Director of Programs

Human Concern International; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Human Concern International (HCI) seeks a Director of Programs to lead the planning, development, and oversight of its global humanitarian and development programs. The role ensures programs align with mission, donor requirements, and regulatory standards while maximizing impact.

The Director provides leadership to the programs team and partners with the Global CEO and cross-functional teams. The role demands strategic leadership, rigorous MEAL practices, and effective risk management to advance

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in International Development or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of international development or humanitarian program experience.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership or management role.
• Strong knowledge of CRA regulations for Canadian charities with foreign activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the global program strategy and priorities.
• Oversee planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and close-out of domestic and international programs.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, donor, and contractual obligations and strong program quality.
• Build and maintain partnerships with donors, governments, and international agencies.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Program governance

Education

Master's degree in International Development

Job description

Job Posting - Director of Programs

At Human Concern International (HCI), we are committed to responding swiftly and effectively to crises, ensuring that communities receive the support they need when they need it most. For over 40 years, HCI has been at the forefront of emergency relief, delivering aid and hope to families in over 40 countries. We are seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Programs to lead the planning, development, implementation, and oversight of the organization's global humanitarian and development programs. This role is responsible for ensuring that all programs are aligned with the organization's mission, strategic priorities, donor requirements, and regulatory standards. The Director of Programs provides leadership to the programs team, fosters strong partnerships with international stakeholders, oversees program quality, compliance, monitoring and evaluation, and works collaboratively with the Global CEO and cross-functional departments to maximize program impact, sustainability, and organizational growth.

Reporting To: Global CEO
Location: Ottawa - Hybrid
Terms: Permanent Full Time
Salary: CAD 80,000 - CAD 110,000 Annually
Deadline to Apply: On going until filled

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the organization's global program strategy in collaboration with the Global CEO, including annual strategic goals, priorities, and performance targets.
• Identify, explore, and advocate for new humanitarian and development projects that align with the organization's mission and strategic priorities.
• Contribute to organizational strategic planning and provide leadership on programmatic growth and innovation.
• Support the development of long-term organizational priorities through evidence-based planning and sector knowledge.

Program Management & Delivery

• Lead the planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and close-out of all domestic and international programs from inception to completion.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with approved objectives, organizational policies, and donor requirements.
• Oversee the development and review of high-quality project proposals, concept notes, budgets, implementation plans, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure consistent application of best practices and innovative approaches in program design and delivery.
• Develop effective systems, tools, and processes that strengthen program implementation and operational efficiency.
• Maintain appropriate oversight, accountability, and operational controls across all program activities.

Program Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requirements related to foreign activities and charitable operations.
• Stay informed of policies and regulations from Global Affairs Canada, international development agencies, donors, and other relevant national and international authorities.
• Ensure organizational compliance with all regulatory, donor, and contractual obligations.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve policies, standards, procedures, and guidance that strengthen program quality and accountability.
• Ensure effective risk management practices are integrated throughout program planning and implementation.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL)

• Develop and oversee monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) frameworks across all programs.
• Ensure systematic collection, analysis, and reporting of program performance data.
• Utilize evidence and lessons learned to improve program effectiveness and organizational learning.
• Develop reporting tools and dashboards to provide timely updates to the Global CEO and Board of Directors.

Financial Management & Resource Mobilization

• Work closely with the Finance Department to develop, monitor, and manage program budgets, ensuring responsible financial stewardship.
• Monitor program expenditures and resource utilization to ensure cost-effective implementation.
• Collaborate with the Fundraising and Donor Relations teams to align fundraising initiatives with program priorities and organizational objectives.
• Support the cultivation of institutional donors, government agencies, foundations, and humanitarian funding opportunities.
• Contribute to proposal development and donor engagement activities to expand funding opportunities.

Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build, strengthen, and maintain strategic relationships with implementing partners, local organizations, governments, donors, and international agencies.
• Monitor partner performance and ensure effective collaboration throughout project implementation.
• Represent the organization within sector networks, NGO consortiums, conferences, and external forums.
• Serve as the organization's senior representative on program-related matters with external stakeholders.

Team Leadership & Capacity Building

• Provide strategic leadership and direct supervision to the Programs Department.
• Recruit, mentor, coach, and develop a high-performing program team.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and results-oriented work environment.
• Build staff capacity through training, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
• Establish clear performance expectations and ensure accountability across all operational levels.

Risk Management

• Conduct ongoing assessments of operational, security, financial, and programmatic risks affecting projects.
• Develop and implement mitigation strategies to address identified risks.
• Monitor country contexts, partner capacity, vendor performance, and emerging humanitarian challenges that may affect program delivery.

Communications & Reporting

• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team to develop compelling program reports, impact stories, case studies, and communication materials.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting to donors, senior leadership, and the Board of Directors.
• Provide regular updates on program achievements, challenges, risks, and strategic opportunities.

Additional Responsibilities

• Promote continuous improvement, innovation, and excellence across all program functions.
• Support organizational initiatives and cross-functional projects as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the organization's mission and strategic objectives.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Master's degree in International Development, International Relations, Public Administration, Project Management, Social Sciences, or a related discipline. Equivalent experience may be considered,
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience managing international development or humanitarian programs.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership or management role.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-country projects funded by institutional and private donors.
• Strong knowledge of CRA regulations governing Canadian registered charities conducting foreign activities.
• Experience working with Global Affairs Canada and other international funding agencies is highly desirable.

Our Offer

• Competitive Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with potential annual incentives.
• Benefits Package: Medical,wellness programs, and more.
• Retirement Savings: Contributions to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan.
• Paid Time Off: Sick days, vacation days, and family days for work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Access to training, leadership programs, and career growth opportunities.

Some travel, as well as evening and weekend work, may be required.

We appreciate all applications; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.