⚡ New Feature

Auto-Apply to Jobs While You Sleep

Stop spending hours applying manually. Our Premium Auto-Apply scans new listings every day and sends your application automatically — so you never miss an opportunity.

🔒 Secured by Stripe 📋 Cancel anytime ✅ 100+ jobs applied monthly
Home Jobs Nairobi Deputy Director of Programs, Global Surge

Deputy Director of Programs, Global Surge

International Rescue Committee  · NGO / Non-Profit Associations

Full Time Nairobi
Nairobi
Deadline: 27 August 2026
Posted May 30, 2026

Seeking a dynamic professional to fill the role of [Job Title], responsible for overseeing key operational, strategic, and administrative duties. The position requires a minimum of [X] years of relevant experience in [specific field or industry], along with proficiency in [specific software, tools, or methodologies]. Key responsibilities include managing [specific tasks or projects], developing and implementing [processes or strategies], and ensuring compliance with [relevant regulations or standards]. Additionally, the role demands strong leadership abilities, exceptional communication skills, and the capacity to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven track record of achieving measurable results while fostering innovation and continuous improvement within the organization.

The Deputy Director for Programs, Global Surge (DDP) is responsible for providing strategic leadership, decisive decision-making, and cross-functional coordination on all programmatic matters. This includes crafting high-quality proposals, driving their development, and ensuring the efficient and impactful execution of IRC’s initiatives. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to inspire and guide a multicultural team, while also skillfully managing program operations, cultivating strategic partnerships, and maintaining fiscal accountability through budget oversight.

This role is accountable to the Country Director (CD) and serves as an integral part of the Country Management Team. The DDP oversees Technical Coordinators, the Senior Program Coordinator for protection sectors, and the Senior Coordinator for Grants & Accountability. Collaboration extends to the Deputy Regional Director and regional support team members, as well as Technical Advisors contributing to the country program.

Oversee key operational functions and strategic initiatives essential to the organization’s success. Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project execution and timely delivery. Develop and implement policies, procedures, and performance metrics to enhance efficiency, quality, and compliance. Monitor progress, analyze outcomes, and provide data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and high performance among team members. Represent the organization in internal and external engagements, maintaining strong stakeholder relationships. Ensure alignment with company goals, regulatory standards, and industry best practices.

We are currently seeking a dynamic professional to oversee strategy formulation, meticulous planning, and business development initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of designing and executing strategic plans, identifying growth opportunities, and fostering partnerships that drive organizational success. Responsibilities include conducting market research, analyzing industry trends, and developing comprehensive business strategies to enhance competitive positioning. Additionally, the role demands strong analytical skills, exceptional communication abilities, and the capacity to collaborate effectively across departments to implement innovative solutions. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in strategic planning or business development is required, along with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or a related field.

Collaborating closely with the Country Director (CD), spearhead the formulation and execution of the IRC Strategy Action Plan (SAP).

Ensure programming initiatives are in harmony with SAP priorities and IRC’s Outcome Strategies, encompassing comprehensive program planning, strategic project design, and effective communication with staff.

The organization is responsible for developing programs and securing funding to support its mission. This involves creating initiatives that align with strategic goals and building relationships with donors to ensure sustainable financial resources. Key responsibilities include identifying funding opportunities, crafting compelling proposals, and managing donor communications. Additionally, the role requires strong project management skills to oversee program implementation and evaluate impact.

In coordination with the Grants lead and the CD, actively design and implement the Country BD Plan, incorporating donor mapping and communication plans

Assist the Grants Lead and MEAL Lead in crafting high-quality, needs-based project proposals that fully comply with applicable regulations and align with the parameters defined in the SAP.

Ensure adherence to established internal timelines for delivering contributions to concept notes, proposals, and donor reports across program teams. Verify that all program inputs comply with the required format and meet the specified quality standards.

Ensure that gender equality remains central to the design and execution of all IRC programs.

The position involves overseeing the execution and deployment of programs, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and stakeholder expectations. Responsibilities include coordinating resources, managing timelines, and mitigating risks to achieve successful program delivery. Additionally, the role requires collaborating with cross-functional teams, monitoring progress, and reporting on key performance indicators to drive continuous improvement. Candidates must possess strong project management skills, proficiency in relevant tools, and a minimum of five years of experience in program implementation.

To maintain the currency and accuracy of the Systems Stakeholder Analysis, conduct periodic reviews and updates, leveraging these insights to guide partner selection decisions.

Ensure a comprehensive grasp of the ongoing advancement and execution of IRC initiatives.

Lead data-driven project cycle meetings, overseeing expenditure monitoring as necessary. Coordinate corrective actions when required to guarantee projects are completed punctually and within designated parameters, and ensure prompt follow-up on all agreed-upon actions.

To assist Technical Coordinators, this role involves contributing to the development and implementation of structured work-plans and approved monitoring plans, ensuring alignment with project proposals and facilitating efficient project delivery.

Ensure that program teams create, execute, and adjust, as necessary, comprehensive Procurement and Staffing Plans in collaboration with Field Management Teams and Operations functions.

Deliver timely, accurate guidance on program implementation developments and opportunities, while proactively offering strategic recommendations for necessary adjustments to the CD.

Assist the MEAL lead in executing the MEAL strategy priorities to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.

Leverage insights gathered from Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems as well as client feedback channels to guide decision-making at every stage of the project lifecycle.

Ensure prompt and high-quality reporting is consistently submitted to the grants team by program teams, in accordance with IRC and donor requirements.

Monitor implementation progress by conducting routine field visits and structured review sessions. Verify that senior program staff consistently visit project sites to oversee delivery and address any operational challenges.

Ensure emergency preparedness is maintained in collaboration with other functional leads, facilitating swift and effective emergency response when required.

Our role encompasses fostering staff leadership and cultivating professional growth.

Consistently uphold and enforce People & Culture policies and procedures to effectively manage the team.

Offer mentorship, leadership, and well-defined performance goals to team members to foster their professional growth and success.

Conduct consistent and thorough performance discussions and evaluations to ensure all program staff receive regular feedback and assessments.

Regularly schedule meetings with staff to facilitate information exchange and foster team cohesion.

Ensure alignment and consistency among all reports to reinforce and advance the team’s development objectives.

We provide representation and ensure seamless coordination across various stakeholders to facilitate effective communication and alignment of objectives, ensuring all parties are informed and engaged throughout the process. This involves liaising between teams, managing expectations, and maintaining consistent updates to uphold transparency and accountability. Our role demands strong interpersonal skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex interactions with professionalism and diplomacy.

Consistently and strategically engage with a diverse range of partners within the country to foster and maintain collaborative relationships.

Ensure IRC’s interventions are strategically planned and seamlessly coordinated within the broader humanitarian response framework.

Ensure the International Rescue Committee’s representation in sector coordination groups and clusters.

Assist in cultivating and sustaining strong, productive relationships with donors and government counterparts to foster ongoing support and collaboration.

Responsibilities include fostering strategic alliances, nurturing key partner relationships, and ensuring mutual growth through collaborative initiatives. You will identify new partnership opportunities, negotiate mutually beneficial agreements, and oversee the onboarding process for new partners. Additionally, you will track performance metrics, address any concerns, and drive continuous improvement in partner engagement. Strong interpersonal skills, a results-driven mindset, and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders are essential. Experience in partner management, sales, or a related field is required, along with proficiency in CRM tools and data analysis. Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities are also critical to success in this role.

Assist the Country Program in fulfilling its commitments by fostering and strengthening local partnerships, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and collaborative growth.

Foster strong and productive collaborations with key partners to ensure mutual success and alignment of objectives.

Provide consistent technical program assistance and collaborate with partners to distribute capacity in compliance with established partnership agreements.

Requirements

You must possess outstanding leadership, people management, interpersonal, and negotiation abilities, as well as a proven track record in fostering collaborative teams within diverse, multicultural settings that demand cultural awareness. Additionally, we seek a candidate who can approach challenges with strategic foresight, effectively prioritize objectives, and consistently achieve goals within tight deadlines amid a multifaceted operational landscape.

Candidates must possess an advanced degree in International Development, International Relations, Business Management, Administrative Science, or a closely related field.

Professional with a proven 5-6 year track record, including overseas assignments in conflict or post-conflict settings, demonstrating strong leadership in program management.

Experienced in designing programs, managing MEAL (monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning) systems, and overseeing project cycles; adept at developing and tracking budgets, work plans, and other essential program management tools.

Skilled in establishing and nurturing strategic alliances with government entities, philanthropic organizations, international NGOs, domestic and grassroots agencies, as well as United Nations bodies, showcasing strong coordination, networking, and relationship management capabilities.

Requires strong proficiency in English, both verbally and in writing. Candidates with a working knowledge of French, Spanish, and/or Arabic will be given particular consideration.

We seek a proactive, dependable professional with a strong sense of accountability, exceptional focus to detail, and the ability to adjust seamlessly to changing demands. Committed to maintaining high standards, this individual demonstrates adaptability and reliability in dynamic environments.

Proven capability to thrive in both independent and collaborative work environments.

Capable of functioning effectively and maintaining a positive mindset in high-pressure, emergency settings, including remote and conflict-affected locations, while demonstrating adaptability and resilience. Open to extensive travel requirements in challenging and often unstable environments, with a commitment to professionalism and mental well-being.

Qualifications

BA/BSc/HND

Experience Required

5 - 6 years

More jobs in Nairobi