About the opportunity
The Director will lead BHN’s programme portfolio and establish accountable multi-country delivery. The role will translate verified local priorities and strategic partnerships into well-designed, funded and measurable public-benefit programmes that reduce poverty and build sustainable and resilient communities.
Key responsibilities
- Lead departmental strategy, annual planning, priorities, budgets, risks, staffing and performance reporting.
- Develop and oversee programmes across BHN’s approved sector portfolio outside the Academy.
- Apply country-readiness standards covering strategic fit, credible partners, workplans, resources, safeguarding, evidence and continuation or exit.
- Ensure every active programme has an approved design, results framework, beneficiary definition, data owner and reporting cycle.
- Supervise sector, project, country and regional personnel and establish clear accountability for delivery.
- Manage milestones, partner responsibilities, community participation, risks and corrective actions.
- Coordinate with Partnerships on funding, Finance on controls, MEL on evidence and Communications on verified reporting.
- Embed safeguarding, privacy, security, accessibility, inclusion and responsible technology in programme delivery.
- Represent BHN in approved engagements and prevent unauthorized country, legal or financial commitments.
- Prepare portfolio reports for executive and Board review and escalate material risks promptly.
Person specification
Essential
- Advanced degree or substantial equivalent leadership experience in international development, humanitarian action, public administration or programme management.
- Significant experience designing and managing multi-sector, multi-partner or multi-country programmes.
- Demonstrated leadership of distributed teams, partners, budgets, risks, workplans and reporting.
- Strong knowledge of results-based management, safeguarding, community accountability and programme quality.
- Ability to balance strategic growth with country readiness, delivery capacity, compliance and public benefit.
- Excellent English communication, negotiation, analytical and remote-leadership skills.
Desirable
- Experience working in Africa, the Global South or conflict-affected and underserved contexts.
- Experience with institutional donors, universities, public institutions, NGOs or CSOs.
- Technical familiarity with one or more BHN programme areas.
- French, German or another relevant language.
What BHN offers
- Exposure to BHN’s international network of professionals, academics, universities, NGOs, institutions, development partners and other stakeholders.
- Opportunities to contribute to BHN programmes and international projects aligned with the volunteer’s expertise and professional interests.
- Access to the BHN digital ecosystem and relevant digital tools required for assigned responsibilities.
- Access to learning and professional certification opportunities available through BHN partner programmes, subject to availability and applicable terms.
- Practical experience through real projects, international collaboration and multidisciplinary teams.
- Professional networking, knowledge exchange and collaboration within the BHN community.
- A Volunteer Completion Certificate following satisfactory completion of the agreed assignment.
- A professional Recommendation Letter, subject to satisfactory performance and demonstrated contribution.
Selection process
Applications will be reviewed based on the applicant’s qualifications, relevant experience, motivation, availability and alignment with BHN’s current organizational needs. The process may include application review, shortlisting, an online interview or discussion, reference checks where appropriate, and completion of relevant onboarding, confidentiality and safeguarding requirements. Only shortlisted applicants may be contacted.
Safeguarding and equal opportunity
Bechem Humanitarian Network (BHN) e.V. Germany is committed to safeguarding, dignity, respectful conduct, inclusion and equal opportunity. BHN welcomes applications from suitably qualified individuals regardless of nationality, gender, ethnic or cultural background, disability, age, religion or other protected characteristics. Appointment may be subject to appropriate reference, identity or background checks, depending on the responsibilities of the role.
Note: This is a voluntary opportunity to donate your time, skills and experience to meaningful humanitarian and community-development work through Bechem Humanitarian Network (BHN) e.V. Germany. The engagement offers an opportunity to give back to society, support communities and contribute to reducing poverty and building sustainable and resilient communities. It does not constitute an employment relationship and does not include a salary or financial compensation.