Location: This role is based in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Priority application deadline: May 20, 2026 or until we've reached critical mass of applications

About this role

GiveDirectly Malawi is growing rapidly - delivering large lump sum transfers at district scale, developing tech-enabled delivery models, and building the operational infrastructure needed to support a significantly larger programme. We need a Director of Operations to take full ownership of our back-office functions and build the systems, team and processes required to operate with excellence at scale.

This role is a new senior leadership position created to address a critical gap: our procurement, logistics, HR, and administrative functions need dedicated expert leadership as we scale from one to multiple operational locations. The Director of Operations will own these functions end-to-end, freeing the Country Director and programmes team to focus on programme quality, research, and strategic growth.

The ideal candidate combines deep operational expertise - particularly in procurement, supply chain, and compliance - with the leadership skills to build and mentor a growing team. You thrive in a fast-paced, non-hierarchical environment, are comfortable making decisions without a predefined playbook, and bring a bias toward action and practical problem-solving.

Reports to: Country Director

Level: Director

Travel Requirement: Regular travel within Malawi to field offices and programme sites. Must be able to travel 1-2 times per year internationally for team retreats.

What you’ll do:

Build and Lead the Malawi Operations Team

• Build, mentor and manage a high-performing operations team including procurement, field office management, and stores/logistics functions.
•  Recruit, onboard and develop team members across multiple locations, ensuring the team has the skills and capacity to manage increasingly complex operations
• Create clear roles, responsibilities, and standard operating procedures that enable the team to operate independently and at a high standard.

Design Cost-Effective Systems for Scale

• Build systems and processes capable of supporting a significantly larger programme footprint, anticipating future needs (e.g. direct procurement, warehousing, in-country tech capacity).
• Drive measurable improvements in back-office processes - in terms of speed, cost, and oversight.

Lead Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Function

• Own end-to-end procurement, vendor management, and payments processes, ensuring full compliance with GiveDirectly policies and Malawi regulatory requirements.
• Design and implement new/improved strategies for Malawi supply chain management, secure storage, and transport across multiple operational locations – working closely with Global Supply Chain leadership
• Chair the Malawi Procurement Committee and exercise delegated authority to approve procurement and purchase orders.
•  Eliminate operational blockers to ensure programmes teams have what they need to deliver at scale. 

Oversee HR, Administration and Office Management

• Own day-to-day HR operations, office management, asset management, and security across all Malawi locations.
• Ensure administrative systems are robust, efficient, and future-proofed to support significant scale.
• Manage detailed operational budgeting and planning, working closely with  Finance staff

Drive Compliance and Risk Management

• Oversee internal audit and safeguarding functions via existing dotted-line arrangements; serve as the responsible owner for case resolution and interaction with programmes.
• Proactively identify and mitigate operational risks, maintaining a risk register and escalating appropriately.
• Ensure all operations meet GiveDirectly’s global standards and local regulatory requirements, adapting global policies for the Malawi context.
• Lead collaboration with the Finance function to manage external audits, ensure regulatory and financial compliance, and maintain timely payment processes. 

What you’ll bring:

• Exceptional alignment with GiveDirectly Values and active demonstration of our core competencies: emotional intelligence, problem solving, project management, follow-through, and fostering inclusivity. We welcome and strongly encourage applications from candidates who have personal or professional experience in the low-income and/or historically marginalised communities that we serve.
• Significant experience (8+ years) in operations management, with deep expertise in procurement, supply chain, logistics, and compliance. 
• Proven track record of building or maturing operational functions - taking systems from ad hoc to structured, compliant, and scalable.
• Strong financial and budget management skills, with experience managing operational budgets and driving cost-effectiveness.
• Experience managing and developing teams, including recruiting and mentoring staff in resource-constrained environments.
• Comfort in a fast-paced and changing environment that lacks predefined playbooks and requires figuring things out independently.
• Highly analytical with a strong attention to detail and a bias toward data-driven decision-making.
• Familiarity with INGO standards, donor compliance frameworks, internal controls, and audit processes.
• Strong cross-cultural communication skills and experience working effectively in matrixed organisations.
• Experience and aptitude leveraging new technologies and AI to advance operational effectiveness. Comfort with an agile and iterative approach.
• Knowledge of Malawi’s regulatory environment for NGO operations, procurement, and employment law is a strong advantage.
• Language Requirement: English. Language Preferences: Chichewa.

Compensation

At GiveDirectly, we strive to pay our employees generously and equitably. We use an accredited third party salary aggregator to calculate what we believe to be competitive pay based on role, location, and cost of living. We also have a no negotiation policy to ensure we are paying staff equitably across roles. Read more about our compensation philosophy here.

Unless otherwise noted, the benefits stipend may be used to cover benefits or taken as additional taxable income.

• Base Salary: $94,576
• Bonus at Target Performance: 15% (~$14,186, with potential for upside. For reference, with the organization's current performance multiplier, this amount would be $16,598 in 2025)
• Estimated Total Compensation at Target: $108,762+
• Annual Benefits Stipend: $8,453

 #LI-REMOTE

About Imagine Worldwide

All children have immense potential, but hundreds of millions don’t have access to the learning they need. Imagine Worldwide believes that every child should be empowered with the basic right to literacy and numeracy. We provide an innovative education technology solution and implementation model to the global literacy/numeracy learning crisis using the onebillion application and various toolkits and systems to support implementation. Our model is massively scalable, evidence-based, and can deliver foundational learning to millions of the most marginalized children.

Imagine Worldwide partners with governments, organizations, and communities to provide child-directed, tablet-based learning that is accessible, effective, and affordable. We are incorporated in California (United States) as a nonprofit organization, but operate in Sub-Saharan Africa through locally-registered entities in Malawi, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania. Learn more on our website.

About the Role

The Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring the smooth, efficient, and compliant functioning of Imagine Worldwide’s Malawi office. The primary purpose of this role is to provide strong operational leadership and oversight that enables program delivery at scale. Working closely with Finance, Programs, and Technical Services, the role ensures that systems, processes, and support services are well-coordinated, responsive, and aligned with organizational standards. The role will report to the Director of Finance and Administration and will oversee other Administration and Operations Officers 

This position is accountable for delivering high-quality administrative and operational services that support staff, management, and partners. Key outcomes include effective office and facilities management, streamlined operational processes, strong vendor and asset management, and full compliance with organizational policies and procedures. 

By strengthening the operational backbone of the Malawi office, this role directly contributes to Imagine Worldwide’s strategy of testing and scaling tablet-based learning solutions. Efficient and reliable operations enable program teams to focus on delivering impact—helping children become literate and numerate—while ensuring the organization can expand sustainably and responsibly.

Key Responsibilities

Cross-Team Coordination & Operational Support

• Provide day-to-day operational support to program, finance, and technical teams to enable timely and effective delivery of activities. 

• Coordinate logistics for internal events, donor engagements, stakeholder visits, and special projects, while ensuring international staff administrative needs (e.g., visas, work and residence permits) are efficiently managed.

Office, Facilities & Administrative Management

• Oversee the smooth running of office and warehouse facilities, ensuring they are safe, functional, and compliant with workplace standards. 

• Manage leases, utilities, and service contracts (including internet, security, and cleaning), ensuring high-quality vendor performance. 

• Deliver responsive administrative services that support staff productivity and maintain a professional working environment.

Procurement, Vendor, Asset & Fleet Management

• Lead and manage procurement processes in line with organizational policies, ensuring transparency, value for money, and timely delivery. 

• Oversee vendor selection, contracting, and performance management. 

• Maintain accurate asset registers and ensure proper safeguarding of organizational resources.

• Manage fleet operations, including vehicle registration, licensing, insurance, maintenance, and supervision of drivers.

Compliance, Governance & Systems Management

• Maintain all corporate records, licenses, and statutory filings, ensuring timely renewals and full compliance with local regulations and organizational standards. 

• Work closely with the Director of Finance & Administration and global teams to uphold governance requirements and strengthen internal systems.

Risk Management & Security Oversight

• Support the identification, assessment, and monitoring of operational risks, maintaining the risk register and tracking mitigation actions across teams. 

• Facilitate regular risk reviews in alignment with Imagine’s global risk framework. 

• Serve as the country office focal point for security, ensuring staff and visitors receive appropriate briefings and that relevant information is shared with leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience managing office, compliance, or operations functions — ideally with an NGO or international organization.
• Proven experience dealing with government agencies, corporate registration, and statutory compliance in Malawi (or similar contexts).
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with experience in vendor and contract management.
• Strong problem-solving ability and high attention to detail.
• Proficiency with MS Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); familiarity with cloud-based document systems is a plus.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong ability to plan, coordinate, and oversee day-to-day operations.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and coordinate complex logistics in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with internal teams, global colleagues, partners, vendors, and government stakeholders.
• Sound knowledge of procurement processes, contract management, and supplier performance monitoring, with a focus on transparency and value for money.
• Basic financial management skills, including budgeting support, cost tracking, and understanding of administrative systems and controls.
• Familiarity with HR processes such as recruitment coordination, onboarding, staff welfare, and maintaining a positive workplace environment.
• Ability to identify operational challenges, assess risks, and implement practical, timely solutions with sound judgment.

Qualities

•  Passion for Imagine’s mission and vision 
•  Demonstrated commitment to equity in educational access and outcomes
• Passion for project management
• Demonstrated ability to think independently and solve problems
• Collaborative team player; clear and proactive communicator
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to work in a fast-paced, changing environment

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Location

The Operations Manager must be based in Lilongwe, Malawi.

* * *

Imagine Worldwide is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

About Imagine Worldwide

All children have immense potential, but hundreds of millions don’t have access to the learning they need. Imagine Worldwide believes that every child should be empowered with the basic right to literacy and numeracy. We provide an innovative education technology solution and implementation model to the global literacy/numeracy learning crisis using the onebillion application and various toolkits and systems to support implementation. Our model is massively scalable, evidence-based, and can deliver foundational learning to millions of the most marginalized children.

Imagine Worldwide partners with governments, organizations, and communities to provide child-directed, tablet-based learning that is accessible, effective, and affordable. We are incorporated in California (United States) as a nonprofit organization, but operate in Sub-Saharan Africa through locally-registered entities in Malawi, Sierra Leone and Tanzania. Learn more on our website.

About the Role

The Senior Director of Delivery is the second most senior leadership role in the organization, reporting directly to the Executive Director and serving as a key driver of Imagine Worldwide Malawi’s strategy and impact. This position plays a central role in advancing Imagine’s mission to design, deliver, and scale high-quality tablet-based learning solutions that enable children across Malawi to achieve foundational literacy and numeracy at national scale.

This role carries significant organizational value and influence. The Senior Director of Delivery is responsible for translating strategy into execution by ensuring that programs, technology, logistics, data systems, and partner engagement are aligned and operating effectively. The position provides executive-level oversight to ensure that implementation plans move beyond design into measurable, real-world impact in schools and communities.

Working across both global and in-country teams, the Senior Director of Delivery drives alignment, accountability, prioritization, and cross-functional problem-solving. The role ensures that learning programs launch successfully, operate reliably, and continuously improve through strong systems, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative leadership. As a senior organizational leader, the Senior Director of Delivery also contributes to shaping institutional culture, strengthening operational excellence, and guiding teams through periods of growth and scale.

The successful candidate will join a highly committed and collaborative leadership team dedicated to empowering every child, everywhere to reach their full potential. This position requires a strategic thinker with strong execution skills, the ability to lead across diverse teams and stakeholders, and a passion for delivering large-scale education transformation in Malawi.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Delivery Leadership

• Provide leadership and accountability for coordinated delivery across Programs, MEAL, Logistics, and Technical Services, ensuring work is coordinated to achieve program outcomes and operational reliability
• Serve as the country's primary integrator for delivery execution, ensuring leadership receives one coherent view of delivery progress, constraints, and decision needs.
• Shape and translate the country scale plan into clear delivery outcomes (e.g., launch readiness, device uptime, training completion, data completeness, time-on-task enablement) and hold delivery leaders accountable.
• Ensure coordination with global functions as needed and alignment with Imagine’s key performance areas and indicators.
• Contribute to discussions, policy notes, etc., as needed, on national scale and government transition.

Delivery Planning 

• Develop and own a single integrated delivery plan that synchronizes all delivery workstreams (launch preparation and recurring operations), with clear milestones, dependencies, resourcing assumptions, and accountable owners.
• Establish and lead a delivery operating rhythm (planning, execution reviews, performance reviews, and retrospectives) that drives disciplined execution, early risk detection, and timely decision-making.
• Balance competing priorities across delivery functions and make unified prioritization calls grounded in mission outcomes, data, capacity constraints, and delivery risk.
• Define and monitor delivery KPIs; track performance trends via a delivery performance dashboard; and drive corrective actions through structured data reviews and cross-functional problem-solving.
• Own delivery risk management and escalation by maintaining a delivery risks and issues register, proactively identifying material risks, defining mitigation plans with clear owners and timelines, and ensuring risks are escalated early through agreed pathways.
• Lead incident response for material delivery disruptions (e.g., rollout delays, uptime failures, safety/security incidents impacting learning, partner underperformance) by coordinating rapid triage, containment, root-cause analysis, and prevention of recurrence.
• Ensure transparent progress and governance reporting, including decision logs, escalation pathways, and measurement systems that support delivery improvement through data quality assurance and actionable insights.

Operational Excellence

• Build and maintain standardized training systems, SOPs, and capacity-building programs that ensure consistent, high-quality delivery at scale. Oversee delivery-critical partner performance (e.g., ISPs and service providers), ensuring clear expectations, coordinated work, and timely issue resolution.
• Codify best practices and policies that reduce institutional knowledge gaps and increase delivery resilience.
• Partner with the ED as a senior leader, providing integrated delivery oversight and escalating only the highest-priority issues requiring ED intervention. Contribute to the country leadership team by role-modeling Imagine values, driving organizational health, and leading through ambiguity and change.

People Management

• Line manage the delivery function leads (Directors of Program, Director Technical Services, Logistics Manager, and MEAL Manager). 
• Lead and manage staff reporting to them, setting clear expectations, priorities, and performance standards.
• Develop leadership capacity through coaching, feedback, performance management, and succession planning to support scale and sustainability.

Requirements

The successful candidate will possess the following competencies, experiences, and qualities:

Education and Work Experience

Bachelor's degree or higher with a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in operations leadership, program delivery, or a similar senior role, including at least 5 years managing teams. Management consulting experience is a plus. 

Role-Specific Skills Required

• Significant experience in managing successful program scaling.  
• Proven track record in managing scale operations in complex environments working with multiple partners 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Strong ability to analyze and interpret data to inform decisions, coupled with proven project management skills to plan, execute, and deliver projects effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills and ability to proactively manage and resolve conflicts
• Excellent understanding of budgets, financial processesR, reporting requirements, and compliance regulations within donor-funded grants and contracts
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments and teams 
• Strong organizational skills, superior attention to detail, ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Compensation & Benefits

Location

The Senior Director of Delivery must be based in Malawi

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis

* * *

Imagine Worldwide is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.