Head of Programs

FCA Somalia is looking for a Head of Programs (HOP)

Finn Church Aid (FCA) Somalia is looking for a Head of Programs (HOP) to provide leadership and oversight to its programs in Somalia and Somaliland. The Head of Programs (HOP) will provide overall leadership and strategic oversight to FCA’s diverse program portfolio in Somalia and Somaliland. This includes ensuring the effective implementation of FCA’s three key thematic areas—Right to Peace, Right to Quality Education, and Right to Livelihood—in a complex and evolving humanitarian and development landscape. The HOP will work closely with the Country Director and other key stakeholders to ensure that programs are aligned with FCA’s strategic objectives, are contextually relevant, and deliver impactful results.

The HOP will work closely with the Country Director, Project Managers, and FCA’s global technical and administrative teams to ensure that all programs are coordinated, impactful, and compliant with FCA and donor guidelines. The role will require the ability to manage a multi-disciplinary team effectively, ensuring capacity building, mentorship, and ongoing performance management while promoting a collaborative work environment that enhances programmatic outcomes.

Background info on FCA

FCA is the largest Finnish development aid cooperation. FCA works with the most vulnerable people, regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnic backgrounds, or political convictions. FCA work is rights-based, which means that operations are guided by equality, non-discrimination, and responsibility. FCA operates in 12 countries around the world and specializes in three thematic priority areas: Right to Peace (R2P), Right to Livelihood (R2L), and Right to Quality Education (R2QE). For more information, please visit www.kua.fi.

In Somalia, FCA works across multiple sectors, including peacebuilding, education, and livelihood development. Since 2007, FCA Somalia (SOCO) has implemented reconciliation and state-building programs, supporting local governance and women's political participation.

Scope of Work & Deliverables

The Head of Programs (HOP) will be primarily responsible for the leadership, management, and oversight of all FCA programs in Somalia and Somaliland. This includes ensuring the successful implementation of FCA’s key thematic areas—Right to Peace, Right to Quality Education, and Right to Livelihood—while also leading the development of new programs to address emerging needs in the region.

The Head of Programs (HOP) will ensure FCA’s programs align with Somalia’s National Development Plan (NDP 9), Humanitarian Needs Response Plan (HNRP), climate adaptation strategies, and other national frameworks. The HOP will ensure programming addresses national priorities, especially climate resilience. Additionally, the HOP will manage donor and stakeholder relationships, ensuring compliance with regulations while enhancing FCA’s visibility in national and international forums.

Key deliverables include:

• Oversee the implementation of all FCA projects in Somalia and Somaliland, ensuring they meet quality standards and are delivered within the agreed timeline and budget. This includes direct supervision of the technical sector advisors, grants, and the MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) team.
• Lead FCA’s engagement with key stakeholders, including government entities, donors, partners, and local communities. Foster collaboration with relevant humanitarian and development actors to enhance program outcomes and ensure alignment with national priorities.
• Identify and secure new funding opportunities by leading the development of competitive proposals, budgets, and concept notes in line with FCA’s objectives. Strengthen relationships with existing donors and build new partnerships to expand FCA’s program portfolio.
• Ensure that all programs comply with FCA’s policies, donor regulations, and relevant legal frameworks. This includes monitoring grants and ensuring that all financial and programmatic reports are submitted on time and in accordance with donor requirements.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and capacity building to the program team, ensuring that staff are equipped with the skills and tools needed to deliver high-quality programs. Promote a culture of learning and accountability within the team.
• Lead the development of new, innovative programming that addresses the evolving needs of the communities FCA serves. This includes adapting programs to respond to humanitarian crises and ensuring sustainability in development initiatives.

Key Relationships:

Country Director, Head of Programs, program staff and support staff (Finance and logistics); project partners; FCA Grants Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Reconciliation (MOIFAR), and National Organisations.

Required Expertise and Qualification

The candidate must possess the below minimum qualifications and skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, Business Management, or a related field with at least seven (7) years of experience, or a Master’s degree with a minimum of Five (5) years of experience managing multi-donor programs, with a preference for experience in fragile or post-conflict settings.
• Proven expertise in business development, developing funding proposals, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated experience working in East Africa, with a solid understanding of the region’s geopolitical, socio-economic, and cultural contexts.
• Strong problem-solving and leadership skills.
• Ability to travel extensively and work in challenging environments.
• Experience in project management, project planning, M&E, and reporting.
• Excellent skills in analytical thinking and professional writing
• Fluency in English, both oral and written communication.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and experience in working in multi-cultural environments.
• Excellent organizational skills and proactive management and coordination of work.
• Ability to meet deadlines under pressure.

Duration of contract

• The contract's duration is 12 months, a probation period of 6 months