Programme Director at Sightsavers

Sightsavers is an international organisation that changes lives for the long term. We work in more than 30 countries to eliminate avoidable blindness and support people with visual impairments to live independently.

We do what we do because 80 per cent of blindness in the world is avoidable, and we think that’s astoundingly unfair.

We do it because people with disabilities deserve the same opportunities as everyone else.Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Programme Director to lead a transformative economic empowerment programme across Africa.
This programme aims to advance inclusive development and empower young people with disabilities, with a strong focus on young women.
By creating access to dignified and meaningful employment, the programme will dismantle historical barriers and promote economic opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Responsibilities
As the Programme Director, you will:

Provide strategic oversight and leadership for the programme, ensuring alignment with the donor’s vision and goals.
Develop and implement long-term strategic plans, annual work plans, budgets, risk assessments, and results frameworks.
Oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of programme activities across multiple countries and regions.
Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with donors, partners, financial institutions, community leaders, civil society organisations, and private sector partners.
Ensure technical delivery of economic empowerment interventions, including skills development, entrepreneurship, microfinance, financial literacy, vocational training, and market access.
Establish and oversee robust systems for monitoring, evaluation, learning, and reporting.
Lead on programme budgets, forecasts, and financial reports in collaboration with the Programme Manager and Programme Finance Manager.
Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations in all operational contexts.
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with government agencies, the broader programme team, donor and client organisations, and others.
Mentor, coach, and support programme staff and local implementing partners to build capacity and foster a culture of learning and innovation.

Skills and Experience
We are looking for candidates with the following skills and experiences:

Significant experience in international development and managing large-scale, donor-funded programmes, including budgeting, compliance, and reporting.
Experience in implementing labour systems strengthening programs and/or policy reform.
Previous experience working with a wide range of donor organisations.
Demonstrated capacity to operate within the international development community and function in a programme director or project leadership position, preferably with a focus on disability inclusion and/or economic empowerment.
Proven ability to navigate complex partner dynamics, mediate differing priorities, and build consensus across organisations.
Strong understanding of disability inclusion and gender equality principles.
Excellent organisational, analytical, and IT skills.
Ability to work collaboratively and build stakeholder consensus.
Commitment to equality of opportunity for people with disabilities.

Salary
Local terms and conditions apply.