The Wikimedia Foundation is inviting applications for a Senior Program Officer, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to lead regional funding programmes and support volunteer communities, nonprofit partners and knowledge-sharing initiatives across the continent. The remote position is part of the Foundation’s Community Resources team, which provides funding to organisations and individual contributors within the Wikimedia movement. The successful candidate will help shape regional funding priorities, manage grant portfolios, strengthen community organisations and support participatory decision-making. This opportunity may interest professionals with experience in international grantmaking, nonprofit capacity development, community engagement, strategic programme management and trust-based philanthropy. About the Wikimedia Foundation The Wikimedia Foundation is a nonprofit organisation that operates Wikipedia and other Wikimedia free-knowledge projects. Its work supports the volunteers and partner organisations that make information freely accessible to people around the world. The Foundation’s Community Resources team manages funding programmes designed to help Wikimedia affiliates and volunteer contributors achieve movement-wide goals. Its approach prioritises communities that have historically been excluded from decision-making and resource allocation. The Senior Program Officer will implement regional funding programmes for Wikimedia communities across Sub-Saharan Africa, helping ensure that funding responds to local priorities and supports sustainable community development. Job Details Position: Senior Program Officer, Sub-Saharan Africa Organisation: Wikimedia Foundation Location: Remote, with residence in an eligible hiring country in Sub-Saharan Africa Job level: Senior programme role Employment arrangement: Remote-first organisation Salary: Adjusted according to the successful candidate’s country of employment, skills and experience Travel: Potentially one to three international trips annually, when circumstances allow Application status: Refer to the official vacancy for current application instructions and availability Key Responsibilities 1. Lead Regional Funding Programmes The successful candidate will implement the Community Resources grantmaking strategy while considering the needs of local communities, regional opportunities, movement trends and the political and cultural context of Sub-Saharan Africa. Responsibilities include managing and monitoring the regional grant portfolio, reviewing funding proposals, identifying prospective and returning grantees, and helping develop funding rationales with the regional funding committee. The officer will also conduct organisational assessments, including financial and narrative reviews, to inform funding decisions and ensure that resources align with programme objectives. 2. Support Participatory Grantmaking An important aspect of the position involves developing and supporting regional funding committees that enable transparent and inclusive decision-making. The officer will organise committee discussions, prepare relevant analysis, facilitate funding deliberations and synthesise feedback into funding recommendations. They will also communicate decisions and provide constructive feedback to applicants and grantees about funding outcomes and expectations. 3. Build Relationships with Communities and Partners The role requires developing trusted relationships with Wikimedia communities, grant recipients, applicants and other stakeholders throughout the region. The successful candidate will act as a key liaison between the Wikimedia Foundation and its partners, understand community needs and challenges, and support sensitive discussions or conflict resolution when required. They will also help strengthen the organisational capacity of grantee partners by connecting them with relevant resources, good practices and learning opportunities. Additional responsibilities include supporting regional convenings, collaboration and knowledge-sharing, as well as engaging philanthropic organisations and leaders to strengthen support for community-led initiatives. 4. Monitor Results and Support Learning The Senior Program Officer will review grantee progress through discussions, reports and site visits where appropriate. They will assess grant reports, follow up on incomplete submissions, provide guidance where concerns arise, and identify patterns in grantmaking data to inform future funding priorities. Sharing lessons with colleagues, committees and movement partners will also form part of the role. Who Can Apply? The Wikimedia Foundation is looking for candidates with relevant professional experience and a strong commitment to equitable, inclusive and community-centred funding. Applicants should demonstrate experience or knowledge in areas such as: Trust-based philanthropy or community-based grantmaking. International grantmaking and funding programmes. Participatory decision-making structures. Nonprofit organisational development and capacity strengthening. Strategic planning, analytical work and creative problem-solving. Managing complex projects and multiple stakeholders. Building constructive partnerships with volunteer communities and funding applicants. Facilitating discussions and navigating disagreements in diverse communities. Written and spoken English, including public speaking and producing materials for broad audiences. Equity, inclusion, diversity and international collaboration. Candidates should also have strong organisational skills, sound professional judgement, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines. Experience working internationally or living in different countries is important to the Foundation’s stated expectations for the role. Additional Experience That Could Be an Advantage The Foundation identifies several additional qualities that would be beneficial but are not presented as essential requirements. These include experience working with online communities, particularly within the free-knowledge movement; contributing to Wikipedia or other Wikimedia projects; and proficiency in a language besides English. Candidates should be comfortable working across time zones and engaging with individuals and organisations in different countries. Eligible Countries and Remote Work Arrangements Although the position is remote, applicants must be based in a country where the Wikimedia Foundation can currently hire. The vacancy lists the following eligible Sub-Saharan African countries: Ghana Kenya South Africa The Foundation’s hiring arrangements require non-US employees to be hired through a local third-party Employer of Record and to hold current work authorisation in their country of employment. For Kenya, the listing specifies that eligible candidates must be citizens or permanent residents. Important for applicants elsewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa: Remote work does not automatically mean that applicants from every African country are eligible. Candidates living outside the currently listed hiring locations should confirm eligibility with the Foundation before applying. Salary and Benefits Information The Foundation states that salaries are set to be competitive, equitable and consistent with its values. Compensation for the successful candidate will depend on skills, experience and location. For applicants based in the United States, the advertised annual salary range is US$85,761–US$130,513. This is the US-based range and should not be assumed to apply to candidates hired in African countries. Applicants outside the United States are advised to ask the recruiter about the specific salary range for their location during the interview process. How to Apply Interested candidates should visit the official Wikimedia Foundation vacancy and select “Apply for this job.” The application form requests a resume or CV and a cover letter. Applicants will also be asked to provide details about their country of residence, work authorisation, time zone and relevant experience. Candidates should ensure that their application clearly demonstrates their experience in grantmaking, organisational capacity development, participatory decision-making and relationship-building with communities. APPLY HERE Application Deadline The supplied vacancy information does not specify a closing date. Applicants should check the official application page for the current recruitment status and any deadline or additional instructions. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.