Program Manager

Job Posting Organization:
Action contre la Faim (ACF) is an international non-governmental organization established in 1979, dedicated to combating hunger worldwide. With a mission to save lives by eliminating hunger through prevention, detection, and treatment of undernutrition, particularly in emergency situations caused by conflicts and natural disasters, ACF operates in 57 countries and has assisted over 26 million people in 2024 alone. The organization is guided by humanitarian principles such as independence, neutrality, non-discrimination, and professionalism, which have shaped its identity for 45 years. ACF coordinates its programs across seven key areas: Nutrition and Health, Mental Health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security and Livelihoods, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Advocacy, Climate, and Research. More information can be found on their website www.actioncontrelafaim.org.

Job Overview:
The Program Manager role is crucial for supporting high-quality program delivery and ensuring the successful implementation of ongoing projects within ACF Pakistan. This position is designed to enhance ACF's strategic positioning for business development while fostering and maintaining strong partnerships with local organizations. The role will also focus on enhancing leadership capacities within the program team, particularly in supporting the Head of Programs, Deputy Head of Programs, MEAL team, and Program Development Manager. Key missions include strengthening program quality and efficiency, supporting business development and positioning, enhancing technical strategy and design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design quality, and fostering partnerships and localization. The Program Manager may also act as the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director when required, showcasing the importance of leadership and strategic oversight in this role.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Manager will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties including but not limited to:

• Strengthening program quality and efficiency by implementing best practices and ensuring adherence to ACF standards.
• Supporting business development efforts by identifying opportunities for new projects and partnerships.
• Enhancing technical strategy and program design quality through collaboration with technical teams and stakeholders.
• Strengthening partnerships and localization efforts by engaging with local organizations and communities.
• Enhancing leadership capacity of program teams through mentorship and training.
• Acting as the Country Director when required, which includes overseeing program operations and representing ACF in external engagements.
• Ensuring compliance with donor guidelines and maintaining strong relationships with funding agencies.
• Managing project cycle management stages, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Conducting regular assessments and evaluations to inform program improvements and adaptations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or a Bachelor's degree combined with substantial international and field experience in relevant fields such as International Relations, Development Studies, Public Health, or other technical disciplines pertinent to ACF's programs. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in leading development and humanitarian program portfolios in challenging contexts. Prior experience as Deputy Country Director (DCD) Programs is preferred, along with technical knowledge in health, nutrition, Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL), or Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), with a strong preference for health and nutrition. Familiarity with all stages of project cycle management, including participatory tools and methodologies, is essential. Strong management skills and multitasking abilities are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in relevant fields such as International Relations, Development Studies, Public Health, or a related technical discipline. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree combined with significant international and field experience may be considered sufficient. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of humanitarian and development work.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in leading development and humanitarian program portfolios, particularly in challenging contexts. Candidates should have prior experience in a leadership role, such as Deputy Country Director Programs, and possess technical knowledge in areas such as health, nutrition, FSL, or WASH. Experience with all stages of project cycle management is essential, as well as familiarity with donor guidelines and procedures.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position, with strong drafting abilities being particularly important. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a fixed-term contract under French legislation for a duration of 6 months. The monthly gross salary ranges from 2899 to 3376 euros, depending on experience, and includes a 13th-month salary. Non-French citizens will have their pension insurance reimbursed at 16% of the gross monthly salary. An annual salary increase of 6% is provided after each 12 months of continuous contract. Additional benefits include a monthly per diem and living allowance of 519 USD net, a country allowance of 300 euros, and a child allowance of 1500 euros per year per child present in the country of origin (maximum 6000 euros/year). Transportation and accommodation costs are covered, and ACF provides 100% medical coverage for health and repatriation insurance fees. Employees are entitled to 25 days of paid leave per year, 20 rest and recuperation (RnR) days, and airfare reimbursement for RnR travel. Career development support and access to an e-learning platform are also provided, along with field trips to regions such as Sindh, KPK, and Baluchistan.