Program Manager at Disabled Women in Africa – DIWA

Disabled women in Africa

WE ARE HIRING

Job Vacancy: Program Manager – SPADRA Project
Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
Duration: 2 years, starting May 2025

About DIWA

Disabled Women in Africa (DIWA) is a regional organization working to advance the rights of women and girls with disabilities across Africa with over 33 members in 23 countries across the continent. DIWAexist to ensure African women and girls with disabilities are enjoying their rights, are influencing their
destiny and are free from any gender and disability-based discrimination.

DIWA is a member of African Disability Forum (ADF), the continental membership organization of
Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in Africa currently with 44 African countries (National
Federations of Organization of Persons with Disabilities), 9 continental OPDs and 4 sub-regional OPDs as
members.

In August 2023, International Disability Alliance (IDA) and The Swedish International Development
Cooperation (Sida) signed an agreement on the ‘Strengthening Partnerships to Advance Disability Rights in Africa (SPADRA)’project. The project implemented by ADF, DIWA and Inclusion Africa (IA). Theproject aims to advance disability and gender rights in Africa through strengthening Organization of Persons with Disability (OPD) capacity and cross-disability and mainstream partnerships at Pan African
and national levels. The initial target countries are Benin, Ghana, Malawi and Zambia.

SPADRA isdesigned to bridge this gap and advance gender and disability rights in Africa. The African Disability Forum (ADF), Disabled Women in Africa (DIWA) and Inclusion Africa (IA) have established a dynamicconsortium focussed on strengthening OPD capacity and cross-disability and mainstream partnerships atPan African level and at national level, initially in Ghana, Benin, Malawi and Zambia.
The project’s overall objective is to advance gender and disability rights in Africa by strengthening OPDcapacity and cross-disability and mainstream partnerships at pan-African and national levels.
DIWA is therefore looking for a highly motivated Program Manager to join its team as soon as possible.

The project will run for 2 years.

Summary of the position:

The Program Manager will be responsible for coordinating the implementation of the SPADRA Project
in collaboration with DIWA member organizations, partners, and stakeholders across Malawi and
Zambia and collaborating with project partner in Benin and Ghana. The position will focus on program
management, advocacy, capacity building, and fostering partnerships to ensure effective
implementation.

Responsibilities include:

Project Planning and Management:

• Focus primarily on SPADRA activities for Malawi and Zambia and Develop detailed project plans,
  timelines, and budgets in collaboration with the project team in line with approved budget lines
  and activities of the project.
• Ensure effective implementation and timely completion of project activities.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential risks, and take appropriate actions to mitigate them.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation and prepare regular progress reports.
• Provide regular updates to the PCT on DIWA activities and prepare narrative reports to be
  consolidated by ADF.
• Provide expertise on gender issues and the movement of women with disabilities-led
  organizations.
• Provide recommendations to ADF PD for the PSC meetings (agenda, decisions to be taken,
  partnership, fund raising opportunities and risks to be mitigated)

Advocacy and Policy Development

• Conduct assessment in Southern Africa on the rights and needs of women with disabilities to
  inform advocacy strategies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including women with disabilities, disability rights organizations,
  and government bodies, to develop policy recommendations and advocacy agendas.
• Advocate for the implementation of inclusive policies and programs that address the specific
  challenges faced by women with disabilities.
• Represent the organization in meetings, conferences, and public forums to raise awareness and
  promote the rights of women with disabilities.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with relevant stakeholders, including women with
  disabilities, community organizations, government agencies, and international partners.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the meaningful participation of women with disabilities
  in decision-making processes.
• Organize workshops, seminars, and consultations to facilitate dialogue and knowledge-sharing
  among stakeholders.

Capacity Building

• Develop and deliver training programs and workshops to enhance the skills and knowledge of
  women with disabilities, as well as advocacy partners and network members.
• Provide technical assistance and support to national networks working on women with
  disabilities issues.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the impact and
  effectiveness of advocacy initiatives.
• Collect and analyze data, prepare evaluation reports, and make recommendations for program
  improvement.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and reporting deadlines.

Qualifications and skills:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, international
  development, disability studies, or human rights
• Demonstrated experience in project management, including planning, implementation, and
  monitoring.
• Strong knowledge of women’s rights, disability rights, and intersectionality.
• Familiarity with national and international policies and frameworks related to disability rights
  and gender equality.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with
  diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in advocacy, policy development, and engaging with government entities.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to gather and synthesize information from
  various sources.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Sensitivity to the needs and experiences of women with disabilities.
• Proficiency in using computer applications and technology for project management and
  reporting.

Method Of Application

Interested candidates should send their CV and Cover Letter to [email protected] with the
subject line : Program Manager – SPADRA Project by 25th April 2025.

Women with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.