Title: Program Manager, West Africa

Classification: Exempt/Non-Exempt

About Smile Train

Smile Train is changing the world one smile at a time. Our goal is to transform every person's life impacted by a cleft lip or palate. We train and support doctors and medical professionals to provide our beneficiaries with free, life-changing comprehensive cleft treatment. Our sustainable model has allowed us to reach 1.5 million children in 90+ countries, and we’re just starting. We are truly changing the world one smile at a time.

Smile Train is looking for exceptional people to join a worldwide team of dedicated, passionate professionals. Our team is creative and highly motivated individuals working to make a positive impact. Join us!

Role Summary:

The Program Manager – West Africa will be based in Ghana oversee Smile Train’s comprehensive cleft care programs in Ghana and adjoining countries of Liberia, Siera Leone and Gambia serving as the primary relationship manager for partners and leading programmatic implementation. This role is central to advancing Smile Train’s mission by ensuring effective partner engagement, program quality, financial stewardship, compliance, and strategic alignment with regional and global objectives.

Reports To:

Program Director, West Africa + Lead, Policy and Advocacy Africa

Key Responsibilities:

1. Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for treatment and non-treatment partners, government agencies, and training institutions.
• Ensure effective collaboration and alignment between Smile Train and local partners, addressing inquiries and resolving challenges proactively.
• Facilitate onboarding and capacity building for partners, ensuring compliance with Smile Train protocols, systems, and reporting requirements.
• Strengthen cross-departmental collaboration and promote alignment of global strategies with local contexts ("glocalization").

1. Program Implementation

• Work with onsite team to facilitate sustained functionality of the National Cleft Care Center – A Smile Train Cleft Leadership Center in Kumasi, Ghana meet and ensure targets for surgery and comprehensive cleft care at the centre are met.
• Conduct due diligence and needs assessments to evaluate and expand cleft care coverage across designated countries.
• Lead the planning and implementation of annual programmatic goals in line with Smile Train’s global priorities.
• Monitor and visit partner facilities regularly to ensure high-quality and safe program delivery.
• Manage budgets to maximize impact and ensure appropriate use of funds.
• Coordinate capacity-building initiatives, including workshops and training for local cleft care teams.
• Oversee the review and approval of funding applications and vendor invoices in compliance with internal guidelines.

1. Compliance

• Ensure compliance with organizational, safety, and quality standards.
• Oversee audits (safety, financial, legal) and remediate identified risks.
• Review partner data and reports, ensuring timely submission and accuracy for grant closure and future planning.
• Address Quality Assurance (QA) concerns with appropriate escalation and training interventions.

1. Financial Management

• Collaborate on the development of annual budgets and track expenditure against targets.
• Review and manage payment rates (PPS/PPT) to ensure alignment with cost-sharing requirements and programmatic goals.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of partner payments and donor reporting requirements.

1. Communications and Advocacy

• Represent Smile Train at national conferences, media engagements, and partner events to raise awareness of cleft care.
• Support branding compliance and facilitate partner contributions to communications and storytelling efforts.
• Engage government agencies and key health institutions to advocate for integrating cleft care into national health policies.

1. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

• Collect and analyze program data to measure partner performance and programmatic impact.
• Strengthen mechanisms for feedback from partners, patients, and communities to drive continuous improvement.
• Track KPIs, such as:
  • Year-over-year increase in cleft interventions.
  • Number of professionals trained annually.
  • Partner/patient satisfaction metrics.

Required Education and Experience:

Education:

Advanced degrees in Public Health, Global Health, Health Systems Management, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2–10 years’ progressive experience in public health program management, preferably in international NGOs or healthcare-focused organizations.
• Demonstrated track record of managing large-scale health programs and partnerships, with a focus on quality, safety, and sustainability.
• Proven experience in partner relationship management, including collaboration with healthcare institutions.
• Hands-on experience in capacity building, training implementation, and program evaluation.
• Strong financial management experience, including budget planning, monitoring, and reporting.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, particularly with leadership of Treatment Centers .
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate it into actionable strategies.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills across diverse cultures and professional levels.
• Proficiency in program monitoring, compliance, and risk mitigation.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Fluency in English (spoken and written); proficiency in other languages such as French is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel frequently, including to remote areas.
• Cultural adaptability and ability to thrive in multi-country, multi-stakeholder environments.

Accountability Expectations:

• Ownership of Outcomes: Take full responsibility for one’s own performance, ensuring alignment with Smile Train’s mission and objectives.
• Transparent Communication: Communicate openly and effectively with team members, fostering trust and a shared understanding of expectations and priorities.
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate empathy, understanding, and cultural sensitivity to contribute to an inclusive and supportive team environment.
  
• Empowerment: Effectively communicating with supervisors to ensure you are equipped with the resources, guidance, and autonomy you need to excel in your role
• Team Cohesion: Contribute to a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared accountability, helping the team to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment

Compensation Range: $16,000-$24,000

Travel:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, obligations, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

Application Information:

Smile Train is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply. To apply, please complete the application online. Include your CV, and a cover letter that describes why you believe you would be a good fit for Smile Train and this role. We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.