International Programs & Grants Manager- Ghana & Nicaragua

Organizational overview: Self-Help International is dedicated to alleviating hunger by helping people help themselves. We support rural communities, small-scale farmers, and local enterprises in Nicaragua and Ghana to become self-reliant through training, education, leadership development, and technical assistance. SHI focuses on agricultural advancement, women’s empowerment, nutrition and health, and clean water access while building collaborative partnerships and raising global awareness of food insecurity.

Position Overview:  The International Programs & Grants Manager provides strategic leadership in program design, monitoring and evaluation, and fund development to strengthen Self-Help International’s work in Ghana and Nicaragua. This role collaborates closely with the Executive Director, Deputy Director, Country Directors, and Board Committees to ensure programs are effective, sustainable, well-funded, and aligned with SHI’s mission to alleviate hunger by helping people help themselves.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Stakeholder Engagement, Fund Development & Communication

• Liaise with donors to provide insight into program strategy and impact 
• Develop work plans and coordinate international trips involving staff, board members, skilled volunteers, donors, and interns
• Collaborate with SHI’s Development and Communications teams to:
• Articulate program goals and achievements
• Develop donor reports, proposals, and multimedia content
• Cultivate relationships with funders and partners to facilitate program growth
• Lead program-based educational activities to engage youth around global issues

Program Design, Strategy & Learning

• Lead long-term program design to achieve organizational theory of change, including articulation of metrics of success and exit strategies
• Guide program staff to incorporate evidence-based practices to improve outcomes
• Liaise with stakeholders and advisors to provide insight on program design, strategy, and implementation, and establish and cultivate new relationships to engage volunteers to provide technical expertise  
• Travel to Ghana and Nicaragua regularly to strengthen partnerships, evaluate programs, and support staff
• Coordinate with Ghana and Nicaragua Committee Chairs and program management teams  to facilitate quarterly discussions of key strategic questions and next steps
• Support Country Directors in human resource, procedural, financial, and administrative matters

Program Implementation, Monitoring & Evaluation

Provide strategic and technical support to Country Directors and management teams in Ghana and Nicaragua to: 

• Develop and implement annual program plans
• Align annual program goals and budgets with strategic organizational priorities and sustainability objectives
• Ensure efficient and effective implementation of programs across SHI’s service areas
• Maintain robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems and support program staff with outcome-based metric development and data collection
• Evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of SHI’s programs
• Conduct annual evaluation of progress toward strategic program goals and prepare performance reports for internal and external audiences
• Design and facilitate capacity-building activities for program staff and volunteers
• Provide quarterly updates on program impact and effectiveness to the Ghana and Nicaragua Committees of SHI’s Board of Directors

Key Deliverables within 12 months include but are not limited to the following:

• Evaluate the cost and effectiveness of each program in each country in 2024 and project the cost effectiveness for FY25, and present results to the Board of Directors 
• Develop or update program implementation guides and handbooks, incorporating effective practices and local expertise, including sustainability benchmarks and exit strategies 
• Collaborate with in-country staff to submit 4 grant applications of $50,000 each to fund existing programs and facilitate program growth and development consistent with organizational and programmatic strategic goals
• Travel to each country to learn from and support program staff, and develop collaborative working relationships
• Organize 2 donor trips to visit SHI’s program staff and impacted communities first-hand, including appropriate pre-trip cultural orientation 

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, agriculture, public health, economics, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in international development, program management, or a related field, including experience managing M&E systems and outcome-based reporting
• Demonstrated success securing and/or managing grants 
• Strong cross-cultural communication skills and a proven ability to work effectively with diverse, international teams
• Ability to travel internationally up to 15% of the time, including to remote rural areas
• Fluent in English
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in international development, nonprofit management, or a relevant discipline
• Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa or Central America
• Experience working with rural communities or agricultural initiatives
• Cultural competence in areas where SHI provides direct services
• Proficiency in Spanish, Twi, and/or Dagaare
• Donor engagement experience

Compensation:  $62,500 – $67,500 annual salary. Benefits include paid holidays, paid time off, parental leave, health, dental, and vision insurance, and professional development support.

Work authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the USA.

To Apply:  Submit your cover letter, resume, and list of references to information@selfhelpinternational.org with the subject line: International Programs & Grants Manager Application – [Your Name]

Applications will be accepted from June 5, 2025 until the position is filled.

Apply by June 13, 2025 for priority consideration.

Interviews are expected to take place June 19 – 27

Preferred start date: July 7 - 21

This is a meaningful opportunity for a dedicated, culturally fluent professional to make a lasting impact alongside a passionate team working to alleviate hunger and improve livelihoods in Ghana and Nicaragua.  

Self-Help International is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially those with lived experience in the regions where we work. SHI does not evangelize or seek to promote any particular faith or religion. 

Self-Help programs are offered regardless of the race, creed or nationality of the recipients and without adverse distinction of any kind and are not used to further a particular political or religious standpoint.

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an individual in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. Responsibilities and duties may change or evolve based on the needs of the organization.