War Child Canada is a registered Canadian charity based in Toronto that works to accelerate peace and disrupt the cycle of violence by investing in and empowering local communities to build brighter futures through comprehensive, evidence-informed programs that foster resilience, self-reliance, and self-determination.

War Child Canada is globally recognized for our grassroots, community-driven model of humanitarian action that’s rooted in collaboration and entirely locally led. We have developed a solid track record of long-term, sustainable impact supporting children and families living in areas dominated by conflict.

War Child Canada works with some of the most vulnerable populations around the world and is a leader in developing and implementing programs specifically targeting and protecting children, women, and displaced people living in the most complex humanitarian environments in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, and Yemen.

War Child Canada began working in Afghanistan in 2001 by supporting the reintegration of Afghan refugees returning from Pakistan. It formally launched in-country programming in 2009 and has since developed a strong portfolio across multiple sectors, including protection with a focus on child protection, MHPSS, education, livelihoods, and access to justice. These programs address critical protection concerns affecting children and youths and promote community-based protection and support mechanisms. Following August 2021, the Afghanistan Country Office sustained and adapted its programming to prioritize lifesaving and humanitarian interventions. These include the delivery of MHPSS and essential health services, and livelihoods support interventions while maintaining a focus on long-term development and recovery. The country program continues to bridge humanitarian and development needs through integrated, community-based solutions.

Currently, War Child Canada supports women, girls, boys, men, and persons with disabilities in the provinces of Kabul, Kandahar, Nangarhar, Laghman, Bamyan, Balkh, Samangan, Sar-e-Pul, Kunduz, and Baghlan through its health, education, protection including child protection, youth empowerment, economic development, and emergency response programming. The Afghanistan program is enhancing its focus on market-oriented and community-led interventions. These include vocational training and entrepreneurship support, particularly for youth, to promote self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods. A key component of the program strategy involves capacity building for local organizations and strengthening community-based protection and support approaches. This includes promoting local leadership in service delivery and creating platforms for inclusive, participatory engagement. In a complex setting with evolving needs and limited resources, War Child Canada remains committed to responsive, adaptive, and context-driven programming that supports recovery, dignity, and resilience for conflict-affected populations in Afghanistan.

The Head of Programs is responsible for leading and overseeing the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of all program activities within the country office. The role ensures that programs are delivered effectively and efficiently, aligning with organizational strategy, donor requirements, and local needs. This position is a senior leadership role that provides guidance and oversight to program managers and the Senior PQAL Coordinator and ensures high-quality program delivery and impact. The Head of Programs also provides strategic leadership to the country M&E/PQAL team, supporting the implementation of PQAL strategies, including Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) and Community Feedback and Response Mechanisms (CFRM) and oversees timely, quality donor and external reporting, including coordination with clusters and government stakeholders.

Generic Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Strategy: Contribute to the development and implementation of the country program strategy, ensuring that all program areas align with War Child Canada’s mission and goals.
2. Program Management: Provide supervision, leadership, and mentorship to program managers and staff, ensuring effective implementation in line with War Child Canada’s policies and objectives, while supporting team performance, capacity building, and professional development.
3. Financial Oversight: Assist in managing the program budget, ensuring financial controls are in place and expenditures are monitored in line with donor regulations.
4. Stakeholder Collaboration: Develop and maintain relationships with key local stakeholders, including partners, government bodies, and donors, ensuring effective collaboration and partnership.
5. Fundraising Support: Collaborate on fundraising activities, including identifying potential donors, supporting the development of proposals, and contributing to fundraising strategies.
6. Risk & Compliance: Assist in managing program risks and ensuring adherence to internal policies, including safeguarding, PSEA, and compliance with donor requirements.
7. Monitoring & Evaluation: Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of program activities, ensuring robust systems are in place to track progress, measure impact, and inform strategic decision-making. Provide leadership to the country M&E/PQAL team in the implementation of PQAL strategies, including Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) and Community Feedback and Response Mechanisms (CFRM).
8. Donor & External Reporting: Lead the development and submission of high-quality program reports to donors, ensuring timely, accurate, and results-based reporting. Coordinate reporting requirements to humanitarian clusters and other coordination bodies, ensuring alignment with inter-agency standards. Oversee the preparation and submission of government reports, including bi-annual reporting to the Ministry of Economy (MoEco), in compliance with national regulations and stakeholder expectations.
9. Representation: Support the Country Director in representing War Child Canada in key external meetings, forums, and advocacy efforts related to program priorities.

Specific Responsibilities

Program Leadership (10%)

• Lead the strategic direction of all country programs, ensuring alignment with War Child Canada’s mission, values, and goals.
• Provide oversight and direction to program teams, ensuring programs meet agreed-upon objectives, deadlines, and donor requirements.
• Ensure that programs are responsive to the needs of target populations, with a particular focus on refugee and displaced youth, women, and marginalized communities.

Program Development and Design (20%)

• With support from HQ and the Country Director, lead the development of new program proposals and the design of interventions, ensuring they align with donor priorities and War Child Canada’s operational capacities.
• Collaborate with the fundraising team to identify new funding opportunities and write proposals to secure funding.
• Ensure that program designs are evidence-based and reflect the latest humanitarian and development practices.

Operational Management and Quality Control (10%)

• Oversee the effective implementation of all programs, ensuring compliance with internal policies and donor regulations.
• Monitor and ensure the timely and efficient use of program resources, including human resources, finances, and supplies.
• Ensure high standards of program quality through regular monitoring, field visits, and evaluation of outcomes.
• Lead the development and implementation of appropriate systems for program tracking and reporting.

Team Leadership and Development (10%)

• Provide leadership and mentorship to program managers and staff, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented team culture.
• Promote professional development and capacity-building opportunities for program staff to enhance their skills and performance.
• Conduct performance appraisals, set clear objectives, and support staff in achieving both individual and team goals.

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation (10%)

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with donors, government agencies, local partners, and other stakeholders.
• Represent War Child Canada in meetings with stakeholders, including donors, partners, and government officials, ensuring that the organization’s priorities are communicated and understood.
• Lead advocacy efforts on key issues related to War Child Canada's programs and priorities in the country.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) (10%)

• Provide strategic oversight of the monitoring and evaluation of program activities, ensuring that data collection and analysis effectively reflect both program impact and learning.
• Support the development and implementation of a comprehensive MEL framework that aligns with War Child Canada’s organizational standards and donor requirements.
• Ensure that lessons learned from ongoing programs are systematically captured, documented, and shared with staff, stakeholders, and partners to inform and strengthen program design and implementation.
• Provide leadership to the country M&E/PQAL team in the execution of PQAL strategies, including Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) and Community Feedback and Response Mechanisms (CFRM), fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Risk and Compliance Management (10%)

• Identify potential risks to program implementation and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure adherence to War Child Canada's safeguarding, PSEA (Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse), and child protection policies, ensuring that all staff and partners comply with these standards.

Budget and Resource Management (10%)

• Oversee the preparation of program budgets and ensure that programs are implemented within financial constraints.
• Ensure financial accountability and efficiency in resource utilization across all programs.
• Work closely with the finance team to ensure proper financial management and reporting on program expenditures.

Reporting and Accountability (10%)

• Ensure the timely preparation and submission of high-quality reports to donors, senior management, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain transparent communication with senior leadership, ensuring they are kept informed of program progress, challenges, and successes.

Experience & Knowledge

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in International Development, Humanitarian Affairs, Social Sciences, or a related field.
2. Minimum 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in program management, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role in an international NGO, preferably in humanitarian or development settings.
3. Strong knowledge of program design, management, monitoring, and evaluation.
4. Experience in managing multi-sectoral programs (e.g., education, livelihoods, child protection).
5. Proficiency in managing donor relations, proposal writing, and securing funding.

Skills & Ability

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
2. Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a proven ability to adapt to changing contexts and challenges.
3. Ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex projects, and maintain focus on program outcomes.
4. High level of cultural sensitivity and the ability to work effectively in diverse and complex environments.
5. Strong organizational, analytical, and planning skills, with an ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
6. Self-motivated and resilient, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
7. A commitment to War Child Canada’s values, including the protection and promotion of children’s rights, gender equality, and inclusion.

All interested applicants are invited to submit their application through this link.

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be notified. We regret that we cannot entertain phone calls. War Child Canada is an equal-opportunity employer.

War Child Canada is committed to providing a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.

Final candidates will be vetted in accordance with War Child Canada’s Child Safeguarding Policy and Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Policy, including appropriate reference and security checks.

Aligned to War Child Canada’s commitment to localization, we strongly encourage applications from qualified Afghan Nationals, War Child Canada is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve, and we welcome candidates who bring local knowledge and a deep understanding of the national context.

War Child Canada is committed to providing an accessible workplace. Accommodation is available upon request for individuals with disabilities.

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