Programme Manager

The Programme Manager will ensure effective coordination, implementation, and monitoring of activities under the Programme, facilitating collaboration between stakeholders and aligning objectives with the strategic priorities of the African Space Agency (AfSA). The role involves overseeing day-to-day management, supervising staff, and liaising with international partners including the European Space Agency and relevant European Commission offices.

Responsibilities

• Head the team and ensure overall management of the programme
• Oversee day-to-day management, coordination, and implementation of the programme ensuring linkage to AU policies and strategies linked to space and green transition
• Supervise staff under the programme
• Lead the preparation of reports for the monitoring and evaluation of the Action’s activities as the programme focal person
• Ensure all efforts are executed in accordance with expected outputs and aligned with AU policies, rules and commitments while ensuring harmony with regional (REC) policies and strategies
• Maintain collaboration with stakeholders including African stakeholders, European Space Agency (ESA), and relevant European Commission offices
• Provide strategic coordination and oversight of Programme activities
• Facilitate communication and coordination among stakeholders including AUC, EC, implementing partners, and beneficiaries
• Monitor implementation progress, identify challenges, and propose mitigation measures
• Ensure alignment of Programme activities with strategic goals of AfSA and Africa-EU Space Partnership
• Support reporting, documentation, and dissemination of Programme outcomes and best practices
• Foster synergies with relevant regional and international space and Earth observation initiatives
• Develop and oversee implementation of the Programme’s work plan and space strategy
• Coordinate Programme activities and ensure timely execution
• Engage with relevant stakeholders including African and European institutions, implementing organizations, and regional partners
• Organize and facilitate technical meetings, workshops, and events related to the Programme
• Support development and implementation of a robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework
• Consolidate and analyze reports from implementing partners to track progress and identify bottlenecks
• Ensure effective reporting, documentation, and knowledge sharing on Programme results
• Liaise with technical teams to ensure alignment with broader AU policy frameworks
• Contribute to dissemination of Programme results through reports, publications, and communication tools
• Support integration of Programme outcomes into policy discussions at regional and continental levels
• Perform any other related duties as assigned by supervisors

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Space Sciences or any related field, with a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant work experience in space programme and/or project management, preferably in a multinational organization, of which at least six (6) years must be at managerial level and three (3) years at supervisory level
• OR Bachelor’s degree in Space Sciences, Project Management, Finance, or any related field, with a minimum of twelve (12) years of relevant work experience in space programme and/or project management, preferably in a multinational organization, of which at least six (6) years must be at managerial level and three (3) years at supervisory level
• Experience working with international organizations or regional institutions handling Africa–Europe joint space programmes (desirable)
• Demonstrated experience in space programme and/or project management, including conceptualization, planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting (desirable)
• Experience in space cooperation, partnership development and negotiations with international organizations and relevant stakeholders, preferably the European Space Agency (ESA), national space agencies and/or New Space actors (desirable)
• Ability to work under pressure in a multi-cultural environment
• Use strong political and diplomatic tact and skills to achieve documented objectives
• Listen to others, correctly interpret messages from others and respond appropriately using strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate openness in sharing information and keeping people informed
• Excellent writing, negotiating, analytical and communication skills
• Delegate appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority with regard to performance management and professional development
• Knowledge of the space policies, strategic frameworks and reference documents of the European Union and the African Union
• Project management theory
• Sound knowledge on project management theory, as well versed in the use of management tools, Internet, MS Power Point, MS Excel and MS Word
• Knowledge of the African Union system (added advantage)
• Space trends and challenges in Africa
• Demonstrated ability to identify key strategic opportunities and effectively manage associated risks
• Proven ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with senior-level stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to maintain effective communication and work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals

Skills

• Space Programme Management
• Project Management Theory
• Space Cooperation
• Partnership Development
• Negotiation Skills
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Performance Management
• Strategic Planning
• Risk Management
• Monitoring and Reporting
• Political and Diplomatic Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Written Communication
• Analytical Skills
• MS PowerPoint
• MS Excel
• MS Word
• Knowledge of African Union System
• Knowledge of European Union Space Policies
• Multicultural Environment Experience

Languages

Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, Spanish