Job opening at Digital Impact Alliance

The Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL) is looking for a Program Manager, Country Engagement to lead and coordinate a dynamic portfolio of country programs across Africa.

Job Title: Program Manager, Country Engagement
Department: Program Operations – Africa
Location: Remote (Africa-based)
Contract Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: USD $85,000 – $95,000 per annum
Travel: Required (within Africa and occasionally internationally)
Closing Date: Not specified (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)

The Program Manager translates strategic priorities into clear, actionable program plans and serves as a trusted operational partner to the senior leader overseeing the Country Engagement portfolio.

About Digital Impact Alliance

The Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL) is a global nonprofit organization reimagining how data and digital technology can fuel bold, inclusive solutions to society’s most pressing challenges — from advancing equality and strengthening public systems to driving sustainable economic growth and addressing climate change.

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in the United States, DIAL operates across four continents. Our team works at the intersection of research, policy, and practice, equipping leaders with the insights, tools, and resources they need to make informed, forward-thinking decisions that generate real and lasting impact.

As a global alliance, we partner with many of the world’s most influential investors and changemakers in digital development. Our strength lies not only in our technical expertise but also in our ability to convene diverse stakeholders and build consensus. We are uniquely positioned to help shape a world where data and digital technology serve people, society, and the planet.

Position Overview

The Program Manager (PM), Country Engagement, is responsible for the effective planning, coordination, and delivery of a portfolio of programs across multiple countries in Africa.

Working within a matrixed organizational structure, the PM ensures that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget, while meeting DIAL’s standards for quality, accountability, and learning.

This role is central to the success of the Africa portfolio. By managing day-to-day program execution, the PM enables senior leadership to focus on strategic growth, partnerships, and external engagement—while ensuring seamless and high-quality delivery across country teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Implementation & Learning

Oversee the day-to-day management of multiple country programs within the Country Engagement portfolio.
Identify and activate cross-project synergies to maximize value for partners and increase sustainable impact.
Lead or support the development of project scopes, detailed workplans, timelines, and implementation milestones.

Ensure programs are delivered on time, within approved scope, and within budget.
Track deliverables and key milestones; proactively identify and address risks, delays, and dependencies.
Ensure consistent application of program management standards and tools across assigned projects.

Coordinate effectively across country teams, technical leads, finance, MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning), and operations staff.
Clarify roles, responsibilities, and decision-making authority within project teams.
Facilitate alignment and problem-solving when priorities, timelines, or resources conflict.

Maintain tracking systems to monitor progress, budgets, and risks.
Provide concise and regular status updates to senior leadership, highlighting achievements, challenges, and emerging issues.

Synthesize lessons learned across projects and contribute to continuous improvement in program delivery.
Support donor and internal reporting requirements.

2. Financial Oversight & Compliance

Monitor program budgets in collaboration with the finance team, including burn rates and spending forecasts.
Identify and flag budget variances, supporting corrective actions or reforecasting as required.

Ensure programmatic decisions align with financial policies and compliance requirements.
Promote financial accountability and transparency across country teams.

3. Operational Support to Senior Leadership – Africa Portfolio

Serve as a trusted operational partner to the senior leader overseeing the Africa portfolio.
Manage operational details and execution oversight to enable leadership to focus on strategic priorities and partnership development.

Translate high-level strategic direction into actionable program plans and team priorities.
Prepare briefings, summaries, and decision-support materials.
Support logistics for events, study tours, conferences, and other engagements.

4. Systems, Processes & Capacity Building

Support the development and refinement of program management systems, templates, and tools.
Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and learning.

Provide coaching and guidance to project leads and team members on planning, prioritization, and execution.
Strengthen cross-functional collaboration in a remote, geographically dispersed team environment.

Selection Criteria

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in international development, public policy, information technology, development economics, or a related field (preferred).

Experience

5–7 years of professional experience in international development.
3–5 years of relevant experience in program management of international development projects.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
Experience working in matrixed organizations is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

Strong planning, coordination, and operational management skills.
Proven ability to work independently while managing competing priorities.
Experience working across time zones in remote teams.

Fluency in English (spoken and written); French proficiency is highly desirable.
Ability to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively to different audiences.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, PowerPoint) and program management tools.
A collaborative and positive mindset, with a strong respect for diversity and inclusion.

Location & Eligibility

This position is remote and must be based in Africa. Strong preference will be given to candidates located in Uganda, Kenya, Benin, Senegal, or Nigeria.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in their home country. Relocation costs and visa sponsorship are not provided.

DIAL operates as a remote-first organization. While this role is primarily virtual, periodic travel for in-person meetings and team retreats is required.

Compensation & Benefits

Annual Salary Range: USD $85,000 – $95,000

Salary offers are determined based on the unique strengths each candidate brings, including skills, experience, and qualifications. Candidates newer to this level may receive an offer toward the lower end of the range, while those with extensive and directly relevant experience may receive an offer toward the higher end.

Benefits include:

Generous paid annual leave and public holidays
Contributions toward healthcare coverage
Pension/retirement savings contributions
Progressive benefits designed to promote work-life balance

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We strongly encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every listed qualification. Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often apply only when they meet 100% of the criteria—yet no one ever meets them all.

At DIAL, we value diverse perspectives and lived experiences. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and mission-driven workplace where all team members can thrive.

MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

How to Apply

If you are an experienced program leader in international development who thrives in complex, matrixed environments and is motivated by advancing inclusive digital transformation across Africa, we would love to hear from you.

Learn more and apply:

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE

Join us in shaping a future where digital technology works for everyone.

Digital Impact Alliance is looking for a Program Manager, Country Engagement (Remote)

Job Description