CHILD FUND PAPUA NEW GUINEA

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Head of Program / Program Director (open for PNG Nationals and International Candidates)

Department: Program

Reports To: Country Director

Location: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Direct Reports: Program Managers / Technical Managers / Project Managers

Position Type: Full-time

ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT

ChildFund Papua New Guinea is the representative office of ChildFund Australia, an international development organisation working to reduce poverty for children and young people in developing communities. ChildFund PNG works in partnership with communities, government, civil society and other stakeholders to create sustainable change that enables vulnerable children and young people to realise their rights and reach their full potential. ChildFund PNG implements programs across education, child protection, health, nutrition, water and sanitation, resilience and other areas relevant to children and young people.

HOW WE VALUE YOUR CONTRIBUTION

At ChildFund, you will contribute to our vision of a world where all children and young people can say: “I am safe. I am educated. I contribute. I have a future.” The Head of Program / Program Director provides strategic and operational leadership across ChildFund PNG's program portfolio, ensuring that programs are high quality, evidence based, inclusive, accountable and focused on sustainable outcomes and impact for children and young people.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Head of Program / Program Director provides strategic leadership and overall management of ChildFund PNG's program portfolio. The position is responsible for ensuring that programs are aligned with ChildFund PNG's strategy, donor commitments and relevant national priorities, and that program teams have the leadership, systems and support required to deliver quality outcomes.

KEY DUTIES

Program Strategy and Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and overall oversight of ChildFund PNG's program portfolio.
• Translate the ChildFund PNG Country Strategy into a coherent and prioritised program portfolio.
• Ensure programs are aligned with ChildFund's strategic priorities, government priorities, donor requirements and the needs of children and communities.

Program Quality and Delivery

• Provide overall oversight of program delivery and ensure projects are implemented in accordance with approved plans, budgets, agreements and quality standards.
• Establish clear program performance expectations, milestones and accountabilities.

Program Design and Development

• Lead and support the development of new program concepts, proposals and program strategies.
• Identify opportunities for program growth, innovation, partnership and resource mobilisation.

MEAL, Evidence and Learning

• Provide leadership in ensuring MEAL is integrated into program design, implementation and decision-making.
• Work closely with the MEAL team to ensure program plans and MEAL plans are aligned and actively used to manage program performance.

Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with government, donors, national partners, civil society, communities and development partners.
• Promote equitable, respectful and partnership-led approaches, recognising the leadership, knowledge and capacity of national and local partners.

Donor Management and Reporting

• Ensure program commitments to donors are effectively managed and delivered.
• Provide oversight of program reporting to ensure reports are accurate, evidence-based, timely and of a high standard.

Budget and Resource Management

• Provide oversight of program budgets and financial performance in collaboration with Finance.
• Ensure program expenditure is aligned with approved budgets, implementation plans and donor requirements.

Team Leadership and People Development

• Provide strong leadership to the program team and create clarity around roles, responsibilities and accountabilities.
• Build a culture of ownership, collaboration, accountability and respectful working relationships.

Risk Management, Safeguarding and Compliance

• Ensure program risks are identified, assessed, monitored and appropriately managed.
• Provide oversight of program compliance with ChildFund policies, donor requirements and relevant legislation.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Master’s degree in international development, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Program Management, Education or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years' relevant experience in international development, including significant program management and leadership experience.

SAFEGUARDING AND PSEAH

Remain alert and responsive to any child safeguarding or sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment risks; understand and comply with ChildFund's safeguarding and PSEAH policies and procedures; and promote safe and respectful environments for children, young people, staff, partners and communities.

CHILDFUND VALUES

The Head of Program / Program Director is expected to demonstrate ChildFund's values of: Respect | Integrity | Collaboration | Change | Empowerment | Excellence

SKILLS

• Ability to provide strategic direction across a diverse program portfolio and translate organisational strategy into measurable program outcomes.
• Strong ability to oversee complex programs, identify performance issues and ensure timely corrective action.