Africa Forward is a groundbreaking initiative co-created by members of the African Chapters of Catalyst 2030 to rapidly accelerate actions that place African challenges at the heart of collaborative, partnership-driven opportunities. Africa Forward’s objective is to support the next cohort of social entrepreneurs as they collaborate on innovative pathways and solutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on the continent.
Our goal is to achieve strategic shifts focusing on four pillars, evolving social enterprise and entrepreneurial ecosystems to create strong, supportive, and collaborative social impact. Its strategic shifts include four critical pillars: (1) Narrative Shift, (2) Ecosystem Development, (3) Funding, (4) Job Creation and Youth
We are looking for a Programme Director, preferably of African origin, with wide leadership experience, and strong understanding of social, economic and political dynamics in Africa.
Key responsibilities
The core responsibilities of the Africa Forward programme Director will include the following:
1) Campaign Strategy and Action Plan:
- Develop and articulate a compelling vision and strategic plan for the African Forward campaign, aligning it with the organisation’s broader mission and action plan
2) Strategic Leadership
- Operationalize Africa Forward Strategy ensuring that members understand how to
engage through the pillars - Provide visionary leadership and guidance to ensure alignment with the day-to-day
operations of mission, objectives, and values. - Design operational framework: Register Africa Forward, Oversee the design of the
campaign and how it fits into Catalyst 2030 - Launch campaign in a key region with a president and key stakeholders before agreed
dates
3) Fundraising
- Lead fundraising efforts, including identifying potential donors, evaluating proposals, and monitoring project progress.
- Collaborate with the Catalyst 2030 fundraising team to secure resources and partnerships for African initiatives.
4) Advocacy and Policy Influence:
- Advocate for policy changes and reforms that align with the mission and benefit African chapters
- Engage with policymakers and influencers to promote positive change.
5) Programme Development and Management:
- Identify, design, and implement innovative programmes and initiatives that address pressing issues in the context, with a focus on 4 pillars
- Oversee the effective execution of programmes, ensuring impact measurement and continuous improvement.
6) Stakeholder Engagement:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Chairs, local
governments, donors, community leaders, and eco-system partners. - Represent Africa Forward at relevant conferences, meetings, and events in the region.
7) Team Management:
- Mentor, and manage a high-performing team of professionals dedicated to the
campaign - Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity and
innovation.
8) Reporting and Impact Assessment:
- Prepare regular reports and updates on the progress and impact of initiatives internal and external stakeholders.
- Ensure transparency and accountability in all activities.
9) Collaboration and Networking:
- Collaborate with other organizations, institutions, and leaders in Africa to maximize the campaign’s reach and effectiveness.
10) Community Engagement:
- Engage with African communities to ensure that the campaign’s efforts are driven
by the needs and aspirations of the people it aims to serve.
Qualifications and experience
15+ years of experience in leadership roles related to campaign management, fundraising, systems change, or community development.
- Strong understanding of social, economic, and political dynamics in Africa.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural and diverse environment.
- Proficiency in either French, Swahili or any major African language, and fluency in English
- Passion for the mission and a commitment to driving positive change in Africa.
Job location
This position is remote and can be carried out from any region in Africa.
How to apply
Catalyst2030 is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
To apply for the position of Programme Director for the Africa Forward Initiative, please submit your CV, references, compensation expectations, and cover letter in English, detailing your qualifications and vision for the role in PDF format to recruitment@catalyst2030.net. With the email subject line “Africa Forward Programme Director”. The deadline for applications is Feb 16 2024. Your leadership can make a significant impact on the continent’s development journey.