Background

CIPE is seeking a full-time Program Officer that will play a central role in managing day-to-day implementation of CIPE’s country programs across all thematic portfolios from the country. The Sudan Program Officer serves as country coordinator, point of contact, and operational lead for all in-country project execution.

Experience or expertise in one or more of the following areas of work is a plus:

• Strengthening organizational governance and institutional capacity of business associations, advancing regulatory and economic reforms that improve the business environment, and promoting SME and entrepreneurship ecosystem development. Skilled in business advocacy, public–private dialogue, and coalition building to drive systemic change, competitiveness, and integration into global value chains.
• Entrepreneurship and SME ecosystem development, digital economy transformation, women’s economic security, and access to finance and enabling policies that expand market participation, enhance competitiveness, and build skills among underrepresented groups.
• Advancing integrity-based economic reforms through corporate governance and compliance systems, transparent and accountable public–private practices, and policy initiatives that strengthen financial integrity, prevent illicit financial flows and corruption, and embed ethics, transparency, and resilience across trade, investment, and development finance and economy systems.

Reporting to the Sudan Country Manager and working closely with the teams in the Africa Regional Hub, the Program Officer ensures that programs in Sudan are executed effectively, meet donor and institutional standards, and align with CIPE’s thematic strategies. The position supervises program associates and works closely with local partners, CIPE’s Africa staff, CIPE’s global staff, and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality results. As the primary executor of programs, the Program Officer requires exceptional organizational, analytical, and relationship management skills, along with a deep understanding of democracy, private sector engagement, and international development.

This position is a remote position based in Kampala, Uganda and fully functionally supported by the Regional Hub Office based in Lagos, Nigeria. The position would occasionally require travel throughout the country and region, and on some occasions outside the region.

Qualifications

• University degree or equivalent in International Development, International Relations, Law, Political Science, Economics, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Professional training in management is a plus
• At least 6 years of progressively responsible experience in private sector development, governance reform or related functions including managing projects and program portfolios and teams.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience managing donor relationships.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience managing donor relationships especially U.S. government-funded programs (e.g., NED, DRL) and working with international donors is preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience working in (or with) business membership associations, business coalitions, or on economic reform initiatives is preferred.
• Reliable understanding of the political, economic, and institutional dynamics in the country.
• Proven ability to build and maintain a diverse network of development partners particularly in the private sector, civil society and the policy making space in Kenya and internationally.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing impactful programs with NGOs, businesses, associations, and governments.
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to represent an organization to high-level stakeholders.

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of regional programs under the Advancing Economic Freedom portfolio, ensuring activities are aligned with CIPE’s strategic objectives and thematic priorities.
• Serve as the regional focal point for all multi-country initiatives, facilitating collaboration, information sharing, and alignment across national projects.
• Provide strategic guidance and technical support to local partners, business associations, and coalitions to strengthen institutional capacity, advocacy effectiveness, and governance practices.
• Oversee the design and delivery of capacity-building workshops, stakeholder dialogues, and reform-focused initiatives that promote private sector engagement in democratic and economic governance.
• Manage CIPE’s technological products that facilitate programs within this portfolio.
• Ensure program interventions contribute to measurable outcomes that advance economic freedoms, business integrity, transparency, and sustainable economic reform across the region.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks, establishing benchmarks, and measuring goals and objectives.
• Monitor current events, including political and economic developments, assessing their impact on CIPE programs.
• Promote CIPE’s work and strengthen relationships with government agencies, private sector networks, and development partners.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with chambers of commerce, business associations, think tanks, and civil society organizations to advance CIPE’s mission and expand impact.
• Contribute to the identification and design of new program opportunities by conducting needs assessments, contextual analysis, and stakeholder mapping.
• Support the development of concept notes, proposals, and donor engagement materials that reflect CIPE’s regional priorities and demonstrate program impact.
• Ensure the visibility and credibility of CIPE’s initiatives through proactive communication, storytelling, and dissemination of program results.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of assigned projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and donor requirements.
• Supervise and mentor program associates and other support staff, fostering a culture of learning, accountability, and teamwork.
• Monitor and evaluate project performance using CIPE’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks to track progress, capture lessons learned and inform adaptive management.
• Coordinate with CIPE’s global and regional technical teams to ensure program coherence, quality assurance, and alignment with organizational standards.
• Review partner deliverables, progress reports, and financial submissions for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with CIPE policies and donor expectations.
• Contribute to building, leading, and mentoring a high-performing program team that reflects CIPE’s values and mission.
• Supervise and support the professional development of program teams, setting performance goals, and assigning responsibilities following HR policies and processes.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive work culture within the hub and across field presence in the region.
• Ensure full compliance with CIPE and donor regulations, including procurement, financial management, and reporting requirements as well as legal requirements.
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive project documentation, including workplans, budgets, contracts, and correspondence.
• Support timely financial and narrative reporting to donors, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and transparency.
• Collaborate with CIPE’s operations and finance teams to track expenditures, manage grants and subawards, and ensure proper use of project resources.
• Contribute to internal audits, risk assessments, and performance reviews by providing accurate data and supporting documentation.

• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and relationship management skills
• Deep understanding of democracy, private sector engagement, and international development
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Proven ability to represent an organization to high-level stakeholders
• Proven ability to build and maintain a diverse network of development partners

• University degree or equivalent in International Development, International Relations, Law, Political Science, Economics, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent work experience
• Professional training in management is a plus
• At least 6 years of progressively responsible experience in private sector development, governance reform or related functions including managing projects and program portfolios and teams
• Minimum of 4 years of experience managing donor relationships
• Minimum of 4 years of experience managing donor relationships especially U.S. government-funded programs (e.g., NED, DRL) and working with international donors is preferred
• Minimum of 4 years of experience working in (or with) business membership associations, business coalitions, or on economic reform initiatives is preferred
• Reliable understanding of the political, economic, and institutional dynamics in the country
• Proven ability to build and maintain a diverse network of development partners particularly in the private sector, civil society and the policy making space in Kenya and internationally
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing impactful programs with NGOs, businesses, associations, and governments
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to represent an organization to high-level stakeholders