Program Manager

Action Against Hunger-USA is part of the Action Against Hunger International network, which provides humanitarian relief in over 40 countries worldwide in the sectors of nutrition, health, water/sanitation, and food security. Action Against Hunger-USA, an independent NGO, currently manages operations in 8 countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Cambodia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Haiti and Somalia. Action Against Hunger-USA has approximately 1,500 staff based in the various country offices, Head Quarter in New York City and Operational Centre in Nairobi. Additional growth is anticipated. 

I.         Summary of Position

The Senior Program Manager leads integrated health, nutrition, WASH, and food security and livelihood projects in ACF operational bases. Reporting to the Field Coordinator, the role ensures high-quality program delivery, compliance with donor regulations, and capacity building for program coordinators and partners. The position involves representing ACF at coordination platforms, maintaining professional integrity, and fostering relationships with stakeholders.

Purpose:

·         S/he will closely monitors contextual situation, needs, gaps, and analyses program data to contribute to project proposal for new business development opportunities that can improve the service delivery quality, access and coverage of essential lifesaving services in host community operational areas.

·         Provides technical support and supervision to the nutrition, WASH and FSL team on the effective, at scale and timely implementation. S/he provides analyses the implementation modalities to improve the quality of service delivery in the intervention areas where Action Against Hunger operates.

Engagement:

Collaborates with the Action Against Hunger staff and partners such as RHB, RDRMC, UN agencies and humanitarian actors at base level to amplify our work in tackling acute malnutrition as well as building synergies with other sectors to promote a multispectral approach to address underlying causes of undernutrition. Engages with nutrition, WASH and FSL-related working groups within the region and represents Action Against Hunger’s program efforts externally. Ensures Gender and Protection are also mainstreamed effectively across sectors.

Delivery

Leads/monitor the day-to-day activities in the intervention areas, provides technical oversight to the intervention sites nutrition and health, WASH and FSL response, undertakes regular supportive supervision to the team, ensures program delivery and data quality in accordance with the existing procedures, standards, MEAL system. S/he further aims to meet the quality standard of reports that are related to Action Against Hunger, donors and other stakeholders. Supports the operational coordination at various levels, and ensures the beneficiaries have got the right services.

II.         Essential Roles  

Program Planning and Management

·         Develop and oversee implementation plans, budgets, HR, and procurement for new and ongoing awards in coordination with Capital Technical Team and the Flied Coordinator

·         Conduct context and needs assessments to inform program design and ensure interventions are context-appropriate.

·         Ensure program adherence to the organization policies, child safeguarding, confidentiality, and quality standards.

·         Maintain administrative and programmatic documentation in compliance with donor requirements, coordinating with the Field Coordinators  address any programmatic adjustments.

·         Support logistical needs and regular planning for efficient implementation

Technical Supervision and Quality Assurance

·         Ensure quality implementation of nutrition, health, WASH, and food security interventions.

·         Provide mentoring and coaching to field teams, ensuring adherence to protocols.

·         Strengthen referral systems for malnutrition and medical cases.

·         Identify training needs and organize capacity-building sessions.

·         Promote integration with other sectors like protection and gender.

·         Ensure the availability and proper utilization of standard manuals, guidelines and SOPs at each health facility for ease of reference and harmonized service delivery approach.

·         Inspire and motivate team to achieve and maintain desirable program performance outcomes as per the SPHERE standard and national guidelines.

·         Identify and propose the development of new innovative programs and projects in collaboration with Program Development and Quality Director and HODs at Capital Level.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)

·         Prepare quality grant reports (Narrative and Qualitative), including APR narrative and quantitative reports, both for internal and external purposes in line with agreed timeframes and standards.

·         Ensure that project staff are adhering to the standard reporting and recording system of Action Against Hunger.

·         Collaborate with MEAL teams to implement data collection and quality assurance processes.

·         Prepare grant reports (narrative and quantitative) in line with donor requirements.

·         Lead programmatic surveys (e.g., SMART surveys) and document lessons learned. 

Risk Management

·         Identify risks in the program delivery and develop mitigation strategies.

·         Implement fraud prevention measures in program activities.

·         Ensure contingency planning for program disruptions.

·         Regularly assess potential risks in activities and bring them to the attention of line manager for provocative actions.

Human Resource Management and staff development

·         Mentor and develop program coordination teams through training and on-the-job support.

·         Conduct performance reviews and support recruitment processes.

·         Address staff disciplinary issues in collaboration with HR.

Representation and Coordination

·         Act as the liaison with local stakeholders, INGOs, and NGO actors, facilitating collaboration and information sharing when needed in consultation with the technical advisors and field management. 

·         Represent the organization at coordination meetings, adhering to organizational standards and the Field Coordinator guidance on representation.

·         Engage in field and technical advisors, presenting program achievements and addressing challenges in coordination with the Field Coordinator.

III.         Supervisory Responsibilities

·         Directly supervise health, nutrition, WASH, and food security and resilience program coordinators.

IV.         Key Relationships

Internal

·         Collaborate with senior leadership, finance, operations, and MEAL teams.

·         Coordinate with advocacy and HR departments for program alignment and staff development.

External

·         Engage with implementing partners, NGOs, and community-based organizations.

·         Participate in clusters and technical working groups.

V.         Gender Equality Commitments

·         Promote gender equality in access to information and opportunities.

·         Ensure a safe and respectful work environment for all stakeholders.

·         Prevent abuse, including workplace harassment and sexual exploitation.

VI.         Fiscal Responsibility

·         Ensure timely budget utilization and compliance with donor requirements.

·         Monitor expenditures and provide guidance on resource efficiency.

VII.         Physical Demands  

·         While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for long periods and to concentrate on work, including typing, and turn out heavy volumes of work accurately, within short time frames under stressful situations in the context of a moderately noisy office with many interruptions. Must be able to proofread own work accurately so that only minor corrections are needed on an infrequent basis. 

·         The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

VIII.         Working Conditions, Travel and Environment 

·         The duties of the job require regular job attendance at least five days per week. Must be available to work outside normal office hours or on the weekends as required. 

Must be able to travel as required for standard domestic and international business purposes. While performing the duties of this job in the field, the employee may be exposed to precarious settings under high security risks and/or very basic living conditions and outside weather conditions, as well as to infectious diseases.  

I.         Required Qualifications and Professional Experience

·         Master’s degree in agriculture, health, nursing, nutrition, or related field with 5+ years of experience.

·         Experience managing donor-funded projects (USAID, ECHO, UNICEF, etc.), Knowledge of national and global nutrition/health policies.

·         Experience in INGOs is preferred.

II.         Required Skills and Competencies

·         Strong program management and team leadership skills.

·         Proficiency in MS Office and statistical software (Epi Info, SPSS).

·         Excellent communication and documentation skills.

·         Excellent report writing skills

·         Fluency in English and local language skills (e.g., Amharic) are desirable.

·         Commitment to ACF’s mission and principles.

I.         Commitment Anti-Discrimination and PSEA

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees & qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, or status as a veteran. The incumbent is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the Action Against Hunger Safeguarding policies (PSEA, Child safeguarding and Code of Conduct).  Action Against Hunger-USA complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

This advert closes on 2 May 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis given the urgency of the recruitment.