Deputy Country Director – Program Development, Quality & Innovation

About the role

Save the Children is seeking a Deputy Country Director to lead program development, quality and innovation for its Sudan country office. Reporting to the Country Director, the role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on oversight of humanitarian and development programmes, ensuring they meet the organization’s standards and deliver impact for children.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision and direction for the Sudan programme, aligning with global results frameworks and breakthrough objectives.
• Design and implement an effective organisational structure and ensure compliance with Save the Children operating standards, child safeguarding and anti‑harassment policies.
• Lead the development of high‑quality, child‑focused programmes, overseeing proposal writing, resource mobilisation and partnership management with donors, government and NGOs.
• Ensure programme quality by attaining Green status for all quality KPIs, integrating cross‑cutting themes such as gender, disability and resilience, and overseeing MEAL systems.
• Manage and mentor senior staff, drive performance management processes and foster a learning‑oriented culture across the country office.

Required profile

• Extensive senior‑level experience in humanitarian or development programming, preferably in a country leadership role.
• Proven ability to lead multi‑sectoral teams, manage complex stakeholder relationships and secure funding from donors and private sources.
• Strong understanding of child protection, safeguarding policies and Save the Children’s strategic frameworks.

Required skills

• Strategic planning and programme design.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) systems.
• Knowledge management and performance management processes.