Program Director (f/m/d) DW Akademie Namibia Office full-time NEW

DW is seeking a Program Director (f/m/d) for the DW Akademie office in Windhoek, Namibia as of 1 February 2027 or as soon as possible on the basis of a full-time local staff employment contract initially limited until 31 December 2027 with the possibility of extension.

ROLE
provide operational and strategic steering of DW Akademie’s activities in Namibia and across the region of Southern Africa, including the development of country and regional approaches
ensure the successful implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of media development projects, in particular BMZ and EU
represent DW Akademie and the Namibia Office in engagements with external stakeholders in Namibia and across the region
ensure office operations, incl. local staff coordination, project administration and accounting, risk management and knowledge management
provide strategic, technical, and administrative advisory support to partner organisations
oversee financial management, budgeting and controlling as well as compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
coordinate with donors and other stakeholders, drive resource mobilisation and undertake regular travel within Southern Africa and to Germany
PROFILE
degree or equivalent qualification in media studies, communication, journalism, or other relevant fields
longstanding professional experience in the field of freedom of expression and media development, especially training and consulting; journalistic experience required
solid expertise in topics of media development cooperation (Media Information Literacy, Media Viability, Journalism Education), AI expertise an advantage; excellent knowledge of the media situation in Namibia and Southern Africa
in-depth knowledge of strategic approaches in international development cooperation; demonstrated experience in project/programme management (ideally BMZ and/or EU)
excellent organizational and coordination skills in the context of diverse international program teams; high level of intercultural competence and respect for diversity
high degree of initiative, flexibility, and the ability to work under pressure
excellent communication skills; professional language proficiency in English (min. level C1) required, German language skills an advantage
willingness and ability to travel regularly within the region and to Germany
As employees of Deutsche Welle, we identify with the values laid down in the Deutsche Welle Act. We are especially opposed to every form of discrimination, racism and antisemitism.

How to apply
We promote diversity and equal opportunities. We welcome your application regardless of your nationality, cultural, ethnic or social background and affiliation, religion or belief, disability, sexual identity, gender identity or age. We strive for gender parity at all levels of the organisation and particularly welcome applications from women. The position, if interested, can also be filled by part-time employees. If equally qualified, people with severe disabilities or those of equal status will be given preferential consideration. We are constantly working to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities and to make our locations and working environment accessible. Contact persons for people with disabilities are available during the application process to answer questions and provide further information.

Have we piqued your interest? Then we look forward to receiving your complete application, including CV and cover letter in English, by 5 November 2026, submitted online at https://recruitingapp-5401.de.umantis.com/Vacancies/2827/Description/2?lang=eng