Programme Director

JOB PURPOSE

The Programme Director will lead, direct, and manage all aspects of World Vision Iraq’s program and operations in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and Government of Iraq (GOI). This includes ensuring a robust strategic alignment and seamless integration between resource acquisition, program quality, field operations, and organizational objectives. The Programme Director will also lead the design and implementation of WV Iraq’s nexus programming, integrating humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding efforts. In addition, he/she will drive innovative programming ideas to enhance WV Iraq's impact, focusing on partnerships with local, national, and international stakeholders. The ultimate goal is to achieve a significant, sustainable impact on child well-being, focusing on the most vulnerable children in the region.

KEY RESPONSIBILITES:

Strategic Leadership and Coordination

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contribute to the overall success of WV Iraq’s country strategy and business planning.

Identify strategically aligned programming opportunities within the national context and mandate, including accessing funding and partnering effectively with stakeholders.

Approve and ensure the implementation of Resource Development and Acquisition strategies and plans.

Forge strong relationships with peers in the WV partnership, advocating the position of WV Iraq, contributing to strategic meetings, and translating strategic insights into contextually appropriate approaches.

Promote strong and rigorous coordination and collaboration between field operations, grant acquisition, sector, and evaluation teams to ensure high-quality program implementation and field impact.

Ensure field needs, assessment and analysis data, local context, and internal and external funding and donor priorities are properly integrated into WV Iraq’s strategic planning.

Ensure that strategies are aligned with the priorities of World Vision International while also adapting to the Iraqi context.

Resource Mobilization and Donor Engagement

Lead the development of the Resource Development strategy, ensuring alignment with the organizational strategy and maximizing funding opportunities.

Establish and maintain strong relationships with institutional, private, and philanthropic donors to secure financial resources and long-term partnerships.

Work closely with the finance and program teams to ensure that funding needs are met and resources are effectively allocated to high-priority programs.

 Oversee the development of high-quality proposals and reports that align with donor expectations and organizational goals.

 Ensure that donor compliance and reporting standards are met, and that all funding is utilized efficiently.

 Explore new opportunities for funding and partnerships, particularly in key sectors such as education, protection, and climate resilience.

Program Quality and Field Operations

  Oversee the implementation of high-quality programs on the ground, ensuring that all operations are child-focused and aligned with the organization's mission.

Lead the integration of RLEAM (Rapid Learning and Evaluation Management) systems to digitally monitor and evaluate program performance in real time.

   Ensure the implementation of robust systems for monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) across all programs.

  Drive program quality by overseeing assessments, program design, and implementation, ensuring that programs meet internal and external standards.

  Ensure effective and efficient program management, addressing operational challenges and optimizing the use of resources.

Ensure that operational and programmatic activities comply with World Vision’s policies, donor requirements, and regulatory standards.

Develop and implement systems that optimize operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness across all programs.

Innovative Programmes Initiation

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND EXPERIENCE:

Required Education, training, license, registration, and/or Certification:

Master’s degree in humanitarian aid, international development, economics, rural development, social sciences or related field.

Required Professional Experience:

Minimum of 6–7 years of experience in senior leadership roles, with previous experience serving at Director level or in a comparable senior management position, in humanitarian organizations.

Proven senior leadership experience across humanitarian and development programming, preferably in fragile, conflict-affected, or complex operating environments, with demonstrated ability to provide strategic direction and navigate changing contexts.

Demonstrated experience in programme management and programme quality, including oversight of complex, multi-sector portfolios and ensuring effective implementation, quality, accountability, compliance, and achievement of results.

Strong track record in resource mobilization and business development, including identifying funding opportunities, leading or contributing to high-value proposals, developing strategic partnerships, and securing and managing multi-million-dollar grants and funding portfolios.

Significant experience in donor and external engagement, with the ability to represent the organization effectively and build strong relationships with institutional donors, UN agencies, government authorities, international and national organizations, private sector actors, and other strategic partners.

Proven ability to lead, manage, and develop diverse and experienced teams, including senior managers and technical specialists, fostering collaboration, accountability, high performance, and an inclusive organizational culture.

Strong understanding of Humanitarian–Development–Peace (HDP) nexus programming, with experience integrating humanitarian response, resilience and development, peacebuilding, localization, and sustainability approaches.