Country Manager at Africa School Assistance Project

Title: Country Manager (Tanzania)
Reports to: Executive Director
Employment Status: Full-time (2 year contract)
Location: Mwanza, Tanzania
Salary Range (Gross): 3,800,000 – 4,800,000 TSH/month (based on experience)
Benefits:

• Payment of statutory obligations
• Generous paid time off (PTO)
• Generous family and sick leave policies
• Monthly stipends for mobile phone and internet usage
• Additional funding for professional development and training, including conferences, workshops, and courses aligned with the Country Manager’s professional growth

Vision Statement:

Africa School Assistance Project believes in a world where all people have access to safe, equitable, and quality education.

Mission Statement:

Africa School Assistance Project empowers and creates opportunities for Tanzanians, particularly girls, by removing obstacles to quality education and learning.

Who is Africa School Assistance Project (ASAP)?

ASAP is an internationally registered non-profit organization (United States/Tanzania) that empowers and creates opportunities for Tanzanians, particularly girls, by removing obstacles to quality education and learning. So far, we have partnered with twelve community schools (and counting!) in rural, underserved areas, several of which have become model schools in their districts.

ASAP’s Kupanda Project for Girls has improved girls’ secondary school completion rates from 4% to 96%! The program has received exciting recognition as an important innovation in the global drive towards female empowerment. In fact, ASAP/The Kupanda Project was chosen to serve as an inaugural strategic partner in First Lady Obama’s Let Girls Learn Initiative, a global effort to increase girls’ education worldwide.

Our work is executed through strong partnerships and co-financing arrangements with beneficiary communities and the local Tanzanian government. We place a high priority on collaboration and partnerships with other NGOs where they add value to our programs. Above all, ASAP supports local ownership of the projects to ensure community accountability, respect for local culture, and sustainability.

What Does ASAP Do?

Community School Development: ASAP develops community schools (primary & secondary) in partnership with rural Tanzanian communities for the purpose of expanding access to quality education. ASAP has built and/or assisted in the development of thirteen community schools serving more than 7,500 children annually, and the schools are achieving impressive academic results. Aspects of our work include community engagement, school building, teacher training, educational resources, WASH and health education, student scholarships, and more.

Kupanda Project for Girls: A comprehensive dormitory support program for lower secondary girls. ASAP has raised girls’ secondary school completion rates in rural Tanzania from 4% to 96% by providing girls the comprehensive support they need to access and succeed in school for four years. Aspects of this program include safe housing, WASH/feminine health support, leadership curriculum, STEM/ICT training, tutoring, and more. We believe holistic support is the only path to meaningful, lasting, and sustainable change regarding girls’ education and long-term empowerment.

Country Manager (CM) Position Overview:

ASAP is seeking a dynamic, experienced leader with a proven track record in building and expanding organizational capacity, developing systems, and driving large-scale program implementation. This is ASAP’s first Country Manager position, and until now, all programs and staff management have been overseen by the Executive Director. The Country Manager will be responsible for shaping and scaling ASAP’s operations in Tanzania, executing a detailed program roadmap that involves complex program development, staff recruitment and training, capacity building, and systems strengthening.

This role requires a strategic, hands-on leader who can build effective organizational structures, hire and manage high-performing teams, and create and optimize systems to support ASAP’s ambitious goals. The program development aspect of this role is substantial, and the Country Manager will be expected to manage the complexities of scaling ASAP’s operations while ensuring the delivery of high-quality programs. Only candidates with demonstrated experience in organizational development and leading complex programs will be considered.

Candidates must have a strong background in leadership roles, with Country Manager-level experience preferred, and a history of success in international organizations. Experience in education or community-based development initiatives is critical. The ideal candidate should have a deep passion for education, especially for girls, and a commitment to embodying ASAP’s mission and vision. Candidates should be adaptable, able to thrive in dynamic and unpredictable environments, and foster a culturally responsive team. Strong problem-solving skills, the ability to make decisive actions under pressure, and a commitment to fostering an open and collaborative team environment are  essential.                                                                                                                                             

Primary Responsibilities

Leadership

• Serve as the face and voice of ASAP in Tanzania
• Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with partner schools, partner communities, the Tanzanian government, organizational partners, and other relevant stakeholders
• Provide leadership and vision to work with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to set the strategic direction, priorities, and policies for ASAP
• Develop, manage, and motivate staff to ensure high levels of program performance
• Supervise program evaluation, finance, administration, communications, and systems; recommend timelines and resources needed to achieve strategic goals
• Ensure effective systems to track progress and measure success that can be communicated to the board, funders, and other constituents
• Oversee implementation of the strategic plan and provide guidance to strengthen and innovate along the way
• Act as a spokesperson and engage media to drive communications and educate our network and the public
• Identify potential risks and opportunities within the organization
• Protect the organization’s interests and assets
• Work alongside the ED to create and implement operational and programmatic strategy

Program Management

• Oversee all aspects of program management with the coordinated team
• Ensure achievement of the program’s objectives and technical staff efficiency
• Ensure the organization has adequate resources to meet objectives
• Ensure the program is appropriate according to the situation, context, and objectives
• Develop and adhere to program and operational budgets
• Ensure program schedules and deadlines are met
• Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and program reporting

Operational Management

• Manage, build capacity, and oversee performance of all Tanzania staff, advising ED of areas for growth/improvement
• Ensure compliance with local laws and government regulations
• Manage human resources in conformity with applicable labor laws and internal regulations
• Oversee logistical aspects and ensure organizational compliance with local laws and regulations
• Perform appraisals of Tanzanian staff and advise ED on appropriate staff salaries and benefits
• Manage and protect ASAP office and assets

Community/Stakeholder Engagement

• Evaluate prospective partner schools and communities
• Develop co-investment partnerships with partner communities and the local government (village, ward, district, and regional levels of government)
• Develop and maintain strong national government co-investment partnerships
• Identify, cultivate, and maintain partnerships with other relevant private and public sector stakeholders
• Research best practices with other NPOs to innovate and improve ASAP programming
• Conduct ongoing needs assessments and field analyses of the team and programming

Board Relations

• Conduct regular Tanzanian, US, and joint TZ/US board meetings
• Provide updates on program activities and finances via regular conference calls
• Assist TZ board committees where necessary
• Communicate with TZ board members regularly to increase engagement and participation

Financial Management

• Develop, implement, and manage budgets with support from key TZ staff and the Executive Director
• Keep programmatic and operational costs as low as possible
• Ensure financial oversight and compliance with financial controls, regulatory bodies, and accounting principles
• Work with the Executive Director, Treasurer, and Bookkeeper to prepare and interpret financial reports for the Board

Skills & Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years of executive level international non-profit management with a clear record of success in leading organizations and building systems from the ground up
• Proven ability to develop and expand organizational capacity and build complex programs
• Relevant development sector experience (education, health, grassroots community)
• Strong commitment to grassroots empowerment and educational equity
• Ability to develop and manage high-performing teams
• Experience in budgeting and financial management
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with an ability to maintain key relationships with multiple stakeholders
• Strong project management skills and experience with data-driven program evaluation
• Proficient with technology for planning, management, and communications, including Microsoft Office, Asana (or similar project management software), web platforms, and social media
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree (preferred) in a relevant field

The Ideal Candidate Will:

• Have a passion for ASAP’s work and mission
• Have experience leading and managing diverse teams
• Be a dynamic individual who can engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures
• Have excellent organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines
• Be an assertive self-starter with a proactive attitude and ability to work independently
• Work effectively as a team player, seeking and acting on feedback as appropriate
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities under pressure, with poise and tact

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Workplace Policies

ASAP is committed to fostering a workplace that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, and we are particularly committed to increasing gender diversity within our team. ASAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

As part of our commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations, ASAP has a Child Protection Policy in place, which all employees must adhere to. Staff are expected to follow strict protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of children in our programs. All staff are required to undergo background checks, including criminal background screening.

Application Guidelines:

Please submit the following via email to [email protected] with the subject line “Country Manager”:

• Cover letter

• Resume

Application Deadline:

This job posting will close on April 11. Please submit your application by this date.

*Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Due to the high volume of applicants, we will only contact those invited for interviews.

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