Senior Program Officer, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

The role

You will implement the regional funding programs that support Wikimedian communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. You will manage the regional grant portfolio, build and support regional funding committees, and act as the main liaison between the Wikimedia Foundation and partners.

What you will do

• Implement the Community Resources grantmaking strategy for the region
• Manage, implement and monitor the regional grant portfolio
• Lead annual grant planning, including reviewing proposals and conducting organizational assessments
• Build, onboard and develop regional funding committees and facilitate their deliberations
• Provide constructive feedback to applicants and grantees
• Build and sustain trust-based relationships with communities, grantees and applicants across the region
• Support grantee organizational strengthening and connect partners with best practices and resources
• Design and support convenings and knowledge sharing among partners
• Review grantee progress through conversations, reports and site visits
• Review and approve grant reports and identify trends from grantmaking data

Required qualifications

• Solid knowledge of trust-based philanthropy or community-based grantmaking
• Experience in participatory decision-making structures
• Experience in grantmaking, particularly in an international context
• Experience in nonprofit capacity building as a funder, consultant or nonprofit leader
• Strong strategic and analytical skills and creative problem-solving ability
• Excellent organizational skills and judgment; ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities
• Ability to facilitate and coordinate volunteer communities and navigate contentious discussions
• Experience managing high complexity projects and stakeholders
• Willingness to accommodate scheduling across time zones
• Proven English proficiency in written and spoken communication, including speaking to large groups
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity
• A global perspective, with significant experience living or working internationally

Nice to have

• Experience working with online communities, particularly in the free knowledge movement
• Passion for or experience contributing to Wikipedia or Wikimedia projects
• Proficiency in a language other than English

Benefits

• U.S. benefits and perks are listed on the company's site

Before you apply

• Non-US employees are hired through a local third-party Employer of Record and must have current work authorization in their location
• Kenya and Singapore hiring is limited to citizens or permanent residents only
• This position may require 1 to 3 international trips each year when circumstances allow
• Applicants can contact their recruiter to learn the specific pay range for their location during the interview process

About the company

The Wikimedia Foundation is a non-profit organization that operates Wikipedia and other free knowledge projects. It is a remote-first organization with staff and contractors based in 40+ countries.