Head of Programs / Program Director

About the role

ChildFund Papua New Guinea, the representative office of ChildFund Australia, is looking for a Head of Program / Program Director in Port Moresby. The role provides strategic and operational leadership across the program portfolio, ensuring programs are high quality, evidence based, inclusive, accountable and focused on sustainable outcomes for children and young people. It reports to the Country Director and leads Program Managers, Technical Managers and Project Managers.

Key responsibilities

• Translate the Country Strategy into a prioritised program portfolio and lead regular reviews of performance, risks and opportunities
• Oversight of program delivery, budgets, quality standards and corrective action when programs fall behind
• Lead program design, including theories of change, results frameworks and cross-cutting priorities such as safeguarding, child protection, GEDSI and climate resilience
• Integrate MEAL, evidence and learning into program design, implementation and decision-making
• Build relationships with government, donors, national partners and civil society, and represent ChildFund PNG in sector coordination and donor meetings
• Manage donor commitments, reporting, audits and negotiations
• Oversee program budgets and financial performance with Finance, and support annual budgeting and forecasting
• Lead the program team, coach and mentor staff, and support succession planning
• Identify and manage program risks, ensure compliance with policies and legislation, and embed safeguarding and PSEAH across programs

Required profile

• Master's degree in international development, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Program Management, Education or a related discipline
• At least 10 years' relevant experience in international development, including significant program management and leadership
• Demonstrated experience leading a complex program portfolio funded by institutional donors and managing donor relationships
• Experience managing and developing program teams, and working with government, national partners and donors
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, GEDSI and partnership/localisation approaches
• Senior management experience within an international NGO or development organisation

Required skills

• Program strategy, design, implementation, quality assurance and development
• Monitoring, evaluation, learning and evidence-based decision-making
• Excellent strategic, analytical, communication and influencing skills