Director of Program Development and Quality (PDQ)
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 15,000 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.
Role Purpose:
As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) in Rwanda, the Director of Program Development and Quality is responsible for driving the country strategic plan (CSP) and theory of change. S/he is also responsible for ensuring strategic development of high quality, evidence based, innovative full spectrum programs that deliver immediate and lasting change for children and contribute to Save the Children’s global Breakthroughs: Learn, Survive, Be Protected. One of the key aspects of the role is ensuring capacity building, mentoring and coaching of team leaders and technical specialists in order to build a strong PDQ department – the key drivers of thematic excellence and program quality in the Country Office (CO).
The Director of Program Development and Quality (PDQ) plays a key role in defining and pursuing the strategic direction for Save the Children’s programs in Rwanda, ensuring the relevance, strategic coherence, and impact of our programs for children in all contexts. They will drive the continued growth of the Country Office and lead the development of external relationships and submission of high quality proposals. This is a challenging role requiring a dedicated, experienced and highly motivated individual who can operate in a high profile environment. S/he has specific oversight for strategy and program development in all contexts and ensuring that programs demonstrate thematic excellence in contributing to Save the Children’s three priority breakthroughs for children: no child dies from preventable causes before their fifth birthday; all children learn from a quality basic education; and violence against children is no longer tolerated.
The DPDQ works with Country Office (CO) thematic specialists and member advisors to develop evidence-based strategies, programs and projects, to strengthen program integration, and to spearhead advocacy and campaigning initiatives. S/he takes a lead in establishing systems for program monitoring, quality improvement, accountability, evaluation and learning, and in ensuring that learning and results are captured, shared and used to inform programs. The DPDQ leads the CO in developing and carrying out partnership with national NGOs and other strategic partners. As a senior leader in the CO, s/he plays a representational role with the government, donors, partners and others. The DPDQ has the responsibility to build the capacity of, mentor and coach Save the Children teams and individual staff in areas related to PDQ, ensuring the development of a strong national team. S/he works closely with PDQ and thematic leaders from across Save the Children to facilitate strategic alignment and to maximize synergies.
Contract Duration: 2 years
Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Qualifications and Experience
- A minimum of seven years of progressive senior management and/ or development experience in an NGO or similar environment, including experience directing and implementing programs for children
- Experience in more than one of Save the Children’s thematic sectors: education, child protection, child rights governance, health and nutrition, child poverty
- Masters Degree in relevant social science, human rights, development studies, NGO management or equivalent fields
- Must have good International experience
- Knowledge of new business development, members and donors and their environments and a basic understanding of advocacy, policy, and reform in Rwanda
- Credibility to lobby, influence and represent Save the Children at all levels
- Experience working with high level government agencies and academics on issues related to children
- Strong skills and proven experience in new program development, project design, and donor proposal design with corporate, foundations and institutional donors
- Strong skills and proven experience in leading strategic planning, change management and program management processes; also from the knowledge and learning perspective
- Developing and managing monitoring, evaluation and learning systems
- Excellent listening, inter-personal, communication and networking skills; and an ability to work with diversified populations
- Skills such as training, capacity building, coaching, mentorship, problem solving, and analytical and an understanding of project cycle management and coordination
- High level of self-awareness and willingness to take criticism as an opportunity for growth and self-development
- Ability to research, write and represent well, manage time, multi-task and delegate tasks
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Similar skills in French or Kinyarwanda are an advantage
Please apply in English saving your CV and covering letter as a single document, including your salary expectations for this role. To see a full a job description, please visit our website at www.savethechildren.net/jobs
We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse. Employment is subject to our Child protection standards including background checks and adherence to our Child Safeguarding Policy
Save the Children is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ and assign the best qualified talent.
Disclaimer:
Save the Children International does not charge any kind of fee at whichever stage of the recruitment process and does not act through recruitment agents
More Information
- Job City Kigali
