Exciting Leadership Opportunity: Head of Programs at LOPTERRA

Are you a strategic, impact-driven leader with a passion for development and social change? LOPTERRA is seeking a highly qualified Head of Programs to direct and scale their impact across the African continent. This senior role offers a unique opportunity to shape organizational strategy, mentor a dedicated team of professionals, and build valuable partnerships with international donors and stakeholders.

About LOPTERRA

Lopterra is a premier Human Capital Resource company dedicated to investing in skilled professionals who deliver top-tier specialist services. Recognized for excellence in training, consulting, and development, Lopterra is committed to fostering strong, trustworthy relationships with clients, candidates, and colleagues. The team is driven by a singular focus: to remain among Africa's top human capital organizations, positively influencing clients' bottom lines and transforming lives across the region.

About the Role

The Head of Programs will play a critical role in providing strategic oversight for the organization’s program portfolio. This role is designed for a visionary leader who will ensure high-quality program implementation, measurable impact, and absolute alignment with LOPTERRA's mission and strategic priorities. If you are an experienced professional with deep expertise in program design, execution, and organizational strategy within the nonprofit or development sector, this is the perfect career milestone for you.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will take on a wide range of strategic duties, including:

Strategic Leadership: Provide overarching leadership and oversight for the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of organizational programs.
Strategy Development: Lead the creation and execution of comprehensive program strategies, annual work plans, and operational priorities.
Quality & Compliance: Ensure all programs meet high standards of quality, compliance, and impact through rigorous monitoring, evaluation, learning (MEL), and reporting processes.
Team Mentorship: Supervise, guide, and mentor program teams, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and innovative work culture.
Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong partnerships with donors, government agencies, development partners, and key community stakeholders.
Risk & Funding Management: Identify strategic funding opportunities, manage operational and program risks, and enhance cross-functional collaboration.

Requirements and Qualifications

To be considered for this high-impact position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Education: A PhD or Master’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Gender Studies, Development Studies, Economics, or a closely related field.
Experience: 7–9 years of progressive leadership experience in program management and implementation within nonprofit, development, or social impact organizations.
Technical Expertise: Proven knowledge of program strategy, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), safeguarding practices, and results-based programming.
Collaboration Skills: Demonstrated history of leading multi-sectoral programs, managing cross-functional teams, and securing donor engagement through strategic proposal development.
Core Competencies: Exceptional leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, combined with a proactive, mission-driven mindset.

In alignment with LOPTERRA's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy, qualified women and candidates from diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.