Save the Children
The Opportunity
Note; Open to Candidates in Zimbabwe and Malawi
Save the Children is seeking to hire an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead the pilot phase of the Acting Together for Responsive and Integrated Systems for Children’s Access to Education in Emergencies (ARISE) in Southern Africa project, a multi-country initiative funded by ECHO and implemented in Malawi and Zimbabwe.
The ARISE project aims to enhance the resilience, wellbeing, and learning outcomes of children—particularly girls—through a cross-border, integrated approach focused on Education in Emergencies (EiE), Child Protection in Emergencies (CPiE), and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). The project also prioritizes preparedness and anticipatory action frameworks to reduce learning disruptions during humanitarian crises.
The Senior Program Manager will be responsible for providing overall strategic and operational leadership of the programme across both countries. This includes overseeing administrative, technical, programmatic, MEAL, and financial functions, as well as ensuring alignment with donor and organizational requirements.
The postholder will manage and support field teams, coordinate with key implementing partners, and ensure the timely and high-quality delivery of programme activities. As the primary point of contact for Save the Children Norway (contract holder), ECHO, government authorities, and partners, the Senior Program Manager will foster strong relationships and collaboration across all levels
In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly.
To be successful, you will bring/have:
- Bachelor’s degree in education, Social Sciences, International Development, or a related field.
- Master’s degree in education, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Project Management, or a related area preferred.
- Additional certification in Project Management or Monitoring and Evaluation is an asset Minimum of 7 years’ experience in managing large development or humanitarian programs, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role, preferably with an international NGO
- Experience in EiE, CPiE, or MHPSS programming is highly desirable
- Strong leadership and coordination skills, with experience managing multi-country or multi-partner projects
- Knowledge of ECHO donor compliance and experience managing large grants and budgets.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt in emergency settings
The Organisation
We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.
We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:
- No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
- All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
- Violence against children is no longer tolerated
We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.
We believe in providing reasonable accommodations to support the professional growth and success of all employees. We thus encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities.
Application Information:
Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application and include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations. A copy of the full role profile can be found at www.savethechildren.net/careers
We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.
All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.