400px International Rescue Committee Logo.svg 3 Head of Programs

Head of Programs

  • Contractor
  • Athens Greece
  • TBD
  • International Rescue Committee profile




  • Job applications may no longer be accepted for this opportunity.


International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries, the IRC aims to restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure.

In response to the influx of refugees in Greece, The IRC Hellas started operations in Greece in June 2015 and currently runs out of three locations in Athens, Mytilini and Thessaloniki. IRC is implementing programs in the sectors of Mental Health, Child Protection, Livelihoods and Gender Based Violence while it also runs an Information Provision web and Facebook page, Refugee.Info. Refugee.Info is a unique multi-channel platform with two-way communication as a core activity.

Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of refugees and contribute to their journey towards safety, dignity, and hope? If so, then this unique opportunity as a Head of Programs at IRC is perfect for you!

Job Overview:

The Head of Programs is in charge of program strategy, implementation and development, ensuring program quality, impact and evidence. They report to the Director of IRC Hellas and holds working relations with all departments of the organization and a variety of counterparts. The job holder supervises program staff including program managers and M&E.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Program Strategy and Design

  • Working in collaboration with in-country program specialists and HQ based Technical Unit staff ensure that programs are designed according to IRC and industry standard methodologies, the IRC program framework, and thorough context analyses.
  • Leads the strategic and program initiatives along with the program managers and contributes to the regional (Europe) strategic direction.

Program Management – Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Provide overall leadership and management to IRC Greece programs, ensuring strategic program direction and compliance with IRC and donor regulations.
  • Working in collaboration with in-country program specialists Technical Unit staff, ensure that program implementation is managed closely through the development of workplans, indicator tracking sheets and approved monitoring plans. Ensure that monitoring data is used to improve program performance.
  • Ensure the financial health of all projects by monitoring expenditure and ensuring that well-structured corrective action is initiated and tracked where required.
  • Participates in the Steering Groups of programs in which the IRC is a consortium member or leader.
  • Provide leadership to the program specialists to ensure – in coordination with the Grants Manager – the development of timely, high quality and regulation compliant activity reporting per IRC and donor guidelines.
  • In consultation with the Technical Unit and the Research, Evaluation and Learning Unit, ensure that evaluations take place around selected programs / program components to contribute to existing evidence bases. Ensure that lessons learnt are shared with other actors in Greece.

Proposal development

  • Leads proposal development in cooperation with the grants department and the program’s leads.
  • Leads the creation of consortium for proposal development.
  • Reviews and signs off proposals prior to the submission.

Staff Performance Management, Learning and Development

  • Coach, train, supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting quarterly performance objectives, providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews.
  • Provide supportive guidance and supervision to program specialists who are charged to implement programs.

Representation and Coordination

  • Ensure that IRC’s contribution in the response in Greece is well-coordinated with other initiatives.
  • Represents IRC towards authorities, forums and other relevant for the role bodies.
  • Position IRC as thought leader and provider of Technical Assistance in IRC Greece’s priority areas.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

  • Equivalent experience in the field is also acceptable, although a postgraduate degree is preferred.
  • Minimum of seven years of management-level experience in NGO leadership and program implementation.
  • Previous experience managing programs financed through EU grants is highly advantageous.
  • Strong proposal development skills for institutional and private donors.
  • Excellent English and Greek language skills required.
  • Curious individual capable of making informed decisions even in situations with limited data.
  • Proficient in formulating indicators, designing data collection tools, and analyzing data.
  • Proactive member of the senior management team with problem-solving abilities.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively within a diverse organizational environment.
  • Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in IRC Greece.
  • Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies

Work Environment and Duration of Appointment:

This position is based in Athens, with occasional travel to Lesvos, Thessaloniki, and potentially other locations. The working arrangements include a mix of in-person and hybrid work, with 1-2 days per week working remotely.

Standard of Professional Conduct: IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of IRC Persons in any work setting.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, caste, sexual orientation, differently abled, geographic origin, marital status, veteran status and cultural background (or any other characteristic protected by law). We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Apply now through this link( [https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/apply?jobSeqNo=IEAIRCUSREQ52774EXTERNALENUS&step=1)) and be a part of IRC’s mission to restore safety, dignity, and hope to those who need it the most.

If you encounter any difficulties during the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].


Deadline: 4 Aug 2024


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