Head of Programmes - CAR

About the role

DanChurchAid (DCA) is looking for an experienced Head of Programmes to lead its Central African Republic (CAR) programme portfolio, based in Bangui with regular travel to field locations. Reporting to the Country Director and sitting on the Senior Management Team, the post turns country strategy into well-managed projects, strengthens programme quality and partnerships, and supports teams delivering assistance in a demanding environment. It is an international, non-accompanied position on a 12-month contract, open from 22 October 2026 to 20 November 2026.

Key responsibilities

• Translate the country strategy into operational priorities, using needs assessments, IPC and MSNA findings, response coverage and community feedback to guide geographic and sector choices.
• Steer complex projects through integrated project management frameworks, overseeing implementation against results, budgets and timelines, and supporting project managers and area coordinators in early identification of delays.
• Ensure technical standards, protection mainstreaming and conflict sensitivity across the portfolio.
• Manage staff assigned to you, set clear objectives, delegate effectively and coach area coordinators and programme colleagues.
• Strengthen monitoring systems and data quality, maintain project and portfolio dashboards, and ensure accessible feedback and complaints mechanisms.
• Build equitable partnerships with national organisations, agree responsibilities and capacity-strengthening priorities, and work with support colleagues on due diligence and partner monitoring.
• Lead concept notes, proposals, results frameworks and donor reports, and maintain a realistic funding pipeline.
• Co-lead the Cash Working Group, support the WFP/OCHA-led structure, and represent DCA with donors, clusters, authorities and civil society.

Required profile

• At least three years of experience managing a multi-project programme portfolio, including staff, programme quality, donor engagement and delivery in a complex humanitarian or fragile setting.
• Strong knowledge of CAR or comparable Central African contexts; previous experience in CAR is a strong asset.
• Substantive experience in at least two of: cash programming, food security, and M&E including accountability to affected populations.
• Experience in protection, conflict prevention or peacebuilding is an additional asset.
• Proven proposal writing and donor reporting, and experience steering complex, multi-location projects.

Required skills

• Familiarity with ECHO, pooled humanitarian funds, UN funding or institutional development financing is an advantage; World Bank-funded project experience is particularly relevant.
• People-management skills: prioritising, coaching, delegating and holding teams accountable.