Regional Director, West and Central Africa

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) invites applications for a Regional Director West and Central Africa to join our dedicated and talented team in our mission to create business solutions to poverty!  

MEDA’s work is built on a foundation of Mennonite business roots and faith-based values, within the global context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We believe business solutions are effective interventions to address poverty. Through a market-systems approach and strategic partnerships, MEDA enables access to finance and provides business and technical expertise to build transformative agri-food market systems that create decent jobs, allowing traditionally excluded groups to become active participants in a sustainable economy. MEDA welcomes all who share our values and want to join us in our mission. To find out more about MEDA, please visit our website at www.meda.org.  

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Regional Director, West and Central Africa reports to the Vice President, Global Programs and leads the Regional Team of Western and Central Africa (WCA) while overseeing the implementation of programs and projects within a defined region aligned with MEDA's strategic plan. As a member of MEDA's Senior Management Team, the Regional Director WCA provides strategic leadership and management to achieve regional priorities, identify growth opportunities, and support transformational initiatives while ensuring the effective operation of MEDA's delivery model. 

Frequent international travel is required.   

Job Status: Full-Time 

Start Date:  As soon as possible 

Location(s):Flexible within West & Central Africa

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: 

Strategy and Planning (30%) 

• Translate and execute MEDA's strategic plan at the regional and portfolio level.  
• Direct regional and country strategies in alignment with MEDA's corporate strategy, impact goals, and financial targets.  
• Raise MEDA's profile and position the organization as a thought leader through publications, conferences, industry events, and participation in donor and policy groups.  
• Build strategic partnerships with host governments, funders, and key stakeholders across the region.  
• Collaborate with senior leaders and colleagues across divisions to continuously improve MEDA's approach.  
• Identify new business opportunities and support proposal development activities as required. 

Leadership and Management (40%) 

• Lead a team of operational and technical staff, setting performance objectives and ensuring accountability. 
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and maintenance of divisional standards and project management excellence as a member of the Global Programs senior leadership team. 
• Foster a collaborative culture that empowers staff to contribute to organizational success. 
• Lead regional and country teams through change initiatives and coach Program Leads in change management. 
• Manage recruitment, retention, development, and performance of direct reports. 
• Review and approve workplans and budgets and ensure delivery within approved parameters. 
• Monitor progress against plans and provide regular reporting to the Vice President, Global Programs. 

Compliance and Contract Management (30%) 

• Oversee donor, partner, and subcontractor agreements to ensure compliance and effective risk management. 
• Manage donor relationships and demonstrate strong stewardship of funds. 
• Approve financial and narrative donor reports. 
• Review and approve financial requests and budget revisions in accordance with MEDA policies and signing authorities. 
• Ensure regional operations comply with local laws, donor agreements, and MEDA policies, procedures, and standards. 

REQUIREMENTS 

Education:   

University degree, ideally a Master's degree, in Business Administration, International Economic Development, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Development Finance, or a related field.

Experience:  

• Minimum 10 years of professional management experience in project development and implementation, staff management, program planning, budgeting, and consulting services.  
• Ideally includes 5 years of overseas management experience.  
• Experience working with bilateral and multilateral donors, government agencies, NGOs, and development organizations.  Experience supporting entrepreneurial and small-business agri-development initiatives in rural areas.  
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing diverse and geographically dispersed teams. 

Technical Expertise: 

• Strategic planning and execution.  
• Program and portfolio management.  
• Financial oversight and budget management.  
• Donor compliance and contract management.  
• Business development and partnership building.  
• Change management and organizational leadership.  
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management. 

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE: 

• Appreciation and support of MEDA's mission, vision, values, and faith statement. 
• Understanding and appreciation of business principles, international development, and MEDA's approach to creating business solutions to poverty. 
• Ability and willingness for frequent international travel to developing countries. 
• Excellent relationship-building, networking, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities. 
• Highly motivated, self-starter, and results-oriented.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11th September 2026 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we shall be using a third party to support in the recruitment process.  

MEDA welcomes and encourages applications from all genders, backgrounds, religions, cultures, nationalities and abilities.  

Accommodations are available on request for candidates with disabilities taking part in the selection process. 

MEDA is not in a position to sponsor or assist candidates in obtaining work permits. Employees are required to establish that they will be able to work legally in the country the role is in, during the course of employment. 

MEDA does not use AI for screening, assessing or selecting applicants.