Senior Director, Program (Europe and the Middle East)
Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is seeking to hire an experienced and professional Senior Director Program – EME. The purpose of this position is to lead the implementation of HFH EME Area Office (AO) strategic frameworks to address the systemic failures that affect access to adequate and affordable housing. In alignment with HFHI’s Theory of Change, Program Framework and global strategy, this role will lead regional efforts in a coordinated way to ensure housing deficit in the region is reduced. Senior Directors, Programs will align across AOs to ensure there is consistency and congruence in regional strategies. They will also work as a team to coordinate with the HFH network to advance Build + Influence. As a member of the EME Area Leadership Team.
The application deadline for this position is May 19, 2025.
Key Responsibilities:
* Provide inspirational leadership to the programs unit, and across the AO and regional network
* Lead and oversee the implementation of regional strategic goals of the programs unit generating greater scale and higher impact for the Habitat network
* Hold the programs unit to account in the implementation of the regional strategy, in part through clearly and regularly communicating priorities and key initiatives with internal and external stakeholders
* Actively engage with the regional network to ensure the effective implementation of the regional strategy, including through capacity building and provision of expertise from the AO programs unit to branches and independent national organizations
* Ensure MEAL is embedded and embraced throughout projects and programs in the regional network
* Enhance HFH’s Build + Influence efforts through coordination across AOs and with the entire network to advance advocacy goals
* Serve as a key representative and thought leader on programs and advocacy relating to Habitat’s work with both internal and external stakeholders
* Represent the region in global strategic level discussions and initiatives, promoting cross-region collaboration
* Deputize for the AVP, overseeing the AO as a whole, when appropriate
* Oversee grant management and provide technical support to Resource Development in order to achieve Habitat’s growth goals
* Support and enhance collaboration with HFHI’s global teams, including Communications and TCIS, by ensuring alignment with geographic priorities and broader needs within the region, and through coordination with fellow Senior * Directors, Programs in Area Offices
* Lead and oversee the implementation of regional strategic goals of the programs unit generating greater scale and higher impact for the Habitat network, being accountable and ensuring accountability for impact KPIs being achieved across the region
Other Duties:
* Regional Strategic Framework Plan Realization (50%)
- Hold direct teams and regional network to account on the delivery of AO strategic framework
- Provide support to regional network in the development and implementation of Country Strategy Plans, as well as holding relevant teams to account in the delivery of programs strategy
- Support in AO and regional network realignment and resourcing processes including talent recruitment, hiring and compensation efforts in partnership with HR, to ensure AO and NOs are fit for purpose
* Serve as liaison with other HFHI departments to ensure cross-team collaboration, including alignment of support structures, processes, functions, as well as strategy execution and measurement (15%)
* Identify, pursue, and manage contracts and collaborations with external implementing partners to advance regional goals (5%)
* Advise on programmatic direction for regional network, including grant management, MEAL and advocacy (15%)
* Special Projects in support of AO VP (15%)
- To be specified – might include programs thought leadership efforts relating to internal and external stakeholders such as institutional relations
Requirements:
The Senior Director, Programs will need to exercise a broad range of skills ranging from vision setting, high level program design, performance management, facilitation, communication and advocacy, people and change management, helping to ensure alignment and efficiency across a range of teams and projects.
* Bachelor’s degree
* 10+ years’ relevant experience in one of the following: programs; impact; advocacy; or operational support
* Demonstrable track record of leading teams to implement high impact programs, preferably including MEAL and grant management functions
* Capacity to oversee and support advocacy and communications teams
* Strong skillset relating to change management, organizational development and project management
* Experience working effectively in complex, matrixed, ideally federated, organizational structures
* Demonstrated skillset in gathering and analyzing information to form actionable insights, particularly in regards to contextualizing and implementing global strategy at the regional and national levels
* Familiarity with and experience in the housing sector, or a related subject matter area (such as gender, poverty, inequality, migration, climate change, WASH, agriculture, energy efficiency, or urbanization)
* Deep knowledge and experience working in Europe and/or Middle East regions delivering high impact projects at the local or regional level
* Strong level of confidence and relational skills to build trust, influence and interface with all levels of the Habitat network, external partners and a diversity of people
* Excellent people management skills, with the proven ability to lead teams virtually as well as in person
* Capacity to lead and engage with a highly qualified and experienced team of leaders with regional and subject matter expertise
* High degree of resourcefulness to lead projects that may not be clearly defined
* Mission-driven and comfortable leading within, communicating about, and working within a Christian organization
* Strong written, presentation and oral communication skills in English
- Humility – We are part of something bigger than ourselves
- Courage – We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular
- Accountability – We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission
- Safeguarding: HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.
Preferred:
Language: English at a minimum. Other languages spoken in Europe, or MENA, preferred.
#LI-BW1
The application deadline for this position is May 19, 2025.
Key Responsibilities:
* Provide inspirational leadership to the programs unit, and across the AO and regional network
* Lead and oversee the implementation of regional strategic goals of the programs unit generating greater scale and higher impact for the Habitat network
* Hold the programs unit to account in the implementation of the regional strategy, in part through clearly and regularly communicating priorities and key initiatives with internal and external stakeholders
* Actively engage with the regional network to ensure the effective implementation of the regional strategy, including through capacity building and provision of expertise from the AO programs unit to branches and independent national organizations
* Ensure MEAL is embedded and embraced throughout projects and programs in the regional network
* Enhance HFH’s Build + Influence efforts through coordination across AOs and with the entire network to advance advocacy goals
* Serve as a key representative and thought leader on programs and advocacy relating to Habitat’s work with both internal and external stakeholders
* Represent the region in global strategic level discussions and initiatives, promoting cross-region collaboration
* Deputize for the AVP, overseeing the AO as a whole, when appropriate
* Oversee grant management and provide technical support to Resource Development in order to achieve Habitat’s growth goals
* Support and enhance collaboration with HFHI’s global teams, including Communications and TCIS, by ensuring alignment with geographic priorities and broader needs within the region, and through coordination with fellow Senior * Directors, Programs in Area Offices
* Lead and oversee the implementation of regional strategic goals of the programs unit generating greater scale and higher impact for the Habitat network, being accountable and ensuring accountability for impact KPIs being achieved across the region
Other Duties:
* Regional Strategic Framework Plan Realization (50%)
- Hold direct teams and regional network to account on the delivery of AO strategic framework
- Provide support to regional network in the development and implementation of Country Strategy Plans, as well as holding relevant teams to account in the delivery of programs strategy
- Support in AO and regional network realignment and resourcing processes including talent recruitment, hiring and compensation efforts in partnership with HR, to ensure AO and NOs are fit for purpose
* Serve as liaison with other HFHI departments to ensure cross-team collaboration, including alignment of support structures, processes, functions, as well as strategy execution and measurement (15%)
* Identify, pursue, and manage contracts and collaborations with external implementing partners to advance regional goals (5%)
* Advise on programmatic direction for regional network, including grant management, MEAL and advocacy (15%)
* Special Projects in support of AO VP (15%)
- To be specified – might include programs thought leadership efforts relating to internal and external stakeholders such as institutional relations
Requirements:
The Senior Director, Programs will need to exercise a broad range of skills ranging from vision setting, high level program design, performance management, facilitation, communication and advocacy, people and change management, helping to ensure alignment and efficiency across a range of teams and projects.
* Bachelor’s degree
* 10+ years’ relevant experience in one of the following: programs; impact; advocacy; or operational support
* Demonstrable track record of leading teams to implement high impact programs, preferably including MEAL and grant management functions
* Capacity to oversee and support advocacy and communications teams
* Strong skillset relating to change management, organizational development and project management
* Experience working effectively in complex, matrixed, ideally federated, organizational structures
* Demonstrated skillset in gathering and analyzing information to form actionable insights, particularly in regards to contextualizing and implementing global strategy at the regional and national levels
* Familiarity with and experience in the housing sector, or a related subject matter area (such as gender, poverty, inequality, migration, climate change, WASH, agriculture, energy efficiency, or urbanization)
* Deep knowledge and experience working in Europe and/or Middle East regions delivering high impact projects at the local or regional level
* Strong level of confidence and relational skills to build trust, influence and interface with all levels of the Habitat network, external partners and a diversity of people
* Excellent people management skills, with the proven ability to lead teams virtually as well as in person
* Capacity to lead and engage with a highly qualified and experienced team of leaders with regional and subject matter expertise
* High degree of resourcefulness to lead projects that may not be clearly defined
* Mission-driven and comfortable leading within, communicating about, and working within a Christian organization
* Strong written, presentation and oral communication skills in English
- Humility – We are part of something bigger than ourselves
- Courage – We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular
- Accountability – We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission
- Safeguarding: HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.
Preferred:
Language: English at a minimum. Other languages spoken in Europe, or MENA, preferred.
#LI-BW1
Location:
Bratislava, Slovakia
Position Category:
International Post
Type:
International Employment
Function:
Advocacy, Communications, International National Organization, International Programs, Strategy
Travel:
30%
About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity, founded in 1976, is a global, Christian-based nonprofit organization that grew out of an intentionally multi-racial community in rural Georgia. Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat brings together people of all faiths and people of no faith to build homes, communities and hope. Working alongside each other, we help families and individuals build and improve places to call home and achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Habitat seeks individuals who have a willingness to affirm these principles and values.
At Habitat for Humanity International, we are compelled by our Koinonia roots to put God’s love for all into action and pursue housing equity and opportunity by bringing all people together to build community and drive impact. We strive to build a culture rooted in learning, accountability and trust, attracting and retaining mission-driven talent reflective of the global communities we serve.
As an equal opportunity employer, we realize our success depends on courageously committing to being a workplace where all staff feel safe, welcome, visible, respected, supported and valued, and building a workforce that reflects a variety of lived experiences, backgrounds and perspectives, in which every person experiences dignity and respect.
We also require that all staff take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities (especially children) and all those with whom we work. In line with the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, all staff must pass a thorough background screening and will be held accountable to upholding our policies around ethical behavior, including safeguarding and whistleblowing.