Program Director

Marsabit Marsabit, Kenya

Job titleProgram Director
Department

Programs

Reports to

Executive Director

About PACIDA
Pastoralist Community Initiative Development and Assistance (PACIDA) is a regional non-governmental organisation working in arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) across Kenya and Ethiopia. PACIDA implements integrated programmes in livelihoods, climate resilience, water and sanitation, education, governance, and community development, working closely with government, partners, and local communities to deliver sustainable impact.
Job description

PACIDA invites applications from qualified candidates for the position of Program Director.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for providing strategic direction, oversight, and performance management of PACIDA’s programme portfolio. The role ensures that all programmes are effectively designed, implemented, and aligned with the organisation’s Strategic Plan, donor requirements, and community priorities.

The Program Director will supervise Country Program Coordinators and the Partnerships Manager, and play a key role in strengthening programme quality, integration, and resource mobilisation.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Program/Project Management, Social Sciences or any related field.
  • At least 12 years relevant senior level program management work experience in the NGO sector
  • 7 years’ experience establishing professional relationships and working collaboratively
  • Demonstrable ability to manage organizational development and capacity development
  • Resource mobilization and proposal development skills and experience
  • Management and leadership skills
  • Experience in donor grants management, accounting, and reporting

Desirable

  • Master’s degree in Climate Change, Environmental Policy, or a related field
  • Excellent Interpersonal and communication skills
  • Financial literacy skills
  • Project Management skills
  • Conflict resolution and mediation skills
  • Excellent report writing and analytical skills
Key responsibilities

Strategic Programme Leadership and Direction

  • Lead development, implementation, and periodic review of PACIDA’s programme strategy in line with the Strategic Plan.
  • Provide strategic direction to Country Program Coordinators to ensure coherent, integrated programming across sectors and locations.
  • Advise the Executive Director and Senior Management Team on programme trends, risks, and opportunities.

Programme Oversight and Performance Management

  • Oversee implementation of all programmes to ensure quality, timeliness, and achievement of results.
  • Monitor programme performance across countries/regions, including delivery against targets, budgets, and outcomes.
  • Support adaptive management by identifying challenges and guiding corrective actions.

Coordination and Supervision of Programme Structures

  • Supervise and provide technical and managerial support to Country Program Coordinators.
  • Ensure effective coordination between sector leads, programme teams, and support departments.
  • Strengthen internal programme management systems, workflows, and accountability mechanisms.

Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships Oversight

  • Provide strategic oversight of resource mobilisation efforts in collaboration with the Partnerships Manager.
  • Guide development of high-quality proposals, concept notes, and funding strategies.
  • Support identification of funding priorities aligned with programme strategy.

Programme Quality, MEAL and Learning

  • Ensure programmes are evidence-based, results-oriented, and aligned with MEAL frameworks.
  • Promote integration of monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning into programme design and implementation.
  • Ensure documentation of lessons learned, best practices, and impact.
  • Support continuous improvement and innovation across programme areas.

Donor Compliance and Reporting Oversight

  • Ensure all programmes comply with donor agreements, PACIDA policies, and regulatory requirements.
  • Oversee timely and high-quality submission of programme and donor reports.
  • Support preparation for donor reviews, audits, and evaluations.

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

  • Represent PACIDA in high-level forums, donor meetings, and sector coordination platforms.
  • Strengthen relationships with government agencies, partners, and networks.
  • Support positioning of PACIDA as a credible and impactful development actor.

Programme Financial Oversight

  • Oversee programme budgets to ensure efficient and effective use of resources.
  • Monitor budget utilisation, burn rates, and financial risks across programmes.
  • Support budget development, revisions, and reprogramming in collaboration with Finance and Partnerships teams.

Leadership and Team Development

  • Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management to direct reports.
  • Foster a high-performance culture aligned with PACIDA values.
  • Support capacity building of programme teams and leadership pipeline development.
Application process

Application Process

Interested internal candidates should apply via the internal recruitment portal:

https://jobs.pacidasystems.org/

Deadline for application: 20th May, 2026. Only applications submitted through the portal will be considered.

Eligibility criteria

This position is open to candidates who meet the required qualifications and demonstrate extensive experience in senior programme leadership, strategic management, and oversight of complex, donor-funded portfolios in a humanitarian or development context.

PACIDA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds, committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Career development opportunities
This role offers progression into senior executive leadership, with opportunities to shape organisational strategy, drive multi-country programme portfolios, and engage at high levels with donors, partners, and policy platforms. The position provides exposure to strategic decision-making, organisational growth, and leadership in complex humanitarian and development contexts.
Contact information
For inquiries, contact HR at hr@pacida.org or visit the HR Office.

Apply for the job

Job Summary

  • Deadline: 20 May, 2026
  • Number of Vacancy: 1
  • Location: Marsabit, Marsabit Kenya