Job Title: Head of Programs
Job Type: Remote
Position Summary:
At PAWEN (Pan African Women Empowerment Network), we are committed to empowering African
women through leadership development, economic opportunity, and skills training. The Head of Programs is a strategic leadership role, critical to amplifying PAWEN’s mission and expanding our
impact across Africa.
This role requires a dynamic, results-driven professional who will lead the end-to-end delivery, growth, and excellence of our leadership development initiatives. In addition to program management, the Head of Programs will drive participant engagement, scale program reach, strengthen strategic partnerships, and act as a visible ambassador for PAWEN’s values and vision.
The ideal candidate combines operational expertise with strategic thinking, is energized by meaningful
connection, and is passionate about equipping African women to lead at every level.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Program Management and Execution:
- Lead the full cycle of program planning, delivery, evaluation, and refinement for all
leadership development initiatives. - Develop and maintain program calendars, timelines, and deliverables aligned with
organizational goals. - Ensure operational excellence through effective resource management, coordination, and
continuous program improvement. - Manage Program managers for respective programs
2. Program Growth and Strategic Partnerships
- Expand the reach, scale, and visibility of PAWEN’s programs across Africa.
- Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and collaborations that enhance
program offerings and sustainability. - Develop strategies to increase participant enrolment and deepen engagement.
3. Session Moderation and Facilitation
- Act as the lead host and moderator for all program sessions, ensuring sessions are dynamic, inclusive, and deliver tangible value.
- Prepare facilitator’s guides, support guest speakers, and create an environment of high energy and authentic connection.
4. Communications Oversight
- Supervise program-related communications across all platforms, including social media, newsletters, and stakeholder updates.
- Work with the Communications team to ensure consistent messaging, timely updates, and compelling storytelling aligned with program milestones.
5. Stakeholder Relations and Engagement
- Serve as a key liaison between PAWEN, program participants, partners, alumni, and other
stakeholders. - Build strong relationships, respond to inquiries, and maintain a high standard of professional
engagement and responsiveness. - Develop and maintain feedback loops to capture stakeholder insights and enhance program effectiveness.
6. Executive Leadership Support
- Provide regular reporting and insights to the Executive Director on program performance, challenges, and opportunities.
- Represent and deputize for the Executive Director at internal and external meetings as
needed. - Contribute to strategic planning processes and organizational decision-making.
KPIs (Key Performance Indices):
1. Program Impact and Growth
- Increase in the number of program participants year-over-year (target % growth to be
defined annually). - Expansion into new countries or regions across Africa.
- Number of new strategic partnerships or sponsorships secured annually.
2. Operational Excellence
- On-time delivery of programs according to established timelines and quality standards.
- Participant satisfaction ratings (targeting >90% positive feedback across core satisfaction
metrics).
• Efficiency in resource utilization and program budget adherence.
3. Engagement and Communications
- Responsiveness, insights and conversions from communication activities
- Number of community touchpoints hosted per quarter.
4. Stakeholder Management
- Percentage of program alumni and stakeholders actively engaged in organizational activities (e.g., volunteering, mentoring, advisory support).
- Number and value of donations or in-kind contributions secured from program alumni, partners, and broader stakeholders annually.
- Number of stakeholders participating in advisory, speaking, or leadership roles within PAWEN programs.
- Growth in stakeholder-driven initiatives or collaborations year-over-year.
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:
- Minimum 4 years’ experience in program management, leadership development, nonprofit
management, or related fields. - Demonstrated experience growing programs or initiatives at a regional or continental scale.
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with a confident, engaging facilitation
style. - Proven ability to build and manage partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strong organizational and operational skills; adept at managing multiple priorities.
- A strategic mindset with a strong execution orientation.
- Deep passion for women’s empowerment and social impact in Africa.
