International Director of Programmes
About Light for the World
Light for the World (LFTW) is a global disability and development organisation whose vision is an inclusive society where no one is left behind. They enable essential eye health services and help empower people with disabilities in some of the world’s poorest regions. As an employer, Light for the World aims to foster a workplace where individual differences are recognised, appreciated, and respected in ways that utilise each person’s talents and strengths.
Purpose of the Role
The International Director of Programmes leads programme excellence and efficiency across LFTW’s six country offices. This role defines roles, fosters collaboration among country directors, and ensures alignment with organisational goals. The role integrates programme efforts with advocacy objectives, working closely with the Impact and Advocacy team.
Additionally, the position collaborates with the International Director of Finance and Operations and the International Director of Fundraising and Communication to manage a grant portfolio. This requires strategically allocating funds and balancing earmarked and non-earmarked funds based on organisational vision and community needs. The International Director of Programmes will navigate relationships between fundraising teams and programme staff, ensuring alignment with donor expectations. This includes evaluating organisational structures to improve efficiency while maintaining alignment with LFTW’s goals.
Duties and Responsibilities
Programme and Grant Portfolio Management
- Oversee programme planning, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring alignment with organisational mandates.
- Manage earmarked funding grant portfolios and maintain trusted relationships with partners and donors.
- Collaborate with the International Director of Communication and Fundraising to secure matching funds.
Operational Excellence and Organisational Development
- Accountable for efficient management of country offices
- Support operational excellence and foster strategic organisational development.
- Collaborate with the Finance, Controlling, and Systems department to optimise country office operations.
- Foster efficiency and effectiveness by establishing and optimising necessary processes and systems.
Departmental Leadership and Collaboration
- Lead the Programmes department, overseeing resource management and staff empowerment.
- Promote cross-departmental collaboration to enhance programme effectiveness and organisational synergy.
- Champion LFTW’s culture and values with a feminist leadership approach.
Accountability, Compliance, and Safety
- Ensure integrity and compliance with organisational policies, guidelines, and systems.
- Serve as the International Management Team (IMT) Operational Safety and Security Focal Point, leading Crisis Management Teams when necessary.
- Uphold accountability measures to maintain transparency and trust within the organisation.
Senior Management and Organisational Governance
- Contribute to organisational management as a member of the International Senior Management Team.
- Participate in strategic planning, resource allocation, and risk management processes.
- Provide leadership in maintaining corporate governance and guiding decision-making processes.
Skills and Experience
- Experience as a regional or continental director
- Experience with large-scale financial portfolios (up to EUR 2.5 million) focusing on cost recovery strategies.
- Desirable experience in senior management
- Strong understanding of organisational development
- Strong operational management and risk management skills
- Strong understanding of grant management processes and standards
- Knowledge of safeguarding and safety and security mechanisms
- Fluency in English. Desirable languages: French and/or Portuguese