GiveDirectly is seeking a Senior Global Director of Country Operations to oversee and enhance the infrastructure, effectiveness, and scalability of its country offices. This leadership position acts as the primary bridge between country leadership and global shared services, ensuring operational excellence, compliance, risk mitigation, and impactful growth in complex environments. GiveDirectly is transforming international aid by delivering cash grants directly to the world’s poorest populations. Since 2011, the organization has raised over $1 billion and provided cash transfers to more than 1.5 million people across 15 countries. Recognized as one of the most innovative non-profits by Fast Company, GiveDirectly aims to establish cash transfers as a standard for effective foreign aid, with the ultimate goal of eradicating extreme poverty. GiveDirectly fosters an inclusive, dynamic, and high-performing culture rooted in candor, agility, and non-hierarchy. The organization boasts a diverse global team of approximately 150 staff and 650 country operations personnel from 21 countries. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience managing country offices-especially in Sub-Saharan Africa-and be skilled at operating both strategically and tactically. They will support country teams by implementing simple, reliable systems that respect local contexts while upholding global standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee financial management across all country offices, managing budgets exceeding $150M annually.
- Ensure country offices are well-structured, compliant, and capable of scaling impact.
- Provide operational support in finance, HR, compliance, procurement, IT, and security.
- Lead the setup of new country offices and wind down operations when necessary.
- Drive organizational development, talent management, and leadership sustainability within country teams.
- Collaborate with Global Shared Services (GSS) to embed standards and policies.
- Maintain country registrations and statutory compliance.
- Develop and oversee certification processes for operational standards.
- Conduct periodic risk assessments and support mitigation strategies.
- Act as the primary liaison for GSS functions including People, Compliance, Procurement, Audit, Security, IT, and Risk.
- Clarify roles and responsibilities between GSS and country offices.
- Promote cross-office communication and sharing of best practices.
- Monitor and mitigate operational risks across countries.
- Maintain a cross-country risk dashboard.
- Lead or support crisis response efforts.
- Cultivate a proactive risk management culture.
- Represent programs in GSS and country coordination meetings.
- Contribute to organizational initiatives aimed at improving country office management.
- Lead or participate in special projects and initiatives as needed.
Requirements
- Extensive experience managing and maturing country offices in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Proven ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, unpredictable environments.
- Strong financial acumen, including budget management and modeling.
- Expertise in risk management, crisis response, and compliance.
- Deep knowledge of HR, procurement, audit, IT, and legal registration processes.
- Excellent cross-cultural communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to create clarity and structure within evolving systems.
- Data-driven decision-making skills.
- Experience leveraging technology and AI to improve organizational efficiency.
- Familiarity with INGO standards, donor compliance, and internal controls.
- Personal or professional experience working with low-income or marginalized communities highly valued.
- Required: English
- Preferred: French, Portuguese, or Swahili
Salary
U.S. Salary: $145,000 Kenya Salary: $120,000 Competitive, aligned with market standards based on location and experience.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to apply via the following link: Apply Here Candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their alignment with GiveDirectly’s values and competencies. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to safeguarding and fostering diversity.