Programs Department Manager

Job Title: Programs Department Manager

Location: Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (KRI), with frequent travel to other areas of KRI.

Type of position: Employment contract/Expat contract

Length of Contract: 12 Months

Compensation and Benefits: SEED welcomes applications from both national and expatriate candidates. Competitive salary and benefits package designed to recognize skills and experience, with benefits tailored according to employee status. Expatriate packages include relocation support, housing allowance, health insurance, and local transportation allowance.

About SEED: SEED is a women-led, local NGO in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, dedicated to creating a thriving society by advancing social protection and human development. We support individuals, empower communities, and strengthen systems to drive lasting change and equal opportunity. With a focus on collaboration, we promote gender equality, protect children, combat human trafficking, and improve mental health and well-being. SEED’s holistic, locally-driven approach integrates transformational services, community development, training and education, and advocacy to create sustainable impact. SEED is committed to creating a just, equitable society where everyone's rights are protected, with healthy families and strong communities, and a future where everyone can thrive. 

Position Summary:

The Programs Department Manager (PDM) is a senior leadership role, responsible for overseeing SEED’s program portfolio and program development function across all sectors. Reporting directly to the President and working closely with the Senior Management Team, the PDM will: provide strategic direction and ensure high-quality program design and implementation; oversee grant and compliance management, donor engagement, and private donor stewardship; lead SEED’s Program Development and Management Unit, which leads on program opportunity analysis, proposal development, contract negotiation, as well as program and project design and launch, and the development and implementation of systems, guidance, and processes for program implementation and oversight; manage and provide capacity building support and oversight to SEED’s program team; coordinate and collaborate with other departments and units in particular implementing departments, MEAL, and communications; represent SEED with donors, government authorities, and coordination bodies. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to transformative change in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, leading innovative and impactful programs that help to create a future where everyone can thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership of SEED’s Program Portfolio (50%) 

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for all programs and program staff.
• Ensure alignment with SEED’s mission, values, and strategic plan and contribute to organizational planning.
• Oversee high-quality, impactful program implementation.
• Lead program/grants management, budget oversight, and compliance.
• Provide oversight of program implementation through quarterly review of program targets and work plans, monthly field visits, and compliance reviews.
• Lead programmatic grant management processes including grant review meetings, program updates for SMT, and ensure Program Managers adhere to systems.
• Oversee sub-grant process and partnerships and ensure capacity building and mutual learning to ensure accountability and sustainability
• Supervise resource planning, budget oversight, and ensure compliance with SEED and donor regulations.
• Represent SEED including with donors, coordination bodies, and government authorities.
• Promote coordination across sectors and ensure community needs and client feedback shape programming.

2. Leadership of Program Development and Private Donor Stewardship (30%)

• Guide development of tools and approaches to enhance program quality and accountability.
• Oversee the design and submission of proposals and concept notes.
• Maintain awareness of humanitarian and development best practices.
• Oversee program development processes, including development of proposal and concept notes.
• Strengthen outcome-based programming and evidence-driven design.
• Lead stewardship and management of private donors and cultivate new partnerships.

3. Program Management Systems, Compliance, and Accountability (10%)

• Oversee the development, improvement, and enforcement of systems, policies, and tools that support effective program implementation.
• Ensure compliance with donor and SEED’s policies and requirements, financial accountability, and audit readiness.
• Monitor grant compliance and associated risk management processes.
• Support grants and finance teams to ensure sound financial management, timely donor reporting, and program audit readiness.

4. Department and Staff Management (10%)

• Supervise and support Program Managers and other key program staff.
• Build staff capacity, promote well-being, and foster collaboration.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and professional development of program staff.
• Work closely with MEAL to ensure robust monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning.
• Represent SEED in external forums, including with donors, coordination bodies, and government authorities.
• Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with NGOs, UN agencies, and government counterparts.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Master's degree in a relevant field is required.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience managing complex humanitarian and/or development programming, including in post conflict settings.
• Proven leadership and management skills with experience managing multidisciplinary and cross-cultural teams.
• Strong understanding of protection, MHPSS, education, youth and women’s empowerment programming. Social cohesion and community development programming a strong plus.
• Experience with international donor regulations (e.g., USG, EU, UN, private funding).
• Excellent strategic thinking, coordination, and organizational skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English, with  Kurdish or Arabic a plus.
• Demonstrated success in representation, resource mobilization, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage competing priorities, and maintain humor under pressure.

To Apply:  

• Interested candidates are invited to submit their cover letter and resume via this LINK.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Safeguarding Statement 

SEED staff are expected to perform job duties and responsibilities professionally, respecting SEED’s Code of Conduct and Policies. SEED is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants, or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members as part of our commitment to a safe and harmonious work environment.