GiveDirectly has established a Product team responsible for identifying new program areas for exploration and implementation, as well as deepening our impact in existing program areas. Products at GiveDirectly are double-sided - serving the needs of our recipients on one side, and donors on the other - and include large technology components as well as the careful design of in-person operations. They range from our flagship large lump sum cash work to highly targeted support for specific populations or locations; the Product team works across fundraising, program implementation, and Research and Technology to build end-to-end programs and bring them to market.
Role Overview
This role is responsible for assembling and leading cross-functional teams to drive product development, optimization, and scale. You will lead the end-to-end product strategy and execution across multiple countries and partnerships, assembling and driving a cross-functional team spanning Programs, Research/M&E, Partnerships, and Safeguarding. You’ll set the learning agenda, pressure-test and iterate on program design, and translate evidence and delivery performance into a compelling case and readiness for scale.
Responsibilities
Set strategy, define the hypotheses, and drive focus
- Own the product vision and multi-year strategy, translating it into annual and quarterly goals and clear “go/no-go” decision points.
- Define and maintain the core “hypotheses” that ground GiveDirectly’s investment (impact/value, feasibility/delivery, and growth/fundability).
- Build a crisp roadmap that separates proof-of-concept, building, and scaling.
Design and iterate on program model and recipient experience
- Lead program design choices (e.g., transfer size, timing/cadence) grounded in evidence.
- Ensure the program meets a high bar for recipient dignity, safeguarding, consent, and clarity.
- Partner with programs teams to diagnose root causes and implement adaptations quickly.
Build scalable delivery and partnership models
- Manage critical partners such as community health NGOs, health facilities, and government systems.
- Define the operating model: what GiveDirectly does versus what partners do, managing responsibilities and data flows.
- Develop playbooks for recipient targeting, enrollment, and payment timing, then standardize across countries.
- Define tech needs for scale including digital identification and automated messaging.
Drive the learning agenda and evidence narrative
- Set the measurement strategy and learning agenda including leading indicators and qualitative loops.
- Work with MEAL to ensure collection of “decision-grade” evidence.
- Package evidence into a narrative persuasive to donors and policy stakeholders.
Support fundraising and go-to-market
- Build positioning, target donor segments, and the pitch narrative that unlocks scale.
- Partner with fundraising to shape pipeline strategy and support key conversations.
Lead cross-functional execution
- Assemble and run high-performing teams, setting operating rhythms and decision forums.
- Build alignment across stakeholders and escalate tradeoffs when necessary.
Qualifications
- 8+ years of professional work experience in a similar role or function (product, programs, business development, or partnerships).
- BA/BSc/HND degree.
- Exceptional alignment to GiveDirectly values and commitment to recipient dignity.
- Proven leadership ability and management experience in building high-performing teams.
- Experience working with distributed teams in a multicultural environment.
- Strong, succinct communication skills: speaking, writing, and presenting.
- Analytical problem solver with a strong framework for prioritization.
Compensation (Kenya-based)
- Base Salary: $101,221
- Bonus: 15% at target performance (~$15,183).
- Estimated Total Compensation: $116,404+
- Annual Benefits Stipend: $8,453
- Note: This role is fully remote. Salary benchmarks for candidates outside the US, UK, or Kenya will be shared during the hiring process.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the GiveDirectly portal on Greenhouse: https://www.myjobmag.co.ke/apply-now/1209066.
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