Head of Programmes

Job Posting Organization:
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that focuses on advancing children's rights and equality for girls. Established over 85 years ago, Plan International operates in more than 80 countries, striving to create a just world where every child can thrive. The organization believes in the potential of every child, particularly girls, who are often the most affected by poverty, violence, exclusion, and discrimination. With a mission to tackle the root causes of these challenges, Plan International works collaboratively with children, young people, supporters, and partners to drive change at local, national, and global levels. The organization has a significant presence, with over 200 staff and more than 500 volunteers in South Sudan alone, and an annual program turnover of approximately €30 million.

Job Overview:
The Head of Programmes at Plan International South Sudan will provide strategic leadership for the implementation of a new five-year country strategy that emphasizes a triple-nexus approach, integrating humanitarian assistance, peacebuilding, and long-term development. This role is crucial for transitioning from merely saving lives to effecting meaningful change in the lives of children, girls, young people, and women. The Head of Programmes will report to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and be part of the Country Leadership Team, holding overall accountability for program strategy, design, quality implementation, and delivery across the country program. The position requires strong leadership across various technical programming areas, partnerships, advocacy, communications, and business development, ensuring that all programs are well-designed, adequately funded, compliant, and responsive to the unique context of South Sudan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of Programmes will be responsible for leading the development, implementation, review, and refresh of the country strategy and annual plans in alignment with Plan International's global and regional frameworks. Key responsibilities include providing strategic and technical leadership across multiple program areas such as education and early childhood development, child protection, youth leadership and economic empowerment, health, nutrition, WASH, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and livelihoods. The role also involves ensuring strong program quality through effective monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems that inform decision-making and organizational learning. Additionally, the Head of Programmes will lead advocacy and influencing efforts at both national and local levels, ensuring these initiatives are evidence-based and integrated into program design and delivery. Supporting resource mobilization by collaborating with business development teams on donor engagement and proposal development is also a critical duty. The role requires building and strengthening strategic partnerships with government entities, UN agencies, INGOs, national NGOs, and other stakeholders, as well as ensuring effective project lifecycle management in collaboration with operations teams. Furthermore, the Head of Programmes must ensure that safeguarding, gender equality, and inclusion are embedded across all programs and ways of working.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Head of Programmes position should possess extensive experience in program leadership at the country or senior organizational level. Proven experience in strategic planning, program quality assurance, and grant management is essential. A strong understanding of integrated development and humanitarian programming is required, along with demonstrable experience in advocacy, partnership-building, and working with donors. A solid commitment to child rights, safeguarding, gender equality, and inclusion is crucial, as well as strong analytical, communication, and people-leadership skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a relevant degree in international development, social sciences, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in program management, humanitarian assistance, or related disciplines may be preferred.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have substantial experience managing large, complex, and multi-sector programs, particularly in fragile or conflict-affected contexts. Experience in leading diverse technical teams and working under pressure in dynamic environments is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of local languages spoken in South Sudan would be advantageous but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Juba, South Sudan, with a mandatory 30% travel requirement to other areas of Sudan. It is a 13-month fixed-term contract, and the organization supports relocation if necessary. Plan International emphasizes equality, diversity, and inclusion in its hiring practices and aims to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. The organization is committed to safeguarding children and young people, and pre-employment checks will be conducted in accordance with its policies. Plan International will never request payment from candidates during the recruitment process.