Program Director – East Africa

About Pure Earth

Pure Earth is a leading global environmental health nonprofit organization dedicated to saving and improving lives and protecting the planet by reducing disease-causing pollution and cleaning up toxic hot spots in low- and middle-income countries. Since its inception in 1999, Pure Earth and its field teams have completed more than 120 projects in 27 countries with pragmatic, cost-effective solutions. Pure Earth prioritizes actions that protect the developing brains and bodies of children and pregnant women living in toxic hot spots with a specific emphasis on lead and mercury exposure. Partnering with governments, communities, and industry leaders, Pure Earth aims to elevate pollution as a global priority, create sustainable change, and support a healthier future.

Pure Earth aims to become a leader driving awareness, interest and action on pollution and health issues by working with government and communities in the country and across the region.  

The Administration and Finance Officer would report to the Program Manager of Pure Earth with additional functional reporting lines to Program Director-East Africa,  finance team at our partner organization and Pure Earth HQ.

Position Overview

The Administration and Finance Officer will be responsible for management and compliance of all operational, procurement, administration, and financial aspects of the organisation, in close coordination with the Program Director –East Africa and the Program Manager, Ethiopia, ensuring all deliverables are on time and of high quality.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy, Program Quality and Growth

• Develop and implement a Country Strategy that contextualizes and aligns with Pure Earth’s global strategy.
• Remain well-informed about national and regional issues affecting Pure Earth, its programs and partners.
• Drive program quality and increase impact through consistent use of: rigorous assessment, design, and proposal development and review processes; comprehensive monitoring & evaluation, accountability and learning systems; staff development investments; and partner organization capacity strengthening.
• Cultivate strong relationships with existing and potential partners and donors. Position Pure Earth as a partner of choice for major international donors and government.
• Identify opportunities for appropriate expansion and growth of programs in partnership with the HQ team
• Pursue new funding including in-country funding and programming opportunities, in close collaboration with the HQ team

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead the staff by maintaining open and professional relations with colleagues, promoting a strong team spirit and providing guidance, oversight and resources to enable staff to perform successfully.
• Along with the HQ team, support country team members to be well positioned as effective partners, recognized by colleagues, management and partners as trusted, reliable and active participants in achieving strategic goals and organizational objectives.
• Support and mentor team members to undertake effective, efficient and compliant implementation of high-quality programs. Provide feedback to staff to encourage optimal performance.
• Oversee comprehensive onboarding for new staff, consultants and contractors.
• Assess professional development and capacity building needs among staff, and provide relevant training opportunities.
• Ensure employment agreements, contracts, timesheets, payment records and tax filings are properly kept, fully supported, updated and maintained, and readily available for audit.
• Ensure that all personnel practices, contracts, taxes, compensation, registrations, etc. are in accordance with local laws and Pure Earth policies.
• Coach, train, supervise and mentor staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting quarterly performance objectives, providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback, and undertaking performance reviews. 

Financial, Operational & Risk Management 

• Oversee country program finances to ensure overall fiscal transparency and financial health, including: accurate budgets, expenditures to budget and in compliance with procurement policy and procedures; coordination with headquarters financial systems management; and financial reporting that is accurate, timely, and in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices.
• Partner with the HQ Program Team to actively monitoring projects to ensure they are on track with deliverables and targets, on time, and on budget without overspending or underspending and that they fully meet goals as committed in project documents.
• Support the HQ Program Team in early identification and diagnosis of off-track projects and actively determining feasible strategies to correct them.
• Ensure all donor contractual terms and conditions are fulfilled in line with Pure Earth’s policies and procedures.
• Work with the Regional Program Director to ensure that all project modifications, adjustments, or no-cost extensions are fully justified and appropriately communicated and agreed by donors.
• Assist the HQ Financial Department in the coordination of and response to financial reports and audits.
• Develop and strengthen robust operations practices based on Pure Earth global policies, local conditions, and Pure Earth’s legal status locally.
• Identify areas of risk and drive compliance with Pure Earth, donor and local government regulations and requirements.
• Ensure appropriate safety and security procedures and awareness are maintained throughout the country program, particularly regarding lead exposure and safe use of equipment.

Representation, Influence and Partnership

• Develop and carry out strategies that result in strong representation with government officials, bilateral/multilateral institutions and in NGO networks to build the Pure Earth brand and reputation as a reliable partner in the delivery of programs and as a key voice in the toxic pollution and environmental health space.
• Develop and maintain regular contact with the in-country representatives of relevant donors and partners in order to secure funding for the country program.
• Initiate and sustain strong partnerships with local organizations.
• Raise the profile of the work of Pure Earth and its partners through engagement with diverse forms of media, working closely with the HQ and Regional teams.
• Participate in drafting peer-reviewed papers and articles and funding proposals.

• At least 10/15 years of progressively responsible work experience, including leadership at the national level.

• A university degree in a relevant discipline is required.

• Demonstrated successful team leadership and management experience. Receptive and collaborative leadership approach that contributes to a positive team environment, builds and maintains strong relationships with people from all backgrounds, genders, and viewpoints.

• Proven leadership delivering appropriate levels of oversight of a portfolio consisting of a variety of donor-funded projects, with extensive experience in strategic planning, resource mobilization, proposal development, management, supervision, and budgeting in a multi-project and multi-donor environment.

• Experience building personal networks at a senior level, resulting in securing new opportunities for the organization.

• Extensive representation and fundraising success, including prior experience with European, US and international donors.

• Evidence of understanding the challenges of donor and grant/contract management and the implications for program management.

• Proven ability to negotiate and work with local partner organizations. Experience with organizational capacity strengthening and partnership building.

• Opportunity-awareness: flexible, creative approach to unpredictable programming, operational, and funding contexts.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Strong budget and fiscal oversight capacities. 

• Demonstrated ability to respond to multiple priorities in a timely manner, producing high-quality results.

• Experience of working effectively as a team member with colleagues based in multiple locations.

• Ability to effectively represent program context, constraints, and successes to media, government, and other senior audiences.

• Strong communication skills in English; multi-lingual capabilities a plus.

• Ability and willingness to travel internationally, as needed and to work flexible hours or across time zones.

How To Apply

Please submit your resume/CV, a cover letter, and a writing sample to:  jobs@pureearth.org with the title: Program Director East Africa by 8th May 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Anticipated start date: 1st June 2025

Equal Opportunity Employment:

It is the policy of Pure Earth to provide equal opportunity for all qualified persons and not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, gender or gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.