Human Concern International Nonprofit

Director of Programs

Ottawa, Canada In person Full-time

Job Posting - Director of Programs

  • At Human Concern International (HCI), we are committed to responding swiftly and effectively to crises,
  • ensuring that communities receive the support they need when they need it most. For over 40 years, HCI
  • has been at the forefront of emergency relief, delivering aid and hope to families in over 40 countries.
  • We are seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Programs to lead the planning, development,
  • implementation, and oversight of the organization's global humanitarian and development programs. This
  • role is responsible for ensuring that all programs are aligned with the organization's mission, strategic
  • priorities, donor requirements, and regulatory standards. The Director of Programs provides leadership to
  • the programs team, fosters strong partnerships with international stakeholders, oversees program quality,
  • compliance, monitoring and evaluation, and works collaboratively with the Global CEO and
  • cross-functional departments to maximize program impact, sustainability, and organizational growth.
  • Reporting To: Global CEO
  • Location: Ottawa - Hybrid
  • Terms: Permanent Full Time
  • Salary: CAD 80,000 - CAD 110,000 Annually
  • Deadline to Apply: On going until filled

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Develop and implement the organization's global program strategy in collaboration with the
  • Global CEO, including annual strategic goals, priorities, and performance targets.
  • Identify, explore, and advocate for new humanitarian and development projects that align with the
  • organization's mission and strategic priorities.
  • Contribute to organizational strategic planning and provide leadership on programmatic growth
  • and innovation.
  • Support the development of long-term organizational priorities through evidence-based planning
  • and sector knowledge.

Program Management & Delivery

  • Lead the planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and close-out of all domestic and
  • international programs from inception to completion.
  • Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with approved
  • objectives, organizational policies, and donor requirements.
  • Oversee the development and review of high-quality project proposals, concept notes, budgets,
  • implementation plans, and supporting documentation.
  • Ensure consistent application of best practices and innovative approaches in program design and
  • delivery.
  • Develop effective systems, tools, and processes that strengthen program implementation and
  • operational efficiency.
  • Maintain appropriate oversight, accountability, and operational controls across all program
  • activities.

Program Compliance & Quality Assurance

  • Maintain comprehensive knowledge of Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requirements related to
  • foreign activities and charitable operations.
  • Stay informed of policies and regulations from Global Affairs Canada, international development
  • agencies, donors, and other relevant national and international authorities.
  • Ensure organizational compliance with all regulatory, donor, and contractual obligations.
  • Develop, implement, and continuously improve policies, standards, procedures, and guidance
  • that strengthen program quality and accountability.
  • Ensure effective risk management practices are integrated throughout program planning and
  • implementation.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL)

  • Develop and oversee monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) frameworks
  • across all programs.
  • Ensure systematic collection, analysis, and reporting of program performance data.
  • Utilize evidence and lessons learned to improve program effectiveness and organizational
  • learning.
  • Develop reporting tools and dashboards to provide timely updates to the Global CEO and Board
  • of Directors.

Financial Management & Resource Mobilization

  • Work closely with the Finance Department to develop, monitor, and manage program budgets,
  • ensuring responsible financial stewardship.
  • Monitor program expenditures and resource utilization to ensure cost-effective implementation.
  • Collaborate with the Fundraising and Donor Relations teams to align fundraising initiatives with
  • program priorities and organizational objectives.
  • Support the cultivation of institutional donors, government agencies, foundations, and
  • humanitarian funding opportunities.
  • Contribute to proposal development and donor engagement activities to expand funding
  • opportunities.

Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build, strengthen, and maintain strategic relationships with implementing partners, local
  • organizations, governments, donors, and international agencies.
  • Monitor partner performance and ensure effective collaboration throughout project
  • implementation.
  • Represent the organization within sector networks, NGO consortiums, conferences, and external
  • forums.
  • Serve as the organization's senior representative on program-related matters with external
  • stakeholders.

Team Leadership & Capacity Building

  • Provide strategic leadership and direct supervision to the Programs Department.
  • Recruit, mentor, coach, and develop a high-performing program team.
  • Foster a collaborative, accountable, and results-oriented work environment.
  • Build staff capacity through training, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
  • Establish clear performance expectations and ensure accountability across all operational levels.

Risk Management

  • Conduct ongoing assessments of operational, security, financial, and programmatic risks affecting
  • projects.
  • Develop and implement mitigation strategies to address identified risks.
  • Monitor country contexts, partner capacity, vendor performance, and emerging humanitarian
  • challenges that may affect program delivery.

Communications & Reporting

  • Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team to develop compelling program
  • reports, impact stories, case studies, and communication materials.
  • Ensure accurate and timely reporting to donors, senior leadership, and the Board of Directors.
  • Provide regular updates on program achievements, challenges, risks, and strategic opportunities.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Promote continuous improvement, innovation, and excellence across all program functions.
  • Support organizational initiatives and cross-functional projects as required.
  • Perform other duties as assigned in support of the organization's mission and strategic objectives.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

  • Master's degree in International Development, International Relations, Public Administration,
  • Project Management, Social Sciences, or a related discipline. Equivalent experience may be
  • considered,
  • Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience managing international development
  • or humanitarian programs.
  • Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership or management role.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-country projects funded by institutional and
  • private donors.
  • Strong knowledge of CRA regulations governing Canadian registered charities conducting foreign
  • activities.
  • Experience working with Global Affairs Canada and other international funding agencies is highly
  • desirable.

Our Offer

  • Competitive Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with potential
  • annual incentives.
  • Benefits Package: Medical,wellness programs, and more.
  • Retirement Savings: Contributions to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan.
  • Paid Time Off: Sick days, vacation days, and family days for work-life balance.
  • Professional Development: Access to training, leadership programs, and career growth
  • opportunities.
  • Some travel, as well as evening and weekend work, may be required.
  • We appreciate all applications; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job description provided by Human Concern International.
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