What we’re looking for:

• An expert in programmatic delivery of cash in development and humanitarian contexts (particularly our operating countries in Africa), including understanding how operational delivery interacts with everything from government relations to fundraising, academic research to crisis management, the risks of fragile contexts to preventing fraud and safeguarding.
• Strategic judgment and nimble execution: able to see the big picture and operate at 30k feet for what’s most important, while in command of the details and able to operate in a lean, fast moving, entrepreneurial environment.
• Embody and set an example for GD values: we take our values incredibly seriously, and expect our leaders to embody, nurture and promote them in the way they work and the teams they build.
• An exceptional leader and manager; hire and develop top senior talent, while structuring and running an effective team and setting a high bar for performance. 
• Build and manage scalable systems; Able to design, implement and monitor operational delivery systems in highly variable operating contexts that are simple, scalable, data driven, efficient and technology forward in the way they work.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and develop high-performing teams – Hire, coach, and manage a team of 600+, including Regional Directors, Country Directors, cross-country staff and field officers, ensuring strong leadership, talent development, and high performance across GiveDirectly’s global programs.
• Oversee and scale program execution – Deliver $150M+ in cash transfers efficiently and safely, ensuring excellence in program design, financial oversight, risk management, and continuous operational improvements.
• Drive strategy and planning – Set and execute regional and global program priorities, advise the CEO on operational investments, and ensure alignment across teams like Program Tech, Finance, Security, and Fundraising.
• Strengthen governance and risk management – Ensure compliance with labor laws, donor requirements, and safeguarding policies while supporting crisis response, audits, and government relations.
• Expand GiveDirectly’s impact – Partner with research teams and external institutions to rigorously evaluate our impact, identify and pursue strategic partnerships, oversee new country expansions, and collaborate with research, product and fundraising teams to align opportunities with organizational priorities.
• Represent GiveDirectly externally – While this will not be the main focus of the role, there will be ongoing need to engage with key stakeholders, donors, and global forums to advocate for cash transfers, strengthen partnerships, and position GD as a leader in the sector.
• Travel: We expect the VP Programs will need to be prepared to travel 25% of the time, spending time with our teams in Africa and the US.