Program Manager, Sierra Leone

Location: Sierra Leone (Remote with Required In-Country and International Travel)

Reports To: Executive Director

Organization Overview

The Elba Hope Foundation is a nonprofit organization. At the heart of our mission lies a steadfast commitment to sustainable progress and better futures for Africans and the African Diaspora through the interconnected tools of agriculture, conservation, food security, education, youth advocacy, and social justice.

Our mission is to drive transformative change by fostering innovation, empowering communities, and forming strategic partnerships that will have a lasting impact on these sectors, both today and for future generations.

Program Overview

The Elba Hope Foundation is developing and scaling sustainable, people-centered infrastructure initiatives in Sierra Leone, beginning with water access, renewable energy, and connectivity projects in Lungi and the Bonthe/Sherbro Island region. These initiatives support schools, healthcare facilities, and community institutions, with a long-term goal of establishing resilient systems that are locally governed, technically sound, and financially sustainable.

Position Overview

The Program Manager is an execution-focused role responsible for leading the end-to-end design, coordination, and delivery of Elba Hope Foundation’s programs in Sierra Leone.

This role requires a self-directed operator who can translate strategy into action, manage complex stakeholder environments, and independently drive progress across planning, compliance, partnerships, and implementation. The Program Manager will work closely with the Executive Director, Director of Operations, and COO, Sierra Leone, but is expected to own day-to-day program leadership within scope.

The ideal candidate has prior experience managing international or community-based development programs, is comfortable navigating government and regulatory environments, and can represent the organization credibly with senior stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Delivery

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of programs in Sierra Leone from concept through implementation and evaluation.
• Develop detailed workplans, timelines, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies for all program activities.
• Ensure programs are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with organizational strategy and community needs.
• Identify issues early and take corrective action without requiring constant escalation.

Regulatory Compliance & Government Engagement

• Independently identify, track, and manage all legal, regulatory, and permitting requirements related to water, energy, and infrastructure projects.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with relevant government ministries, agencies, and local authorities.
• Ensure compliance with national and local regulations and proactively manage government relationships to reduce project risk.

Community Engagement & Needs Assessment

• Lead structured community needs assessments, including demographic, infrastructure, and service-access analysis.
• Establish trusted relationships with community leaders, traditional authorities, and local organizations.
• Facilitate inclusive community engagement processes that surface priorities, concerns, and feedback.
• Ensure community input meaningfully informs program design and implementation.

Partnership & Stakeholder Management

• Build and manage strategic relationships with NGOs, implementing partners, donors, vendors, and technical partners.
• Represent Elba Hope Foundation professionally with senior stakeholders, funders, and key opinion leaders.
• Coordinate across internal and external partners to ensure alignment and accountability.

Monitoring, Reporting & Learning

• Track program progress against milestones, budgets, and impact indicators.
• Prepare concise, decision-ready updates and reports for senior leadership.
• Contribute to learning agendas and continuously improve program design based on evidence and feedback.

Skills & Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in program management, community development, international development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading programs independently—not just supporting them.
• Strong understanding of sustainable development, particularly in water access, renewable energy, or infrastructure-adjacent work.
• Proven ability to manage government relationships and navigate regulatory environments.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Highly organized, execution-oriented, and comfortable working with limited structure.
• Prior experience working in Sierra Leone or West Africa.
• Experience working with donors or international partners.
• Knowledge of local languages in Sierra Leone.
• Familiarity with local regulatory frameworks related to water, energy, or environmental sustainability is preferred.

Compensation & Time Commitment

$25/hour, up to 15 hours per week, with the expectation of meaningful ownership and accountability.

Application Instructions

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest in the role at https://bit.ly/ProgramManagerSL Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

We are seeking candidates who bring deep contextual understanding of Africa and a strong alignment with our mission and values. This may come through lived experience, long-term professional engagement, or meaningful personal connection to the regions and communities we serve. Our work is rooted in respect for local leadership, cultural knowledge, and community-driven solutions, and we prioritize applicants who demonstrate humility, accountability, and a clear commitment to working in partnership with diverse stakeholders.

The Elba Hope Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

• Opportunity to lead high-impact, early-stage programs with real community outcomes.
• Direct access to organizational leadership and influence over program direction.
• Flexible, remote work structure with meaningful on-the-ground engagement.