Role Overview
GiveDirectly is looking for a systems-minded Chief of Staff to help the VP Programs and senior programs leadership drive forward our most important priorities. This person will operate as a force multiplier—bringing structure to complexity, optimizing executive focus, and leading special projects that unlock impact across country offices and global teams.
If you're someone who thrives in ambiguity, excels at building streamlined systems (bringing order to chaos), and loves solving high-leverage problems through data, strategy, and collaboration—this role offers an extraordinary opportunity. You’ll gain exposure to high-level decision-making and drive initiatives that shape how GiveDirectly delivers cash to recipients worldwide.
What we’re looking for
Operational & Execution Excellence
- You have a track record of executing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
- You create clarity, structure, and accountability—ensuring decisions turn into actions.
- You have previous experience working or living in Sub-Saharan Africa
- 8+ years of relevant experience e.g. implementing projects in last mile, low resource contexts; managing operations across multiple sub-saharan country contexts; management consulting; organizational design
High Tolerance for Ambiguity
- You operate well with limited direction, continuously refining scope and approach.
- You seek stakeholder input, ask smart questions, and “figure it out” with minimal or no hand-holding.
- You are constantly prioritizing to stay focused on the highest-leverage efforts.
Strong Communication & Influence
- You write clearly and concisely, and can synthesize complex topics for diverse audiences.
- You are skilled at managing up, aligning teams, and facilitating productive conversations.
- You know how to build understanding, buy in, and participation across multicultural teams with different ways of working.
Analytical & Strategic Judgment
- You’re a master at data analysis and insights synthesis
- You have strong presentation and process mapping skills.
Tools & Tech Proficiency
- You’re a pro with Google Suite, Slack, Google Slides, Google Sheets, and project management tools such as Asana and Jira
Values
- Exceptional alignment with GiveDirectly Values
Bonus
- Familiarity with GiveDirectly’s cash program models or similar
- Comfort with Salesforce
What you will do
Build scalable systems and processes
- Map current workflows across countries and global departments
- Design and implement streamlined, fit-for-purpose ways of working
- Develop documentation, templates, and tools that enhance programs execution, coordination, and effective and prompt resource allocation
Optimize programs department effectiveness
- Streamline decision-making, manage competing priorities, and serve as a strategic thought partner
- Draft materials, prepare presentations, and analyze data
- Build clarity and alignment across the department
- Ensure effective follow-through on high-priority initiatives
Lead special projects
- Take on high-stakes, time-bound initiatives that cut across teams
- Example projects: creating cross-country workplan templates, facilitating all-CDs meetings, consolidating process data, process mapping, and advancing harmonization across offices
Drive departmental operating rhythms
- Lead the planning, facilitation, and follow-up of key meetings and retreats so that they are high value for the organization and for participants
- Own goal-tracking systems and unblock progress through collaboration and coordination
- Run periodic surveys to surface priorities and pain points across teams
Oversee internal communications
- Manage communications strategies and execution for programs leadership
- Ensure clear, timely, and values-aligned updates that build transparency and trust across country offices
Travel
- 1x per quarter and/or as needed
Gmail
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