The Senior Program Operations Advisor for the East and Southern Africa (ESA) region is a critical role responsible for overseeing the operational health and quality of programs within the region. The advisor identifies and escalates operational risks, provides capability strengthening to country offices, and ensures that Save the Children’s quality standards are consistently met. This role involves significant coaching, data analysis, and advocacy for operational excellence.
Principal Accountabilities
Risk Management: Identify, escalate, and support the management of operational issues and risks in programs to ensure high-quality delivery for children.
Capacity Building: Provide capability-strengthening, coaching, and mentoring to Country and National Offices where necessary.
Standards & Policy: Contribute to the roll-out of relevant Quality Standards, policies, procedures, and guidance.
Data Analysis: Monitor and analyze management data (including QSSA, IP KPIs, IPMI, and Right First Time) to inform decision-making and identify improvements.
Stakeholder Engagement: Establish peer relationships with country and national offices in the region and act upon their operational pain points.
Knowledge Sharing: Document and communicate successes and lessons learned within the global operations community.
Requirements and Qualifications
Education: A Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences, International Development, Business Administration, or a related field is essential. An advanced degree (Master's) in a relevant field is advantageous.
Experience: Substantive experience in program operations support, preferably within a humanitarian or development sector context.
Regional Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of the East and Southern Africa (ESA) region.
Coaching & Mentoring: A proven track record of capability strengthening and mentoring with evidence of impact on performance.
Analytical Skills: Strong skills in operational data monitoring and analysis using tools such as KPIs, QSSA, and IPMI.
Risk & Problem Solving: Proficient in identifying and mitigating operational risks and addressing complex challenges.
Relationship Management: Experience building effective relationships with senior management, country staff, and external partners.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex issues clearly.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the Save the Children recruitment portal. Go to Save the Children on Oracle Cloud to submit your application before the deadline on March 12, 2026.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply online via the Save the Children recruitment portal at hcri.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com. Ensure you complete the application before March 12, 2026.
