Position: Program Manager Darfur (South and North)
Duty station: Nyala
Duration: 12 months with possibility of extension based on performance
Reports to: Director of Program
Type of assignment: Full time (40 hours per week)
Application deadline: July 31st, 2025

ZOA is an international NGO, which offers RELIEF to people who are affected by conflict or natural disasters. ZOA wants to contribute to a new perspective of HOPE in which people work together for a promising future in dignity and mutual trust. Together with the affected communities, we work on the RECOVERY until they can provide to take care of their livelihoods. The international work of ZOA is coordinated from the Netherlands. ZOA is active in multiple countries in Africa, Middle East Region and Asia. ZOA works approximately with 1000 employees worldwide.

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 five offices and a portfolio that varies from humanitarian emergency to developmental projects. Main sectors are Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL), Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Peacebuilding, and Education. Adaptation to Gender climate, change resilience, localization are mainstreamed.

ZOA is looking for a Program Manager, Darfur (South and North) – Sudan

The Programme Manager will be based in Nyala overseeing programs implemented in South and North Darfur by ZOA and in collaboration with its local and consortium partners. Your challenge is to manage, coordinate and to ensure the realisation of the objectives of the projects in your programme. Successfully moving this programme forward requires excellent people- and managerial skills.

This is a National Position, experience in the Darfur states is required. Applicants must have the right to work in Sudan. There is no visa sponsorship.

Your main tasks and responsibilities:

Leadership and management:

• Responsible for all ZOA activities within programme area;
• Participate in country wide programme and knowledge development;
• Implementing and strategic partnership engagement at programme level;
• Gender and conflict sensitive approach to team management and project activities under her/his responsibility;

Programme Development:

• Ensure availability of up-to-date needs assessment (preferably multi-sectoral) to inform programme design, fundraising and advocacy efforts;
• Ensure all relevant stakeholders are included in the design, planning and implementation of projects as deemed relevant;
• Lead the development of project concept note, proposals, and budgets for new projects/extensions of projects in collaboration with the relevant programme and support staff;
• Actively promote and drive integrated programming of multisectoral intervention in the program area and coordinate closely with Project Managers/ Coordinators in drawing up plans;
• Ensure drafting Technical agreements for all projects and having them timely signed by relevant authorities and the related line ministries;
• Supervise local partners performance through the support of the PM/PCs and provide regular feedbacks and progress reports.

Programme Management:

• Overall responsible for effective and efficient management of programming across South and North Darfur States consistent with the project management cycle;
• General planning and coordination to ensure that approved plans and budgets for the program area are timely and effectively implemented;
• Responsible for monthly and quarterly activity and financial reporting, including realization of activities versus budget utilisation (including providing input to) narrative and financial donor reporting;
• Ensure systems for programme quality control, monitoring and evaluation, and incorporate key learning in programme development, adjustment, and implementation;
• Overall programme budget oversight for all projects/portfolio implemented in the Program Area and ensure appropriate burn-rates are maintained and that solutions to over/under expenditure are applied;
• Responsible for providing implementation support and guidance to Project Managers/ Coordinators, including but not limited to providing instructions on work plans, approving expenses/procurement, recruitments, reporting, etc.;
• Responsible for providing timely and methodical updates regarding needs and trends specific to the Area Office to the Country Office;

Finance, Procurement, Logistics and Human Resource Management:

• Ensure appropriate Financial, Procurement and Logistical Policies and procedures are adhered to within the programme and support team;
• Support Project Managers/ Coordinators and ensure timely and accurate development of procurement plans, recruitment plans, M&E plans, and spending plans per project and ensure the same is shared with relevant support colleagues;
• In line with project needs and funding availability, continuously and proactively plan programme staff requirements and liaise with HR and Admin team to ensure the same;
• Performance management of all direct reports, including regular one to one meetings, periodic appraisals, development of objectives and capacity development plans;
• Responsible for ensuring systematic capacity development and training of Project Managers/ Coordinators including local partners, particularly around implementation reporting and operational capacities.

Coordination and Representation:

• Responsible for attending relevant cluster meetings and coordination platforms, representing ZOA to share updates, coordinate interventions and promote the rights of vulnerable host community, IDPs, asylum seekers, refugees;
• Conduct senior representation at state and locality levels and promote strong working relationships with government counterparts;
• In line with ZOA’s standards, develop and ensure the organization is well accepted by communities, authorities and all key stakeholders through timely, accurate and transparent information sharing;
• Any other task required by the line manager.

Security

• Ensures compliance with ZOA’s over-all security policy and procedures.

Authority:

• The Programme Manager is authorised and accountable within the approved framework and limits.

Your profile

Identity:

• The candidate is expected to support the vision and mission of ZOA

Knowledge & Experience:

• Bachelor or Master degree in a humanitarian, development or other relevant field;
• Seven years field experience at least four years in management of program areas in a conflict affected country;
• Good spoken and written command of English.

Skills:

• Organisational and cultural sensitivity;
• Good writing skills;
• Effective delegation;
• Participative leadership;
• Analytical;
• Coaches, challenges and provides opportunities for growth.

Attitude:

• Flexibility and adaptability;
• Interpersonal and cross-cultural sensitivity;
• Able to work under pressures and meet deadlines;
• Able to work in a sometimes fluid and insecure environment.

Special conditions

• You will be based in Nyala with frequent travel to the field.

Do you need more information?

For more information about ZOA, please visit our website www.zoa-international.com.

If you have questions about this vacancy, you can contact Mahlet Tekalegne, [email protected], and/or contact Manal El Nour [email protected].