Program Manager

Job Posting Organization:
Action contre la Faim (ACF) is an international non-governmental organization founded 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 related to 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, direct access to victims, professionalism, and transparency, 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 at www.actioncontrelafaim.org.

Job Overview:
The purpose of the Program Manager role is to support high-quality program delivery and ensure the successful implementation of ongoing projects within ACF Pakistan. This position is crucial for strengthening ACF Pakistan's strategic positioning for business development and fostering strong partnerships with local organizations. The role also emphasizes 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 improving program quality and efficiency, supporting business development and positioning, enhancing technical strategy and design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design quality, strengthening partnerships and localization efforts, and developing the leadership capacity of program teams. The Program Manager may also act as the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director when required, showcasing the importance of this role in the overall organizational structure and mission fulfillment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Manager will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties including:

• Strengthening program quality and efficiency by implementing best practices and ensuring adherence to ACF standards.
• Supporting business development initiatives to enhance ACF's strategic positioning in Pakistan.
• Collaborating with the program team to develop and refine technical strategies and program designs that align with ACF's mission.
• Building and maintaining strong partnerships with local organizations to foster collaboration and enhance program impact.
• Enhancing the leadership capacity of program teams through mentorship and training.
• Acting as the Country Director when necessary, which includes overseeing program operations and representing ACF in high-level meetings.
• Ensuring compliance with donor guidelines and procedures, and effectively managing project cycles from inception to completion.
• Utilizing participatory tools and methodologies to engage stakeholders and beneficiaries in program design and implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must hold 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 possess at least 5 years of experience in leading development and humanitarian program portfolios in challenging contexts. Prior experience as a Deputy Country Director for Programs is highly desirable, 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 expertise. Familiarity with all stages of project cycle management, including participatory tools and methodologies, is essential. Strong management skills, multitasking abilities, and advanced knowledge of donor guidelines and procedures (such as ECHO, UN donors, FCDO) are also required. Candidates should demonstrate excellent diplomatic, negotiation, and communication skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field 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 acceptable. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of humanitarian and development work and for effectively leading programs that address hunger and malnutrition.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in leading development and humanitarian programs, particularly in challenging contexts. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing program portfolios and should ideally have prior experience in a Deputy Country Director role. Experience with ACF or similar organizations is considered a significant asset, as it demonstrates familiarity with the organization's mission and operational standards. Candidates should also have experience with all stages of project cycle management, showcasing their ability to oversee projects from conception through to evaluation.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position, with strong drafting abilities being essential for effective communication and reporting. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered advantageous, particularly if they are relevant to the regions in which ACF operates.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as 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 a rate of 16% of the gross monthly salary. Employees can expect an annual salary increase of 6% 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 (with a maximum of 6000 euros per year). Transportation and accommodation costs will be covered, and ACF provides 100% coverage for health and repatriation insurance fees. Employees are entitled to 25 days of paid leave per year, 20 rest and recuperation days, and airfare reimbursement for travel to chosen break destinations. The organization also offers career development support and free access to an e-learning platform. Field trips may include travel to regions such as Sindh, KPK, and Baluchistan.