Senior Program Manager

Job Posting Organization:
Action Against Hunger-USA is part of the Action Against Hunger International network, which provides humanitarian relief in over 40 countries worldwide in the sectors of nutrition, health, water/sanitation, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established as an independent NGO, Action Against Hunger-USA currently manages operations in 8 countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Cambodia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Haiti, and Somalia. The organization has approximately 1,500 staff based in various country offices, with its headquarters located in New York City and an operational center in Nairobi. The organization is committed to addressing hunger and malnutrition and anticipates additional growth in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Manager is responsible for leading integrated health, nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), and food security and livelihood projects in Action Against Hunger's operational bases. Reporting directly to the Field Coordinator, this role ensures high-quality program delivery, compliance with donor regulations, and capacity building for program coordinators and partners. The Senior Program Manager will closely monitor the contextual situation, needs, gaps, and analyze program data to contribute to project proposals for new business development opportunities aimed at improving service delivery quality, access, and coverage of essential lifesaving services in host community operational areas. The position requires collaboration with Action Against Hunger staff and partners, including local health authorities, UN agencies, and other humanitarian actors, to amplify efforts in tackling acute malnutrition and promote a multisectoral approach to address the underlying causes of undernutrition. The Senior Program Manager will also ensure that gender and protection are effectively mainstreamed across all sectors of intervention.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Manager will develop and oversee implementation plans, budgets, HR, and procurement for new and ongoing awards in coordination with the Capital Technical Team and the Field Coordinator. They will conduct context and needs assessments to inform design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and ensure interventions are context-appropriate. The role involves ensuring program adherence to organizational policies, child safeguarding, confidentiality, and quality standards. The Senior Program Manager will maintain administrative and programmatic documentation in compliance with donor requirements and support logistical needs for efficient implementation. They will ensure quality implementation of nutrition, health, WASH, and food security interventions, provide mentoring and coaching to field teams, strengthen referral systems for malnutrition and medical cases, identify training needs, and organize capacity-building sessions. Additionally, they will prepare quality grant reports, collaborate with MEAL teams for data collection and quality assurance, identify risks in program delivery, and develop mitigation strategies. The Senior Program Manager will also mentor and develop program coordination teams, conduct performance reviews, and act as a liaison with local stakeholders and other NGOs, representing the organization at coordination meetings.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree in agriculture, health, nursing, nutrition, or a related field, along with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. Candidates should have experience managing donor-funded projects, particularly with organizations such as USAID, ECHO, and UNICEF, and possess knowledge of national and global nutrition and health policies. Experience working with international NGOs (INGOs) is preferred. Strong program management and team leadership skills are essential, as well as proficiency in MS Office and statistical software such as Epi Info and SPSS. Excellent communication, documentation, and report writing skills are also required, along with a commitment to Action Against Hunger’s mission and principles.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as agriculture, health, nursing, or nutrition. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the programs being managed and for ensuring effective implementation of interventions.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of experience in program management, particularly in the humanitarian sector. Experience managing donor-funded projects is essential, as is familiarity with national and global nutrition and health policies. Previous experience in INGOs is highly desirable, as it provides valuable insights into the operational challenges and best practices in the field.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in local languages such as Amharic is desirable. Strong communication skills in both written and spoken forms are essential for effective collaboration with local stakeholders and team members.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and requires regular attendance at the office, with the expectation of working at least five days per week. The Senior Program Manager must be available to work outside normal office hours or on weekends as required and should be prepared to travel for domestic and international business purposes. The role may involve exposure to precarious settings under high security risks and basic living conditions, as well as potential exposure to infectious diseases. The organization is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and adheres to anti-discrimination policies.