Regional Director Programme Development and Quality

Save the Children is the world’s leading independent organisation for children. We work in 120 countries. We save children’s lives; we fight for their rights; we help them fulfil their potential.

We work together, with our partners, to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

We have over two million supporters worldwide and raised 1.9 billion dollars last year to reach more children than ever before, through programmes in health, nutrition, education, protection and child rights, also in times of humanitarian crises.

Following a major transition, our international programmes are now delivered through a merged operation with c15,000 staff, managed through seven regional hubs and reporting to a relatively small, central office. We’re changing to become more efficient, more aligned, a better partner, a stronger advocate, a magnet for world-class people and relevant for the 21st century.

Contract length: 24 months

The role

As a key member of the Regional Senior Management team, the Regional PDQ Director will provide leadership, direction and contribute to strategic development and delivery of international programming, in both humanitarian and development contexts, in line with the Save the Children International’s mandate, strategy and theory of change.

This encompasses the full cycle of program design, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning as well as supporting organizational planning and reporting requirements. This role will also lead cross-cutting program initiatives (including sourcing program quality support, Technical Adviser provision, continual improvement, partnerships, and other strategic and business projects) and direct strategic programming trends and learning from the region. In collaboration with relevant country programmes and members, the post holder will oversee and ensure that the strategic initiatives on Youth, DRR & Resilience and Civil Society Partnerships move forward. In consultation with country programmes, the Regional PDQ Director will identify capacity gaps and negotiate appropriate TA support with members.

In addition, the Regional PDQ Director will work with country programmes, Members and the Regional Office Awards & Business Support Unit to support program development and grow the portfolio in the region. The position will lead on development of regional projects and programmes and ensure that Member programming is in line with the priorities in the region and is cohesive and linked appropriately.

Qualifications and experience

Essential

• Programme design and quality track record in an NGO environment, including experience directing and implementing programmes for children in a range of contexts, preferably with solid experience in more than one of Save the Children thematic areas (e.g. education, child protection, health, nutrition, child rights, youth, DRR and emergency response)
• Post-graduate qualification or equivalent experience in international development, humanitarian response and preparedness, monitoring and evaluation or a related discipline
• Substantial international management and relationship management experience in a complex organisation, including demonstrable track record of leading change, which has led to significant results for the organisation and their stakeholders
• Experience in developing and implementing organisational vision and strategies

• Extensive MEAL experience across both international development and emergency programs, including strong practical experience in project/program monitoring and evaluation (preferably field-based)

• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a matrix management environment, meaning culturally sensitive with a highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation and coaching
• Substantial training and capacity building experience
• Solid project management skills related to organisational development projects and international, cross-functional teams with a proven history of delivering results
• Experience of supporting and developing programmatic staff with different backgrounds and expertise
• Experience of building personal networks at field and senior levels
• Experience of solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward and ensuring buy-in
• Ability and willingness to change work practices and hours in the event of major emergencies
• Willingness to travel throughout the region (varying, but expected to be 50% of time)
• Commitment to Save the Children’s mission vision and values

Desirable

• Significant regional experience in the Middle East
• Arabic language skills

We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

To see a full a job description, please visit our website at www.savethechildren.net/jobs

Please apply in English using your CV and covering letter as a single document, including your salary expectations for this role.

Application Email: Please apply with a covering letter and up-to-date CV to: rnazzal.04266.4810@savethechildrenint.aplitrak.com