The Lead Exposure Elimination Project (LEEP) is seeking an experienced, strategic and people-focused Regional Head (Francophone Africa) to lead a high-performing team of Program Managers and drive the expansion, quality and effectiveness of its programs across the region.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for an individual with exceptional judgement, strong people-management capabilities and experience navigating complex stakeholder environments. The successful candidate will play a central role in translating LEEP’s global mission into measurable results while supporting governments, policymakers, industry stakeholders and country teams in efforts to eliminate childhood lead exposure.
Position Highlights
• Application deadline: 27 September 2026
• Start date: As soon as possible
• Employment: Full-time
• Location: Remote
• Eligible time zones: UTC-5 to UTC+3
• Languages: Full professional proficiency in English and French
• Travel: Approximately 8–12 weeks per year
• Salary: Dependent on location and experience
Indicative annual salary ranges include US$87,743–$97,829 for New York, £60,204–£67,124 for London, €61,185–€68,218 for Paris, XOF36,139,150–XOF40,293,075 for Dakar, XOF35,892,346–XOF40,017,903 for Abidjan, and FCFA36,703,273–FCFA40,922,040 for Yaoundé.
About LEEP
LEEP is an impact-driven, evidence-based nonprofit dedicated to eliminating childhood lead poisoning, a global public-health problem affecting an estimated one in three children.
The organisation currently focuses on three major sources of exposure: lead paint, contaminated spices and traditional eyeliners. Its approach combines research and data generation, government engagement, regulatory reform and support for industry to eliminate lead from consumer products.
Since its establishment in 2020, LEEP has expanded rapidly and now operates programs in more than 40 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America, representing more than 76% of children born in low- and middle-income countries.
Its current paint programs have the potential to protect approximately 97.8 million children from household lead exposure over the next 35 years, while programs addressing eyeliners and spices could protect a further 12.6 million children over seven years.
LEEP has supported countries in introducing lead-paint regulations, helped manufacturers representing more than half of the lead-paint market in more than 20 countries move towards lead-free production, and generated evidence showing substantial reductions in lead exposure.
The organisation is also a partner of the World Health Organization and UN Environment Programme’s Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint and a member of the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future.
About the Regional Head Role
The Regional Head will serve as a key leader within LEEP, managing and inspiring approximately three to five Program Managers while ensuring that regional programs remain aligned with organisational priorities.
Beyond people management, the position will involve providing strategic guidance on program implementation, advising teams on government engagement and policymaker relationships, supporting effective industry communication, resolving complex challenges and serving as an escalation point for important stakeholders.
The successful candidate will need to operate confidently in a dynamic and rapidly growing organisation, make sound decisions in complex environments and adapt strategies to different cultural, political and institutional contexts.
Working closely with LEEP’s Program Director, senior leadership and regional peers, the Regional Head will also contribute to strengthening internal systems, improving the organisation’s paint-program playbook and potentially supporting initiatives beyond lead paint as LEEP expands its scope.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Program Guidance – 40%
• Provide strategic oversight and constructive feedback on Program Managers’ plans and implementation
• Support teams through meetings, country visits and key program milestones
• Troubleshoot challenges and guide complex decisions
• Serve as an escalation point for government officials and other critical stakeholders
• Manage regional budgets and ensure resources are used effectively
Team Management – 40%
• Lead, motivate and develop a team of three to five Program Managers
• Establish clear expectations and maintain accountability for results
• Build a high-performance, collaborative and trusting team culture
• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings, coaching, training and performance reviews
• Support professional development and sustained team performance
Program and Systems Development – 15%
• Work with colleagues to strengthen LEEP’s paint-program playbook
• Improve internal systems, processes and approaches based on lessons learned
Special Projects – 5%
• Lead high-priority cross-functional projects and workstreams from planning through completion
Candidate Requirements
LEEP is looking for candidates with a strong combination of leadership experience, strategic judgement and international development expertise.
Applicants should demonstrate:
• At least five years of relevant professional experience
• Proven experience managing and developing people or teams
• A strong record of strategic planning and project management
• Excellent coaching, feedback and performance-management skills
• Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing and communication abilities
• Experience resolving complex problems and removing implementation barriers
• Experience working in low- and middle-income countries and/or with governments and policymakers
• Experience managing remote or geographically distributed teams
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment
• Willingness to travel for approximately 8–12 weeks annually
• Full professional proficiency in English and French
• A strong commitment to measurable, scalable social impact
Candidates should also demonstrate a mindset of continuous improvement and a willingness to evaluate existing strategies, identify lessons and strengthen LEEP’s programs over time.
Work Environment and Benefits
LEEP promotes a collaborative, supportive and mission-driven working environment. Its team of more than 60 professionals is distributed across five continents and brings expertise spanning medicine, environmental health, international law and other disciplines.
Although the organisation operates remotely, employees remain closely connected through regular team meetings, one-to-one conversations, Slack communication and an annual in-person retreat.
LEEP also promotes flexible working arrangements and work-life balance, with employees able to structure their schedules around personal commitments where practical.
Benefits include:
• 33 days of paid leave
• Generous sick and parental leave
• 4% pension contribution or equivalent
• Professional development opportunities
• Health insurance where government healthcare is limited
• Annual team retreat
• Flexible working arrangements
• The opportunity to contribute to a high-impact global public-health mission
Application Process
Interested candidates must complete LEEP’s online application form by 27 September 2026.
The recruitment process is expected to include:
- Submission of the online application
- A short 31-minute screening assessment, sent by email after application
- A 25-minute initial screening call
- A 2–3-hour work test simulating responsibilities associated with the position
- A remote panel interview
- Reference checks
- Employment offer for the successful candidate
Applicants are advised to monitor both their inbox and spam folder for the screening assessment email within 24 hours of submitting an application.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Regional Head position offers an opportunity for an experienced leader to influence programs addressing one of the world’s most significant and preventable environmental health challenges.
By guiding talented Program Managers, strengthening government and stakeholder engagement, improving program systems and supporting evidence-based interventions, the successful candidate will help LEEP expand its reach and translate its mission into tangible reductions in childhood lead exposure.
The role is particularly suited to a strategic leader who combines people leadership, international experience, sound judgement, cultural adaptability and a strong commitment to achieving measurable impact.
Applications close on 27 September 2026, and candidates interested in contributing to LEEP’s next phase of growth are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
