Head of Programmes for Myanmar

People in Need (PIN) is an international, non-profit organization providing humanitarian and development assistance around the world. In Myanmar, People in Need started to work in 2002, when it launched the financial assistance to civil society groups and provided humanitarian response to people affected by Cyclone Nargis in 2008. PIN supports local civil society partners with focus on strengthening local civil society organizations and providing them with the necessary knowledge and funding. Through humanitarian response, development and education projects and community cohesion-building programmes tailored to local conditions, and by working closely with local actors, PIN helps local communities cope with both waters induced disasters and human-made crises.

We are currently seeking a Head of Programmes for our Myanmar programme. This is a full-time position with a start date in the third quarter of 2026, offering a one-year contract with the possibility of extension.

Position Summary

As a member of the Country Management Team (together with Country Director, Head of Systems & Operations, Head of Operations, Head of Finance and Deputy Country Director), the Head of Programmes will jointly ensure the programme management and development of the country programme. The Head of Programmes supervises all projects under country programme, with the specific responsibility for the timely and efficient programme implementation, and most importantly the quality of projects and programmes in terms of their impact. By supervising the implementation of results-based M&E systems, the Head of Programmes also guides the programme strategy and development of future programmes. Together with the Country Director, the Head of Programmes represents PIN to donors and partners, ensuring that PIN is recognised for its thematic expertise, localization work and field experience.

Furthermore, the Head of Programmes engages in medium and long-term planning and strategy activities, ensures continuous quality improvement of programmes and contributes towards a successful environment for the programme staff.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Senior Management:

Lead the programme side of the development and implementation of the Country Strategic Plan, work plan and Country Programme review.

Ensure that the overall programme is designed, managed and implemented in conformity to PIN policies, strategy and guidelines.

Ensure development and adherence to Programme Risk Matrix with reference to country context.

Lead the development and implementation of fundraising strategy and work plan with support of CD and HQ Funding Unit.

Supports in Strategic Partnership engagement and building stronger relationships between PIN and CSO Partners.

Ensure PIN’s Partnership strategy and Localization approach is strongly adhered for implementation of Country programme strategy and projects.

Programme Management:

Ensure effective leadership and management of PIN Myanmar programme through line management of Programme / Area Managers or Project Managers where relevant.

Lead donor proposal design, development and writing processes from a programme perspective and coordinate with other departments and strives for financial stability and the diversification of financial resources.

Ensure timely and high-quality reporting is done by all programmes to donors and to HQ as relevant.

Ensure project developed meets high standards in terms of design, implementation and M&E through proper Project Cycle Management.

Prepare programme budgets collaboratively with programme and finance staff and in accordance to donor budget guidelines.

Track programme expenditure through monthly programme review meetings using financial expenditure reports prepared by the finance department.

Ensure compliance to donor policies, procedures and procurement.

Ensures that the Emergency preparedness planning (EPP) is conducted/reviewed and the action plan is fulfilled in coordination with CD, Senior managers and HQ colleagues.

Representation & External Relations

Human Resource Management:

In consultation with the Country Director, plan HR needs, capacity building needs for senior program staff and ensure sufficient human resources for the programme to meet its objectives.

Ensure coherent policy towards recruitment, remuneration and bonuses across the country programme.

Ensures that the capacity development of national staff is properly managed and financed and that PIN internal resources support it.

Representation, Communications & Networking:

Ensure that PIN is well represented and visible in the donor community, amount key partners, and within coordination fora, delegating as appropriate to programme staff.

Ensure PIN maintains its position within existing sectors and with its existing strengths especially with regards to field presence, and regional expertise.

Share responsibilities with Country Director for donor representation and discussions about funding opportunities.

Builds partnerships with relevant organizations or entities and seeks for a synergy effect with relevant stakeholders.

Engage in advocacy and policy dialogues where appropriate, ensuring PIN represents the needs of its beneficiaries and based on its field experience in order to campaign for needed policies, donor commitments etc.

Quality and Risk Management:

Ensures that procedures described in PIN policies, including the Safeguarding Policy, are in place and functional with programme and projects implementation.

Ensures MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning) related procedures and functions are in place with CRFM mechanisms being implemented across programme and projects.

Ensure project risk assessments while recommending project proposals, contracts and payments according to given thresholds and coordinates the risk mitigation measure.

Documentation and Learning:

Ensure that all programmes properly retain programme learning for future projects, and that all information is properly documented.

Ensure that all official programme documentation is properly stored and available for the future.

Profile Sought

Higher-education degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) in a relevant field

Proven experience in humanitarian programming, including project cycle management, team leadership, needs assessments, and proposal development

Experience in a senior management role such as Head of Programmes or Programmes Director

Strong understanding of quality standards in humanitarian programming, including safeguarding and accountability mechanisms, with proven experience implementing them in practice

Knowledge and experience in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) within projects

Required Skills

Excellent people management and team leadership skills

Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to plan effectively, transfer knowledge, and work collaboratively in multicultural environments

Excellent spoken and written English

Dynamic, result-oriented, and systematic approach to work

Strong critical analysis and problem-solving skills

Ability to work effectively under pressure and in difficult conditions

Cultural sensitivity and adaptability

Contextual experience in Myanmar is considered an asset/preference

We Offer

Working environment in a well-established humanitarian organization in a challenging context;

Salary & Benefits: Salary based on PIN’s salary scale and HR policies; expected salary range between 3250 - 3500 EUR super gross (based on experience).

Additional allowances include:

Monthly Subsistence Allowance of 1395 EUR;

Accommodation arranged by PIN;

Time off and Rest:

• 25 days of holiday annually;

• 10 sick days.

Travel benefits:

Reimbursement of travel expenses with travel to the country of residence once every 6 months of work;

Reimbursement of costs of visas and vaccinations; assistance with the visa application procedure;

Reimbursement for the medical check-up before and after the deployment;

Travel health insurance covering medical care, incl. the repatriation.

Health and Well-being:

24/7 Medical Support available online;

Free psychological consultations available online;

Professional Development: Free access to e-learning platforms and PIN Learning Hub; PIN’s global Induction Training, and tailored capacity-building opportunities.

National candidates are welcome to apply. Employment terms for the national staff differ and will be shared upon request.

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