Local recruitment: Head of Programmes, Mozambique

Description

Head of Programmes, Mozambique

Contract:  Permanent , Full Time, 37.5 per week

Location: Maputo, Mozambique

Salary:  Competitive Salary Package with excellent benefits

Abou the role: The Head of Programmes (HOP) role is to provide strategic programme direction, managerial and programme leadership, and oversight on all aspects of strategy development, programme development and management in water, sanitation and hygiene including significant component of public health programmes and projects. S/he is responsible for strategic programme leadership of programmes, programme design, management, quality assurance and partner support. S/he will provide an oversight of the quality of the programmes that reflect adherence to global and WaterAid standards. and donor guidelines, while fostering innovation to improve effectiveness and impact ensuring the delivery and overall success of WaterAid’s Country Programme Strategy (2023-2028). The role enhances WaterAid’s existing portfolio of programmes and partnerships, working closely with Policy and Advocacy and diverse expertise to design and showcase WaterAid’s service delivery models, and innovation with the aim of influencing for wider and transformational change in support of WaterAid’s vision and strategy.

The role requires an individual with significant programme leadership skills, management, and technical expertise that would propel the CP into delivering high-quality programmes and projects with significant impact. S/he must have a strategic mindset as well as be able to lead and develop a high performing programme team. This position will also ensure that WaterAid’s partnerships remain relevant, influencing policy, practice, and systems at various levels to ensure significant contribution towards the progressive attainment of universal, sustainable, and inclusive WASH in Mozambique. This role will provide advice on programme development of WaterAid Mozambique, proactively support fundraising and continuously seek to strengthen its overall country programme performance, developing and reviewing organisational policies that will bring about the transformational changes necessary to achieve sustainable WASH service for all.

The Head of Programmes reports directly to the Country Director and is a member of the Senior Management Team. S/he will have a strong professional relationship with the Regional Programme Manager, based in the Regional Team to ensure that global standards on programme quality, planning, monitoring, evaluation, and assurance are applied in country programme. At the Country Programme level, the HoP will have a strong professional relationship with the Head of Advocacy and Policy, Head of Funding, Head of Finance and Senior Programme staff.

About the Programme Team Role: The programme team leads the operationalisation of the Country Programme Strategy through the development of integrated programmes and projects that produce significant impact, effectiveness, and transformative change on a large scale, encompassing both policy and practice. They have responsibility for the overall management and quality assurance of WaterAid Mozambique’s WASH programmes, aligning them with the organisation’s strategy and programme standards. They design and develop innovative programmes in line with the country strategy, addressing the pressing needs and aspirations of poor and vulnerable communities, while bringing about substantial transformational change. The programme team takes the lead in the developing and implementing WaterAid’s approaches across all levels, with great emphasis on fostering gender transformative and inclusive approaches. By fostering synergies among various programmes, they cultivate a culture of learning and improvement of WA’s models and coherent approaches to integrate programmes with national advocacy and policy initiatives.

The team identifies opportunities to build and strengthen relations with donors and ensures the design of quality projects and funding proposals aligned with the Country Programme’s strategic priorities and tailored to meet the requirements of donors. They ensure there are adequate resources and capabilities to achieve donor’s contractual obligations and commitments, overseeing overall grant management, and delivering timely and high-quality donor reports while ensuring compliance with relevant grants within the Programme. Additionally, the team actively cultivate and strengthens effective partnerships, collaborations, networks, and alliances among stakeholders in the sector, including government departments, the private sector, academia, media, research institutions and NGOs engaged in water and sanitation related activities. Through these efforts, they aim to foster mutual learning and identify innovations that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of sector performance.

Accountabilities

• Provide strategic programme direction for the design of the Country Programme strategic frameworks and plans, including the development of resource mobilization strategies to optimize the impact of programme interventions in line with the Country Strategy and WaterAid’s regional and global strategic priorities.
• Play a key role in shaping strategic direction, decision making processes, and corporate governance. Uphold the WaterAid brand, while addressing development issues specific to Mozambique and other management related issues. Contribute to expertise and insights to ensure effective programme leadership and alignment with organisational goals and values.
• Collaborate closely with the health sector to empower them to prioritise Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives and embed hygiene practices as fundamental pillars of public health.
• Integrate Climate Resilient WASH principles into project design and implementation strategies to enhance the resilience of WASH systems and infrastructure to climate change impacts approach into all aspects of our work.
• Lead the execution of WaterAid’s programmatic approaches that include Systems Strengthening Approach, Gender transformative WASH, Hygiene Behavioural-Centred Approach and Design methodologies, and   Human rights-based approach (HRBA) into all aspects of WASH programming and operations.
• Lead the development and execution of strategic plans for WASH programming, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s goals and priorities.
• Provide technical guidance and capacity building support to staff and partners on systems strengthening principles, methodologies, and best practice.
• Lead on the development of high-quality project design/proposals incorporating project management standards and Programme Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (PMER) methods, appropriate to project scope, context, and technical needs.
• Coordinate activity planning across various projects from multiple sectors, promoting programme integration and optimising implementation efficiency.
• Lead on planning and management of programme budgets and timely delivery of programmes that comply with both internal and external standards and donor contract terms; while also ensuring they deliver the best contributions to our strategic outcomes and the expectations of our national/ local partners and communities.
• Supervise programme managers and budget holders to ensure donor compliance and timely programme implementation. Inform management of team progress and performance. Manage team dynamics effectively and prioritise staff welfare.
• Create conducive learning conditions, ensuring a safe environment for sharing of ideas and problem solving. Promote accountability, learning and knowledge management overseeing implementation of the PMER policy and facilitate cross-sectoral and cross-department learning.
• Coordinate with Head of Finance and IT and Head of People & Organisational Development to ensure appropriate project budgeting and efficient use and stewardship of project material and resources.
• In coordination with Country Director and the Head of Funding oversee the business development cycle to ensure development and submission to donors of quality concept notes and  proposals as per donor requirements.
• Oversee the identification, assessment and strengthening of appropriate partnerships and the appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools, and approaches.
• Ensure technical assistance and capacity strengthening for project teams and partners in project management standards and related PMER, business development and operational activities. Identify training opportunities, develop training curriculums, and deliver trainings.
• Encourage and promote empowering and collaborative leadership, effective management, and a culture of openness, innovation, and accountability in line with WaterAid’s values.
• Provide guidance and tailor individual development plans through coaching. Conduct performance assessments for direct reports to evaluate performance and provide feedback. Contribute to project staffing plans and senior recruitment processes.  
• Represent WaterAid in meetings with NGOs, Government Ministries, donor representatives and diplomatic missions, and other external partners.
• As a key member of the Senior Management Team contribute proactively to Country Programme management and organisational effectiveness
• Ensure highest standards of accountability through ensuring good communication and information sharing in line with WaterAid policies and procedures within and outside the organisation.
• Be aware of, understand and comply with the WaterAid Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy and all WaterAid Mozambique policies and procedures.
• Undertake other related duties as may reasonably be assigned by the Country Director.

Requirements

Essential Skills

• Minimum of master’s degree in WASH, Public Health, Engineering, Water Resources Management, Environmental Sciences, development Studies or any other relevant discipline.
• At least 10 years of progressive managerial experience at senior levels, with strong relationship management skills. Ability to relate to people at all levels, both internally and externally.
• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in strengthening elements of WASH systems with an understanding of WASH interaction with other systems such as health, climate change, education, and economic development.
• Experience of project and programme management and programme cycle management, with significant financial and budget management responsibility
• Proven experience of leading, developing and implementing a WASH strategy.
• Strategic and operational planning experience, experience in developing country and programme strategies and multi-sectoral development programmes
• Experience in Developing project / programme proposals for raising resources from institutional donors
• Experience of managing and building high performing team

Requisite Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

• Good knowledge of development context especially as they relate to water, sanitation and hygiene in developing countries or Mozambique context.
• Proven experience and knowledge of programme design, development, and implementation processes as it relates to WASH or a combination of WASH and Health Sectors
• Proven experience of leading programmes that deliver transformational change through the integration of evidence-based learning to inform advocacy and policy influencing in the sector.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing systems strengthening in WASH.
• Demonstrated expertise in behavioural centred approaches and design methodologies, with a track record of successfully applying these principles to programmatic interventions.
• Proven experience of Stakeholder engagement that include government, private sector, and donors with high level of influencing skills. Confidence in working with senior level stakeholders both internally and externally using tact and diplomacy.
• Demonstrated ability to use evidence and analysis of situations and build collaborative partnerships and alliances for influencing the sector.
• Extensive management experience at a senior level and capable of leading and managing a team of diverse technical and professional staff. Ability to work as a team member with leadership skills for empowering, coaching and developing employees.
• Good experience in financial management with ability to prepare and manage programme and project budgets.
• Strong organisational skills, versatility, and ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with the experience in effective budget management.
• Excellent strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to see the big picture and the ability to make sound judgments and decisions. Possess entrepreneurial qualities such as risk taking, innovation, and creativity.
• Ability to ensure Gender and other diversity considerations within key areas of responsibility and commitment to addressing inequalities in the workplace and the programme.
• Experience using MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information, and budget management systems, and knowledge-sharing network.
• Working style that reflects WaterAid’s values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity, and Innovation.
• High level of proficiency in spoken and written English, with good communication, interpersonal, analytical, negotiation and persuasive skills

Desirable skills

• Good knowledge of the Government of Mozambique’s development policies and strategies, as they relate to achieving universal access to WASH, WASH in Public health, and WASH and Climate Change.
• Experience leading robust public health programmes that cover diseases burden, diseases outbreaks, preventive health and hygiene programmes and health systems as well as climate resilience WASH programming.
• Openness and willingness to reflect on contextual changes and to proactively change course in response. Willingness to try new, unconventional, and innovative ideas and partnerships to catalyse and leverage change in WASH systems.
• Understanding of social inclusion issues to ensure the most marginalised people excluded from WASH are identified, targeted and benefit from system strengthening efforts.
• Stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, policy analysis and development skills.

• Experience of working effectively within a culturally diverse and matrix organisation.
• Applicants must be eligible to work in Mozambique without requiring visa sponsorship.

How to Apply: Click ‘Apply’ to upload your CV and Cover Letter. 

Closing date: Applications will close 12:00 pm UK time on 20 June 2025.

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application? At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well. 

Pre-employment screening: To apply for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to the applicable laws in the respective countries to comply with our Safer Recruitment policy.

Benefits

As an organisation WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. So, in addition to our inspiring global mission and engaging work environment, we have a generous benefit package to help you take care of your health, happiness and wellbeing. Further benefits information is available from the country of application including:

• 13th Salary
• Life insurance that pays up to 4 annual basic salaries
• Medical aid cover

Our Commitment:

Our People Promise:

We will work with passion and focus to ensure safe and sustainable water, toilets and hygiene are available to everyone, everywhere. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have.  We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to put the wellbeing of our people first, to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.   

Equal opportunities:

We are an equal opportunity, disability-confident employer and are dedicated to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions and ways of life. This includes, but is not limited to, race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, national or social origin, health status, and economic or social situation.

Safeguarding:

We are also committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously.