Programme Specialist at Centre for Community Development and Research Network (CCDRN)

Position Overview

• The Programme Specialist will support the Project Director in coordinating program implementation across CCDRN operations by working closely with project leads, M&E, and other technical teams to effectively implement projects.
• S/he will provide strategic and technical leadership across program design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, while ensuring quality delivery of projects in Livelihood, Nutrition, Education, and Peacebuilding interventions.
• The Specialist will embed strong MEAL practices and play a key role in supporting Programme Associates and field teams through capacity building, mentorship, and technical guidance to enhance programme effectiveness and impact.

Key Responsibilities
Programme Planning and Implementation:

• Support the Project Director in the design, planning, and execution of projects in alignment with organizational strategy and donor requirements.
• Coordinate with project leads and technical teams to oversee the implementation of project activities, ensuring high quality and timely delivery of outputs.
• Assist in the development of work plans, implementation strategies, and budgets for assigned projects.
• Ensure programme activities are context-specific, gender-responsive, inclusive, and conflict-sensitive.

Technical Leadership and Support:

• Provide technical guidance on Livelihood, Nutrition, Education, and Peacebuilding interventions to ensure integrated and holistic programming.
• Identify and promote innovative approaches and best practices to enhance project quality and impact.
• Build the capacity of team members through regular mentoring, on-the-job training, and knowledge sharing sessions.
• Support programme teams to mainstream cross-cutting issues such as protection, gender, climate change, and disability inclusion in project activities.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL):

• Collaborate with the MEAL unit to develop and implement effective monitoring frameworks and tools.
• Work closely with M&E teams to ensure programmes are guided by evidence and learning through regular monitoring, field visits, and data review sessions.
• Contribute to the development and review of logical frameworks, indicators, and results frameworks.
• Support the documentation of lessons learned, success stories, and best practices to inform programme adaptation and scale-up.

Coordination and Representation:

• Facilitate effective internal coordination between programme teams, support units, and management, in support of the Project Director.
• Represent the organization in external coordination meetings, technical working groups, and donor engagements as required.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, community structures, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to proposal development, concept notes, and strategic positioning of the organization in relevant sectors.

Compliance, Reporting, and Accountability:

• Ensure project implementation aligns with donor regulations, organizational policies, and relevant standards.
• Prepare timely and quality narrative and technical reports to donors, partners, and internal management.
• Support effective risk management and compliance mechanisms across projects.
• Uphold and promote accountability to affected populations (AAP) in all aspects of programme implementation.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced University Degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Education, Peace and Conflict Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5years of progressive experience in programme design and management within the NGO/INGO sector.
• Proven technical expertise in at least two of the following thematic areas: Livelihood, Nutrition, Education, or Peacebuilding.
• Demonstrated experience in applying MEAL approaches, tools, and frameworks.
• Solid understanding of humanitarian and development contexts.
• Experience in donor reporting and proposal development.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, and reporting.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with a proven capacity to mentor and build the capacity of programme teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of gender equality, protection mainstreaming, and Do-No-Harm principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with project management or MEAL software is an asset.