Job Advertisement

Position Title: Regional Program Operations Director
Location: Remote
Country: Remote
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
CARE is a global humanitarian organization dedicated to fighting global poverty and providing Disaster Relief. Established in 1945, CARE operates in over 100 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to deliver programs that improve lives and promote social justice. The organization focuses on empowering women and girls, ensuring Food Security, and responding to emergencies, among other critical issues. CARE's mission is to save lives, defeat poverty, and achieve social justice, and it is committed to working with local partners to create sustainable change.

Job Overview:
The Regional Program Operations Director position at CARE is a Senior Leadership role that plays a crucial part in transforming program operations across the East and Central Africa (ECA) region. This role involves overseeing the operational aspects of nine country offices, ensuring that humanitarian and development efforts are delivered effectively and sustainably. The director will lead strategic initiatives that align with CARE's global vision and the CARE 2030 agenda, working closely with the Regional Director and the Director of Program Quality and Impact. The position requires a leader who possesses a strategic vision, expertise in program delivery, and the ability to navigate complex operational landscapes. The director will be responsible for driving operational enhancements, managing risks, ensuring compliance, and mentoring leaders to uphold high standards of program quality and impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership and Implementation: Develop and execute strategies that align regional program operations with CARE’s global vision and the CARE 2030 agenda. Collaborate with the Regional Director and the Director of Program Quality and Impact to ensure alignment of country strategies with regional and global priorities. Communicate CARE’s strategic objectives and ensure Country Programs are equipped with operational frameworks for adaptability in Emergency and development contexts. Foster partnerships with CARE Member Partners to enhance service delivery and regional cooperation.
• Risk Management and Compliance: Identify and mitigate operational risks in program implementation through proactive strategies. Ensure adherence to CARE standards and regional best practices. Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including the CARE Security Unit and CARE Emergency Group, to embed safety and security protocols in program designs. Oversee compliance with legal registrations, donor requirements, and audit recommendations.
• Program Operations Oversight: Provide strategic oversight for high-value contracts and grants. Support country offices in responding to humanitarian emergencies, ensuring operations meet CARE’s quality standards and delivery benchmarks. Monitor and evaluate program performance using organizational tools and performance indicators, adjusting operational strategies as needed.
• Change Management and Organizational Development: Lead change management initiatives to drive regional transformation and organizational development. Promote a culture of learning and continuous improvement, equipping country teams to manage evolving operational demands. Facilitate creative solutions and knowledge-sharing activities to strengthen program operations across the region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent, along with 10-15 years of senior leadership experience in relevant fields. A proven background in development and humanitarian contexts is essential, with at least 7-10 years in country management roles within large-scale international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). In-depth experience working within the African continent and at senior levels in global organizations is required. A strong commitment to organizational learning, change management, and people development is crucial, as well as demonstrated success in coaching leaders and leading organizational transformation initiatives.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field. This educational background should be complemented by extensive experience in leadership roles within the humanitarian and development sectors, particularly in contexts relevant to CARE's mission.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10-15 years of senior leadership experience, with a significant portion of that time spent in country management roles within large-scale INGOs. Experience working in development and humanitarian contexts, particularly within the African continent, is essential. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leading teams, managing complex operations, and driving organizational change.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the organization. Knowledge of local languages relevant to the East and Central Africa region would be advantageous and considered a plus.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in location. CARE offers a collaborative work environment and opportunities for professional growth. The role is expected to be full-time, with a focus on leading transformative projects on a regional scale. Specific details regarding compensation and benefits are not provided in the job description.