Remote Program Development Officer

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Program Development Officer to design programs, secure institutional funding, and coordinate donor reporting for a global humanitarian organization. The role emphasizes independent work, remote collaboration across time zones, and innovative program design.

The ideal candidate has a Master's in a related field, 7+ years of program development and fundraising experience, and a proven track record with major donors.

Qualifications

• Strong research, analytical and narrative writing abilities.
• Excellent proposal development and donor reporting skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines remotely.

Responsibilities

• Identify funding opportunities aligned with humanitarian goals.
• Design program frameworks, budgets and monitoring plans.
• Lead writing and submission of funding proposals to institutional donors.
• Cultivate donor relationships and ensure timely reporting.
• Collaborate with country teams and technical advisors across time zones.

Skills

Proposal writing

Donor relations

Research

Strategic thinking

Project management

Education

Master's degree in International Development or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading international humanitarian organization, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Remote Program Development Officer to contribute to their mission of alleviating suffering and promoting human dignity. This fully remote position is critical for identifying, designing, and securing funding for new programs that address pressing humanitarian needs across various regions, with a focus on initiatives that can be managed and supported remotely. The successful candidate will possess a strong background in program design, proposal writing, and donor relations within the non-profit sector. You will work independently, leveraging your expertise to develop innovative program concepts, conduct needs assessments, and craft compelling funding proposals for institutional donors. This role requires exceptional research skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams across different time zones. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future programming of our client, ensuring they can respond effectively to emerging crises and long-term development challenges from anywhere in the world. The ability to work autonomously and deliver high-quality results in a remote setting is paramount for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for new programs and projects that align with the organization's strategic objectives and humanitarian mandate.
• Conduct thorough needs assessments and feasibility studies in potential program areas, utilizing remote data collection methods where appropriate.
• Design comprehensive program frameworks, including logical frameworks, budgets, and monitoring and evaluation plans.
• Lead the writing and submission of high-quality funding proposals to institutional donors (e.g., foundations, government agencies, UN bodies).
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential donors, ensuring effective communication and reporting.
• Collaborate closely with country teams and technical advisors to ensure program designs are contextually relevant and technically sound.
• Stay abreast of humanitarian trends, best practices, and funding landscapes to inform program development strategies.
• Contribute to the organization's knowledge management by documenting lessons learned and best practices in program development.
• Provide support to existing programs in proposal adaptation and donor reporting as needed.
• Ensure all program development activities adhere to organizational policies and donor requirements.

Requirements

• Master's degree in International Development, Humanitarian Affairs, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in program development, proposal writing, and fundraising for international NGOs.
• Demonstrated success in securing funding from major institutional donors.
• Excellent research, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills, with a proven ability to craft compelling narratives.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.
• Experience working in complex humanitarian or development contexts is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet tight deadlines in a remote work environment.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in other languages is an asset.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to make a significant global impact without geographical constraints. Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and generous paid time off. Continuous professional development opportunities are provided, ensuring you remain at the forefront of the humanitarian aid sector. You will work with a passionate, dedicated, and experienced global team committed to making a difference. The chance to shape impactful humanitarian programs and contribute to addressing critical global challenges is a primary benefit. We foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and respect, supporting employees in achieving their professional goals while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.