Programs Officer

Job Description

Job Title:                              Programs Officer

Grade:                                    D1

Application Deadline:         7^th December 2025 at 23:59 GMT

Start Date:                            1st January 2026

Term:                                     Full-time (40 hours per week)

Hire Type:                            Fixed Term (18 months contract, renewable based on performance)

Location:                               Gambia Participates office, Kololi

Required Language(s):       English

Reports to:                            Senior Programs Officer / Programs Manager

1. Background

Gambia Participates (GP) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) committed to strengthening governance within and beyond The Gambia. Established with a commitment to promoting a vibrant democracy, the organization has been contributing towards empowering citizens and civil society organizations (CSOs) to actively participate in shaping the nation's socio-political and economic landscape. At the heart of Gambia Participates' mission is the belief that an informed and engaged citizenry is vital for the growth and development of a nation. The organization works towards advancing the principles of good governance, accountability, and electoral integrity. As one of the fastest-growing organizations in the civic space, GP is dedicated to making significant strides toward good governance and accountability.

2. Job Summary

The Programs Officer will play a critical role in the development, implementation, and monitoring of GP's projects. The officer will coordinate with stakeholders, ensure timely project delivery, and contribute to the organization's mission by developing impactful programs aligned with Public Finance Management (PFM) transparency, anti-corruption, elections and public accountability objectives. The Programs Officer will support business development efforts and maintain strong relationships with partners and beneficiaries.

3. Key Responsibilities

The Programs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Program Management:

• Design, implement, and manage GP's programs, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives
• Develop work plans, timelines, and budgets to guide program activities
• Monitor program implementation and ensure activities are delivered on schedule and within budget
• Coordinate program logistics including workshops, training sessions, and community events
• Ensure all projects meet donor and organizational reporting requirements
• Identify and address implementation challenges promptly

Proposal Writing and Resource Mobilization:

• One of the core mandates of the Programs Officer is business development
• Develop high-quality proposals, concept notes, and funding applications
• Research and identify funding opportunities aligned with GP's mission
• Collaborate with the finance team to ensure accurate budgeting in proposal development
• Support efforts to mobilize and maintain donor support and partnerships
• Track grant opportunities and maintain a calendar of proposal deadlines

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with government institutions, CSOs, media, and international partners to promote transparency and governance reforms
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including donors and community-based organizations (CBOs)
• Coordinate with partners on joint initiatives and collaborative projects
• Act as liaison between GP and external stakeholders
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings, workshops, and consultations

Advocacy and Communication:

• Support public awareness campaigns on key issues such as anti-corruption, elections, and fiscal transparency and good governance
• Contribute to the development of advocacy strategies and policy recommendations
• Represent GP in external forums, conferences, and meetings as required
• Collaborate with communications team on program visibility and documentation
• Develop program materials including briefing notes and case studies

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL):

• Work with GP’s MEL Officer to implement MEL frameworks to track the progress and impact of programs
• Collect data on program indicators and outcomes
• Conduct periodic evaluations and produce programmatic reports
• Ensure quality data management and documentation systems
• Identify lessons learned and recommend improvements for future programming
• Prepare donor reports ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and quality

Capacity Building:

• Facilitate training and workshops for staff, CSOs, journalists, and other stakeholders on relevant topics
• Support internal capacity-building initiatives within GP
• Mentor and provide guidance to Programs Assistants
• Contribute to organizational learning and knowledge sharing

Requirements

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in International Relations, Project Management, Development Studies, Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field. A Master's degree is an added advantage
•  3 to 5+ years of relevant experience in program management, governance, or advocacy work. While this is recommended, it is not a requirement. At GP, experience alone is not enough; we look for competence coupled with the required skills and passion
• Demonstrated experience working with NGOs, private sector, government agencies, and international partners
• Strong understanding of governance issues, especially anti-corruption, public finance management, elections, and policy advocacy
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to deliver on multiple deadlines
• Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, networking, and coalition-building
• Familiarity with donor funding processes and reporting requirements
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks is highly desirable
• Proficiency in digital tools (Microsoft Office Suite) and social media platforms
• Ability to work independently and in a team, with a high level of professionalism and integrity

5. Key Competencies

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Proficiency in local languages is an advantage
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage budgets, work plans, and M&E frameworks
• Proven ability to draft high-quality proposals, project reports, and donor communications
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Strong knowledge of donor landscapes and experience in donor relations and reporting
• Familiarity with software for project management, reporting, and M&E
• Problem-solving mindset with attention to detail
• Commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct

Additional Information