This position is situated within the Learning and Strategy Team (L&S), which is dedicated to maximizing the impact of Sawiris Foundation for Social Development. The team’s overarching goal is achieved through four intermediate outcomes, each essential to success: rigorous program evaluation, strong monitoring system, evidence based strategy, and organizational learning. Aligned with these outcomes, the team is structured into distinct sub-teams, representing the pillars such as Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Strategy. 

The Principal Strategy officer, integral to the Learning and Strategy Team, collaborates closely with leadership to define strategic priorities that align with the Foundation’s vision. Demonstrating a dedication to evidence-based decision making, this role conducts external research and data analysis to inform strategic approaches effectively. 

Overall Accountabilities:

Team vision and OKRs:

• Collaborate with the L&S Manager and Director to define strategic priorities aligned with the Foundations’ mission and vision.
• Support the refinement of the unit’s vision, OKRs and implementation strategies in collaboration with the L&S Manager.
• Assist in developing the strategy unit’s annual budget, travel plans and contribute to the overall L&S team budget.
• Support alignment and coordination of the Learning and Strategy team’s OKRs within the different sub-units (Learning, Monitoring and Evaluation).

Strategy Development, Implementationand Review:

• Ensure alignment of SFSD’s strategy, objectives and key results across all levels within the Foundation.
• Ensure that SFSD maintains a clear strategic framework that guides its focus and priorities, while allowing for adaptive course correction through periodic strategy reviews and After Action Reviews (AARs).
• Serve as a gatekeeper for the Foundation’s strategy by reviewing new projects, granting approval or rejecting them based on their alignment with the foundation’s strategic objectives and geographical focus, while providing clear communication and justification to internal teams.
• Collaboratively formulate Foundation-wide strategic plans, goals, and objectives aligned with the foundation’s mission and vision.
• Lead the strategy development for the Foundation’s cross-cutting themes—gender, climate change, disability and inclusion, and disaster preparedness—in close collaboration with consultants. This includes overseeing timelines, reviewing the quality of deliverables, and acting as a liaison between consultants and the committee. Stay updated on international foundations strategies and approaches, driving innovation and continuous improvement.
• Conduct external research on trends to inform strategy reviews and ensure alignment of the strategy to the Sustainable Development Goals and Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).
• Assist SFSD’s strategy outreach in collaboration with SFSD’s Partnerships team to advocate for SFSD’s strategic priorities with governmental and non-governmental institutions.
• Participate in establishing internal processes to encourage evidence-based decision-making and alignment to SFSD’s strategy.
• Analyze data and performance indicators quarterly with monitoring team to assess the effectiveness of strategic initiatives and contribute to organizational learnings.
• Conduct quarterly meetings with sectoral teams and program director to highlight strengths, gaps, and lessons learnt.
•  Facilitate the implementation of the project cycle by assisting sectors in drafting Terms of Reference (TORs) for new projects that address identified gaps and align with the foundation’s strategic direction.
• Perform other duties as required by Strategy Manger & L&S Director .