Chief Program Officer (CPO) at Inkomoko

About the Opportunity

• Inkomoko seeks an experienced CPO with background in leading $MM programs in or focused on frontier economies, ideally that host refugees. This is a new position for Inkomoko, and will take over segments of responsibilities previously managed by the current CEO and the COO.  
• The right candidate will significantly elevate the program operations of Inkomoko by setting program vision and priorities, strengthening program services, and building a strong and collaborative organizational and program team culture. 
• Following previous years of program growth and expansion, the CPO has a unique opportunity to accelerate our service offerings into the next phase of Inkomoko’s journey and deliver the highest quality programming for entrepreneurs. The CPO responsibilities will include:

Responsibilities
Strategic Management and Leadership

• Provide strategic oversight and guidance to directors and address issues as they emerge.
• Ensure work plans, project budgets and staffing tables align with local context, donor agreements, and strategic planning.
• Coordinate operations with key HQ staff functions (CFO, COO) and cultivate strong working relationships with and among Country Directors and Program Managers.
• Directly supervise relevant staff, including effective and efficient delegation of duties
• Work with senior leadership on strategic planning, including developing new program ideas and proposals while innovating and streamlining existing systems and approaches;
• Support the CEO as needed in strategy, fundraising, comms, and more.

Program Management and Delivery

• Set-up project management processes to ensure programs are implemented in accordance with contribution agreements, Inkomoko policy, and local regulations.
• Develop other macro-level project plans (e.g. management task lists, implementation plans, strategies, and priorities).
• Regularly monitor program activities to ensure strategies are being implemented in line with established guidance. As needed, run program workshops/SOPs to address inconsistencies.
• Regularly monitor performance benchmarks and activity targets to confirm they are being met or exceeded. Work with managers to make adjustments, as required.
• Ensure appropriate program resource allocation, including staffing and other assets.
• In collaboration with the Director of Development, contribute/prepare donor program reports and proposals, and liaise with donors on project progress and challenges.
• Review project forecasts and end of month financials to ensure expenditures are in line with budget allocations. 
• With the CFO, COO, and CEO, develop budgets, forecasts, and business plans.
• Ensure programs achieve a minimum of 90% budget execution per annum. 

Knowledge Management

• Develop field guides that document program approaches and ensure this resource is shared and used across country offices, and HQ teams.
• Ensure standard operating procedures are in place related to program set-up, management, execution, and closure.
• Work with executive management to Identify opportunities for Country Offices to collaborate on problem-solving, including sharing successes and challenges.
• Work with relevant People & Culture and Finance team members to review policies and procedures related to program implementation, and update as needed;
• Stay up to date on related research published within the industry and conduct staff learning exercises as maybe required.
• Ensure all archiving of program documentation in accordance with Inkomoko policies and practices (ongoing).

Leadership and Team Development

• Promote and foster a culture of professional growth of a highly-qualified team of program staff through effective feedback, succession planning, coaching, and professional development in alignment with Inkomoko’s values and belief in inclusion; contribute to growth of the team to support scale.
• Conceptualizes and analyzes problems and solutions in a constructive, collaborative manner. This leader’s ability to leverage the expertise of the staff and hone the organizational systems and processes will be key to success. 
• Provide strategic leadership to the program & ME&L teams. Set goals, develop strategies, and ensure the strategies are executed effectively.
• Establish a rhythm of frequent and highly proactively communication with the senior leadership to facilitate seamless operations and effective thought leadership; articulate concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Foster a culture of transparency and accountability in the program team and across Inkomoko.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect in which team members thrive, grow, and strive to achieve excellence.
• Promote accountability, regularly communicate expectations, and provide clear and constructive feedback via regular, and timely performance reviews.
• Mentor program leads on leadership skills as needed (planning, directing, strategy, prioritization, representation).

Representation

• Represent Inkomoko at relevant external meetings, including taking initiative to identify opportunities for outreach, collaboration, and partnerships that can support and accelerate Inkomoko growth;
• Communicate effectively with donors and other stakeholders to ensure relationships are developed and maintained that promote program and organizational success.
• Regular travel to country offices and other events required by the CEO.

Minimum Qualifications

• A successful CPO candidate will have a proven track record of leading and managing global teams program teams, ideally with experience in our two core industries: financial services and entrepreneurship development.  The CPO will be strategic, and also willing to roll up her sleeves. 

A successful candidate will clearly demonstrate:

• 10+ years of progressively senior management experience and leading program strategy and operations across multiple countries, reporting to the CEO or Board of Directors. 
• Successful track record of leading senior directors and their program teams to create social impact.
• Experience starting and launching new programs and new country offices, developing theories of change and partnering with UN and other high-level agency leads. 
• Demonstrated experience identifying, directing, and implementing new systems, processes, and technology that enhances program effectiveness.
• Proven experience fundraising for program development and expansion, including  interfacing with a diverse range of external stakeholders and donors.
• Must be a sharp and concise writer and editor that also has excellent communication and presentation skills (fluency in English – both written and spoken required).
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation, including development of theory of change and ensuring that programs are aligned with intended outcomes. 
• Experience with various databases and the ability to interact with technology that is key to program implementation and growth strategy.
• High energy, maturity, and leadership with the ability to serve as a unifying force and to position program discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels.
• Ability to travel locally, regionally, and internationally with limited advanced notice. 
• Experience in East Africa required.
• Sincere JEDI champion with skills to work inclusively with diverse groups, and commitment to the mission and vision of Inkomoko.

What You'll Get
This role is inside a high-growth, mission-driven social enterprise. By joining, you’ll access:

• Competitive salary, and potential KPI-based bonus
• Incredible company culture, including deep investment in your learning and growth
• Diverse colleagues and policies that show our commitment to equity and inclusion 
• Talented, passionate, and committed team colleagues across the region
• Ability to make a significant social impact to your community
• Generous health insurance, staff savings, parental leave, sabbatical, and more benefits.

Date of closing: Jun 12, 2023