversight and efficient logistical handling of governance processes, guaranteeing alignment among strategic decisions, operational execution, and institutional accountability across AGRA’s 10 YE FFA countries.
The successful candidate will function as the central governance pillar for the YE FFA Portfolio Management Hub (PMH), guaranteeing that decision-making frameworks are thoroughly documented, action items are systematically monitored, and feedback mechanisms between oversight and execution teams operate seamlessly. This individual will oversee governance schedules, facilitate executive-level meetings, draft preparatory materials, and monitor the execution of approved resolutions. The position is instrumental in reinforcing AGRA’s integrity and alignment with the Mastercard Foundation and other key stakeholders by ensuring all governance-related interactions are prompt, transparent, and outcome-focused.
Oversee and execute a comprehensive range of essential duties and responsibilities, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational standards. Lead key initiatives, manage cross-functional projects, and maintain high performance across critical functions. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth while upholding accountability and adherence to best practices.
Governance Coordination and Documentation involves overseeing the development, implementation, and maintenance of governance frameworks, policies, and procedures to ensure organizational compliance and alignment with regulatory standards. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to facilitate seamless governance processes. Responsibilities include managing documentation, coordinating governance-related initiatives, and ensuring adherence to established policies while supporting senior leadership in strategic decision-making.
Offer executive-level administrative assistance to governance entities within YE FFA, including its boards and committees.
Plan and oversee governance calendars, ensuring the scheduling, logistics, and coordination of meetings for PSG, SAG, and CCC.
Prepare and distribute agendas, summaries, and supporting documents to participants prior to meetings.
Compile, summarize, and disseminate meeting minutes, action items, and progress trackers to ensure clear accountability and follow-through.
Collaborate with the Director of Gender, Youth, and Inclusiveness to harmonize governance decisions with organizational policies, donor mandates, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Tracks decisions and ensures alignment across teams and stakeholders throughout the organization. Establishes clear processes for documenting, disseminating, and implementing decisions to maintain consistency and accountability. Collaborates with leadership to review and refine decision-making frameworks, ensuring they support strategic objectives. Monitors progress on decision execution and identifies gaps or obstacles, proposing corrective actions as needed. Serves as a liaison between teams to resolve conflicts arising from differing interpretations of decisions. Reports on decision outcomes and their impact on business goals to senior management.
Maintain a centralized governance decision log and ensure the systematic tracking of action items through to their completion.
Track the advancement of resolutions and recommendations to verify alignment with strategic objectives and operational priorities.
Analyze process inefficiencies, flag potential risks, and facilitate prompt resolutions in collaboration with key leadership stakeholders.
Prepare comprehensive, recurring governance performance reports and strategic insights, including monthly updates, for presentation to senior leadership.
Maintain the organized preservation of governance records within AGRA’s knowledge repository.
Fostering strong relationships and seamless collaboration with stakeholders is a key responsibility, requiring effective coordination to align interests and achieve shared objectives. This role demands meticulous attention to communication, proactive engagement, and the ability to bridge diverse perspectives to ensure cohesive progress and mutual understanding.
Act as the primary liaison for governance stakeholders such as PSG, SAG, CCC, AGRA leadership, and external partners to ensure cohesive collaboration and alignment.
Ensure seamless stakeholder engagement and communication are maintained both prior to and following governance meetings.
Collaborate with diverse teams to compile and present integrated perspectives for governance meetings, thereby maintaining consistency with institutional objectives.
Facilitate governance-focused engagements, including educational initiatives, executive evaluations, and collaborative discussions with key partners.
Guarantee that all governance-related communications adhere to established brand guidelines and regulatory compliance requirements.
Designs, implements, and maintains governance frameworks and reporting mechanisms to ensure compliance, transparency, and accountability across organizational operations. Establishes metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), and data collection processes to monitor governance effectiveness and track progress against strategic objectives. Develops and distributes comprehensive reports that provide stakeholders with actionable insights, performance evaluations, and regulatory updates. Collaborates with leadership, departments, and external auditors to align governance practices with industry standards and legal requirements. Identifies risks, evaluates control gaps, and recommends enhancements to strengthen governance structures and reporting accuracy.
Develop and maintain governance systems by creating and managing tracking tools, dashboards, templates, and reporting frameworks.
Enhancing governance structures, strengthening risk management protocols, and reinforcing accountability frameworks are key responsibilities of this role.
Prepare governance reports and briefing documents for management and partners, ensuring they are delivered promptly.
Coordinate and facilitate critical governance events, such as the Annual YE FFA Learning Summit and portfolio reviews, to ensure seamless execution and alignment with organizational objectives.
Dynamic and highly motivated professional with a proven track record in [industry/sector-specific experience, if applicable], seeking to leverage [X years] of relevant expertise to drive impactful results. Demonstrated proficiency in [specific skills or tools required for the role, e.g., project management, data analysis, or software proficiency], coupled with a strong ability to [key responsibility, e.g., lead cross-functional teams, optimize operational efficiency, or deliver strategic solutions]. Exceptional problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset are essential to thrive in this fast-paced environment. A minimum of [X years] of hands-on experience in [specific field or role] is mandatory, along with [any certifications, degrees, or specialized training required]. Familiarity with [industry standards, regulations, or methodologies] is highly advantageous, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and industry best practices.
A Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, International Development, Project Management, Political Science, or a closely related discipline is required.
Certification in Project Management Professional (PMP) or Governance and Compliance is advantageous.
With a minimum of ten years of experience in program governance, coordination, or administration within international development organizations or donor-funded initiatives, candidates should demonstrate a strong background in these areas.
Proven track record in overseeing multi-stakeholder governance frameworks, program steering committees, or advisory boards.
Demonstrates a strong track record of documenting decisions meticulously, ensuring precise record-keeping, and upholding governance standards within intricate operational frameworks.
Professional experience collaborating with donor-funded organizations, including the Mastercard Foundation, World Bank, or bilateral agencies, is required.
Skilled in coordinating tasks effectively, communicating clearly, and maintaining strong organizational abilities to manage multiple priorities with efficiency and precision.
High-level proficiency is required in Microsoft Office applications, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as digital collaboration tools, including Teams and SharePoint.
Exhibits a comprehensive grasp of governance frameworks, decision-making mechanisms, and policy monitoring systems.
Proficient in orchestrating, coordinating, and overseeing cross-functional initiatives with meticulous planning and strategic scheduling to ensure seamless collaboration and execution.
Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in writing, synthesizing complex information, and conveying ideas clearly in high-level reports and briefs.
Proven capability to develop structured systems for monitoring progress and preserving institutional knowledge.
Proven expertise in governance frameworks specific to agricultural initiatives and youth employment programs across African contexts.
If you meet the qualifications for this role, kindly forward your application along with a comprehensive CV—including your email and telephone contact details—to recruit@agra.org. Ensure the subject line of your email includes the job reference number SPG/GYM/05/2026.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
10 years
