Head of Programme Development & Quality - Sudan

About the role

Trócaire, an international NGO working in Sudan through local partners, is recruiting a Head of Programme Development & Quality (HoPDQ) to be based in Nairobi, Kenya. Based in the Country Management Team, the HoPDQ drives cross-functional engagement in the development and delivery of the Country Strategy Plans for Sudan, ensures high-quality, evidence-based programmes, maintains a robust MEAL system and represents the office with donors, partners and authorities. The role reports to the Country Director and leads a team of 12, including four Programme Coordinators.

Key responsibilities

• Lead strategy, planning and reporting: develop and review programme strategies, annual plans, programme reviews and reporting, and identify and mitigate strategic risks.
• Develop and oversee evidence-based, partner-centred programmes aligned with Trócaire's Programme Quality standards, with gender equality, safeguarding, disability inclusion, accountability and conflict sensitivity.
• Ensure robust MEAL systems, knowledge management and learning processes, and joint research and evaluation with the HQ unit.
• Support programme coordinators, maintain monitoring and documentation systems, and run regular team meetings.
• Oversee the partnership portfolio, champion localisation, and support advocacy priorities and policy positions.
• Line manage four Programme Coordinators (including MEAL, Protection & GBV, Food Security, Livelihoods & Resilience and Health & Nutrition) and mentor the team.
• Represent Trócaire externally with donors, partners and coordination forums, and deputise for the Country Director when required.

Required profile

• Minimum 7 years leading multi-sector humanitarian and development programming.
• At least 5 years managing managers and developing staff at all levels.
• Experience in Sudan or a similar context, and proven experience designing and leading humanitarian and development strategies across protection, public health, livelihoods, food security, social cohesion and cash-based interventions.
• Experience in partnership-based programming, programme quality benchmarks and fundraising and donor engagement.
• Right to work and live in Kenya; no work sponsorship offered.

Required skills

• Fluency in English; Arabic desirable.
• Ability to navigate security protocols and manage risk in Sudan.
• Ability to manage budgets in complex humanitarian contexts.
• Excellent communication, planning, prioritisation and presentation skills.

What we offer

• A competitive package of salary and benefits on local Kenya terms and conditions.
• Two-year fixed-term contract, renewable, with frequent travel to programme locations in Sudan.