Head of Engineering & Capital Projects

About the role

The Pharo Foundation is seeking a senior leader to own the technical stewardship of its growing portfolio of capital projects and physical assets across East Africa. Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, you will ensure every construction initiative is delivered to the highest standards of quality, on time and within budget, while maintaining the foundation’s assets to serve beneficiaries effectively.

Key responsibilities

• Provide end‑to‑end engineering oversight for more than 15 assets (schools, plants, offices) across Ethiopia, Somaliland, Kenya and Rwanda.
• Act as the single accountable point for all client‑side interactions with architects, engineers, consultants and contractors.
• Ensure rigorous project planning, cost control, risk management and compliance with local regulations.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and cross‑functional teams to align project delivery with the foundation’s mission.
• Oversee asset management practices to maintain standards and extend the life‑cycle of owned facilities.

Required profile

• Seasoned engineer with a proven track record of delivering greenfield construction projects end‑to‑end.
• Hands‑on leader who can work directly with both internal teams and external service providers.
• Strong sense of ownership, integrity and the ability to drive outcomes without micromanaging a large department.
• Experience operating in multi‑country, mission‑driven environments is highly desirable.

Required skills

• Demonstrated ability to deliver greenfield construction projects from concept to completion.

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape the technical direction of a fast‑growing impact‑focused organization.
• Work in a dynamic, mission‑driven environment across four East African countries.