Head of Programmes

Contract: Permanent, full time, 39.5 hours per week

Salary: GHS301,868 – GHS394,894 per annum with excellent benefits

Location: Accra Office: East Legon, Ghana

About WaterAid:

Want to use your skills in Sustainable Programmes Development to play a vital role in making clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone everywhere?

We need passionate, creative and dedicated people to work with us to achieve this goal. In return, you will be encouraged and empowered to be your very best. Together, we will make a bigger difference.

Join WaterAid Ghana as Head of Programmes to change normal for millions of people so they can unlock their potential, break free from poverty and change their lives for good.

About the Team:

The Sustainable Programmes Department (SPD) provides strategic and technical leadership in executing WaterAid Ghana's Program Plans. The department's core responsibilities include program design, delivery, risk mitigation, project implementation, and adaptive management, ensuring alignment with WA Program Quality Standards, PMER Policy, Core Procedures, donor guidelines, and global best practices. SPD is dedicated to designing and implementing high-quality, impactful programs that address the needs of the underprivileged and vulnerable communities.

About the Role:

The Head of Programmes (HOP) provides strategic leadership, direction, and management for the Programmes Department, while serving as a key member of the Senior Management Team. This role is responsible for the successful design, delivery, and impact of all programs under WaterAid Ghana’s Country Program Strategy, ensuring high-quality interventions that address the needs of the poor and vulnerable.

In this you will;

• In collaboration with the Country Director provide strategic direction for the design of the country program strategic frameworks and plans, including the development of resource mobilization strategies to optimize the impact of programming interventions.
• Lead/Supervise high-quality project design incorporating Project Management Standards, Quality Program Standards and Program Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (PMER) methods, appropriate to scope, context and technical requirements of projects.
• Effectively plan and manage the successful and timely delivery of programmes/projects that comply with both internal and external standards and contract terms, while also ensuring they deliver the best contributions to our strategic outcomes and the expectations of our national and local partners and communities.
• Create and maintain proper conditions for learning. Establish a safe environment for sharing ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyse and respond quickly to deficiencies.
• In coordination with Country Director and the Funding Manager oversee the business development cycle to ensure quality proposals per WaterAid and donor standards.
• Ensure technical assistance and capacity strengthening for project teams and partners in project management standards and related PMER, business development, gender transformation, safeguarding and operational activities (WASH System strengthening, WASH in Public Health and Climate Resilient WASH). Identify training opportunities, develop training curriculums and deliver training.
• Represent WaterAid in meetings with NGOs, Government Ministries, donor representatives and diplomatic missions, and other external partners

To be successful, you’ll need: 

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in managing development programs, in the WASH sector, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally.
• Advanced degree in Development Policy Planning, Development Management/Studies, Water Resources Management, Civil Engineering, Public Health or comparable qualifications
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic direction and develop long-term frameworks and plans for program interventions and resource mobilization. Proven expertise in designing, planning, and implementing large-scale programs that incorporate program quality and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) methods.
• Strong track record of delivering projects on time, within budget, and in compliance with donor and organizational standards. Strong organisational skills, versatility, and ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with experience in effective budget management.
• Experience in identifying, assessing, and strengthening partnerships with NGOs, government entities, and other stakeholders. Skilled in representing organizations at high-level meetings with donors, government ministries, and external partners.
• Expertise in project management standards, MEAL, gender transformation, and operational activities related to WASH systems strengthening, WASH and public health, and climate resilience WASH.
• Experience working with a range of stakeholders, strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to articulate ideas clearly and write high-quality reports and proposals.

Desirable skills

• Specialized knowledge in WASH system strengthening, public health, and climate-resilient WASH approaches.
• Experience working with institutional donors such as USAID, FCDO, or EU, and familiarity with their compliance requirements.
• Skilled in designing and delivering capacity-building programs for teams and partners.

View full job description here.

Closing date: Applications will close at 12:00pm UK Time on 7th April 2025. Shortlisting and interviews will take place on a rolling basis and the application process will close if a suitable candidate is found prior to the advertised closing date. 

How to Apply: Click ‘Apply’ to complete the pre-screening questions and upload your CV and Cover Letter. 

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.

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.

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.