Head of ProgramsJob Advert – Head of Programs

CARE Zimbabwe is seeking a strategic and results-driven Head of Programs to join its Senior
Management Team. This is a senior leadership role with primary accountability across three
interconnected mandates: leading the organisation’s resource mobilisation agenda;
managing and developing the Programs team; and ensuring coordinated, high-quality
delivery of all Country Office programming. The incumbent will serve as Country Director
during delegated periods.
Key Responsibilities
1. Resource Mobilisation (60%)
• Lead and manage CARE Zimbabwe’s funding pipeline across institutional donors, UN
agencies, private foundations, and non-traditional financing sources.
• Develop high-quality concept notes, expressions of interest, and full proposals,
coordinating inputs from program, finance, and MEAL teams.
• Build and manage strategic donor relationships; represent CARE Zimbabwe
compellingly in donor and private sector engagements.
• Drive non-traditional resource mobilisation, including blended finance, CSR
partnerships, and social enterprise initiatives.
2. Program Leadership & Supervision (15%)
• Provide direct line management, performance management, and professional
development for all program direct reports.
• Coordinate program delivery across all active projects and pillars, facilitating
integration, knowledge-sharing, and cross-project synergies.
• Embed a culture of continuous learning using evidence from MEAL to improve
program design and delivery.
3. Programme Quality, Compliance & Operations (20%)
• Ensure all programs comply with donor requirements, CARE International standards,
and Zimbabwean regulations.
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• Review and approve high-quality donor narrative reports; oversee program-level
risk management.
• Collaborate with Finance, Operations, and HR Managers to ensure programs are
operationally feasible and well-resourced.
• Integrate CARE’s safeguarding and anti-fraud standards across all program activities.
4. Strategy, Representation & Visibility (5%)
• Represent CARE Zimbabwe at donor forums, cluster meetings, government
consultations, and INGO coordination platforms.
• Contribute to country-level policy and advocacy using programming evidence across
the four programme pillars.
Qualifications & Experience
Education
• Master’s degree in Development Studies, International Development, Social
Sciences, Public Health, Public Policy, or a related field.
Experience
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in international development or
humanitarian programming, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated, verifiable track record in resource mobilisation — leading successful
multi-million-dollar proposals across institutional donors and private foundations.
• Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary program teams in a complex, multi
donor INGO environment.
• Strong knowledge of Zimbabwe’s development context, donor landscape, and key
sector dynamics.
Key Competencies
• Exceptional written communication; ability to produce persuasive proposals, donor
reports, and strategic documents.
• Strong leadership, people management, coaching, and conflict resolution skills.
• Financial management literacy; able to develop and monitor program budgets and
demonstrate value for money.
• Committed to gender equality, women’s leadership, and CARE’s core values.
Why Join Us?
At CARE Zimbabwe, you will contribute to a mission-driven organisation dedicated to
empowering communities. We offer a supportive work environment, opportunities for
professional development, and the chance to lead high-impact programming.
Application Process
If you are a strategic leader passionate about development impact and resource
mobilisation, visit https://smrtr.io/zdRsk to submit your CV and cover letter. Applications should be
submitted by 24 June 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.