Consultant – Compliance & Program Quality

MEDA invites applications for Consultant – Compliance & Program Quality to join our dedicated and talented team in our mission to create business solutions to poverty!

MEDA believes that 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.

CONTEXTUAL BACKGROUND - MEDA'S REGIONAL TEAMS

MEDA is advancing a decentralized structure that prioritizes responsive, contextual support to projects at the regional level. This approach emphasizes local decision-making, regional ownership, and proximity to the communities we serve while maintaining alignment with our global mission. Our regional teams provide tailored technical assistance, relationship management, and knowledge sharing that address the unique challenges and opportunities across diverse contexts.

ROLE

Reporting to the East and Southern Africa Regional Director, the Compliance and Program Quality Consultant is a subject matter expert on compliance with program and project requirements as well as effective project management processes with a strong drive to enable MEDA’s country teams to deliver exceptional project.

The Consultant works within a regional structure to ensure donor and organizational compliance related to grant and contract, legal and audit requirements. The Consultant provides best practices, processes, and tools to support effective project management by country staff. In collaboration with the Compliance and Program Quality team, this role plays an important role in ensuring MEDA builds and sustains the operational foundation for the implementation and delivery of projects and programs aligned with MEDA’s new strategic shifts and growth trajectory.

Occasional international travel is required.

Location: Locations within East and Southern Africa

Reports To: Regional Director - East and Southern Africa

Status:  Consultant

Assignment Duration - October 1, 2025 till April 16, 2027

Key Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks

Project / Programs Risk Assurance and Compliance 20%

·       Interacts with regional and country staff to support compliance assurance at country / regional level using knowledge of specific requirements for each project/program

·       Operational risk management and mitigation across projects and programs

·       Project and operational risk reviews, based on established templates and processes (such as 11-point list)

·       Capture learnings of risk-related events and compliance issues to improve performance and business continuity plans

·       Collaboration with Program Leads to ensure that contractual and donor requirements are met

·       Collaboration with Program Leads on project reporting to donors

·       Provide management of international projects or consultancies operated directly from MEDA Canada or MEDA US (e.g. cross-regional or consultancy based)

Project / Programs Systems and Process Support   40%

·       Support thought leadership and expertise in MEDA’s project management systems and process

·       Contribute to enhancing, developing and operationalizing tools and processes related to program management in a process of continuous improvement

·       Promote the adoption of standard tools and processes across projects and regions – through the development & operationalization of MEDA’s Project Management Guide (PMG) and delivering learning sessions on best practices, systems, processes and compliance

Regional Program Oversight and Reporting Support   20%

·       Review and provide analysis of quarterly project management reports, project plans, financial performance, risk profiles, and results data to identify trends, flag issues, and support data-informed decision-making at the regional level.

·       Assist Regional Directors in synthesizing key insights for the Global Programs Board Report, ensuring alignment with performance data, risk assessments, and strategic priorities across projects in the region.

·       Coordinate with IKM, Finance, and project managers to validate data and ensure consistency across narrative, financial, and results reporting in support of high-quality inputs to quarterly reviews and Board submissions.

·       Provide support to Regional Directors by synthesizing regional project portfolio overall performance, identifying implementation gaps or compliance risks, and advising on corrective actions to improve quality and results.

Project Inception and Close-Out   10%

·       Provide interim project coordination and oversight during inception phases prior to Project Manager onboarding, ensuring timely delivery of Project Implementation Plan, first Annual Work Plan, and other required deliverables, and ensure a smooth transition once the Project Manager is in place.

·       Coordinate cross-functional alignment across Program, IKM, Finance, S&I, P&C, and Legal teams to ensure project is properly set up for successful implementation, in line with our partnership model and Programs Plus approach.

·      Support project teams in planning and executing project close-out processes, ensuring compliance with donors and organizational requirements across technical, financial, and administrative areas.

Strategic Initiatives     10%

·       Strategic initiatives will involve working on key, discrete areas related to the implementation of MEDA’s Strategy, MEDA’s transition to new Ways of Working, operational improvements and program management.  Examples include (but not limited to):

o   Project Management Guide (PMG) development

o   Project management policy, process and tool updates to support the PMG

o   Country and regional strategies

o   Workstreams / Initiatives

Any other duties and/or requirements as assigned

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Required Experience

• 5+ years of experience in program management, compliance, or quality assurance in international development
• 3+ years of experience working with donor-funded projects (preferably GAC, USAID, or similar bilateral/multilateral donors)
• Proven experience in risk management and mitigation across multiple projects or programs
• Experience in project inception and close-out phases, including deliverable management and transition planning
• Demonstrated experience in training design and delivery for capacity building initiatives
• Experience working in East & Southern Africa or similar regional contexts preferred

Core Competencies

Technical Skills

• Compliance Management: Deep understanding of donor requirements, grant/contract compliance, legal and audit requirements
• Risk Assessment: Ability to conduct operational risk reviews, identify compliance risks, and develop mitigation strategies
• Project Management: Expertise in project management systems, processes, and best practices
• Data Analysis: Capability to synthesize project performance data, identify trends, and provide data-informed recommendations
• Process Development: Experience in developing, enhancing, and operationalizing management tools and processes
• Reporting: Proficiency in preparing quarterly reports, board submissions, and donor reporting

L****eadership & Management Skills

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to contribute to thought leadership and strategic initiatives
• Cross-functional Coordination: Experience coordinating across Program, Finance, IKM, and other functional teams
• Capacity Building: Skills in designing and delivering training programs to strengthen staff capabilities
• Change Management: Experience supporting organizational transitions and new ways of working

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to interact effectively with regional/country staff, partners, and senior management
• Facilitation: Experience facilitating learning sessions and knowledge sharing initiatives
• Advisory Skills: Proven ability to provide consultative support and technical expertise
• Cultural Competency: Understanding of working in diverse, multicultural environments

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in International Development, Business Administration, Project Management, or related field
• Master's degree preferred
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent preferred
• Professional proficiency in English; additional regional languages an asset

Personal Attributes

• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities
• Detail-oriented with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Adaptable and able to work in dynamic, fast-paced environments
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently and remotely
• Collaborative approach with strong team-working skills
• Results-driven with commitment to quality and continuous improvement

Technology & Systems

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project)
• Experience with project management software and tools
• Familiarity with donor reporting systems and platforms
• Knowledge of financial management systems for grant/contract tracking

Travel Requirements

• Willingness and ability to undertake occasional international travel for program visits and regional coordination
• Valid passport and ability to obtain necessary visas for travel within East & Southern Africa region

Organizational Alignment

• Deep appreciation and support of MEDA's mission, vision, and values
• Understanding of business principles, international development, and MEDA's approach of creating business solutions to poverty
• Commitment to MEDA's Core Performance Values: Collaboration, Respect, Entrepreneurship, and Accountability

MEDA is an equal opportunity employer, and accommodations are available during all phases of the recruitment process. We ask that any applicants requiring accommodation make their needs known in advance.

This job description may be reviewed, revised and updated as required to meet department and/or organizational objectives. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a qualified candidate is selected.