Job Title: Senior Programs Officer
Grade: D3
Term: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Hire Type: Fixed Term (24 months contract, renewable based on performance)
Reports to: Programs Manager / Executive Director
Job Summary
The Senior Programs Officer will provide strategic leadership in the design, implementation, and oversight of GP's portfolio of programs. This role requires a seasoned professional with extensive experience in program management, resource mobilization, and stakeholder engagement. The Senior Programs Officer will supervise program staff, lead business development initiatives, ensure program quality and compliance, and represent the organization at high-level forums. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strategic thinking, exceptional leadership capabilities, and a deep commitment to advancing governance and accountability in The Gambia.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior Programs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
Strategic Program Leadership:
•Provide strategic direction and leadership for GP's program portfolio, ensuring alignment with organizational mission and strategic objectives
•Lead the development of program strategies, theories of change, and strategic frameworks
•Oversee multiple programs simultaneously, ensuring coherence and synergy across initiatives
•Provide technical expertise and guidance on governance, elections, anti-corruption, public finance management, public transparency, and accountability issues
Provide leadership and supervise Programs Officers and Programs Assistants under his/her department
Resource Mobilization:
•Lead identification and pursuing of strategic funding opportunities
•Develop high-quality concept notes, proposals, and funding applications for institutional donors
•Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors
•Lead negotiations with donors and partners on program design and implementation
•Track funding trends and emerging opportunities in the governance and development sector
Ensure diversification of funding sources to support organizational sustainability
Program Design and Management:
•Key among the roles of the Senior Program Officer is Business Development
•Work with the Programs Manager and supervised staff to design and develop innovative programs addressing governance challenges.
•Develop comprehensive work plans, budgets, and logical frameworks for programs
•Ensure programs meet international standards and best practices in project management
•Monitor program implementation, identifying risks and developing mitigation strategies
•Ensure timely delivery of program outputs and achievement of outcomes
Collaborate with finance team to ensure sound financial management of programs
High-Level Stakeholder Engagement:
•Build and maintain strategic partnerships with government institutions, donors, CSOs, and international organizations
•Lead advocacy initiatives and policy dialogue with key decision-makers
•Coordinate with media and communications team on strategic messaging and campaigns
Facilitate multi-stakeholder platforms and coordination mechanisms
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning:
•Oversee data collection, analysis, and reporting on program indicators
•Ensure organizational learning and adaptive management practices
•Produce high-quality programmatic reports for donors, board members, and stakeholders
Document best practices, lessons learned, and case studies
Capacity Building and Team Leadership:
•Provide leadership and mentorship to program team members
•Design and facilitate high-level training programs for staff and external stakeholders
•Build organizational capacity in program management, and proposal development
Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement within the team
Compliance and Quality Assurance:
•Ensure all programs comply with donor requirements, national regulations, and organizational policies
•Maintain high standards of program quality, integrity, and accountability
•Oversee risk management and safeguarding measures across programs
•Ensure proper documentation and knowledge management systems
Attention:
Gambia Participates is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment where everyone is empowered to contribute and thrive.
