Head of Programs Mozambique

MozambiqueHead of Programs MozambiqueOrganizationForAfrikaPosted 26 Aug 2025 Closing date 9 Sep 2025ForAfrika is an African-rooted, globally connected organisation dedicated to empowering communities across the continent through sustainable development and humanitarian aid. With over 40 years of operational experience, ForAfrika works in environments that vary from emergency relief settings to long-term development, ensuring that every initiative is contextually aligned with the needs of the people it serves. Through a deep love for Africa and unwavering commitment, ForAfrika delivers programmes that transform lives by embracing an integrated approach to development.

This includes enhancing education, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, food security and livelihoods, economic empowerment, and more, building environments where all Africans can thrive. Position SummaryThe Head of Programs is responsible for leading all program related functions across the organization's Mozambique operations, ensuring high-quality, accountable, and sustainable programming that aligns with strategic objectives and responds to community needs. This senior leadership role encompasses oversight of program implementation, quality assurance, community integration, Design, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (DMEAL), and emergency response coordination.

The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership to drive program excellence while building organizational capacity and fostering partnerships that amplify impact. Reporting RelationshipsThe Head Of Programs Has a Solid-line Reporting Relationship To The Country Director And a Dotted-line Relationship To The Director Of Programs, Global Support Office Who Provides Technical Oversight, Guidance, And Capacity Building On Programmatic Matters.

This Relationship IncludesRegular program quality reviews and discussionsTechnical support and guidance on program design and implementationCollaborative development of country-specific program strategiesKnowledge exchange on innovative approaches and best practicesCapacity building initiatives for the country program teamKey Roles And Responsibilities Strategic Program Leadership & Quality AssuranceProvide strategic direction and oversight for all programmatic activities across multiple sectors including health, education, WASH, food security, livelihoods, and emergency responseEstablish and maintain program quality frameworks ensuring adherence to international standards including SPHERE, Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), and donor compliance requirementsLead the development and implementation of the country program strategy in alignment with organizational mission and donor requirementsEnsure all programs are designed and implemented in ways responsive to community needs, cultural contexts, and beneficiary feedbackChampion innovation in program design and implementation methodologies to enhance effectiveness and sustainability Program Implementation ManagementOversee portfolio of programs with collective budgets and ensure efficient resource allocation across initiativesMonitor program performance against targets, timelines, and budgetary allocations, implementing corrective measures as neededLead program proposal development processes, ensuring technical quality, contextual relevance, and competitive positioningCoordinate with finance team on budget variance analysis (BVA) and financial reporting to ensure fiscal accountabilityEstablish and maintain relationships with key donors, government partners, and implementing partners Community Integration & Partnership DevelopmentEnsure meaningful community participation in all phases of program cycle from design through evaluationEstablish and maintain strategic partnerships with local organizations, government entities, and community leadersLead development of community engagement strategies that promote local ownership and sustainabilityOversee capacity building initiatives for community-based organizations and local partnersEnsure cultural sensitivity and conflict-sensitive programming approaches across all interventionsEmergency Response & Humanitarian CoordinationLead organizational preparedness for emergency response including development and regular updating of contingency plansCoordinate rapid response to humanitarian crises, ensuring timely and effective assistance deliveryRepresent the organization in humanitarian coordination forums and cluster meetingsMaintain emergency supply stocks and ensure readiness of response teams and equipmentLead needs assessments and response strategy development during humanitarian emergencies Team Leadership & Organizational DevelopmentProvide leadership and mentorship to program managers, MEAL officers, field coordinators, and technical specialistsBuild organizational capacity through staff development planning, training coordination, and performance managementFoster collaborative work environment that promotes professional growth and high performanceEstablish clear performance expectations and accountability mechanisms for all program staffChampion organizational values and ensure adherence to code of conduct and safeguarding policies External Relations & RepresentationServe as primary liaison with donors, government officials, and partner organizations on programmatic mattersRepresent the organization at national and international forums, conferences, and coordination meetingsDevelop and maintain strategic relationships that enhance program effectiveness and organizational profileLead resource mobilization efforts and contribute to fundraising strategy developmentEnsure compliance with government regulations and maintain positive relationships with authoritiesKnowledge, Skills And Abilities Education & ExperienceDegree in development related studies- Agriculture, Range management, Natural Resource Management, Economics, Social sciences or related fieldProfessional certifications in project/program management (PMP, PMD Pro) preferredMinimum 8-10 years of progressive experience in international development or humanitarian programmingAt least 5 years in senior management rolesDemonstrated experience managing complex, multi-sector programs in Sub-Saharan Africa, preferably MozambiqueExperience in emergency response coordination and humanitarian programming Technical CompetenciesExpert knowledge of program cycle management and quality frameworksStrong understanding of international humanitarian and development standards (SPHERE, CHS, HAP)Proficiency in DMEAL methodologies, evaluation techniques, and data analysisKnowledge of major donor requirements (USAID, EU, UN agencies, bilateral donors)Understanding of conflict-sensitive programming and Do No Harm approaches Leadership & Management SkillsExceptional leadership capabilities with experience managing diverse, multicultural teamsStrong strategic thinking and analytical skills with ability to translate vision into operational plansExcellent communication and presentation skills in English; local language skills advantageousProven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholdersExperience in organizational development and capacity building Personal AttributesStrong commitment to humanitarian principles and development valuesCultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in diverse environmentsHigh degree of flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstancesResults-oriented with strong attention to detail and qualityIntegrity and commitment to ethical programming practices Working ConditionsPosition based in Mozambique with regular travel to field locations (up to 40% travel)Willingness to work in challenging environments and respond to emergency situationsFlexibility to work extended hours during crisis response or critical program periodsCommitment to maintaining security protocols and organizational safety standardsHow to applyPlease click HEREto apply on or before 9th September 2025.

Please note that due to large volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Job detailsCountryMozambiqueSourceForAfrikaTypeJobCareer categoryProgram/Project ManagementYears of experience10+ yearsThemesHealthHIV/AidsShare Share this on Facebook Share this on X Post this on LinkedIn