Purpose
The Regional Director for Africa holds primary accountability for expanding Women for Women International’s financial growth, partnership development, and strategic impact throughout the African continent. In this capacity, the role involves providing direct oversight, operational coordination, and leadership guidance to Country Directors across the region.
The position enhances WWI’s unified approach by aligning country strategy, program execution, operations, and revenue generation more effectively across the continent. The Regional Director, Africa implements a multi-year regional strategy that integrates philanthropic support, institutional grants, corporate collaborations, diaspora contributions, high-net-worth donations, and carefully selected earned-income or investment-oriented opportunities.
The Regional Director, Africa is tasked not only with driving regional revenue growth but also with providing strong leadership to mentor and oversee Country Directors, fostering collaboration across countries, and reinforcing strategic planning and performance standards. Additionally, this role ensures early identification and management of both opportunities and risks, working closely with Programs, Operations, Finance, Risk, Compliance, and Communications to maintain alignment and execution excellence.
This position serves as WWI’s key external representative for regional partnerships and market development across Africa, representing the region on the Global Revenue Team and other pertinent global forums.
We seek a dynamic professional to drive meaningful connections and foster vibrant interactions within our community. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in cultivating engagement through innovative strategies and interpersonal skills. Responsibilities include designing and implementing programs that enhance participation and loyalty among members or customers. A strong understanding of audience behavior and motivational techniques is essential. Additionally, the role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to align engagement initiatives with organizational goals. Excellent communication and analytical abilities are critical to measuring impact and refining approaches for maximum effectiveness.
As the primary external representative of Women for Women International (WWI) across Africa, engage with regional donors, corporate entities, philanthropic networks, intergovernmental organizations, and strategic partners to advance the organization’s mission and amplify its impact.
Devote significant effort to cultivating external relationships, with a focus on securing financial support, fostering strategic partnerships, and enhancing WWI’s visibility across regional networks.
Work collaboratively with Country Directors and colleagues across global teams to align and execute integrated regional planning seamlessly.
Maintain consistent communication with the CEO, CPP, COO, and other key leadership stakeholders to address regional priorities, risks, performance metrics, and necessary support.
Develop and nurture robust connections with African philanthropic, corporate, institutional, and diaspora networks to establish WWI as a trusted and influential regional partner.
Key duties encompass overseeing daily operations, ensuring adherence to established protocols, and maintaining high standards of service delivery across all assigned functions. This entails managing workflow efficiency, coordinating team efforts, and resolving operational challenges promptly to uphold productivity and quality benchmarks. Additionally, the role demands active participation in strategic planning, performance analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives to align activities with organizational objectives.
Efficiently manages the transportation and distribution of goods to designated locations. Ensures timely and accurate delivery of packages while maintaining proper handling and storage procedures. Monitors shipment status, resolves delivery discrepancies, and provides updates to customers as needed. Follows safety and compliance protocols to mitigate risks during transit. Collaborates with warehouse staff to load and unload materials efficiently. Maintains accurate logs of delivery activities and reports any delays or issues to supervisors. Requires a valid driver’s license and clean driving record, along with the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and operate delivery vehicles safely. Prior delivery or logistics experience is preferred but not mandatory.
The Strategy and Planning team is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive strategies to drive organizational growth and achieve long-term objectives. This role involves analyzing market trends, assessing competitive landscapes, and identifying opportunities to enhance business performance. Key responsibilities include formulating strategic plans, setting measurable goals, and aligning resources to support key initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Proficiency in data analysis tools and experience in strategic planning are essential requirements for this position.
Spearhead the creation and implementation of an extensive Africa regional strategy, ensuring alignment with the Global Revenue Strategy and tailored to individual country contexts.
Develop a strategic regional plan by translating global priorities into actionable initiatives, aligning market opportunities with country-specific strategies, program capabilities, and operational preparedness.
Set annual objectives, performance benchmarks, and evaluation frameworks to oversee regional revenue outcomes and facilitate alignment among Country Director leadership.
Drive Africa’s contribution to WWI’s overall revenue goals in a manner that balances strategic impact with practical execution, operational risk mitigation, and alignment with local country conditions.
We seek a dynamic professional to spearhead revenue growth initiatives, cultivate strategic partnerships, and drive market expansion efforts. The ideal candidate will be responsible for identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities, negotiating and managing high-value partnerships, and expanding market reach to enhance brand visibility and profitability. Strong analytical skills, exceptional relationship-building abilities, and a proven track record in business development are essential for success in this role.
Devise and implement a multi-year revenue strategy for Africa, encompassing philanthropy, corporate partnerships, institutional funding, diaspora contributions, and targeted earned-income ventures.
Develop and oversee a robust regional donor and partner pipeline, emphasizing African philanthropy, corporate CSR initiatives, regional institutions, development finance institutions, and diaspora networks.
Leverage strategic insights to develop and nurture lucrative prospects involving African high-net-worth individuals, family foundations, regional corporates, and pan-African institutions.
Leverage strategic initiatives to enhance and broaden revenue streams across Africa, fostering greater resilience and reducing reliance on conventional supporter markets within the region.
Champion WWI’s program offerings and value proposition across the region, delivering clear, consistent messaging to donors, partners, and external stakeholders to reinforce impact and strategic alignment.
Maintain rigorous stewardship, reporting, and donor engagement standards consistently across all regional partnerships and revenue streams.
We forge and maintain strategic alliances with institutions and regions to drive collaborative growth and opportunity. This role requires identifying and cultivating partnerships that align with organizational goals, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes through open communication and negotiation. Additionally, you will oversee the development of robust regional initiatives, monitor partnership performance, and provide regular progress reports to stakeholders. Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills are essential, as is the ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics and foster trust across diverse stakeholders.
Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of institutional collaborations with African development banks, regional organizations, bilateral donors, and multi-country donor platforms.
Facilitate or assist in collaborative initiatives with regional and domestic stakeholders to enhance competitiveness, improve the quality of partnerships, and bolster credibility in localized contexts.
Ensure proposals and partnership models adhere to WWI standards, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and the operational realities of country-level delivery.
Develop and nurture partnerships with key institutions including the African Development Bank, the African Union system, regional economic communities, and relevant United Nations agencies and regional platforms.
Earned income and innovation are pivotal to driving sustainable growth and fostering creative problem-solving within the organization. This role requires a strong foundation in financial acumen, with a focus on maximizing revenue streams and identifying new opportunities for monetization. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in revenue generation strategies, market analysis, and the ability to implement innovative solutions that enhance profitability. Additionally, the position demands proficiency in data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and a keen understanding of industry trends to ensure long-term success.
Explore and expand earned-income or market-driven initiatives that align with WWI’s mission, such as Village Savings and Loan Associations (SLAs), market systems, curriculum or training products, digital solutions, and other relevant models.
Collaborate with country teams to evaluate, test, and expand revenue-generating strategies that demonstrate robust unit economics and operational viability.
Establish strategic collaborations with private sector entities, fintechs, agribusinesses, and market-linkage platforms across Africa to bolster WWI’s strategic objectives and enhance women’s economic empowerment outcomes.
As the Country Director, you will lead and coordinate all aspects of our operations within the country, ensuring alignment with organizational strategies and goals. You will oversee a diverse team, fostering collaboration and driving performance to achieve impactful results. Responsibilities include developing and implementing country-specific strategies, managing budgets, and cultivating key stakeholder relationships. Additionally, you will monitor progress, analyze performance metrics, and report to senior leadership to ensure transparency and accountability. The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and exceptional communication skills, along with a proven track record in managing complex initiatives.
Oversee the leadership and operational activities of Country Directors across the African region, ensuring their performance aligns with organizational expectations while fostering accountability and facilitating opportunities for professional growth.
Deliver tailored coaching, mentoring, and strategic support to Country Directors, with a focus on enhancing leadership capabilities, refining planning processes, advancing fundraising initiatives, fostering partnership development, and strengthening cross-functional collaboration.
Foster enhanced collaboration and the exchange of best practices among African country offices while advancing a more cohesive regional strategy.
Proactively identify and communicate critical country-specific risks, dependencies, and support requirements to the appropriate global teams to facilitate timely resolution.
Collaborate to ensure that country strategies are harmonized with regional prospects, organizational objectives, and resource availability.
Play a pivotal role in advancing performance management, succession planning, and leadership development initiatives across the Africa region, in collaboration with the PCC team.
Cross-functional integration involves collaborating across various departments and teams to ensure cohesive project execution and alignment with organizational goals. This role requires effective communication and coordination with stakeholders from different functional areas to streamline processes and enhance overall efficiency. Key responsibilities include identifying synergies between teams, resolving interdepartmental conflicts, and fostering a collaborative environment to drive innovation and achieve shared objectives. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence without direct authority are essential for success in this position.
Collaborate effectively with the Chief People and Performance Officer (CPP) and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) to ensure regional revenue goals are in harmony with program quality, delivery feasibility, staffing requirements, regulatory compliance, operational preparedness, and financial governance.
Collaborate effectively with Finance, PCC, IT, Risk, Compliance, and Communications teams to ensure robust country and regional implementation.
Deliver disciplined forecasting, strategic planning, and performance evaluation processes throughout the region.
Facilitate enhanced collaboration between country teams and global functions by implementing practical and effective working methods.
Our role encompasses the strategic oversight of governance frameworks, the proactive management of organizational risks, and the responsible stewardship of resources to ensure sustainable performance and compliance with regulatory standards. Key responsibilities include establishing robust governance policies, identifying and mitigating potential risks, and overseeing the ethical and efficient allocation of assets. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of risk management principles, and the ability to develop and implement governance strategies. Additionally, experience with regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven decision-making is essential for success in this position.
Uphold stringent safeguarding protocols, ensure adherence to donor regulations, maintain financial transparency, and manage ethical partnerships with excellence throughout the region.
Conduct regional evaluations and elevate risk concerns associated with markets, partnerships, funding, operations, and delivery.
Facilitate clear and consistent communication with global leadership regarding emerging challenges, the measures taken to address them, and the necessary assistance required.
Showcase responsible management of donor contributions, collaborations, and organizational standing by making well-considered decisions, maintaining transparent accountability, and appropriately elevating concerns when necessary.
We champion representation and cultivate thought leadership to drive meaningful impact in our field. This involves advancing diverse perspectives, spearheading innovative initiatives, and establishing ourselves as a trusted voice in industry discussions. Through strategic engagement and forward-thinking approaches, we aim to shape the future of our sector while inspiring progress and fostering an environment of continuous learning and collaboration. Our commitment to these principles ensures we remain at the forefront of meaningful change.
Position Women for Women International (WWI) as a leading and authoritative advocate for women’s economic empowerment, gender parity, financial inclusion, and market-driven solutions throughout Africa.
Represent Women for Women International (WWI) in regional policy discussions, donor gatherings, philanthropic alliances, corporate engagements, and strategic collaborations.
Forge strategic partnerships with international NGOs, local nonprofit organizations, private sector entities, and academic research institutions to enhance WWI’s regional influence and effectiveness.
Facilitate enhanced visibility, cultivate thought leadership, and execute strategic communications in collaboration with pertinent global teams.
Leads and cultivates high-performing teams while fostering a dynamic, inclusive workplace culture that aligns with organizational values and drives employee engagement.
Develop and guide a high-achieving regional team across Africa, establishing clear objectives, ensuring accountability, and fostering professional advancement.
Develop and nurture a high-performance culture rooted in collaboration, continuous learning, and rigorous, disciplined execution.
Foster a clear understanding among country and regional staff regarding the impact of their roles on achieving regional objectives and advancing the overarching goals of the global organization.
Foster inclusive leadership and cultivate robust cross-functional relationships throughout the Africa region and beyond.
Overseeing additional duties, managing various administrative tasks, and ensuring seamless operational continuity are integral aspects of this role. Additionally, the position requires maintaining precise records, coordinating interdepartmental communications, and addressing any unforeseen challenges that may arise.
Execute supplementary tasks and responsibilities as directed by the International Chief Executive Officer, as and when necessary.
Adhere to WWI’s Code of Conduct, Safeguarding policies, and organizational principles of Empowerment, Integrity, Respect, and Resilience.
Exhibit leadership qualities aligned with WWI’s core principles: decisive action, ownership of outcomes, courage in decision-making, adaptability to changing circumstances, and fostering an inclusive environment.
We seek a candidate with a robust understanding of specialized skills, in-depth knowledge, and proven expertise in relevant areas to drive operational success. The ideal professional will demonstrate proficiency in key competencies, ensuring alignment with organizational goals while contributing to strategic initiatives. Strong analytical abilities, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning are essential to excel in this dynamic environment.
Requirements
All mandatory requirements marked with (A) in the Application section must be explicitly addressed in your cover letter; failure to do so will result in the application being rejected.
Situated in an African nation where the candidate possesses the legal authorization to work, the position requires compliance with local employment regulations.
A master’s degree is a prerequisite for this position.
With at least a decade of progressive senior leadership experience in fundraising, partnerships, business development, international development, or closely related domains, candidates must demonstrate a proven track record of success in these areas.
Demonstrated expertise in analyzing and communicating donor trends and revenue prospects across Africa, with a strong focus on aligning these insights with WWI’s mission. Proven success in securing at least $5 million annually from a minimum of two distinct donor categories, including corporate donors, to advance social impact initiatives, specifically those empowering women.
Demonstrated expertise in market-driven revenue models, social enterprise frameworks, or blended finance methodologies, substantiated by prior professional experience.
Proven expertise in developing and executing strategic partnerships across Africa, collaborating with regional and global development organizations to achieve tangible results.
Proven expertise in directing multi-country initiatives across Africa, encompassing strategic planning, budgetary oversight, revenue projections, team leadership, financial reporting, and coordination with a global headquarters.
Engagement in networks and strategic forums dedicated to advancing women’s rights and economic empowerment is required.
Demonstrated success in securing substantial financial contributions from philanthropists, corporate entities, foundations, institutions, or strategic partners across Africa or similar regions.
Demonstrates a comprehensive grasp of African philanthropic ecosystems, emerging corporate CSR trends, diaspora giving patterns, and the institutional funding landscape.
Proven track record in formulating and executing multi-year strategies that yield measurable growth outcomes.
Exceptional proficiency in guiding, mentoring, and cultivating high-performing teams through impactful leadership and talent development strategies is essential.
Strong interpersonal abilities, adept negotiation tactics, and a proven capacity for representing the organization externally.
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential, with proficiency in additional African languages considered a valuable asset.
Demonstrates a strong dedication to advancing women’s rights, fostering gender equality, and upholding ethical standards in fundraising practices.
Demonstrates flexibility to undertake domestic and global travel as necessary to fulfill role obligations.
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both personal and professional well-being. Employees will enjoy competitive health insurance options, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as access to a robust retirement savings plan with company matching contributions. Additionally, the role includes generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays, along with flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance. Professional development opportunities, such as tuition reimbursement and training programs, are also provided to foster continuous growth. Other perks may include employee wellness initiatives, discounts on company products or services, and potential bonuses or performance incentives.
We provide a highly competitive salary package that is adjusted for location, reflecting both local market conditions and the candidate’s level of experience.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
10 years
