Job Title: Head of Program
Reports To: Executive Management / Head of Operations & Finance
Location: No. 1 Hannah Benka-Coker Street, Freetown
Employment Type: Full-Time
Application Deadline: 2nd January, 2026

ABOUT SLONEC

SLONEC SL Limited is a professional accountancy, consultancy, and training firm committed to strengthening institutional systems and building capacity across public and private sector organizations in Sierra Leone. Our mission is to promote operational efficiency, accountability, and compliance through the delivery of high-quality professional services that support sustainable growth and good governance.

JOB SUMMARY

SLONEC SL Limited is recruiting on behalf of a well-established development and program-focused organization that prefers to remain anonymous. The organization is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and results-driven Head of Program to lead program strategy, implementation, coordination, and performance management across multiple projects.

The successful candidate will oversee program teams, ensure operational excellence, maintain donor and stakeholder relationships, and drive impact-focused program delivery. This role requires strong leadership, strategic planning capabilities, and exceptional program management experience.

Additional Responsibility: This role involves a dual focus, requiring the candidate to research and maintain up-to-date knowledge of national and international donor-funded projects relevant to both the Bangura Foundation and SLONEC. The candidate must be conversant with platforms such as UGM, Quantum, UN Agencies, World Bank, AfDB, and other donor portals to identify funding opportunities, track trends, and support strategic program planning.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership & Strategic Management

• Provide strategic direction for program development, execution, monitoring, and evaluation.

• Lead the design and planning of new programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and donor priorities.

• Develop annual work plans, implementation strategies, and program frameworks.

   

Program Implementation & Oversight

• Supervise and support program managers, officers, and field teams to ensure timely and effective project delivery.

• Monitor program progress, risks, and emerging needs, providing guidance and solutions as necessary.

• Ensure that all programs meet quality standards, compliance requirements, and deliverables.

   

Stakeholder, Donor & Partner Engagement

• Maintain strong relationships with donors, government agencies, partners, and community stakeholders.

• Represent the organization in external meetings, program forums, and coordination platforms.

• Support proposal development, donor reporting, and resource mobilization efforts.

   

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)

• Oversee program monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress, outcomes, and impact.

• Ensure effective data collection, analysis, and learning mechanisms across all projects.

• Lead periodic program reviews and lessons-learned sessions to improve performance.

   

Research & Knowledge Management (Donor Funding Focus)

• Conduct research on national and international donor-funded projects relevant to SLONEC and the Bangura Foundation.

• Maintain familiarity with online platforms such asUGM, Quantum, UN Agencies, World Bank, AfDB, and other donor portals. Also resources for funding, partnership, and program development opportunities.

• Provide strategic insights and recommendations based on donor trends and funding priorities.

   

Team Leadership & Capacity Building

• Provide mentorship, coaching, and performance supervision for program staff.

   

• Identify capacity gaps and implement targeted training and development initiatives.

   

• Foster a collaborative, high-performing, and mission-driven program team culture.

   

Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare narrative and technical reports for management, donors, and regulatory bodies.

   

• Ensure adherence to operational guidelines, donor policies, and organizational standards.

   

• Maintain comprehensive program documentation, including budgets, reports, and implementation records.

   

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Public Administration, Project Management, Social Sciences, or a related field; a Master’s degree is an added advantage.

   

• 5–7 years of progressive experience in program management, development programming, project leadership, or a similar role.

   

• Proven experience managing multi-donor, multi-sector, or community-based programs.

   

• Strong understanding of donor compliance, program cycles, and reporting requirements.

   

• Knowledge of national and international donor-funded projects and ability to navigate platforms such asUGM, Quantum, UN Agencies, World Bank, AfDB, and other donor portals.

   

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong leadership, team management, and coordination skills.

   

• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.

   

• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and decision-making capabilities.

   

• High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

   

• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

   

• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and an updated CV to recruit@slonec.com, with the subject line:
“Application – Head of Program.”

Applications must be received no later than 2nd January 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

SLONEC SL Limited is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, or background. All employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and organizational needs.