ob Description
Job Title: Senior Country Program Officer
Location: Remote (Must be based in or near one of the following countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zimbabwe)
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports to: Program Director
Salary: $115-120k USD
The Beginnings Fund is a philanthropic initiative created to accelerate maternal and newborn survival and prevent stillbirths in Africa by investing – in partnership with governments – in the products, people and systems required to sustainably improve care at scale. During its first five years, (2025-2030), Beginnings Fund will focus on Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Ghana, Lesotho, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
We’re hiring a Senior Country Program Officer to lead strategic, country-level health investments that have the power to save lives and shift systems. In addition, this role will collaborate with the Measurment and Evaluation (M&E) team to implement program measurement and evaluation recommendations.
What You’ll Do:
As a key member of our Africa-based investment team, you’ll:
- Lead development and execution of country investment plans in partnership with Ministries of Health.
- Serve as Beginnings Fund’s lead representative in 1–2 countries, guiding strategy and maintaining trusted relationships with key government stakeholders.
- Oversee grant portfolios, coordinate partner consortia, and ensure programs adapt effectively to local contexts.
- Support national health priorities and donor alignment by engaging in technical working groups and policy dialogues.
- Drive data-informed decision-making in partnership with our Monitoring & Evaluation team.
- Represent the Fund to donors, grantees, and global stakeholders — sharing results, facilitating learning, and enabling scale.
What You Bring:
- A seasoned global health leader with 8–12+ years of experience in program management, grantmaking, or implementation.
- Deeply familiar with maternal and newborn health interventions, health systems in Africa, and multilateral donor landscapes.
- Experienced working with governments and managing complex partnerships, budgets, and strategy.
- Fluent in data, analysis, Excel, and policy; confident in representing programs at senior levels.
- Collaborative, adaptable, and energized by startup environments.
- Ability to travel up to 30–50% to program sites and partner meetings, both locally and internationally, sometimes on short notice.
- Fluency in English with excellent oral and written communication skills.
What We Offer:
The Beginnings Fund offers a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience, along with opportunities for professional advancement within a small, collaborative, and dedicated team.
Why Join Us?
This isn’t just a role — it’s a mission. You’ll be on the frontlines of advancing health equity for women and babies across Africa, backed by a bold team and an ambitious strategy. At Beginnings Fund, you won’t just support change — you’ll lead it.
If this sounds like the role for you, click here to view the entire job description and apply now to become part of the beginning of something extraordinary!
