PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Organization: CARE
Closing date: August 15, 2026
CONTEXT:
CARE is an international organization present in more than 100 countries, implementing over 1,000 emergency and development projects in partnership with government actors and local organizations. It works to combat all forms of poverty, promote access to fundamental rights, and fight social injustices.
In Cameroon, CARE has been working since 1978 around three major strategic axes:
• Gender justice
• health
• Climate and economic justice
Its interventions cover both the emergency and resilience phases, with an emphasis on:
• Women's and youth empowerment
• Strengthening community systems
• Supporting the decentralization processes
• Improving access to sexual and reproductive health services
CARE Cameroon's operations are coordinated from Yaoundé and implemented through five local offices, three of which are dedicated to the Global Fund program (Garoua, Douala and Yaoundé) and two to other programs (Maroua and Batouri).
To support all programmatic activities leading to the achievement of established strategic objectives, CARE wishes to recruit:
Position: Program Director
Department: Management
Contract type: Fixed-term contract of one (1) year (including probationary period) - Contract governed by Cameroonian law, in accordance with applicable legislation
Working hours: 40 hours per week (Full-time)
Reporting line: Country Director
Functional Reporting Line: Manager Grants and Contracts - Award Management Solutions
Job location: Yaoundé – non-relocatable position
Assignment:
As a member of the CARE Cameroon Country Office Management Team, under the direct responsibility of the Country Director, the Programs Director provides strategic, programmatic and technical leadership for the organization.
He/she leads the updating and implementation of CARE Cameroon's programmatic strategy, ensuring alignment with CARE International's institutional priorities and the achievement of objectives for priority impact groups, including women and youth.
He/she actively contributes to resource mobilization, program development and quality, and ensures the organization's technical positioning with internal and external partners, in a dynamic of influence, innovation and performance.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibility
Strategic management and programmatic development:
• Coordinate the development, updating and implementation of CARE Cameroon's programmatic strategy;
• Ensure the alignment of the strategy with the national context, donor priorities and CARE guidelines;
• Supervise the conduct of diagnostics, studies, needs assessments and impact assessments;
• Coordinate the development of emergency preparedness and response plans;
• Lead the development of project proposals by mobilizing internal teams and headquarters;
• Develop and maintain technical relationships within the CARE network to capitalize on expertise;
Responsibility 2:
Structuring, coordinating and developing technical capacities:
• Define and optimize the technical organizational charts necessary for the implementation of the programs;
• To establish and manage internal mechanisms for programmatic and inter-departmental coordination;
• To provide coaching and development of the technical and managerial skills of key executives;
• Identify and mobilize opportunities for internal and external capacity building;
• Contribute to organizational thinking to strengthen impact, scaling up and systemic approaches;
Responsibility 3:
Programmatic accountability and compliance:
• Ensure liaison with AMS and the various CO departments for contract management throughout the project cycle (GO NO GO, start-up agreement, launch, implementation, closure);
• Ensure the dissemination of donor rules and compliance with contractual commitments in the implementation of projects;
• Ensure the efficient and compliant use of resources in collaboration with support functions;
• Coordinate the internal (PIIRS) and external reporting processes of the programs;
• Ensure the integration of cross-cutting approaches (gender, Safeguarding (including PSHEA and child protection), Do No Harm, environment);
• Oversee the implementation and operation of accountability and complaints management mechanisms;
Responsibility 4:
Programmatic Quality, MEAL and Knowledge Management:
• Ensure the integration and operationalization of MEAL systems in all programs;
• Supervise the systems for collecting, analyzing and reporting impact data (PMT, PIIRS, etc.);
• Promote and structure the processes of knowledge capitalization, learning and sharing;
• Ensure the standardization of programmatic approaches according to CARE frameworks;
• Develop mechanisms for organizational learning and dissemination of best practices.
RESPONSIBILITY 5:
Technical representation, partnerships and strategic positioning:
• To provide technical representation for CARE to donors, headquarters, CMPs, the region and partners;
• Identify and develop strategic partnerships in line with the program's priorities;
• Coordinate CARE's participation in multi-stakeholder consortia and initiatives;
• Ensure an active presence in sectoral coordination mechanisms (humanitarian and development);
• Contribute to the strategic positioning and technical visibility of CARE Cameroon.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION
KNOW:
Degree: in International Development, Social/Political Sciences, Development Economics, Project/Program Management, International Relations, or a related field. Additional training in Strategic Leadership, Program Management, or MEAL is a significant asset.
Experience :
Required :
• Minimum 5 years of experience in managing development/humanitarian programs, including at least 3 years in a senior leadership position (Head of Programme, Program Director, etc.);
• Proven experience in strategic development and management of multi-project portfolios, resource mobilization and proposal development, coordination of multi-stakeholder consortia and partnerships;
• Experience in complex, multi-donor and multi-sectoral contexts is highly desirable;
• Excellent command of the program management cycle and MEAL and programmatic quality approaches;
• Strong expertise in governance, resilience, inclusion and community development and integration of cross-cutting themes (gender, safeguarding, PSEA, Do No Harm, environment)
Wish:
• In-depth technical knowledge in at least one of CARE Cameroon's programmatic pillars: women's and youth economic empowerment, health, climate resilience, food security
SKILLS (Capable of: …) LEVEL = 1: Fundamental/Basic 2: Capable 3 : Inspiring 4 : Transformational
Basic skills:
• Relationship Development –4
• Inclusion – 4
• Dynamic learning ability –4
• Achieving results – 4
• Communication – 4
Leadership Skills:
• Strategic Leadership and Execution –3
• People Leadership –3
Functional skills:
• Strategic Leadership and Long-Term Vision –3
• Multidisciplinary coordination, influence and negotiation skills – 3
• Ability to work and thrive in a multicultural, multidisciplinary, complex, and uncertain environment –3
• Excellent managerial, interpersonal and organizational skills – 4
• Good organizational and planning skills – 4
• Having operational proficiency in computer tools (Office Suite, Microsoft Office) – 4
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft software is a plus – 2
• Ability to work and communicate in English and French – 2
How to apply:
APPLICATION CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES:
IMPORTANT - HOW TO APPLY (Please follow the instructions):
1. Those interested in this offer are kindly requested to fill out the form provided for this purpose by following the link below:
RECRUITMENT NOTICE No. 014.072026/HR/CCMR
https://ee-kobo.care.org/x/g427dCTs
Don't forget to attach your CV, cover letter, national identity card, and proof of professional experience to your application at the end of the form.
Note:
1. Applications from women are strongly encouraged;
2. Any application submitted through a channel other than the one indicated above will not be considered;
3. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted personally;
4. As part of this recruitment process, applications will be processed on a rolling basis. CARE Cameroon reserves the right to close the process before its completion.
5. Closing date of the offer: August 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM sharp