Project Overview

Our client is seeking a senior Head of Delivery to lead the implementation and operational management of a large-scale, multi-country programme focused on improving financial resilience and insurance inclusion for young women across Africa. The role will act as the operational leader for a complex portfolio spanning multiple countries, delivery partners, stakeholders, and workstreams, ensuring strategy is translated into measurable outcomes at scale.

Working closely with programme leadership, donors, implementing partners, and country teams, the successful consultant will drive execution discipline, programme performance, stakeholder alignment, and adaptive delivery across a highly visible development initiative.

This role requires an experienced programme leader with a strong track record of managing complex, multi-partner programmes. Industry experience is beneficial but less important than proven experience delivering large-scale programmes, building strong relationships, motivating teams, and successfully navigating operational complexity.

Key Activities

• Lead the operational delivery of a complex multi-country programme across multiple implementing partners and stakeholder groups.
• Translate programme strategy into clear operational plans, delivery frameworks, and measurable outcomes.
• Drive programme execution, performance management, and delivery governance across all workstreams.
• Oversee programme planning, implementation, risk management, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with implementing partners, donors, regulators, and senior stakeholders.
• Ensure programme designs are scalable, delivery-ready, and aligned with strategic objectives.
• Establish delivery cadence, performance reporting, and accountability mechanisms across programme teams.
• Lead programme reviews, monitor outcomes, identify delivery risks, and implement corrective actions where required.
• Manage complex stakeholder environments and facilitate collaboration across countries, functions, and partner organisations.
• Oversee programme monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and knowledge management activities.
• Support programme communications, advocacy initiatives, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure strong financial stewardship, compliance, governance, and donor reporting throughout the programme lifecycle.

Your Background

Essential

• 11+ years of experience leading large-scale programmes, portfolios, or transformation initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-country, multi-partner programmes.
• Proven operational leadership experience, with the ability to translate strategy into successful execution.
• Strong programme management expertise, including planning, governance, risk management, budgeting, and stakeholder management.
• Experience managing large budgets and ensuring alignment between expenditure, delivery progress, and outcomes.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working with senior executives, donors, boards, regulators, and external partners.
• Exceptional leadership capabilities with experience leading diverse, multidisciplinary teams across geographies.
• Strong communication, influencing, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in complex, fast-paced, and evolving environments.
• Experience establishing delivery structures, performance frameworks, and accountability mechanisms.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate teams, manage competing priorities, and adapt to changing programme needs.
• Willingness to travel.

Desirable

• Experience within financial services, insurance, financial inclusion, climate resilience, agriculture, or international development programmes.
• Experience working across African markets.
• Experience managing donor-funded programmes and associated governance requirements.
• Experience working with programme boards and executive steering committees.
• Relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Project Management certification such as PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent.
• Experience working with large foundations, development finance institutions, or international donors.
• French language capability.