Head of Programs 

Location: Sana’a with frequently travel visits to the targeted governorate in Yemen
Report to: Country Director
Contract Period: one year with possibility of extension based on performance and funds availability.

Background:

We are a humanitarian, independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization that works across Yemen. Our organization goal is to improve Yemeni society's reality, and we are interested in supporting long-term and comprehensive development paths by implementing emergency, recovery, and development programs that target multiple segments of society, with a focus on gender. Our organization promotes durable solutions for conflict-affected populations and helps to restore services, food security,  education,  livelihood, health, nutrition, economic wellbeing, water and sanitations. 

Job Purpose:

The Head of Programs role is one of the senior leadership roles in the organization and will be responsible for overseeing and managing the organization's programmatic activities. S/He will provide strategic direction, ensure effective implementation of programs, and drive impact in line with Organization's mission and goals. The Head of Programs will work closely with the executive team, partners, and stakeholders to design, develop, and execute programs that address the needs of the communities Organization serves.

Responsibilities:

1.    Program Strategy and Planning:

• Develop and refine the strategic vision and direction for Organization's programs, in alignment with the organization's overall mission and goals.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of community needs, program opportunities, and potential risks to inform program design and planning.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to identify programmatic priorities and establish clear objectives and outcomes.
• Ensure that Organization's programs are evidence-based, innovative, and responsive to the evolving needs of the target communities.

2.    Program Development and Implementation:

• Lead the design and development of programmatic initiatives, ensuring that they are designed to achieve measurable impact and are aligned with Organization's strategic priorities.
• Establish effective systems and processes for program implementation, including project planning, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Provide guidance and support to program managers and teams to ensure the successful execution of program activities.
• Foster collaboration and coordination among different program teams to promote synergies and maximize the collective impact of Organization's programs.

3.    Partnership Management:

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, partner organizations, and community leaders.
• Identify and establish strategic partnerships and collaborations to enhance program effectiveness, resource mobilization, and sustainability.
• Negotiate and manage partnerships and contractual agreements with external organizations to ensure compliance and accountability.

4.    Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning:

• Develop and implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track program performance, outcomes, and impact.
• Promote a culture of learning and knowledge sharing within the organization, ensuring that programmatic insights and best practices are documented and disseminated.
• Use data-driven insights and feedback to inform decision-making, improve program quality, and drive continuous improvement.
• Enhance Community Engagement in projects design and implementation.

5.    Team Leadership and Capacity Building:

• Provide strong leadership and guidance to program managers and teams, fostering a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and innovation.
• Recruit, develop, and mentor program staff, promoting their professional growth and building their capacity to deliver high-quality programs.
• Conduct regular performance assessments, provide constructive feedback, and identify training and development opportunities for program staff.

6.    Proposals Development

Proposal Strategy and Planning:

1.    Collaborating with the executive team and program staff to develop a proposal strategy aligned with the organization's objectives and funding priorities.
2.    Conducting research and analysis to identify funding opportunities that align with the organization's programs and strategic direction.
3.    Assessing the feasibility and alignment of potential projects with donor requirements and guidelines.
Proposal Development:
1.    Leading the development of comprehensive and compelling proposals, including project design, logic frameworks, and theories of change.
2.    Coordinating and facilitating the involvement of relevant stakeholders, such as program managers, finance staff, and technical experts, in the proposal development process.
3.    Ensuring that proposals are technically sound, innovative, and address the specific needs and priorities of the targeted beneficiaries.
4.    Overseeing the writing, editing, and review process to ensure clarity, coherence, and consistency in the proposal narrative.

Budget Development and Resource Mobilization:

1.    Collaborating with the finance team to develop accurate and realistic project budgets that align with the proposed activities and outcomes.
2.    Conducting cost analysis and ensuring that budget narratives are clear, concise, and well-supported.
3.    Identifying potential funding sources, partnerships, and collaborations to enhance the financial sustainability of proposed projects.
4.    Providing guidance on resource mobilization strategies and approaches to strengthen the organization's competitive position in the grant-seeking process.

Compliance and Quality Assurance:
1.    Ensuring compliance with donor requirements, regulations, and guidelines throughout the proposal development process.
2.    Conducting thorough reviews of proposals to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to formatting and submission guidelines.
3.    Coordinating internal and external reviews of proposals to gather feedback and incorporate suggestions for improvement.
4.    Developing and maintaining a repository of standard proposal templates, boilerplate materials, and supporting documents.

Donor Relationship Management:

1.    Building and maintaining strong relationships with current and potential donors, including attending meetings, conferences, and networking events.
2.    Keeping abreast of donor trends, priorities, and funding opportunities in order to align proposals with donor interests.
3.    Engaging with donors to clarify proposal requirements, seek feedback, and address any queries or concerns.

Knowledge Management and Learning:

1.    Documenting and disseminating lessons learned, best practices, and successful proposal development approaches within the organization.
2.    Conducting regular debriefing sessions to analyze proposal outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and incorporate learnings into future proposals.
3.    Staying updated on emerging trends, innovations, and methodologies related to proposal development in the non-profit sector.

The role of the Head of Programs is not limited to the specific duties mentioned above. It is subject to change with the evolution of the conflict and in accordance with Organization’s vision and mission. As such, the Head of Programs is required to manage all unforeseen issues and circumstances in relation to the programs and projects management and should remain adaptable to perform responsibilities that may not be mentioned in this document, and as required.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., international development, social sciences, public administration) is highly desirable.
• A minimum of bachelor’s degree in business administration, international development, social sciences, or any relevant field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in senior program management roles, preferably within the non-profit sector.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in projects implementation roles, preferably within the non-profit sector.
• A strong understanding of social development issues, particularly in areas relevant to Organization's mission (e.g., Education, WASH, FSL, Protection, Shelters, Health and Nutrition).
• Demonstrated experience in proposals writing, strategic planning, program design, and implementation, with a track record of achieving measurable impact and outcomes.
• Proven ability to build and manage effective partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, and community committees.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams, foster collaboration, and drive results.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and navigate complex programmatic challenges.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Fluency in English, reading, speaking, and writing.