Role Summary
The Program Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership for LGCF\'s programmes, overseeing the design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and quality delivery of projects aligned with the organisation\'s mission and strategic priorities. You will be responsible for translating high-level organizational strategy into actionable project plans, managing cross-functional teams, overseeing program budgets, and maintaining strong relationships with external partners, donors, and key stakeholders.
The Program Manager will also drive organizational growth by leading business development and resource mobilization efforts, identifying funding opportunities, developing competitive grant proposals, and cultivating strategic partnerships with donors, government agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. As a member of the management team, the Program Manager will contribute to organizational planning, strengthen programme impact, and position LGCF as a trusted partner in advancing human rights, access to justice, gender equality, and sustainable development.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Qualifications
Bachelor\'s degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, International Development, Public Policy, Law, Political Science, Project Management, or a related field.
A Master\'s degree in a relevant discipline is highly desirable.
Experience
Minimum of Eight (8) years of progressive experience in programme management within the development, humanitarian, or non-profit sector.
Proven experience managing donor-funded projects throughout the full project lifecycle.
Demonstrated success in developing grant proposals, concept notes, and securing funding from institutional donors, foundations, or development partners.
Experience in programme planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, learning, and reporting.
Experience managing project budgets, work plans, and ensuring donor compliance.
Strong experience supervising and mentoring multidisciplinary teams.
Experience building and managing strategic partnerships with government agencies, civil society organizations, donors, and other stakeholders.
Experience representing an organization at high-level meetings, conferences, and external engagements.
Experience working in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: human rights, access to justice, and gender equality
Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
Strong programme and project management skills.
Excellent business development, fundraising, and resource mobilization skills.
Proven grant and proposal writing skills.
Strong strategic planning and analytical abilities.
Excellent budgeting and financial management skills.
Knowledge of donor regulations and compliance requirements.
Experience with monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) frameworks.
Excellent stakeholder engagement, partnership development, and networking skills.
Strong leadership, team management, coaching, and mentoring abilities.
Outstanding written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Excellent negotiation, relationship management, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
High level of integrity, professionalism, accountability, and sound judgment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and project management or collaboration tools.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Programme Leadership and Project Management
Provide strategic leadership for the planning, design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement of LGCF\'s programmes.
Translate the organization\'s strategic objectives into high-quality, impactful, and results-driven programmes.
Lead the development of annual programme plans, implementation strategies, and operational work plans.
Identify opportunities to strengthen and expand LGCF\'s programme portfolio.
Oversee the full programme lifecycle, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with approved work plans and donor requirements.
Coordinate the implementation of multiple projects across thematic areas.
Monitor programme performance, identify risks, and implement corrective actions where necessary.
Ensure programmes achieve intended outcomes and deliver measurable impact.
Business Development and Resource Mobilization
Identify and pursue funding opportunities from institutional donors, foundations, corporate organizations, government agencies, and development partners.
Lead the development of high-quality concept notes, grant proposals, Expressions of Interest (EOIs), and other funding applications.
Develop and maintain a pipeline of funding opportunities and strategic partnerships.
Support organizational sustainability by contributing to fundraising strategies and programme growth.
Donor and Grant Management
Ensure compliance with donor regulations, grant agreements, and organizational policies.
Coordinate the preparation and timely submission of high-quality donor reports.
Monitor grant implementation against approved work plans, budgets, and performance indicators.
Maintain accurate programme documentation and records for donor and organizational accountability.
Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain strategic relationships with government institutions, donors, civil society organizations, private sector partners, and community stakeholders.
Represent LGCF at meetings, conferences, workshops, and other external engagements.
Foster collaboration and strengthen partnerships that enhance programme impact and organizational visibility.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)
Strengthen programme monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning systems.
Ensure timely collection, analysis, and use of programme data to support evidence-based decision-making.
Monitor programme performance against agreed indicators and targets.
Promote learning, innovation, and continuous improvement across programmes.
Financial and Operational Management
Oversee programme budgets and ensure effective utilization of resources.
Work closely with the Finance team on budgeting, forecasting, financial monitoring, and donor financial reporting.
Ensure programme operations comply with organizational policies, procurement procedures, and financial controls.
Monitor programme risks and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
Organizational Leadership, Team Leadership and Capacity Building
Contribute to LGCF\'s strategic planning, organizational development, and institutional strengthening initiatives.
Promote innovation and continuous improvement in programme design and delivery.
Uphold LGCF\'s mission, values, safeguarding commitments, and Code of Conduct.
Supervise, mentor, and support Programme Officers, Project Staff, consultants, interns, and volunteers.
Foster a high-performance, collaborative, and accountable team culture.
Conduct performance reviews and identify staff learning and development needs.
Promote staff wellbeing, safeguarding, and adherence to organizational values and policies.
Perform any other duties assigned by the Executive Director that are consistent with the responsibilities of the role.
Reporting and Organizational Learning
Prepare high-quality programme reports, briefing notes, presentations, and management updates.
Document lessons learned, best practices, and programme success stories.
Provide regular updates to senior management on programme progress, challenges, and opportunities.
Support organizational planning, reporting, and knowledge management initiatives.