Job Profile
The Program Director will oversee the management of the overall program implementation while ensuring quality reporting, financial management, monitoring and accountability under the guidance and supervision of the Deputy Country Director Programs and in coordination with the Area Managers, Technical Advisors and Support Functions Leads. S/he will ensure all program interventions are strategic, effective, meet designated goals and objectives, are informed by and participated in by targeted beneficiaries and are delivered on time. S/he will coordinate with major internal stakeholders to ensure country program activities are implemented as planned and are being monitored to achieve quality results and to make sure we are on scope, target and budget. Working with DCD Programs, Technical Advisors, Area Managers and Support Leads, the Program Director is expected to lead effective implementation and communication on the progress of the program to local authorities and other humanitarian actors across the country.
The Program Director is expected to be a high performer in implementation requirements and timelines observation, project cycle management, team management and team building, and support functions. The Program Director will build the capacity of Project Managers and the field teams, as well as local partners, in times when the local capacity is more critical than ever in the delivery of humanitarian aid. The direct work relationship with project managers is aimed at ensuring all administrative, programmatic, and field-level challenges are identified and addressed immediately so RI can deliver timely, quality and fully compliant results.
Key Responsibilities
Accountability and Complexity
- Overall responsible for the implementation of the Sudanโs projects portfolio in accordance with internal and donor processes, rules and regulations.
- Identify and raise risks on project implementation at country offices level and identify solutions in coordination with internal counterparts
- High level of coordination with internal stakeholders
Program and Budget Management:
- Ensure all projects are mobilized on-time per internal tools and deadlines and actively participate in program kick-off meetings.
- Oversee the successful, timely and quality implementation of all RI projects in Sudan.
- Ensure the development and periodic review of the Projects Implementation Tool (PIT), by the Project Managers in coordination with key support functions
- In coordination with PMs and key support functions, oversee the active monitoring of all projects being implemented, from mobilization to close-out, through Grants Review Meetings, BVAs, procurement plans meetings, etc. ensuring programs are completed on time, on budget and in compliance with donorsโ rules and regulations.
- Support PMs and support functions in ensuring accurate projectโs spending of programs through BVAs and spend-down
- Work closely with the Grants & Partnership Manager, PMs and Support functions to ensure donor compliance for RI programs and Partnerships.
- Actively work with PMs and support functions to anticipate challenges, design and implement business continuity plans
- In coordination with the DCD and the Grants and Partnership Department, ensures programmatic internal and external reports are prepared in quality and on time as per RIโs processes and donor agreements.
- Provide hands-on guidance and direction to program staff on all issues related to program implementation.
- Work closely with PMs, Grants and Partnership team and Support team in partnership oversight throughout the program mobilization, implementation and close-out โ this include ensuring close follow up on partnersโ programmatic and financial performance.
Budget Management
- Provide DCD and CD with accurate projectsโ spend-down plans developed in coordination with PMs, Finance and other support functions.
- Oversee program budgets, BVAs and forecasting. Monitor financial expenditure with PMs to ensure timely and compliant spending and avoid underspent/overspent in project budgets
- Support PMs monitoring budget/expenditure based on the implementation plans and analyze Budget-Versus- Actual (BVA) reports to assess and address the discrepancies.
- Support PMs and Finance department in the financial monitoring of partners on a monthly basis
- Participate in program audits and financial audit follow-up (management response, corrective actions).
People Management
- Responsible for day-to-day management of Program Managers based on internal HR processes to ensure successful projectโs implementation.
- Lead and/or support the recruitment of program staff to ensure core functions are filled, with a focus on nationalization of positions where feasible.
- Manage the performance of direct reports using RI performance management policies and procedures as well as through appropriate coaching, mentoring, training and development.
- Promote and ensure adherence to RIโs policies and procedures
- Maintain a positive working relation with the staff by demonstrating consistent and effective management and leadership roles.
- Provide mentorship /coaching to direct staff as well as other key program teams.
- Strengthen champion for stronger teamwork and collaboration among program and other relevant departments.
Partnership Management:
- Work on developing new local partnership development for expansion and as relevant to program activities.
- Support Grants and Partnership Manager in managing the Partner Agreements, including review of due diligence, analysis and performance
- Ensure RI technical support to Partner Organizations
- Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities
- Conduct periodic reviews of annual plans with partner organizations to ensure a common vision in technical areas
Emergency Preparedness and Response:
- Act as a country emergency focal point.
- Support field offices in developing programs that are adaptive and can respond to humanitarian crises as and when necessary.
- Lead on developing programs that are adaptive and can respond to humanitarian crises as and when necessary.
- Lead on ensuring the appropriate level of technical input into any emergency response.
Qualifications & Requirements
This position demands a dynamic individual with a demonstrated ability to achieve results in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
- Masterโs degree in relevant subject or Bachelorโs degree with commensurate work experience and technical experience in multi-sectoral program/or community development.
- At least five yearsโ successful experience in a similar/related position in RI or similar INGO at the country level.
- Experience in managing institutional partnerships with national and international NGOs and donors. Experience with the design and implementation of partnership and/or organizational development strategies and organizational strengthening with partner organizations.
- Relevant program management experience in managing development and/or humanitarian assistance programs in similar conflict settings; including program implementation, financial management, monitoring and reporting.
- Demonstrated ability to achieve results in a demanding and fast-paced environment. Strategic thinking, creativity, flexibility and strong work ethics are highly valued.
- Strong grant management experience, familiarity with multiple donors ECHO, EU, FCDO, USAID, BHA, UNICEF, WHO, WFP, Italian Corporation and SHF Pool Funding.
- Experience in working with partner organizations in humanitarian or development settings.
- Excellent program development experience and demonstrated experience with a range of international donors with solid programming, excellent program development and fundraising skills.
- A track record of delivery of multi-year, multi-site programs with significant budgets.
- Excellent English writing and communication skills
- Computer literacy and well-versed with MS package, MS Project
- Willingness and capacity to be flexible and accommodating when faced with difficult and frustrating working conditions.
- Ability and willingness to frequently travel and stay at the field base.
RI Values:
We uphold the Humanitarian Principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and operational independence. We affirmatively engage the most vulnerable communities. We value:
- Inclusiveness
- Transparency and Accountability
- Agility and Innovation
- Collaboration
- Sustainability
How To Apply
To apply for this post, click on the โApplyโ button in the job advert page.
- You will be asked to upload a CV and Cover Letter.
- The cover letter should be two pages, and explain why you are interested in this post with Relief International and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.
Closing Date
Monday November 07, 2025.
As a humanitarian organization, Relief International is committed to the safeguarding of all those we come into contact with through our work. We are committed to the core humanitarian principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. Relief International expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and uphold the values and behaviors outlined in the Code of Conduct.
Recruitment to all roles in Relief International include a criminal records self-declaration, references, and other pre-employment checks, which may include police and qualifications checks.