We are seeking a motivated professional to join our team in this pivotal role. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in [relevant field or experience], with a proven ability to [key responsibility]. Responsibilities include [specific task or duty], as well as [another key responsibility], ensuring [desired outcome]. The role demands [specific requirement], along with [another requirement], to effectively support [team or organization goal]. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and adherence to [company policy or standard] are essential for success in this position.
The Head of Program Design and Quality spearheads strategic and technical guidance to uphold excellence, evidence-based, and financially viable program design within Girls Not Brides’ Country Impact portfolio. In collaboration with Regional Heads, the Development team, and other pivotal stakeholders, this role advances program quality, refines design methodologies and systems, and facilitates the creation of donor-ready, high-impact initiatives across Africa, Asia, and Latin America & the Caribbean.
This position is responsible for spearheading cross-regional collaboration, fostering organizational learning and program excellence, and maintaining global member engagement. Additionally, it entails providing strategic guidance on coalition grant portfolios, ensuring consistency, high standards, and measurable impact.
ABOUT YOU
An accomplished program design and quality specialist, you possess extensive experience in crafting high-impact, donor-funded international development initiatives. Your expertise spans program design, MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning), theory of change, proposal development, and program quality assurance, supported by a proven ability to operate effectively across diverse geographical contexts.
You thrive as a collaborative and strategic leader, adept at converting organizational strategy into actionable, fundable initiatives while enhancing systems and operational efficiencies. Additionally, you offer practical technical guidance to varied teams and stakeholders. With strong communication skills, a talent for relationship management, and a solution-oriented mindset, you are dedicated to achieving meaningful impact through data-driven evidence, ongoing learning, and relentless pursuit of improvement.
As part of a collaborative global team, team members at Girls Not Brides may occasionally need to work outside standard hours—such as early mornings or evenings—to facilitate coordination across different time zones. This requirement is not routine but arises as needed to support seamless cross-border collaboration.
Occasionally, this position may involve international travel, as needed.
The selected candidate will receive a competitive compensation package within the specified pay range. Applicants must ensure their salary expectations align with the outlined budget before submitting their application. This position offers a structured remuneration framework designed to reflect experience, qualifications, and industry standards.
Compensation is determined through a comprehensive market analysis conducted by the Birches Group, which evaluates salaries of comparable national NGOs in designated locations. Salaries will be disbursed in the local currency of each respective location.
We are seeking a proficient Contract Manager to oversee and administer various agreements, ensuring compliance with terms, timely execution, and resolution of any disputes. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience in contract management or a related legal field, along with strong negotiation skills and attention to detail. Responsibilities include drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, monitoring performance under agreements, managing renewals and amendments, and collaborating with legal and procurement teams to mitigate risks. Proficiency in contract lifecycle management software and a thorough understanding of contract law are essential.
This position is offered as a fixed-term appointment with a duration of two years.
The ideal candidate must possess the legal authorization to work in Kenya, India, Mexico, or the UK at the time of application and throughout the entirety of the initial two-year contract period.
KEY RESPONSIBILTIES
Provides strategic direction in technical matters and oversees program quality to ensure alignment with organizational objectives, industry best practices, and compliance requirements. Leads the development and implementation of technical standards, methodologies, and processes to enhance overall program performance and efficiency. Collaborates with cross-functional teams, including project managers, engineers, and quality assurance specialists, to identify and mitigate risks, resolve technical challenges, and drive continuous improvement. Establishes performance metrics, monitors program outcomes, and reports progress to senior leadership to support data-driven decision-making. Ensures adherence to technical governance frameworks, regulatory standards, and quality assurance protocols to maintain operational excellence and deliver high-value solutions.
Spearhead and enhance program quality management initiatives for our Country Impact projects spanning Africa, Asia, and Latin America & the Caribbean.
Direct responsibility for designing, aligning, and implementing program tools, frameworks, and processes that span the entire project lifecycle—including country analysis, project design, theories of change, and grantee selection—is required.
Offer expert counsel and uphold rigorous quality assurance to maintain cohesive, impactful, and consistent programs across Accelerator and Strategic Engagement (SE) countries, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic vision and established quality benchmarks.
Enhance the organization’s and team members’ capabilities to effectively administer increasingly larger and more intricate restricted programs, thereby improving the quality of delivery across all portfolios.
Coordinate and deliver comprehensive technical support packages—including tools and training programs—to member coalitions, focusing on project design and management, as well as enhancing organizational capacity at the coalition level to guarantee high-quality service delivery.
Collaborate effectively with the MEAL team to enhance theories of change, results frameworks, and results-based design methodologies, ensuring they effectively guide implementation and reporting processes.
Design and develop fundable programs by crafting strategic initiatives aligned with organizational objectives and donor requirements. Formulate comprehensive program frameworks, including clear goals, measurable outcomes, and sustainable implementation strategies, to ensure long-term impact and funding eligibility. Conduct thorough needs assessments, stakeholder consultations, and feasibility studies to identify priority areas and design responsive, data-driven solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate best practices, leverage resources, and secure partnerships that enhance program viability and scalability. Prepare compelling proposals, budgets, and logical frameworks tailored to funder priorities, while maintaining compliance with regulatory and reporting standards throughout the development lifecycle.
Serve as the Program Lead, spearheading the creation of concept notes and proposals to ensure submissions of exceptional quality, competitiveness, and strategic alignment with donor requirements, in close collaboration with the development team (DOT) and Regional Heads.
Lead and oversee the development of programs across various regions, ensuring uniform standards and methodologies while aligning efforts with the organization’s strategic objectives and donor requirements.
Collaborate with regional teams to transform organizational strategy into well-defined, financially viable program designs within Accelerator and Strategic Engagement countries.
Design and implement practical program design tools, then lead participatory design processes in collaboration with regional teams, coalitions, partners, and relevant stakeholders to ensure comprehensive engagement and alignment.
Enhance the ability of the organization and its team members to develop intricate and highly-regulated programs, thereby elevating both program quality and preparedness for funding acquisition.
Offer expert technical direction on the development of consortium-based strategies within program frameworks.
Cross-regional coordination, portfolio alignment, and global membership are vital responsibilities of this role, ensuring seamless collaboration across diverse markets while maintaining strategic coherence and expanding organizational reach.
Ensure that learning and evidence are systematically documented and integrated into program guidance and practice across regions to continuously refine Girls Not Brides’ Accelerator and Strategic Engagement country models.
Strengthen and harmonize cross-regional projects by integrating shared methodologies, frameworks, and tools, ensuring uniformity while accommodating regional adaptations.
Girls Not Brides’ grant portfolio to coalitions is managed by this role, which ensures alignment with organizational outcomes, timelines, and budgets while upholding consistent, high-quality grant management through guidance, oversight, and line management of the Senior Grants Officer.
Responsible for developing and executing the global member engagement strategy, maximizing value from organizational tools and learning initiatives, and ensuring their effective dissemination to members. Additionally, oversees global membership communications, systems, and processes, while providing line management to the Senior Officer for Membership and Partnerships.
Consolidate and deliver strategic coherence and quality assurance across inputs from multiple regions, including planning, methodologies, and narrative reporting, to ensure alignment and consistency that facilitates informed decision-making and productive engagement with relevant teams.
Seeking a candidate with a robust academic background in a relevant field, complemented by a minimum of [X years] of hands-on experience in [specific industry/role]. Proficiency in [specific tools, software, or methodologies] is essential, along with strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Ideal applicants will demonstrate a proven track record in [specific tasks or achievements], with the ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams. Familiarity with [industry standards, regulations, or trends] is highly desirable, as is a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. The role requires adaptability to evolving priorities and a dedication to delivering high-quality results in a fast-paced environment.
Essential
Demonstrated expertise in crafting high-caliber, competitive programs and projects, with a strong track record in leading and refining intricate concept notes and donor proposals—particularly for multi-million-dollar funding initiatives.
Accomplished in designing, overseeing, and ensuring the quality of programs, with extensive experience in implementing unified methodologies, frameworks, and tools throughout the entire project lifecycle. Demonstrated capability to champion their integration and adoption across diverse teams or geographic regions.
With a proven track record in optimizing organizational frameworks, processes, and operational practices, you will elevate program design, ensure high-quality outcomes, and drive scalable implementation.
Proven track record in managing and collaborating across diverse international markets, with expertise in leading and integrating cross-regional initiatives while maintaining uniformity and strategic alignment.
Demonstrates a track record of effectively advancing program development for funded initiatives, underpinned by a comprehensive grasp of donor expectations, competitive funding landscapes, and the key attributes that enhance project findability.
Proven experience collaborating with coalitions, civil society organizations, or membership-based networks, with a focus on capacity strengthening and support.
Capable of delivering senior-level technical guidance and practical assistance to a broad range of teams, partners, and stakeholders, with proven adaptability in matrix environments where direct line management authority is absent, and demonstrated skill in shaping strategic decisions at various organizational tiers.
Desirable
A proven track record in initiatives focused on eliminating child marriage, advancing gender equality, promoting girls’ rights, or related fields is required.
Proven expertise in developing expansive, cross-border initiatives with transformative systemic or policy-level influence.
Proven expertise in designing and executing high-caliber initiatives within coalitions, alliances, consortia, or other collaborative multipartner frameworks is required.
Skilled in creating and leading collaborative program design initiatives, including developing Theory of Change frameworks and conducting program development workshops.
Possesses a solid understanding of leveraging learning, knowledge management, and evidence-based approaches to shape and enhance program designs.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
