Job Description

Agency

Aga Khan Foundation

Salary

Salary and package to attract the best candidate

Region

Middle East

The requirements

Some jobs fill your time and some income; others give your career meaning.

We are looking for people who care, who are curious, committed, and willing to learn. People who are not just looking for a role, but for a chance to contribute, make a change, learn, grow, and be part of something human that truly matters." If this resonates with you, we would be glad to hear from you.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education:

• A minimum of a master’s degree in international development, Social Sciences, Environmental Studies, Agriculture, Education, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• At least 10 (with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role) years of progressive experience in program management, with a strong track record in leading and delivering complex development programs.
• Proven expertise in sectors such as gender equality, education, climate resilience, or community-driven development is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with government agencies, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders.
• Proven expertise in financial management, including budgeting, financial analysis, and risk management.

Skills:

• Leadership and Team Management: Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, mentor, and develop teams in a multicultural environment.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement strategic programmatic visions that align with organizational goals and respond to emerging challenges.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Deep understanding of and sensitivity to the cultural contexts in which OHF operates, with the ability to adapt approaches accordingly.
• Gender Equality: Excellent knowledge and understanding of gender and social inclusion issues and proven experience of delivering programmes that explicitly address these inequalities
• Safeguarding: Excellent knowledge and understanding of child and community safe-guarding issues and proven experience of operationalising relevant policies and procedures
• Adaptability and Innovation: Ability to drive programmatic innovation, adapt to changing environments, and embrace new approaches to enhance program impact.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in both Swahili and English is required

This job description outlines the general nature and key responsibilities of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. OHF reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, including criminal record checks. OHF also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. You can find out more about this scheme on this link: https://misconduct-disclosure-scheme.org/

A disclaimer: "Please note that, due to advertisement space limitations, this vacancy notice contains a summarized version of the role profile. The complete Job Description and full Terms of Reference will be provided to shortlisted candidates in advance of the final interview process to ensure full transparency and informed engagement."

The position

BACKGROUND

Om Habibeh Mohamed Shah Aga Khan Foundation (OHF) is an Egyptian non-profit foundation serving the people of Aswan for over 35 years. The foundation is an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which supports over 1,000 initiatives in over 30 countries around the world.

The Foundation was established by Om Habibeh Mohamed Shah Aga Khan, whose enduring legacy in Aswan reflects a deep and personal commitment to the well-being, dignity, and development of local communities. Her vision continues to guide OHF’s work, anchoring it in compassion, service, and long-term partnership with the people of Aswan.

POSITION OBJECTIVES:
The Head of Programs (HoP) at OHF is a critical member of the Senior Management Team, responsible for the overall direction, performance, and quality of the program portfolio. The HoP plays a pivotal role in shaping the unit's programmatic and financial health, ensuring that OHF’s initiatives align with national, regional, and global priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Program Leadership and Strategic Visioning:
• Lead the development and delivery of OHF’s program framework, leveraging existing programmatic evidence and global expertise.
• Oversee the planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation of program activities, ensuring the timely and effective delivery of outputs and outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement and External Representation:

• Engage with the global programme team, AKF’s global programme team, donor organizations, community members, and other key actors to design and deliver impactful development programming
• Represent OHF at national and international forums, conferences, and meetings, building relationships with key stakeholders.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with government agencies, ensuring alignment with national priorities and compliance with regulations.
• Foster partnerships with civil society organizations, focusing on collaboration that enhances program effectiveness and community impact

Business Development and Partnership Management:

• Collaborate closely with the Partnerships Manager to develop new funding opportunities and align programming with emerging donor and government priorities.
• In coordination with the Partnerships Manager and General Manager, establish engagement pathways to broker new partnerships with multilateral, bilateral, private foundations, and corporate entities.

Team Leadership and Capacity Building:

• Mentor and develop the skills and capacities of projects’ teams fostering a culture of professional growth and continuous learning.
• Promote a culture of reflection, learning, and innovation through diverse methods, including reflection meetings, feedback sessions, and engagement with program beneficiaries.

Financial Oversight and Risk Management:

• Work closely with the finance team to develop a comprehensive view of program financial performance, identifying solutions to achieve financial targets.
• Identify potential risks to program success and develop strategies to mitigate these risks, especially considering the political and social dynamics at OHF.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Sustainability:

• Oversee the development and delivery of a responsive monitoring and evaluation function that provides active and consequential evidence for learning.
• Ensure programs are designed and implemented with sustainability in mind, planning for long-term impact and developing exit strategies.
• Ensure all programs meet reporting requirements and comply with donor regulations and organizational policies.