Job location: Gedaref, Sudan (non-family station)
Starting date: as soon as possible
Vacancy closing date: 15th of March 2026
Duration position: 3 years
Working hours: Fulltime (40 hours per week)

We are here for our neighbours in need, who are suffering in this broken world.

ZOA, as an international NGO, supports people who have lost everything due to armed conflict or natural disaster. Together, we can come to their aid in emergencies and remain faithful to communities as they recover – providing new opportunities for them to help themselves again. The work of ZOA is coordinated from the Netherlands. We are active in multiple countries in Africa, South America, the Middle East Region, and Asia. We work with approximately 900 employees worldwide and with (local) partners. We invite you to join our team of committed colleagues.

ZOA is looking for a

Director of Programmes

Our work in Sudan

ZOA started working in Sudan in 2004 in response to the Darfur crisis. In 2010, programmes in the East of the country were also opened. Currently, ZOA has four offices and a portfolio that varies from humanitarian emergency to developmental projects. Main sectors are Integrated Emergency Relief, Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL), multi-purpose cash programmes, Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), peacebuilding, Inclusiveness for people living with disability, and education. Adaptation to climate change, migration, gender and conflict sensitivity issues are mainstreamed. ZOA Sudan has been leading large scale consortia projects and is strongly embedded in the different project areas. Since the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023, the Country office has moved to Gedaref, from where we support all operations in both Darfur as well as the East of the country. The Country Office, however could be moved to Port Sudan or Khartoum, depending on various factors.

Your challenge

Your position as Director of Programmes is crucial in establishing and expanding a solid portfolio, aiming at reaching more people in need with effective and high-quality programming.

As Director of Programmes, you will lead ZOA’s programme portfolio in Sudan, ensuring strong project delivery, effective MEAL systems, and high‑quality, context‑driven programme design. You’ll guide and support programme teams, oversee planning, implementation, and reporting, and maintain solid partnerships with donors and stakeholders.

As a member of the senior management team, this role suits an experienced programme leader committed to impactful, values‑driven work.

Your main tasks and responsibilities

Leadership and management

• Lead programme teams: supervise and appraise senior programme staff, represent programmes in the CMT, and adherence to ZOA values.
• Ensure programme quality: drive programme and knowledge development and ensure gender‑ and conflict‑sensitive management and programming.
• Strengthen external engagement: oversee implementation efforts and manage strategic partnerships at the country level.

Programme strategy, management and planning

• Lead programme strategy and planning: analyse context, advise on ZOA’s core focus areas (including Peace Nexus, localisation, and climate resilience), and develop the country programme strategy, annual plans, and programme budget.
• Ensure programme quality: annually review programme needs, ensure strong thematic programmes, and oversee full adherence to Project Cycle Management.
• Strengthen technical capacity: engage with global sectoral advisors and provide technical support for country and sectoral planning.
• Oversee project delivery: ensure quality planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of all donor‑funded projects with Programme Managers, Consortia Managers and the Manager of Programme Quality.
• Manage programme performance and reporting: consolidate monthly/quarterly activity and financial reports and review annual progress toward programme objectives as per donor reporting requirements in collaboration with Manager Program Quality (MPQ).
• Provide surge capacity when needed to respond to disasters in close collaboration with Sr. Emergency Specialist.

Project and proposal development

• Support the CD in resource mobilization: develop high‑quality concept notes, proposals, and budgets for international donors, and coordinate with national/international consultants for proposal development, evaluations, and research.

Partnerships, representation and collaboration

• Build and sustain strategic partnerships: initiate and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including NGOs, INGOs, UN agencies, government entities, and ZOA international offices.
• Lead external representation and resource mobilisation: represent ZOA with donors and government officials, build consortium and bilateral partnerships, and ensure timely donor reporting and updates.
• Advance advocacy and knowledge initiatives: prepare programme advocacy and lobby strategies and toolkits, and support knowledge management efforts.
• Strengthen internal coordination: promote effective collaboration across departments and enhance sectoral and inter‑office coordination for improved programme delivery.

Capacity building and innovation

• Lead programme review and improvement: conduct annual and periodic reviews to identify gaps and scale‑up opportunities.
• Strengthen programme leadership: build the capacity and effectiveness of Programme/Consortia Managers and their teams.
• Drive innovation and strategy: promote innovation and develop policies and strategies for programming, resource mobilisation, and scale‑up.

Partner Management

• Provide leadership in partner management, including identifying and assessing new local partners and ensuring adherence to the Partnership Manual.
• Strengthen partner capacity and ensure programme plans and budgets include partner allocations in line with ZOA standards.

HR/admin/finance

• Oversee programme finances and compliance: serve as final budget owner and ensure financial, personnel, and security policies are implemented and monitored at the project level and with partners.
• Supervise performance: conduct regular supervision and evaluations of senior programme staff.

Your profile

Identity

• The candidate is expected to fully support the vision, mission and values of ZOA.

Knowledge & experience

• University degree in a relevant humanitarian or development field.
• At least 10 years of field experience, preferably in conflict or post‑conflict settings.
• Proven management experience leading diverse teams.
• Strong understanding of Project Cycle Management and programme quality frameworks.
• Experience with institutional donor fundraising and reporting.
• Excellent command of English; Arabic is an asset.

Skills

• Visionary and analytical thinker able to interpret complex contexts.
• Strong planning, organising, and strategic decision‑making skills.
• Effective delegation and participative leadership.
• Excellent writing and reporting skills.
• Ability to give constructive feedback and coach teams.
• High interpersonal and cross‑cultural sensitivity; flexible and resilient under pressure.

Attitude

• Flexible and adaptable in changing or insecure environments.
• Culturally sensitive and able to work effectively with diverse teams.
• Calm and reliable under pressure, with strong personal resilience.
• Open, respectful, and supportive in interpersonal interactions.

Special conditions

• Up to 1/3 of time may be required for travel.
• This posting is a non-family duty station.
• R&R arrangements currently apply.
• This position may change duty station to Khartoum or another city in Sudan as decided by management.

Our offer

• ZOA offers a challenging role in a dynamic context, where you will be part of an inspiring and motivated team.
• We offer good benefits and remuneration which suits the NGO sector.

Do you need more information?

Would you like to know what it’s like to work for ZOA? Visit our Career Page and read the stories of possible future colleagues!

If you would have any questions about this vacancy, don’t hesitate to contact Nienke Maris, email [email protected].