Program Development and Quality (PDQ) Director – Maputo (Mozambique)

As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) in Mozambique, the Director of Programme Development and Quality (PDQ) plays a key role driving the country office program strategy and creating a culture of impact. They are also responsible for ensuring development of high quality, evidence based, innovative programs for children, in all contexts, that contribute to Save the Children’s global Breakthroughs: Learn, Survive, Be Protected. The Director of PDQ ensures that programme principles and standards are upheld, and a robust monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) system is in place, and that reliable data is used for decision-making. One of key aspects of the role is ensuring capacity building, mentoring and coaching of technical specialists. The PDQ Director will develop strategic partnerships that contribute to organizational commitments to localization. The Director of PDQ supports donor engagement and business development to ensure that the country office strategy and humanitarian response plans can be delivered.

As one of the most senior staff in the Country Office, the Director of Program Development and Quality (PDQ) must demonstrate the qualities of agile leadership. S/he plays a key role in defining and pursuing the strategic direction for Save the Children’s programs in Mozambique, ensuring the relevance, coherence, safety and impact of our programs for children in all contexts. This is a challenging role requiring an individual who can work with complexity and multiple tasks at one time. It demands dedication to demonstrating outcomes for children, experience in integrated child rights programming and a highly motivated leader. S/he has specific oversight for ensuring that programs demonstrate thematic excellence in contributing to Save the Children’s three priority Breakthroughs for children: no child dies from preventable causes before their fifth birthday; all children learn from a quality basic education; and violence against children is no longer tolerated.

The Director of PDQ works with thematic specialists, and in partnership with the programme implementation team, to develop evidence-based strategies, programs and projects, and to spearhead/support advocacy and campaigning initiatives. S/he takes a lead in establishing systems for program monitoring, quality improvement, accountability, evaluation and learning, and in ensuring that results are captured, shared and used to inform programme design and implementation. The Director leads the Country Office in developing and carrying out its partnership strategy with national NGOs and other strategic partners. As a senior leader in the country office s/he plays a representational role with the government, donors, partners, peer agencies, SC Members and others. The PDQ Director has the responsibility to build the capacity of, mentor and coach SC teams and individual staff in areas related to PDQ, ensuring the development of a strong national team. S/he collaborates with the NBD team and ensures the development of high-quality design for funding proposals.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s Degree in relevant social science, human rights, development studies, NGO management or equivalent fields, or equivalent experience
• A minimum of seven years of progressive senior management and/ or development experience in an NGO environment, including experience directing and implementing programmes for children; humanitarian experience is desirable
• Experience in more than one of Save the Children’s thematic sectors: education, child protection, child rights governance, health and nutrition, child poverty, emergencies
• Basic understanding of advocacy, policy, and government systems in Mozambique.
• Experience or understanding of fundraising (unrestricted funds) or business development (programme/restricted funding), particularly strong program development and project design skills
• Credibility to advocate, influence and represent Save the Children at all levels
• Experience working with high level government agencies and academics on issues related to children
• Strong skills and proven experience in leading strategic planning, change management and program management processes; also from a knowledge and learning perspective
• Developing and managing monitoring, evaluation and learning systems
• Excellent listening, inter-personal, communication and networking skills; and an ability to work with diversified populations
• Skills such as training, capacity building, coaching, mentorship, problem solving, and understanding of project cycle management and coordination
• High level of self-awareness and commitment to growth and self-development
• Ability to research, write and represent well, manage time, multi-task and delegate tasks
• Proficiency in English; Portuguese knowledge desirable.