Program Implementation 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.

Role Purpose

The Programme Implementation Area Manager (PIAM) is responsible and accountable for leading, coordinating, and overseeing the delivery of Plan International’s programmes and operations in a designated Programme Implementation Area (PIA) ensuring project objectives are achieved and resources are optimised by strengthening and promoting effective communication between Country office and PIA on all operational support deemed necessary for efficient project delivery

The PIAM will be responsible for managing multi-functional teams based at the implementation area and mult sectoral interventions in protection, education and early childhood development, health, nutrition, WASH, livelihood, skills and works, Sexual and reproductive health rights, and  humanitarian response in line with Plan’s Country Strategy, global frameworks for Plan`s   commitments. He/she will ensure quality programme delivery, operational efficiency, staff wellbeing, risk management, safeguarding compliance, and strong partnerships with local government, civil society, and communities. This role reports to the Head of Program Delivery and the PIAM is part of the Extended Country Management Team

 As a staff member of a Child centered International development and humanitarian organisation, the PIAM will commit to comply with Plan Internationals standards and policies related to safeguarding and PSHEA (Preventing Sexual Harassment, exploitation and Abuse), Gender equality, inclusion and diversity. All Plan International staff are expected to uphold the organisation`s values and behaviours in every aspect.

Dimensions of the Role

• Represent PIT on regional and zonal forums with stakeholders ensuring key strategic messages are conveyed in accordance with the country strategy as well as Plan International principles and policies.
• Accountable for budget management (multi-million-dollar portfolios depending on the area)
• Manages Zonal -level partnerships and stakeholder relations
• Supervises multiple direct reports, including Project Managers, project coordinators, MEAL officers, finance and admin personnel, ensuring that they have required support, guidance and resources to implement the projects according to organisational standards
• Ensures effective coordination with CO department leads to ensure organisational procedures and requirements are met by the team.
• Ensure that the projects results and Plan`s commitments to impact the lives of program participants are fulfilled, following the respective policies, procedures and systems.
• Ensure the approved sponsorship participant plan of the area is met in accordance with business rules and guidelines.
• Ensures risks and issues arising from the area are resolved, and when necessary, escalated to the Head of program Implementation.
• Contribute the development of the country strategy and annual planning process.
• Contributes to emergency preparedness and response in the area.

Technical expertise, skills, knowledge AND BEHAVIOUR

Qualifications and Experience:

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Development studies, International Relations, Gender studies or similar field with at least 10 year work experience including 5 years of leadership.

• Demonstrated experience in managing multi-sectoral projects, large teams and multimillion dollar budgets.
• Proven experience with donor-funded projects (e.g., FCDO, USAID, EU, GAC).
• Solid understanding of child rights, gender equality, youth development, social inclusion, community development and rights-based programming.

• Solid experience in implementing programmes in one or more of Plan Internationals areas of global distinctness i.e. Inclusive Quality Education, Sexual, Reproductive Health & Rights, Early Childhood Development, Protection from Violence and Youth Economic Empowerment Employment. 

• Knowledge of national as well as regional context on the factors affecting children and girls as well as social and environmental opportunities for change is an advantage
• Demonstrated experience in managing partnerships at different levels, from informal community structures and CBOs, to large INGOs, UN agencies and multilateral donors.

• Able to bridge different national or organizational cultures and to work effectively in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment respecting diversity

• Ability to communicate effectively and authoritatively on area of expertise, and influence others to reach common goals. 
• Demonstrated experience of operational and programming processes, systems and principles, and the ability to provide leadership and support to staff working at regional and community level.
• Demonstrated experience of strategic leadership and planning processes
• Demonstrate experience and knowledge of the requirements of difference donors compliance and financial management

• Knowledge and experience with results-based management tools and reporting processes,
• Strong program management with strict reporting deadlines
• Excellent networking ability, persuasive communication and fundraising experience

Knowledge

• Understand development issues, trends, challenges and opportunities and implication to community (child) development.
• Knowledge of development issue especially those impacting child rights realisation
• Knowledge of cross cutting issues especially gender, climate change impact and inclusiveness
• Knowledge on right based approach in programming.
• Knowledge on the national trend in education, youth development and people with disabilities
• Experience on project management cycle especially on the participatory approach
• Knowledge on people and financial management

• Knowledge of gender analysis and assessments, including approaches, methods, and frameworks;

Skills

• Excellent communication skills with high level of fluency in both Kiswahili and English
• Advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to girls’ development and a values-driven work environment.
• Operate in a high-pressure deadline-driven environment with professionalism

• Proficient computer skills, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work under multidisciplinary and multicultural environment

• Excellent communication skills, with demonstrated ability to write technical reports
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity
• Lobbying, negotiation, advocacy and risk management skills

• Excellent report writing, including oral presentation skills;

 Program Implementation Area Manager JD.docx 

Location: Geita

Reports to: Head of Program Implementation

Grade: 16

Closing Date: 7th June 2026

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.