Regional Program Officer, Expanding Opportunity

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Full Time
East Africa
Experienced

Company Overview

The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) strengthens democracy around the globe through private enterprise and market-oriented reform. CIPE is one of the four core institutes of the National Endowment for Democracy and an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Since 1983, CIPE has worked with business leaders, policymakers, and civil society to build the institutions vital to a democratic society. CIPE’s key program areas include enterprise ecosystems, democratic governance, business advocacy, anti-corruption & ethics, and trade.

CIPE has an East Africa Regional Office in Addis Ababa, with programs focusing on inclusive growth, public-private dialogue, peace building, anti-corruption governance, inclusive digital economies, regional trade, and economic reforms. CIPE projects are implemented in collaboration with local partners such as chambers of commerce, business associations, economic think tanks, entrepreneurs and journalists. These projects are funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida), United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other donor organizations.

Position: Regional Program Officer, Expanding Opportunity

Reports to: Regional Program Operations Manager

Scope:  CIPE is seeking a full-time Regional Program Officer that will play a central role in managing day-to-day implementation of CIPE’s regional programs under the Expanding Opportunity thematic portfolio from the Africa reginal Hub. The Regional Program Officer will serve as a regional coordinator, point of contact, and operational lead for all multi-country project execution that falls within the Expanding Opportunity strategic objective. Experience or expertise in one or more of the following areas of work is required.

  • Entrepreneurship and SME ecosystem development
  • Digital economy transformation
  • Women’s economic security
  • Access to finance and policy frameworks that expand participation in markets and enterprise opportunities.
  • Experience promoting market access, business competitiveness, and skills development for underrepresented groups is highly desirable.


Experience or expertise in one or more of the following areas of work is a plus:

  • Strengthening organizational governance and institutional capacity of business associations, advancing regulatory and economic reforms that improve the business environment, and promoting SME and entrepreneurship ecosystem development. Skilled in business advocacy, public–private dialogue, and coalition building to drive systemic change, competitiveness, and integration into global value chains.
  • Entrepreneurship and SME ecosystem development, digital economy transformation, women’s economic security, and access to finance and enabling policies that expand market participation, enhance competitiveness, and build skills among underrepresented groups.
  • Advancing integrity-based economic reforms through corporate governance and compliance systems, transparent and accountable public–private practices, and policy initiatives that strengthen financial integrity, prevent illicit financial flows and corruption, and embed ethics, transparency, and resilience across trade, investment, and development finance and economy systems.

Reporting to the Program Operations Manager, and working closely with thematic advisors, and country teams, the Program Officer ensures that programs across multiple countries are executed effectively, meet donor and institutional standards, and align with CIPE’s thematic strategies. The position supervises program associates and works closely with local partners, CIPE’s Africa staff, CIPE’s global staff, and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality results. As the primary executor of programs, the Program Officer requires exceptional organizational, analytical, and relationship management skills, along with a deep understanding of democracy, private sector engagement, and international development. 

This position is a full-time position based in, and fully functionally supported by Regional Hub Office in Lagos, Nigeria. The position would require travel throughout the country and region.


Responsibilities

Leadership and Program Implementation

  • Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of regional programs under the Expanding Opportunity portfolio, ensuring activities are aligned with CIPE’s strategic objectives and thematic priorities.
  • Serve as the regional focal point for all multi-country initiatives, facilitating collaboration, information sharing, and alignment across national projects.
  • Provide strategic guidance and technical support to local partners, business associations, and coalitions to strengthen institutional capacity, advocacy effectiveness, and governance practices.
  • Oversee the design and delivery of capacity-building workshops, stakeholder dialogues, and reform-focused initiatives that promote private sector engagement in democratic and economic governance.
  • Manage CIPE’s technological products that facilitate programs within this portfolio.
  • Ensure program interventions contribute to measurable outcomes that advance economic freedoms, business integrity, transparency, and sustainable economic reform across the region.
  • Contribute to the design and implementation of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks, establishing benchmarks, and measuring goals and objectives.
  • Monitor current events, including political and economic developments, assessing their impact on CIPE programs.
Public Relations and Program Development
  • Promote CIPE’s work and strengthen relationships with government agencies, private sector networks, and development partners.
  • Build and maintain strategic partnerships with chambers of commerce, business associations, think tanks, and civil society organizations to advance CIPE’s mission and expand impact.
  • Contribute to the identification and design of new program opportunities by conducting needs assessments, contextual analysis, and stakeholder mapping.
  • Support the development of concept notes, proposals, and donor engagement materials that reflect CIPE’s regional priorities and demonstrate program impact.
  • Ensure the visibility and credibility of CIPE’s initiatives through proactive communication, storytelling, and dissemination of program results.
Program Management and Supervision
  • Manage the day-to-day operations of assigned projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and donor requirements.
  • Supervise and mentor program associates and other support staff, fostering a culture of learning, accountability, and teamwork.
  • Monitor and evaluate project performance using CIPE’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks to track progress, capture lessons learned and inform adaptive management.
  • Coordinate with CIPE’s global and regional technical teams to ensure program coherence, quality assurance, and alignment with organizational standards.
  • Review partner deliverables, progress reports, and financial submissions for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with CIPE policies and donor expectations.
  • Contribute to building, leading, and mentoring a high-performing program team that reflects CIPE’s values and mission. 
  • Supervise and support the professional development of program teams, setting performance goals, and assigning responsibilities following HR policies and processes.
  • Foster a collaborative and supportive work culture within the hub and across field presence in the region. 
Operational Management and Compliance 
  • Ensure full compliance with CIPE and donor regulations, including procurement, financial management, and reporting requirements as well as legal requirements.
  • Prepare and maintain comprehensive project documentation, including workplans, budgets, contracts, and correspondence.
  • Support timely financial and narrative reporting to donors, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and transparency.
  • Collaborate with CIPE’s operations and finance teams to track expenditures, manage grants and subawards, and ensure proper use of project resources.
  • Contribute to internal audits, risk assessments, and performance reviews by providing accurate data and supporting documentation.
Qualifications
  • University degree or equivalent in International Development, International Relations, Law, Political Science, Economics, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
  • Professional training in management is a plus
  • At least 6 years of progressively responsible experience in private sector development, governance reform or related functions including managing projects and program portfolios and teams. 
  • Minimum of 4 years’ experience managing donor relationships.
  • Minimum of 4 years experience managing donor relationships especially U.S. government-funded programs (e.g., NED, DRL) and working with international donors is preferred.
  • Minimum of 4 years’ experience working in (or with) business membership associations, business coalitions, or on economic reform initiatives is preferred.
  • Reliable understanding of the political, economic, and institutional dynamics in the country. 
  • Proven ability to build and maintain a diverse network of development partners particularly in the private sector, civil society and the policy making space in Kenya and internationally.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and implementing impactful programs with NGOs, businesses, associations, and governments.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to represent an organization to high-level stakeholders. 
  • Demonstrated experience in program design, donor engagement, and organizational representation. 
  • Experience working on issues related to business advocacy, organizational management, digital economy, trade and investment, women economic empowerment and business integrity
  • Strong financial acumen and the ability to develop, manage, and monitor budgets.
  • Proven ability to work in a remote team environment and manage organizational growth and sustainability.
  • Strong organizational and financial management skills. 
  • Fluency in professional written and spoken English; proficiency in any other major language spoken in Africa is preferred.
  • Willingness and ability to travel extensively within country and the region is required.
  • Legal authorization to work in Country is required
  • Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook required.

Applications will be accepted and interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

Applications will be accepted and interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls or emails, please.

CIPE offers a salary competitive with other international non-governmental organizations

CIPE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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