Caritas Moldova is hiring Head of Programs

About Caritas Moldova:

The Charity Foundation "Caritas Moldova" is deeply honoured to be one of 49 members of the Caritas Europa Federation and a part of Caritas Internationalis, a compassionate network of 162 national organizations dedicated to the profound mission of "serving, accompanying, and defending the poor."

For nearly three decades, Caritas Moldova has been a steadfast source of support for extremely vulnerable individuals in the Republic of Moldova. We understand the challenges faced by those in difficult circumstances, and our projects and initiatives are carefully designed to reach the most affected areas. We focus on providing essential medical, educational, and social care, striving to bring hope and relief to those who need it most.

***

Are you a dynamic and responsible individual with a passion for helping those in need? Do you possess strong organizational skills and a results-oriented mindset? If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact, consider joining Caritas Moldova! With more than 29 years of experience and a proven track record of international engagement, we are dedicated to uplifting the underprivileged and fostering positive change in our communities. Become part of a compassionate team committed to making a difference!

Job Summary:

As a head of Programs, you will be part of the organisation's senior management team.  You will work in direct collaboration with the Foundation's top management to carry out our mission through organizational consolidation and team development; your role is to lead and guide the organization programs team to help the poor and vulnerable and to achieve the aspirations of Caritas Moldova Country Strategy 2030 through Programme Development, effective coordination, consolidation, technical support and guidance by ensuring a cohesive team spirit and motivation to perform. You'll oversee the planning and execution of these programs, ensuring they are effective and high-quality. Your leadership and expertise will also help the CP improve its impact.

This role is responsible for working with Caritas Moldova Partners and Allies to foster long-term relationships to deliver the Caritas Moldova program strategy successfully.

Role and key responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Caritas Moldova Director to contribute to the development of strategic frameworks and plans, including resource mobilization strategies aimed at enhancing the impact of programs in line with Caritas Moldova Strategy 2030.
• Support project design by incorporating relevant project management practices and MEAL methods suited to the project’s scope and context. Facilitate planning across various projects to promote integration and effective implementation.
• Manage and support team members, fostering a positive work environment. Provide guidance and coaching in alignment with Caritas Moldova HR policies and assist direct reports in setting annual goals and completing performance reviews. Support staffing plans and participate in the recruitment of project coordinators or managers.
• Foster a supportive learning environment where team members can share ideas and address challenges. Promote accountability, learning, and knowledge sharing, ensuring the implementation of MEAL policies and cross-departmental learning.
• Work with operational leads to ensure project budgets are well-managed and resources are used effectively.
• Collaborate with resource mobilization teams during the business development cycle to ensure proposals meet partner and donor requirements.
• Assist in identifying and strengthening partnerships that align with Caritas Moldova’s strategy and support the Country Director in managing relationships with in-country donors.
• Meet with key partners to attract more funding and strengthen relationships.
• Review narrative reports to ensure quality before submission to partners and donors.
• Represent Caritas Moldova at the national level, including participation in working groups and other relevant forums.
• Provide technical assistance and support for project teams in project management standards, MEAL, business development, and operations. Identify and contribute to training opportunities, materials, and sessions.

Person Specification

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Management, Social Sciences or Development Studies (PostGraduate in a relevant discipline is preferred).
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience for a postgraduate degree, preferably in the NGO sector, 3 years of which should be in senior management positions. Experience working in a Multicultural context is essential.
• Extensive experience developing successful proposals, high-quality reports, project design and project management.
• Experience in designing and implementing MEAL tools and systems.
• Sound experience in staff development, training, and mentoring, as well as in team building and strategic planning initiatives.
• Experience in budget preparation and expenditure tracking.
• Experience in managing funding from a diversity of sources, including governments and aid agencies and private sector donors.

Essential Knowledge

• Sound knowledge of the political, social, economic and historical environment in which Caritas Moldova programmes are operating at both national and community levels
• Understanding of the project cycle management
• Excellent understanding of development partnerships, fund-raising, donor strategies, governmental and international relations in the country

Essential Skills:

• Leadership, management, and Strategic Thinking
• Good presentation, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Networking, influencing and interpersonal.
• Crisis management and conflict resolution
• Planning, organisation, time management, and coordination
• Fluency in written and spoken English and native/national language
• Proficiency in MS Office

Supervisory Responsibilities (if none, state none): Direct supervision of the Caritas Moldova Project managers

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Director of Caritas Moldova – Operations team (finance manager – procurement coordinator – chief accountant) – MEAL officer – Projects Coordinators  

External: Partnership coordinator – key partners – NGO forums – Caritas Moldova president – Caritas Moldova board – peers organization.

Interested persons will present/send:

1. curriculum vitae (CV) in English

2. A letter of intent, in English, providing reasons for interest in this position.

These will be sent to: hr@caritas.md until January 17, 2025, COB.

Contact details: secretariat@caritas.md; www.caritas.md.

Important: Caritas Moldova reserves the right to extend the application period for this position if the CVs received do not meet the organisation's needs.

• This job description does not exhaustively list the position's skills, effort, duties, and responsibilities; any additional responsibilities will be listed in the JD, which will be signed by the employee and the organization.
• Caritas talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
• Caritas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We always seek qualified, diverse, and compelling candidates to join our agency and support our great work.
• By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that Caritas requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviours related to the above safeguarding-related topics.
• By applying for this job, I consent to Caritas Moldova Charity Foundation processing my data for the recruitment process, including the collection, use, storage, and retention of my data.