Chief Programs & Partnerships Officer (CPPO)

About the role

The Chief Programs & Partnerships Officer (CPPO) will lead the design, implementation and strategic direction of Women for Women International’s program portfolio across multiple countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict‑affected settings. Reporting to senior leadership, the CPPO will ensure program quality, coherence and impact while driving business development and donor engagement.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute program strategy across regions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Oversee complex, multi‑country program portfolios, maintaining quality standards and delivery coherence.
• Lead evidence‑based decision‑making on programming, learning and impact measurement.
• Drive institutional business development, translating strategic opportunities into funding commitments.
• Manage large, diverse, geographically dispersed teams within matrixed structures.
• Represent programmatic work to donors, partners, Board members and senior stakeholders.
• Collaborate across operations, communications, advocacy, finance and revenue functions.

Required profile

• Master’s degree or equivalent in international development, social sciences, public policy, gender studies, humanitarian studies or a related field.
• Minimum 15 years of senior leadership experience in the international nonprofit, development or humanitarian sector.
• Proven experience leading complex program portfolios across multiple countries, especially in fragile or conflict‑affected contexts.
• Strong track record in program strategy, quality assurance, organizational change and donor engagement.
• Deep understanding of women’s rights, gender equality, conflict, peace and security, and international development.
• Right to work in Kenya and willingness to relocate at own expense if currently elsewhere.

Required skills

• Project management
• Communication
• Programme management
• Reporting
• Planning