West Africa Democracy Fund (WADF) Project Manager

Application Deadline:- Friday, 22nd August 2025

The West Africa Democracy Fund (WADF) is a joint initiative of the Ford Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, Luminate, the Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY), and the Open Society Foundations (OSF). WADF was launched in Abuja in October 2024. The Fund is hosted by TrustAfrica, and its primary mandate is to strengthen democracy across West African nations facing various democratic challenges. Over a three-year period, the Fund aims to support activities that enhance citizen engagement in democratic processes and political transitions within these countries. ​

The goal of the Fund is to contribute to expanding the democratic and civic spaces in West Africa by strengthening opportunities for citizens’ voices to be included in defining the norms for the governance of their countries. It focuses on empowering civil society organizations, promoting inclusive policy reforms, and increasing the participation of marginalized groups, particularly women and youth, in governance. WADF also seeks to address issues such as rising authoritarianism, economic justice, and declining public trust in democratic institutions in the region.

Qualifications:

  • Education: At least a Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, or a related field.
  • Experience:
    • At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in international development, democracy promotion, or governance, with a significant focus on West Africa.
    • Experience in managing large funds and in grant making.
    • Proven experience in managing large-scale programs related to democratic governance, human rights, electoral processes, and civil society strengthening.
    • Demonstrated success in fundraising and managing donor relations, including experience with international donors and foundations.
    • Familiarity with the political, economic, and social contexts of West Africa and an understanding of the region’s governance challenges.
  • Skills:
    • Strong leadership and managerial skills, with the ability to inspire and lead a diverse team.
    • Excellent communication skills, including public speaking, writing, and media relations.
    • Solid financial management and budgeting skills, with experience in overseeing grant management.
    • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to think strategically and implement solutions effectively.
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with project management software.

Personal Characteristics:

  • A deep commitment to the promotion of democracy, human rights, and good governance in West Africa.
  • High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment while managing multiple priorities.
  • Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter that clearly address their qualifications and relevant experience. Please send applications to wadf@trustafrica.org or https://trustafrica.bamboohr.com/careers/33 by midnight (Dakar time) on Friday, 22nd August 2025.

TrustAfrica is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

for more information visit https://trustafrica.bamboohr.com/careers/33