Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH) is looking for a Head of Programmes  for its Country Office in South Sudan. 

The Head of Programs provides strategic and operational leadership for PAH’s Program portfolio in South Sudan. The position is responsible for ensuring that Programs are strategically relevant, technically sound, effectively implemented, adequately resourced, compliant with PAH and donor requirements, and accountable to affected populations and other stakeholders. Working closely with the Country Director, HQ Head of Programs, Grants, MEAL and support departments, the Head of Programs leads Program strategy and development, quality assurance, implementation oversight, business development, grants and partnerships, Program team management and external representation. The position contributes to the overall development and strategic positioning of PAH in South Sudan and is a key member of the Country Management/Senior Management Team.

Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH) has been operating in South Sudan since 2006, as one of the first NGOs established in Jonglei State. We are a small team of dedicated individuals committed to delivering tangible and sustainable change in the largest, most populous, and most conflict-affected state of South Sudan. Due to the expertise, we have accumulated over the years especially in WASH and S/NFI, PAH led the coordination of the Jonglei Sub-national WASH and S-NFI clusters from 2014 to 2021 and 2019 to date respectively coordinating WASH emergency responses with partners to ensure that all vulnerable communities are served during crises. Our priority is to ensure that people have access to clean water and safe hygienic conditions. PAH also provides assistance to internally displaced people and most vulnerable communities, working in the sectors of WASH, Shelter NFI, Food Security and Livelihood, Protection and Education.

We strongly encourage qualified candidates to apply as soon as it is possible as the applications will be reviewed on rolling basis. 

Program Strategy, Quality and Implementation

• Lead the development, implementation and review of PAH’s country Program strategy, ensuring alignment with humanitarian needs, PAH priorities, policies and relevant standards.
• Oversee the quality, effectiveness and timely implementation of the Program portfolio across WASH, Shelter/NFI, FSL and emergency response.
• Ensure coherence and synergies across sectors, projects and locations, while monitoring Program performance, budgets, risks and key deliverables, including proactive management of project timelines to minimise the need for No Cost Extensions.
• Work with MEAL and Program teams to strengthen accountability, learning, evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement, including regular Lessons Learnt reviews (at least every 4 months) in cooperation with MEAL.
• Ensure Program data, documentation and reporting are accurately and consistently maintained in the Project Management Tool (PMT) and other PAH systems

Business Development, Fundraising and Grants

• Lead the Program and funding pipeline and identify opportunities aligned with PAH’s strategy, capacity and humanitarian priorities.
• Lead or contribute to assessments, concept notes, proposals, budgets and Program designs, and support strategic donor engagement.
• Oversee grant performance and work with Grants and Finance to ensure effective budget management, compliance and fulfilment of contractual commitments, including approval of internal Program-related costs in line with PAH procedures.
• Support Program growth, strategic partnerships and consortium opportunities.

Partnerships and Program Team Leadership

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with national and international partners and support appropriate partner selection, due diligence, capacity strengthening and performance management.
• Promote meaningful participation of local and national actors and contribute to PAH’s localisation objectives.
• Lead, manage and develop the Program team, including recruitment, performance management, coaching, mentoring and professional development.
• Oversee day-to-day team administration including leave, attendance, overtime approval and maintenance of the Program team organigram.
• Strengthen the capacity and leadership of national Program staff and promote a collaborative, accountable and learning-oriented culture.

Representation, Coordination and Senior Management

• Represent PAH in relevant clusters, working groups and coordination forums and maintain effective relationships with donors, government, UN agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders.
• Support the Country Director in strategic engagement, mission development and positioning of PAH.
• Participate in the Country Management/Senior Management Team and provide Program analysis and recommendations for strategic decision-making.
• Promote effective coordination and information sharing within the humanitarian and development community.

Cross-Departmental Cooperation, Risk and Compliance

• Work closely with Finance, HR, Logistics, Supply, Security, Grants, MEAL and other departments to ensure coordinated and feasible Program delivery, including oversight of Program-related procurement planning and cost efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with PAH policies, donor requirements, contractual obligations and relevant humanitarian standards.
• Identify and manage Program, operational and reputational risks and ensure appropriate corrective action and escalation.
• Promote safeguarding, PSEA, accountability to affected populations and responsible use of Program resources.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other duties relevant to the position as assigned by the Country Director.
• Contribute to relevant organisational and HQ initiatives as required.

•  Minimum 7 years of progressive humanitarian and/or development experience, with at least 5 years specifically in humanitarian programming in field-based positions, including a minimum of 3 years as a Project Coordinator/Programme Manager and at least 2 years in a Head of Programme or senior/emergency programme coordination role.Demonstrated experience managing multi-sectoral programs in complex or emergency contexts, preferably including WASH, Shelter/NFI and FSL
• Proven experience in fundraising, proposal development, institutional donor management, program budgeting and financial oversight
• Demonstrated experience with ECHO-funded programs (proposal writing, compliance and implementation)
• Strong experience in program quality, MEAL, accountability, team leadership and staff development.
• Proven ability to represent an organisation and build effective relationships with donors, government authorities, UN agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders
• Strong communication, leadership, organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities
• University degree in International Development, Humanitarian Affairs, International Relations, Social Sciences, Public Health, Development Studies, Emergency Management or a related field
• Excellent written and spoken English (C1 or above) and good working knowledge of Microsoft Office

Desirable

• Previous experience in South Sudan or a comparable complex humanitarian context or experience working in East Africa
• Experience managing multi-location or multi-sectoral humanitarian portfolios
• Experience with consortiums and/or strategic Program partnerships
• Experience with localisation and capacity strengthening of national partners

• work experience with professional and flexible international NGO, which is one of the largest NGOs in the Central-Eastern Europe 
• work in a dynamic and motivated team 
• possibility for professional development 
• For expatriate Staff, PAH offers the following additional benefits: 
• free accommodation 
• flights home covered at the beginning and at the end of the deployment 
• R&R benefit 
• annual leave of 26 working days and 5 additional days of leave 
• medical insurance (including Emergency Evacuation) 
• psychological Support Package 

If you are interested in the role, please  use “Apply Now” button below and submit your  short resume (max. 2 pages)  in English no later than October 22nd 2026. 

 Please note that only short-listed candidates will be notified.

Due to the urgency to fill the post, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. PAH reserves the right to close the job opening before the deadline.