Programme Development Manager 163 views

SOS Children’s Villages in The Gambia is a non-governmental social development organisation that has been active in the field of children’s rights and committed to children’s needs and concerns since 1982. Focussing its work on children without parental care and children in families in difficult circumstances, the organisation has a wide range of programmes, which include: Children’s Villages, Youth Facilities, Family Strengthening Programmes, Kindergartens, Schools, a Mother and Child Clinic, Vocational Training Centres, Youth Empowerment projects, a Community Strengthening Through Green Economy and Education Project, a Monetising Waste Project and a Gender Equality Project

SOS Children’s Villages in The Gambia is looking for a suitably qualified candidate for the position of a Programme Development Manager.

Position summary:
The Programme Development (PD) Manager ensures the implementation of the SOS Children’s Village Programme Policy and drives the delivery of quality child development programmes and projects supported by various funding sources. The role oversees work with families of origin, SOS families, and interventions including direct essential services, capacity building, and advocacy in care and education. The PD Manager heads the National Programme Development Department, monitors quality assurance systems, and works with peers from other National Associations to ensure successful development of child-related programmes and initiatives.

The Programme Development Manager reports directly to the National Director.

General aim of the position

• To provide strategic leadership in programme development, quality assurance, and capacity building, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, impactful programmes that uphold the rights and well-being of children and families.

• Lead the development of national programmes in line with the SOS Children’s Village Programme Policy and related organisational policies.

• Direct the processes of national Child Rights Situation Analyses (CRSA) and feasibility studies at location level.

• Support the development of qualitative programme proposals and steer their implementation to reach strategic targets.

• Participate in strategic and annual planning processes as a member of the National Management Team.

• Oversee the implementation of quality standards, quality assurance systems, and monitoring & evaluation frameworks across all programmes.

• Conduct regular support visits to programme units and projects, providing technical advice, guidance, and training.

• Lead, supervise, and build the capacity of the national Programme Development Department staff and technically support programme managers.

• Coordinate all research activities and support the documentation and sharing of good practices and lessons learned.

• Ensure the development of a national advocacy strategy and action plan, building partnerships and representing SOS in key child protection networks and platforms.

Qualifications/Competencies required:

• A Master’s degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Project Management, or a closely related field.

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in programme development, management, and quality assurance within the NGO sector, preferably in child rights and protection.

• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, proposal development, and grant management.

• Strong knowledge of monitoring & evaluation frameworks, quality assurance systems, and results-based management.

• Proven experience in policy implementation, advocacy, and partnership building with government and civil society actors.

• Excellent leadership, team management, and capacity-building skills.

• Strong analytical, research, and report-writing abilities.

• Outstanding communication, networking, and representation skills.

• Deep commitment to child rights, gender equality, and inclusive programming.

We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package

• A supportive team working environment

• Opportunity to work for a well respected and recognised NGO

• A strategic leadership role shaping the future of child-focused programmes in The Gambia.

To apply, submit your letter of interest with Curriculum Vitae and certificates to: [email protected] with the subject line: PDMANAGER2025. Closing date for submission of applications is 24th March, 2026. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

For more information on this project please visit our website at www.sosgambia.org

What We Stand For:
SOS Children’s Villages is committed to creating and maintaining a caring and protective environment, which promotes its core values, and prevents and addresses child abuse and exploitation. We strongly condemn all forms of child abuse and exploitation, be it within or outside of our organisation, and always respond to any case of proven, alleged or attempted abuse within our sphere of influence according to its nature. Efforts ensure that mechanisms are in place to raise awareness, aid prevention, encourage reporting and ease response. They range from human resource development actions such as training and counselling to measures such as suspension, dismissal, and legal action.