Global Multi-Country Programme Manager (12 Months Fixed-Term/Remote)

Job Objectives

The Multi-country Programme Manager (PM) is accountable for coordinating and scaling Generation's delivery across multiple satellite markets in West and East Africa, with an initial focus on Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia. The role owns multi-country programme design, in-country program coordination and cross-border operational problem-solving. The PM ensures Generation's methodology is delivered consistently across diverse markets while navigating the operational complexities of remote learner mobilization, localized infrastructure support, and distributed job placement pipelines.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

1. Multi-country Programme Coordination
   • Own the end-to-end delivery of multi-country cohorts across satellite markets, ensuring Generation methodology is faithfully implemented, and quality standards are maintained. This includes overseeing local partnership development, Training Service Partner (TSP) relationship management, safeguarding compliance, and in-country Generation representation.
   • Develop and manage the multi-country programme calendar, balancing cohort launches across multiple geographies with shared functional resources (instructors, learner engagement, employer engagement).
   • Coordinate with the Head of Programs/Program Director to draw on functional resources from the Generation Direct Delivery team including instructors, learner engagement staff, and career coaches, on an as-needed basis for multi-country cohorts.
   • Design and refine the multi-country operating model based on lessons learned, testing approaches to address key bottlenecks including dispersed mobilisation, developing local partnerships, localised infrastructure support, cross-border payments, and harmonised data systems.
2. In-country Coordination
   • Manage In-country Coordinators/teams, where existent, in each satellite market (Nigeria, Ethiopia). This includes setting clear expectations and providing performance management.
   • Support In-country Coordinators (where existent) to identify and manage Training Service Providers (TSPs) within their satellite markets, holding TSPs accountable for delivery quality, learner support, and outcome achievement.
3. Cross-border Operational Problem-Solving
   • Navigate and resolve operational challenges unique to multi-country delivery, including cross border learner stipend payments, compliance with local labour and safeguarding regulations, device and connectivity support for remote learners, and harmonized data tracking across Salesforce and other Generation systems.
   • Liaise with Global Finance, Global HR, and the Digital team to implement scalable solutions for cross-border payments and multi-country safeguarding protocols.
   • Develop contingency plans for country-specific risks including political instability, regulatory shifts, currency volatility, and partner non-performance.
4. Strategic Partnership Development
   • Support in the design of partnership and market entry and scale up strategy of multi-country program delivery in line with overall Generation Direct delivery strategy including partnerships, mobilization, learner engagement, and learner support.
   • Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships in satellite markets to support multi-country programme delivery, including local hubs, Training Service Providers, connectivity providers, mobilization partners, grassroot and community-led organisations, government institutions, relevant industry/sector bodies and employer partners.
   • Support In-country Coordinators to represent Generation at local stakeholder convenings, government forums, and employer roundtables, building Generation's brand recognition and credibility in each market.

Qualifications

Essential Experience & Skills

• 5+ years of experience in programme management, operations, or project coordination, ideally within international development, skilling-to-employment, workforce development, or education sectors.
• Proven track record of managing multi-country or multi-site programmes, with demonstrated ability to coordinate remote teams, navigate cross-border complexities, and maintain quality standards across diverse contexts.
• Strong project management skills with experience managing complex workflows, multiple stakeholders, and tight deadlines. Comfortable using project management tools (Asana, Trello, Monday.com) and data systems (Salesforce, Google Workspace).
• Experience driving high performance in a remote setting across dispersed geographies with strong coaching skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to produce high-quality funder reports, strategic briefs, and stakeholder updates.
• Comfort with ambiguity and rapid iteration. This role requires building systems and processes from scratch in a fast-moving, high-growth environment.
• Strong problem-solving orientation with a bias toward action. Ability to identify bottlenecks, test solutions, and scale what works.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working across West or East African markets, with familiarity with the regulatory, cultural, and operational nuances of Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, or similar contexts.
• Prior experience in digital skilling, remote work programmes, gig economy initiatives, or tech-enabled employment programmes.
• Familiarity with Generation's methodology or experience working with outcomes-focused, employment-first skilling programmes.
• Experience managing relationships with Training Service Providers and supporting learner mobilisation, employer engagement or placement functions within skilling or employment programmes.

Personal Attributes

• Mission-driven and deeply committed to expanding economic opportunity for young people across Africa.
• High emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity, with the ability to build trust and credibility with diverse stakeholders across multiple countries.
• Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to navigate setbacks, adjust plans rapidly, and maintain momentum in the face of operational complexity.
• Detail-oriented and highly organised, with a track record of delivering against commitments and maintaining high-quality work under pressure.
• Collaborative team player who works effectively across functions and geographies, while also comfortable working independently and taking initiative.