Director of Programs

job description:

1. Develops new proposals and project ideas on behalf of the organization and submit them to UN agencies and different donors.
2. Prepare and submit high-quality internal and external reports including efficient response to donors’ requirements.
3. Provide overall leadership, implementation oversight, and follow-up for all KOHRW programs

1. Regularly assess program performance using quantitative and qualitative data, and provide strategic recommendations to the Executive Director and Senior Management.

5. Ensures compliance with organizational standards, as well as donors’ rules and regulations.

1. Maintain high standards in program design, planning, implementation, reporting, and operational, programmatic, and financial management.
2. Oversee and manage program budgets, timelines, and phased implementation plans.
3. Provide technical oversight and guidance for program implementation across all project locations.
4. Supervise project staff, develop work plans, and strengthen team capacity through coaching and training.
5. Perform any other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

   Responsibilities:

   Programming Strategy & Development

   The Director of Programs at the Kurdistan Organization for Human Rights Watch (KOHRW) leads the development, refinement, and operationalization of KOHRW’s programming strategy, ensuring it is evidence-based, context-responsive, and aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and strategic priorities. The role includes continuous in-depth analysis of the humanitarian, political, economic, and protection context in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region; leading annual strategic reviews; developing collaborative country programming strategies; ensuring needs-driven design grounded in stakeholder analysis; fostering synergies across thematic areas; mainstreaming protection, gender, accountability, and safeguarding standards; facilitating rapid assessments during emerging crises; and representing KOHRW in relevant coordination mechanisms and advocacy platforms.

    

   Fundraising& Proposal Development

   The Director of Programs leads KOHRW’s institutional growth and donor engagement efforts. The role maintains updated donor mapping and opportunity tracking; leads the identification, design, and development of new programs and funding proposals aligned with KOHRW’s strategy; serves as the primary focal point for professional and strategic communication with donors throughout the project lifecycle; oversees competitive proposal development processes; and reviews and authorizes final reports and submissions prior to donor engagement.

    

   Program Implementation, Coordination & follow-up

   The Director of Programs provides overall leadership, oversight, and quality assurance for all KOHRW program development and implementation activities. This includes ensuring timely and compliant implementation of projects; systematic grant Kick-Off, Review, and Close-Out meetings; proactive identification and resolution of implementation risks; effective and transparent budget monitoring in coordination with KOHRW’s Finance Department; strong coordination with field offices; and strict adherence to donor agreements, KOHRW policies, and regulatory requirements.

   Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL)

   The Director of Programs ensures the implementation of robust and participatory Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning systems across all KOHRW programs. The role guarantees that projects measure impact, align with KOHRW’s strategic plan, strengthen technical quality, promote evidence-based learning, and ensure secure, ethical, and confidential information management practices.

   Program Staff Management & Capacity Building

   The Director of Programs supervises KOHRW’s senior program staff and thematic coordinators, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, innovation, and collaboration. Responsibilities include ensuring team structures are fit-for-purpose; leading recruitment of senior program staff; strengthening leadership capacity; conducting annual performance reviews; and promoting localization and national staff development in line with KOHRW’s organizational values.

   Donor Liaison, Partnerships & Representation

   The Director of Programs represents KOHRW to donors, government entities, consortium partners, and civil society actors; cultivates strategic relationships to enhance KOHRW’s visibility and credibility; identifies and develops partnerships with complementary local and international organizations; promotes strong partnership standards; and undertakes regular field visits for support and representation.

    

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

•  Batchelor or Master’s degree in Development Studies, Economics, International Relations, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or related field.
  • Minimum 6–8 years of progressive experience in humanitarian/development programming.
  • At least 5–7 years in senior program management roles.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multi-sector and multi-donor portfolios.
  • Proven track record in proposal development and donor acquisition.
  • Strong financial literacy and grant management experience.
  • Experience leading diverse, cross-cultural teams.
  • Experience in Iraq or similar complex contexts strongly preferred.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required.
• Proficiency in Arabic and/or Kurdish would be considered an asset

Interested candidates should submit their CV in PDF format to: hr@kohrw.org 
 cc: info@kohrw.org

Please indicate “Director of Programs” in the subject line of your email.

Deadline: 11th March 2026
We will contact only shortlisted candidates.