Programme Lead

About you

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in senior programme leadership roles within complex, multi-partner or consortium-based development programmes, preferably in agriculture, livelihoods, or market systems with a focus on systemic change and inclusive impact.

As an astute leader, you will be inept at managing multi-disciplinary teams within complex and diverse environments, ensuring successful delivery across multiple sectors and partners. You will have a proven track record of delivering projects on time and on budget, applying project management tools and processes including risk management, benefits realization, financial management, and quality assurance.

You will have demonstrable experience working in a donor funded environment, overseeing donor contracting, grant oversight, budget management and compliance with a solid understanding of donor compliance and reporting requirements.

Prior experience engaging with government institutions, private sector entities, and donor agencies, including work on multi-state or national-level programmes integrating youth, gender, and climate resilience dimensions.to influence policy and systemic transformation is essential. Master’s degree in agriculture, Agribusiness, Development Studies, Economics, Management, or related field. Certification or postgraduate training in Project or Programme Management is desirable.

• Deliver strategic leadership in the design, evolution, and implementation of the programme in line with GAIN’s organisational strategy, country priorities, and donor expectations.
  
• Define and drive the programme’s strategic scope, objectives, and delivery model, ensuring alignment with GAIN programme frameworks and portfolio priorities.
  
• Identify strategic risks, opportunities, and innovations to strengthen programme impact, scalability, and sustainability.
  
• Provide oversight and strategic leadership to zonal coordination teams and partner organizations, ensuring harmonized delivery
  
• Oversee project implementation and provide strategic consultation and guidance.
  
• Lead risk management, safeguarding and environmental compliance, developing robust contingency plans and ensuring integration across all partners and field operations.
  
• Serve as the primary GAIN representative within the programme consortium, fostering collaboration with the implementing partners, government agencies, and state-level stakeholders to ensure strategic alignment and shared ownership of results.
  
• Oversee external partner engagement across programme design, implementation, and review processes working closing with GAIN’s technical teams
  
• Lead and inspire a high-performing, cross-functional programme team aligning technical experts, project coordinators, and operational staff