Director of Programmes

About Mawazo

The Mawazo Institute is a women-led African organisation based in Nairobi, Kenya supporting African women researchers and thought-leaders as they work to find evidence-based solutions to local and global development challenges. We do this through funding, training, mentorship, policy engagement, and public visibility. In Kiswahili, "mawazo" means "ideas". Founded in 2017 by Dr. Rose Mutiso and Rachel Strohm, Mawazo was established to address the gender gap in African research, public policy and innovation. Since then, we've evolved into a pan-African organisation known for bold ideas, values-driven partnerships, and a commitment to transforming who leads, produces, and benefits from knowledge in Africa.

Our programmes include:

1. The Mawazo Fellowship Programme –
supporting African women pursuing PhDs with funding, training, mentorship, and research translation support.

2. The Mawazo Voices Programme –
working with our growing network of researchers – 90+ women from 24 African countries – to support the ongoing translation, influence, and visibility of African women researchers and their ideas (including the recently launched Mawazo Connects platform)

3. Strategic Research and Advocacy –
developing flagship publications like the Status of African Women in Research report and Emerging Trends in Research, which offer data-driven insights into the barriers and opportunities within Africa's research ecosystem.

Role Summary

The Director of Programmes leads Mawazo Institute's programme strategy and delivery, overseeing a talented team including the Senior Strategy and Impact Lead, Senior Policy and Advocacy Lead, Fellowship Programme Lead, and Voices Programme Lead. Based in Nairobi, this role is pivotal in driving Mawazo's mission to support African women researchers through innovative programmes, policy engagement, and impactful partnerships.

Please note that Mawazo is in the process of developing our 2026–2030 Strategic Plan – a pivotal next chapter that will ensure our programmes remain bold, relevant, and deeply responsive to Africa's evolving realities. While the Director of Programmes will not directly shape this strategy, they will be central to bringing it to life. We do not anticipate major shifts in the responsibilities outlined here, though there may be some refinements once the plan is finalised. In the spirit of openness, we will communicate any updates to the role during the recruitment process as they arise.

Responsibilities

1.Strategic Leadership & Vision

Lead with care and courage as you shape and drive Mawazo Institute's programme, research, and policy vision. Champion bold, innovative approaches that nurture African women researchers' leadership and influence across the continent. With intentionality and heart, guide the evolution of our work – scaling impact through digital learning, policy engagement, and advocacy that reflect the realities of Africa's future. Embed strategic integration of SMERL and policy initiatives to maximise our contribution to systems change.

2. Programme Excellence & Impact

Hold a steadfast commitment to quality, ensuring our initiatives are delivered with excellence and integrity. Provide strategic guidance and oversight while empowering Programme Leads to manage day-to-day delivery of the programmes. Use data and learning as tools to continuously refine and elevate our programmes, creating space for experimentation and innovation. Foster systems and processes that enable smooth, efficient delivery while nurturing a culture of growth, adaptability, and accountability.

3.Fundraising, Donor Engagement & Resource Mobilisation

Be the warm, trusted steward of Mawazo's diverse funding relationships – philanthropic foundations, multilateral agencies, private donors, and individuals – building meaningful, long-term partnerships that bring our mission to life. Support resource mobilisation with strategic foresight and compassionate engagement, ensuring sustainable support for our transformative work. Collaborate closely with teams to develop compelling proposals and transparent reporting that reflect our impact and vision.

4.Partnerships & Representation

Cultivate authentic, co-creative relationships with academic institutions, governments, civil society, and funders who share our commitment to Africa's women researchers. Represent Mawazo's voice with clarity and conviction in high-level forums and public spaces, amplifying our thought leadership and inspiring collective action. Develop partnership frameworks that foster innovation, resource mobilisation, and strategic influence.

5.People-Centred Team Leadership

Foster a caring, inclusive culture where every team member is empowered to grow, take courageous leaps, and lead with autonomy. Provide compassionate mentorship and nurture psychological safety, encouraging curiosity, experimentation, and learning from setbacks. Lead with empathy, humility, clear communication, and unwavering support, cultivating a team driven by shared purpose and respect. Inspire collective ownership and create space for diverse voices to shape our strategy and success.

Qualifications.

Professional Experience and Expertise

• At least 10 years' experience in senior programme management and research leadership roles, preferably within Africa, with a proven ability to lead complex initiatives that drive real change.

• A Master's degree, or above, in the field of STEM, Development Studies, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, or a related field. Relevant certifications in programme management, research methods, policy analysis, strategic partnerships, systems or futures thinking, organisational management, or leadership are advantageous.

• Demonstrated success in designing and implementing research strategies that ensure evidence shapes policy and practice, creating lasting impact.

• Strong expertise in engaging and convening diverse stakeholders, translating research into impact (policy influence and innovation), assessing programme outcomes, and securing funding from a wide range of sources – including philanthropy, multilaterals, private sector, and individual donors.

• Excellent financial management skills with experience overseeing budgets, grants, and resource mobilisation to support sustainable organisational growth.

Leadership and Values

• A courageous, compassionate leader who nurtures a culture of care, intentionality, and continuous learning. They lead with kindness, humility, low ego, and openness – creating safe spaces for innovation and growth.

• Positively influences organisational culture and fosters collaboration by listening deeply and incorporating diverse perspectives into strategy and decision-making.

• Champions a shared sense of purpose, encouraging others to share the spotlight and celebrating team successes.

• An authentic and confident communicator who represents Mawazo with warmth and integrity in high-level forums and strategic platforms.

• Committed to inclusive leadership that inspires trust, cultivates partnerships, and advances Mawazo's mission with care and courage.

Above all, this leader is inspired by Mawazo's vision of transformative, people-centred leadership – always daring to push boundaries with care, courage, and conviction.

Location

The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya. We highly encourage applications for candidates of all nationalities. However, the candidate should have the legal right to work in Kenya. Whilst we are currently not in a position to support work permit applications, we are open to supporting the relocation of the successful candidate to Nairobi.

Interested? How to Apply

If this role resonates with you and you believe you are the ideal candidate to join our passionate and dedicated team, please submit your application – comprising a detailed CV and a cover letter – to

by
Wednesday 15 October 2025, 11:59 PM EAT.

Use the subject line: Director of Programmes application – [Your Full Name]

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so we encourage early applications.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Recruitment Process :

1. Stage 1 – Application Review:
our team will carefully review all applications to identify candidates whose skills and experience best match the role by 22 October 2025.

2. Stage 2 – Assessment
: successful candidates will be asked to complete a brief task or presentation related to the role to demonstrate their strategic thinking and leadership approach. Assessments to take place between 27 and 31 October.

3. Stage 3 – First Interview:
shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual interview with members of the Mawazo Team. Interviews to take place on 10 and 11 November 2025.

4. Stage 4 – Final Interview:
successful candidates will meet with the CEO and other key stakeholders for a deeper discussion about vision, values, and fit. Interviews to take place between 27 and 30 October 2025.
5. Stage 5 – Reference Checks:
references will be sought for the leading candidate(s) before a final offer is made between 3 and 7 November 2025.

6. Stage 6 – Offer and Onboarding:
the selected candidate will receive a formal offer on or before 12 November 2025.

Onboarding timelines will be arranged in collaboration with the candidate to accommodate any required notice period at their current role. We are committed to a transparent and respectful recruitment process and will strive to adhere to the timelines outlined above.

Please note that the dates provided for each stage of the recruitment process are indicative and may be subject to change. Adjustments may be made depending on factors such as candidate availability, scheduling considerations, or other unforeseen circumstances.

We will communicate promptly and keep you informed every step of the way.