Programs Director

About Right To Play

Right To Play is an international organization dedicated to protecting, educating, and empowering children through the transformative power of play. Last year, our initiatives helped 2.3 million children remain in school and away from work, prevent diseases, and protect against exploitation and abuse. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, we operate in 22 countries across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Our culture is guided by five foundational pillars: inclusion, proactive leadership, integrity, care for one another, and enjoying work.

Role Overview

The Programs Director (PD) reports directly to the Country Director and technically to the Global Director of Program Development. This role manages the design and execution of complex, multi-donor and multi-sector programs within Ghana and assists in resource mobilization and strategic planning for the Country Office.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead in-country program management, ensuring alignment with organizational strategies and donor expectations.
• Develop program strategies and operational plans with the program team, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and standards.
• Advocate for Right To Play policies and seek new funding opportunities supporting the Country Strategic Plan.
• Work with Monitoring & Evaluation Team to maintain effective program monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Manage program budgets, oversee financial reporting, and ensure adherence to funding agreements.
• Lead recruitment assessments, capacity building, performance management, and compliance within the program team.
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with governmental bodies, NGOs, community organizations, and other stakeholders to increase Right To Play's visibility and program impact.
• Conduct regular program monitoring visits and identify risks, implementing mitigation strategies accordingly.
• Represent Right To Play at various forums and act on behalf of the Country Director as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in social sciences, development studies, or related fields, or equal combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of 7 years managing international development programs, engaging with donors and government officials.
• Proven skills in project planning, proposal writing, resource mobilization, partnership development, and NGO collaboration.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Desired Expertise

• Experience in sectors like Education, Child Protection, and Peaceful Communities.
• Background in sport and play, civil society capacity building, coaching or mentoring, gender mainstreaming, and child safeguarding.

Personal Attributes

• Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for building rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• Resilience under pressure and adept problem-solving capabilities.
• Professionalism, diplomacy, and confidence in representing the organization.
• People management skills, including coaching and influencing team members.

Additional Information

Right To Play is committed to equal employment opportunities and offers a family-friendly environment supporting flexible work arrangements to promote staff diversity and work-life balance. The successful candidate will undergo a police record check and vulnerable sector screening due to the organization's child-centered focus. Location for this role is Accra, Ghana.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter by July 5, 2020.