Deputy Country Director (Operations)

About GiveDirectly

Since 2011, GiveDirectly has distributed over $1 billion in direct cash transfers to more than two million people living in poverty across 15 countries. Recognized by major publications and named one of Time100's Most Influential Companies of 2026, the organization emphasizes scalable, cost-effective, and respectful aid grounded in research. The work culture is candid, analytical, and non-hierarchical, emphasizing high ownership and genuine professional growth.

Role Location and Timeline

This role is based in Lilongwe, Malawi. The priority application deadline is August 20, 2026, or earlier if sufficient candidates apply.

Role Overview

The Deputy Country Director - Operations will play a crucial role in scaling GiveDirectly Malawi's program by managing back-office functions and driving the vision and operational strategy. This senior leadership position ensures excellence in procurement, logistics, HR, and administration as the program expands to multiple sites and higher transfer volumes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing operations team encompassing procurement, field office management, stores, and logistics across various locations.
• Recruit, onboard, and upskill team members, ensuring clarity in roles and independence in operations supported by defined standard operating procedures.
• Design and implement scalable, cost-efficient systems anticipating future program needs such as direct procurement and warehousing.
• Enhance back-office process efficiency in speed, cost, and oversight.
• Manage end-to-end procurement, vendor relations, and payment processes compliant with GiveDirectly policies and Malawian regulations.
• Develop strategies for supply chain management, secure storage, and multi-location transport while collaborating with Global Supply Chain leaders.
• Chair the Malawi Procurement Committee with delegated procurement approval authority.
• Remove operational barriers to support program teams’ scale delivery.
• Oversee HR, office administration, asset management, and security ensuring future-ready administrative systems.
• Coordinate operational budgeting and planning with Finance teams.
• Manage internal audit, safeguarding, and risk identification, maintaining risk registers and escalation pathways.
• Ensure local regulatory and global standards compliance, adapting policies for Malawi.
• Collaborate with Finance for audits, regulatory adherence, and timely payments.

Candidate Profile

• Strong alignment with GiveDirectly values including emotional intelligence, inclusive leadership, problem-solving, and project management.
• At least 8 years of extensive experience in operations management focused on procurement, supply chain, logistics, and compliance.
• Proven leadership skills managing multifaceted teams and making autonomous, high-impact decisions.
• Experience in transforming operational functions from informal to structured, scalable, and compliant systems.
• Robust skills in financial oversight, budgeting, and cost control.
• Background managing staff recruitment, development, and mentoring in resource-limited settings.
• Adaptability to fast-evolving environments without ready-made frameworks and a proactive problem-solving attitude.
• Highly analytical with attention to data-driven decision-making.
• Knowledgeable about INGO operational standards, donor compliance, audit processes, and internal controls.
• Excellent cross-cultural communication and experience in matrix organizations.
• Familiarity with new technology and AI applications to improve operational efficiency and agile methodology comfort.
• Understanding of Malawian NGO regulatory frameworks for procurement and employment is advantageous.
• Fluent in English; Chichewa language skills preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary of $94,576 annually.
• Performance bonus target of 15% (~$14,186), with upward potential based on organizational performance, estimated $16,598 in 2025.
• Total target compensation estimated at $108,762 or higher.
• Annual benefits stipend of $8,453, which can be taken as additional taxable income.

Additional Information

GiveDirectly is an Equal Opportunity Employer prioritizing a diverse and inclusive workforce without discrimination. The organization upholds rigorous safeguarding standards, including background checks and adherence to zero tolerance policies regarding abuse and exploitation to protect all stakeholders. Reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees are available upon request. Referrals for this senior role are incentivized with rewards paid upon successful hiring.

Work Requirements

Regular travel within Malawi to field offices and program sites is required. International travel for team retreats approximately 1-2 times annually is expected.