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.
About the Role
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.
Key Responsibilities
Set Strategy 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 in this product (impact/value, feasibility/delivery, and growth/fundability).
- Build a crisp roadmap that separates what must be proven, built, and scaled.
Design and Iterate on Program Model
- Lead program design choices (e.g., transfer size, timing/cadence, etc), grounded in evidence and operational realities.
- Ensure the program meets a high bar for recipient dignity, safeguarding, consent, and clarity - especially given the sensitivity of pregnancy and newborn outcomes.
- Partner closely with programs teams to identify where reality diverges from our plans and implement adaptations quickly.
Build Scalable Delivery and Partnership Models
- Identify, evaluate, and manage partners critical to targeting and outcomes (e.g., community health NGOs, health facilities, government systems).
- Define the operating model: what GiveDirectly must do vs. what partners can do better and how data flows and accountability work.
- Develop playbooks for recipient targeting/verification, enrollment of pregnant women, and payment timing.
- Define the tech needs for delivery and scale (e.g., digital identification, system integrations, automated messaging).
Drive the Learning Agenda and Evidence Narrative
- Set the measurement strategy: leading indicators, qualitative insight loops, and the path to rigorous evaluation.
- Work with research/MEAL to ensure collection of “decision-grade” evidence.
- Package evidence into a narrative that is persuasive to donors, partners, and policy stakeholders.
Support Fundraising and Go-to-Market
- Build the product’s “go-to-market” posture: positioning, target donor segments, and pitch narrative.
- Partner with fundraising to shape pipeline strategy and support key conversations.
Lead Cross-functional Execution
- Assemble and run a high-performing cross-functional team without formal authority.
- Build alignment across country leadership, research, fundraising, and tech.
Success Criteria (By End of 2026)
- Impact validation: A clear, defensible impact story with leading indicators.
- Delivery validation: Operational clarity on targeting and verification; reliable, on-time payment delivery.
- Donor validation: Strong donor interest and commitments from HNW and institutional funders.
- Unit economics: A clear model for cost per outcome and the path to improved efficiency.
- Scale readiness: A concrete 2027 plan (countries, partners, operating model, tech roadmap).
Qualifications
- 8+ years of professional work experience in a similar role or function (product, programs, business development, partnerships).
- Proven leadership ability and management experience in building high performing teams.
- Experience working with a distributed team in a multicultural environment.
- Interest in working as part of a growing company with a highly adaptive environment.
- Strong, succinct communications: Skilled in speaking, writing, presenting, and negotiating.
- Analytical problem solver with a strong framework for prioritization.
- Exceptional alignment to GiveDirectly values and commitment to recipient dignity and empowerment.
Compensation (Kenya)
- Base Salary: $101,221
- Bonus at Target Performance: 15% (~$15,183)
- Estimated Total Compensation at Target: $116,404+
- Annual Benefits Stipend: $8,453
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the GiveDirectly application portal on Greenhouse. Visit job-boards.greenhouse.io/givedirectly or use the application link provided on the job board.
