Role Number: 7952
Reimagining Development Through Locally Led Action
Adeso is a pioneering African-led development and humanitarian organisation, working alongside communities to unlock their full potential. For over 30 years, we have strengthened rural livelihoods, advanced environmental stewardship, and built innovative social enterprises, all while challenging traditional power dynamics in development and humanitarian aid. We are part of a global movement to shift decision-making, resources, and influence to those closest to the world’s most urgent challenges.
We take on complex problems, and we have proven that transformative, locally led solutions are possible. Now, Adeso is entering its next phase of growth and institutional evolution, deepening its impact in Somalia while strengthening its global voice and enterprise-driven model.
We are seeking an exceptional Chief Programs Officer to join our senior leadership team. This is not a purely technical program management role. We are looking for a senior leader whose credibility is rooted in deep programmatic experience ideally in Somalia and the Horn of Africa and who understands how to translate strategy into measurable, community-led impact. The right candidate will bring the ability to integrate humanitarian response, climate and land stewardship, and social enterprise into a coherent, high-performing portfolio.
As a core member of the Senior Management Team, the Chief Programs Officer will steward Adeso’s programs and advocacy agenda, ensuring excellence in delivery, learning, and accountability while positioning Adeso as a trusted voice on localisation and systems change. This leader will strengthen integrated nonprofit and enterprise initiatives, incubate new programmatic opportunities, and ensure that evidence from our work shapes policy, partnerships, and narrative influence.
Above all, character matters. We are looking for a leader of integrity, sound judgment, and resilience, someone who has navigated complexity in high-stakes environments and remained steady, principled, and trusted. Grounded and low in ego, the Chief Programs Officer will be a unifying presence across teams and partners, capable of guiding Adeso through growth and structural evolution.
This is a rare opportunity for a transformative leader to help shape the next chapter of an African social enterprise, strengthening programs, advancing locally led development, and influencing the future of community-driven change.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description. The deadline for applications is Monday 30th March, 9:00am BST.
The location of the role is in Nairobi (with 60% travel to Somalia and internationally). A competitive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate. This is a full-time position.
Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role. Longlisted candidates will be invited to interview with Perrett Laver in April. The Selection Panel will subsequently meet to decide upon a final shortlist for the post with formal interviews due to take place in early-May.
Perrett Laver believes that excellence will be achieved through recognising the value of every individual. A broad range of perspectives, backgrounds and opinions amongst our global community of colleagues is crucial in maintaining our culture of openness, intellectual curiosity, and creativity. We take an active role in supporting under-represented communities and groups in becoming better and more fairly represented in the leadership of all organisations. We also know that diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact on our ability to identify, engage and secure candidates from these groups.
To ensure inclusion on the basis of age, disability, ethnic or national origin, family circumstance, gender, gender identity, marital status, nationality, political or religious beliefs, race, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, we would like to specifically invite applications from under-represented groups.
To confidentially get in touch about this role, or for advice on your application please email, George Hourmouzios George.Hourmouzios@perrettlaver.com
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