Application Guide
How to Apply for Regional Head (Francophone Africa)
at Lead Exposure Elimination Project
๐ข About Lead Exposure Elimination Project
The Lead Exposure Elimination Project (LEEP) is an impact-driven, evidence-based nonprofit working to eliminate childhood lead poisoning by advocating for lead paint regulation. Unlike many nonprofits, LEEP is effectiveness-focused, using data and cost-effectiveness analysis to guide its work across paint, spices, and traditional eyeliners. This is a chance to join a small, high-impact team where your work directly contributes to measurable reductions in lead exposure.
About This Role
As Regional Head for Francophone Africa, you will lead a team of Program Managers to expand and deliver LEEP's programs across the region. You'll be responsible for strategic planning, government relations, and ensuring effective implementation of lead paint regulation advocacy. This role is pivotal in scaling LEEP's impact in a region where lead exposure is a critical public health issue.
๐ก A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve a morning check-in with your Program Managers across Francophone Africa, followed by a strategy session with LEEP's leadership on expanding into a new country. You could spend the afternoon meeting with a government official to discuss lead paint regulation, then review program data to assess impact and adjust plans. The role is dynamic, balancing team leadership, external advocacy, and strategic oversight.
๐ Application Tools
๐ฏ Who Lead Exposure Elimination Project Is Looking For
- Full professional proficiency in both English and French, with exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven experience managing and inspiring teams, ideally in a remote, cross-cultural context, with a track record of driving program delivery.
- Strong strategic judgement and the ability to navigate complex political and regulatory environments in Francophone Africa.
- Background in public health, environmental policy, international development, or a related field, with experience in government advocacy or regulatory affairs being a plus.
๐ Tips for Applying to Lead Exposure Elimination Project
Highlight your bilingual proficiency explicitly in your application materials, providing examples of work conducted in French and English.
Demonstrate your understanding of LEEP's focus on lead paint regulation and how you would approach advocacy in Francophone Africa, referencing specific countries or contexts.
Showcase your experience managing remote teams across time zones, as this role requires collaboration with colleagues in UTC to UTC+3.
Use the application form to its fullest: include links to relevant past work, publications, or projects that showcase your strategic and people leadership skills.
Address your salary expectations upfront if asked, but be flexible and open to discussion, as LEEP emphasizes location-based compensation.
โ๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific motivation for joining LEEP and why eliminating lead poisoning is a cause you are passionate about.', 'Concrete examples of leading teams to deliver results in Francophone Africa, including navigating regulatory or government landscapes.', "How you would approach scaling LEEP's programs in the region, with a focus on strategic prioritization and team management.", 'Your ability to work effectively in a remote, impact-focused environment and collaborate across time zones.']
Generate Cover Letter โ๐ Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- โ Read LEEP's website, especially their approach to lead paint regulation and their current programs in Africa.
- โ Research the state of lead paint regulation in key Francophone African countries (e.g., Senegal, Cรดte d'Ivoire, Cameroon) to understand the landscape.
- โ Learn about LEEP's effectiveness-focused philosophy and how they measure impact, possibly by reviewing their reports or blog posts.
- โ Investigate the broader context of lead poisoning, including sources like spices and eyeliners, to understand the full scope of LEEP's work.
๐ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
โ ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to demonstrate genuine interest in LEEP's specific mission and approach; generic cover letters that could apply to any nonprofit will stand out negatively.
- Underestimating the importance of bilingual proficiency; if you are not fully fluent in both English and French, do not apply, as this is a hard requirement.
- Neglecting to highlight remote team management experience; this role requires leading a distributed team, so any lack of evidence in this area is a red flag.
๐ Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Lead Exposure Elimination Project!