Head of Programs

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Position Title: Head of Programs
Location: Ouagadougou
Country: Burkina Faso
Deadline Date: November 25, 2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Welthungerhilfe is one of the largest and most respected private organizations for development cooperation and humanitarian aid in Germany. Established with a mission to combat hunger and poverty, the organization operates on the ethical principles of political and confessional independence. With a clear vision of 'Zero Hunger by 2030', Welthungerhilfe is dedicated to making a significant impact in the lives of those affected by hunger and poverty. The organization employs a diverse workforce and operates in numerous countries, focusing on sustainable development and emergency response initiatives.

Job Overview:
As the Head of Programs, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the multi-annual country program and strategy for Welthungerhilfe in Burkina Faso. This position requires a dynamic leader who is passionate about making a difference in both emergency and development programs. You will be responsible for overseeing the program team at the Country Office level, ensuring that projects align with Welthungerhilfe's strategic goals and quality standards. Your role will involve monitoring program implementation, identifying gaps, and developing measures for improvement, all while fostering collaboration with project teams and implementing partners. The position demands a proactive approach to identifying funding opportunities and leading proposal development processes, ensuring that the organization's impact is maximized in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the definition and orientation of the program strategy, ensuring alignment with Welthungerhilfe's mission and goals.
• Guide the strategic direction of the program to ensure feasibility, sustainability, and effectiveness.
• Proactively identify funding opportunities and lead the development of project concepts and proposals in collaboration with internal stakeholders and partners.
• Supervise the implementation of projects and programs, ensuring compliance with WHH standards and donor requirements.
• Oversee project reporting, documentation, and support project cycle management.
• Collaborate with the Emergency Coordinator to monitor the humanitarian situation in Burkina Faso and design emergency programs as needed.
• Ensure high-quality standards and effective monitoring and evaluation systems are in place.
• Identify lessons learned from projects and ensure capitalization of knowledge.
• Support the partner strategy by identifying potential new partners and enhancing collaboration and capacity building. 1
• Lead and develop the program team, including staff planning, performance management, and professional development. 1
• Identify training needs and facilitate skill enhancement through training sessions. 1
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders to enhance communication and collaboration. 1
• Work closely with finance, HR, and logistics departments to ensure compliance and coordination across functions.

Required Qualifications:

• A university or college degree in a relevant field.
• At least 5 years of working experience in a similar or equivalent position.
• Proven expertise in managing large-scale emergency and development grants, with a portfolio of multiple donors.
• Experience working with implementing partners.
• Strong analytical and conceptual competencies.
• Excellent organizational and coordination skills.
• Profound leadership experience in managing a diverse team, with excellent communication skills.
• A proven track record of capacity building among team members, along with advanced coaching and mentoring skills.
• Regional working experience would be an advantage. 1
• Excellent spoken and written French and English; German language skills would be an asset. 1
• Willingness to receive necessary vaccinations for travel to Welthungerhilfe's program countries.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university or college degree in a field that is relevant to the responsibilities of the Head of Programs position. This educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of development cooperation and humanitarian aid.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant working experience in a similar role. Candidates should have a proven track record in managing large-scale emergency and development grants, demonstrating their ability to handle a diverse portfolio of donors and projects. Experience working with implementing partners is also essential, as is a strong background in leadership and team management.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written French and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in German is considered an asset, enhancing communication capabilities within the organization and with partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is to be filled as soon as possible, with an initial contract duration of two years, and there are very good prospects for an extension. Welthungerhilfe emphasizes the importance of personal and professional development for its employees, offering a supportive work environment that balances work and private life. Remuneration is based on a gender-independent salary scale, and numerous additional benefits are provided, which can be found under 'Our benefits'. Welthungerhilfe is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from suitably qualified individuals from all sections of the community.