Program Area Manager

The Organisation

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges girls and vulnerable children face. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood and we enable children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

For over 85 years, we have rallied other determined optimists to transform the lives of all children in more than 80 countries.

We won’t stop until we are all equal.

The Programme Area Manager will provide

Leadership to ensure effective delivery of Plan International’s operations, including programmes, emergency responses, and operational support, within the designated programme area. As the most senior representative in the region, the PAM will lead strategic direction in alignment with Plan International Sudan’s Country Strategy, ensuring that Plan’s values and commitment to children’s rights and gender equality are embedded in all activities.

The role involves nurturing partnerships, overseeing programme implementation, and supporting business development to drive sustainable impacts for marginalized children, especially girls.

The position involves overseeing

The strategic planning, management, and evaluation of programmes in the area, ensuring alignment with global quality frameworks and compliance with donor requirements. It also includes leading project start-ups, tracking performance through detailed implementation plans, and ensuring timely reporting and project closure. Additionally, the PAM will represent Plan International at state and national levels, engaging in policy dialogues, and networking with stakeholders to strengthen the organization’s influence. The role also encompasses people management, knowledge sharing, and safeguarding practices to ensure a safe and enabling environment for staff, partners, and beneficiaries.

Essential criteria for this role include

A Bachelor’s degree in Management, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, or related fields, with a Master’s degree being preferable. The candidate must have at least seven years of experience in a senior management role, managing gender-transformative programmes and large grants in a partnership setting. Knowledge of donor requirements (e.g., DFID, ECHO, SIDA, UNICEF) and socio-cultural dynamics in Greater Kordofan is essential. Proven leadership, strong analytical and budgeting skills, and experience in staff capacity development are also key requirements.

Do you have what it takes?

If you are an experienced leader with a strong background in programme management, strategic planning, and partnership building, and possess the skills to manage diverse teams and drive impactful change, this role could be your next step. Your ability to inspire teams, manage resources, and represent Plan International at various levels will make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people in the programme area.

For more information regarding the person and role specification, please click the following link: Program Area Manager Job Description

Physical Environment 

The Programme Area Manager will operate in a dynamic environment, balancing office-based strategic planning and field-level oversight. Approximately 40% of travel to project implementation locations within the region is required, often to areas with challenging infrastructure and limited resources. The role demands adaptability to varying physical conditions, including field visits to remote and conflict-affected areas, while maintaining focus on delivering quality programmes and ensuring the safety and well-being of staff and beneficiaries.

Location: North Kordofan

Type of Role: Fixed Term Contract 12 months 

Reports to: Deputy Country Director/Director of Programmes 

Grade: E

Closing Date: 10th December 2024

"This Position is for national Sudanese only"

“Females are encouraged to apply”

Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.

We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.

We foster an organisational culture that embraces our commitment to racial justice, gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. This means that we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with and we must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.

A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International's Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Please note that Plan International will never send unsolicited emails requesting payment from candidates.