Senior Program Manager

The Senior Program Manager (SPM) provides high level support to ThinkWell’s global Program Implementation Unit in strengthening ThinkWell’s program implementation for high impact. The SPM uses managerial, operational, and programmatic expertise to support programs across dispersed project locations, including support for business development, project implementation from start-up through close-out, and award implementation compliance and other risk mitigation. The SPM provides timely, responsive, and effective program management support to Country Offices. SPM reports to the Director, Program Implementation Unit. A key function of the SPM role is to anticipate program implementation management needs and risks and take proactive actions to ensure effective and efficient implementation.

Program implementation support functions:

• Program reporting including the donor reports
• Donor relations
• Monitoring of program implementation status
• Program procurements and support
• Project start-up and close-out
• Award implementation compliance

Program Implementation Unit support:

• Work closely with Program Directors/Business Unit Leaders, Country Directors, and other program staff to support quality implementation of projects
• Support the development of standardized processes for the team’s project implementation support, reflecting best practices, and ensure high-quality delivery of that support to country teams
• Engage in and lead project start-ups, project close-outs, and other initiatives specific to program management or to a Country Office(s)
• Contribute to the development of project designs, work plans, program and donor reports, and other program deliverables
• Support Program Directors, project leads, and country leaders in timely and accurate interpretation of financial data and related program implementation information and development of risk mitigation strategies such as work plan budget reviews, preparation of donor financial reports, cost-share tracking, and pipeline development for obligations increase, and budget realignments
• Based on analysis of project implementation data, anticipate project implementation issues and risks and facilitate the implementation of proactive actions to ensure efficient and effective implementation
• Collaborate with the Talent, Finance, and Contracts departments of Corporate Operations to support effective and efficient implementation of projects, accountability, and compliance
• In collaboration with corporate compliance functions, support ThinkWell compliance across global locations with host government and donor regulations, laws, and reporting requirements

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Liaise with Talent on recruitment of country team staff and act as lead for recruitment, training, and ongoing performance management of junior program operations staff

New Business Development

• Contribute to the development of budgets as requested

We Are:
ThinkWell core values are the fundamental organizational guiding principles. They define our corporate culture, influence our behavior at work and help us achieve our mission. Our values are:

Think big

Influence the conversation

Empower others

Be exceptional
Always questions
Relate authentically
Evolve by learning

You Are:
ThinkWell core competencies are foundational skills and behaviors that align with our values and are expected of all employees.
An entrepreneurial, results-oriented ‘do-er’ with a willingness to take risk, think big and challenge conventional wisdom.

A change maker who reaches independent judgement with an open mind, influences the conversation, and seeks innovation.

Able to help create an empowering environment in which everyone feels free to take initiative, be accountable and fail intelligently (learn from mistakes).

A collaborative colleague who engages constructively with people from different cultures, orientations, and perspectives and maintains positive relations in a virtual world.
Principally motivated by a growth mindset, meaning the pursuit of knowledge, experience, and self-improvement. You always question and continuously learn.

Authentic, honest, direct, self-aware and open to giving and receiving feedback.

Requirements

1. BA/BS and 8+ years’/experience or graduate degree (MBA, MPA, MPH) and 6+ years’ experience in global development and program operations;
2. Relevant work experience in Global Health in a funding organization, management consulting firm, bilateral or multilateral development agency, and/or international NGO with some experience coordinating projects in low- or middle-income countries;
3. Competency in monitoring project implementation and analysis, interpretation, and presentation of project implementation data;
4. Experience in compiling donor reports summarizing the project implementation status;
5. Demonstrated poise and professionalism in engaging with corporate clients, external partners, donors, and other stakeholders;
6. Demonstrated systems and operations management abilities including coaching junior staff;
7. A thoughtful systems thinker with pragmatic understanding of the complexities of our work;
8. Budgeting and financial management experience; project management certification a plus;
9. Data savvy and skilled at visual display of data; must be highly fluent in Excel and PowerPoint;
10. Full English fluency, second language a plus; international development or experience working with different cultures, time zones, and countries preferred;
11. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to relate respectfully with staff at all levels, ages, genders, nationalities and orientations as well as across work areas;
12. Ability and willingness to travel up to 10%.