Technical Program Manager

Vacancy AnnouncementTechnical Program ManagerOrganization: Adeso - www.adesoafrica.orgPosition Title: Technical Program ManagerReporting to: Adeso COOWorking with: Adeso Subsidiaries Staff and Adeso Finance Team Duty station: Nairobi, KenyaDuration: 12 Months with possibility of renewalStarting date: ImmediateORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXTAdeso is a pioneering African social enterprise with global influence. Rooted in Africa for over 30 years, we are working toward a decolonised world where people thrive through their own resourcefulness and tenacity. Adeso is part of global movement to shift power to local leaders who are closest to the problem and, by consequence, closest to the solution. We are working with allies all over the world to reimagine and build a better system that is based on the principles of solidarity, humility, self-determination, and equality. We are committed to this work. Committed to proving it is possible. Ready to partner, ready to overcome barriers, and ready to evolve to create a blueprint for change.Adeso has successfully launched social enterprises and subsidiaries, such as Ladhan Investment Ltd, Libin Investment Ltd, and Kuja, each with the aim of building the ecosystem needed to confront the legacy of colonialism. These entities all fall under the private sector arm of Adeso, while Adeso’s humanitarian programs and internal operations fall under the non-profit arm of Adeso and are led by Program Leads and Departmental Heads. Through this portfolio of solutions, we work to connect, design, launch, and scale the most promising innovations that will be a catalyst for community-led change. As a recognized leader in the global effort to decolonize the humanitarian and development aid system, Adeso leads coalitions working with civil society leaders, funders, INGOs, and aid agencies that are designed to shift power and resources to those most proximate to the world’s most urgent challenges.POSITION SUMMARYThe TPM will build and run Adeso’s delivery practices, tooling, and central portfolio dashboard. Responsibilities include designing and operating the intake/approval process for all initiatives (with financial viability checks), configuring Microsoft 365/Asana-class tooling, and maintaining a single executive view of work in flight. The TPM translates annual strategies into actionable roadmaps with milestones, owners, and KPIs, and anchors a predictable cadence of weekly intake and monthly portfolio reviews.SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES1) Project Management Framework & GovernancePublish the Adeso Delivery Playbook (10–12 pages): lifecycle (Intake → Initiate → Plan → Deliver → Close), roles/RACI (Sponsor, Project Lead, TPM, Finance/Grants, MEL/Compliance, IT/InfoSec), change control, and closeout/learning notes.Tailor standards for small/medium/large efforts; enforce naming/versioning, artifact locations, and document hygiene in SharePoint/Teams.Define approval gates: Intake screening → Business case (incl. financial viability) → Plan baseline → Delivery reviews → Closeout & learning.2) Portfolio, Intake & SchedulingStand up a single intake and backlog; run a weekly intake review with COO and functional leads (go/hold/kill).Facilitate the monthly portfolio review (RYG, risks, dependencies, capacity); maintain decision, risk, and dependency logs.Drive annual planning with quarterly refresh; roll organizational priorities into entity/department roadmaps with KPIs and quarterly milestones.3) Tooling & Data (build the system)Configure Microsoft 365: Teams/SharePoint (PMO Hub), Planner or Project for the web + Roadmap; and/or Asana/similar system where appropriate; standardize templates, permissions, and storage.Implement a single Org Ops Register (list) and publish a Power BI (or equivalent) portfolio dashboard (e.g., Overdue, Next-14-days, Red/Amber, compliance calendar).Automate nudges/roll-ups (weekly update reminders, due-date alerts, Red status escalations) via simple flows.4) Financial Modeling & Business CasesBuild right-sized models (P&L, Cash Flow; unit economics) and scenario analyses (ROI/IRR/payback) to pressure-test proposals and ongoing projects.Write concise decision memos with options, risks, and recommended next steps for COO/ED/CFO.5) Change Management & EnablementDeliver role-based training (Project Leads, Sponsors, Analysts), quick-start guides, and office hours; stand up a champions network.Track adoption KPIs (template use, hygiene, on-time updates) and iterate processes to remain lightweight and effective.6) Cross-Functional Coordination & ComplianceCoordinate with Finance on donor reporting and monthly close calendars; with Programs on MEL basics; with Shared Services on policy/process rollouts.Maintain the separation between NGO and commercial streams (data, approvals, budgets) while providing a single executive view of progress.EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCEEducation & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Finance/Economics, Information Systems, or related field; advanced degree (MBA, MS) is a plus.PMP (or PRINCE2/PMI-ACP) certification required; PMP preferred.6+ years building and operating project/program management processes and portfolio routines across multi-team environments (NGO and/or commercial).Proven track record implementing PM tooling (Microsoft 365: Teams/SharePoint/Planner or Project for the web + Roadmap; Asana/Trello-class tools) and establishing a central portfolio/dashboard.Demonstrated experience turning annual strategies into actionable, scheduled work with milestones, owners, and KPIs.Financial modeling proficiency (forecasting, sensitivity/scenario analysis, unit economics, ROI/IRR/payback) and translating insights into go/no-go recommendations.Technical & Analytical SkillsAdvanced Excel/Sheets modeling; comfort with reusable financial templates.Hands-on configuration of M365 project stack and/or Asana; Power BI (or equivalent) dashboarding.Familiarity with MEL/compliance for donor-funded programs; understanding of grants and internal controls is an advantage.Clear, concise documentation; able to produce quick guides and decision memos.Soft Skills & AttributesProactive, structured, and calm under pressure; able to manage multiple priorities independently.Excellent communicator and facilitator; can translate technical/financial topics for non-specialist audiences.Diplomatic and discrete with sensitive information; high cultural competence in multi-country settings.Bias for simplicity—chooses the lightest process that achieves reliable outcomes.Language & LocationFluency in English required; Somali language skills are a plus.Must be based in Nairobi, with willingness to travel occasionally for field-level work or investor meetings.APPLICATION PROCESSAll applications should be sent to Jobs@adesoafrica.org by the 4th November 2025 with job title on the subject line. The selection committee will review all applications as they arrive. All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above, and those unable to meet these requirements will not be considered.Each application package should include the following:An application letter addressing the selection criteria including how the candidate’s previous experience matches the jobs objectives as well as the interest for the position.It should also indicate the candidate’s availability and salary expectation rates. The letter should be no longer than 1 page.Updated CV including relevant work experience and qualifications.Contact details of 3 references.Applications not including all the above information will not be reviewed. Only short-listedcandidates will be contacted.Adeso is an equal opportunity employer.