Country Head of Programmes Burkina Faso Full Time NEW

Position: Country Head of Programmes Burkina Faso

Reporting to: Country Representative

Collaborating with: Head of Departments and Project Managers

Location: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Starting date: ASAP

Application deadline: 24/10/2025

Family Duty Station: NO

R&R: YES

Working Context

WeWorld supports people in overcoming emergencies, and it strives to guarantee that everyone can have a decent and dignified life as well as opportunities and a better future. WeWorld is an independent Italian organization that has been working in international cooperation and humanitarian aid for 50 years. WeWorld began its activities in Burkina Faso in 1985. Following a break, it resumed its activities in 2012 focusing on the promotion of women empowerment and support to vulnerable groups to provide emergency relief to the most vulnerable, support displaced populations and to strengthen the resilience of local populations. The sectors of intervention spans from food security and nutrition to protection and local development. WeWorld currently works in the provinces of Soum, Oudalam and Kadiogo with offices in Ouagadougou, Djibo, and Gorom Gorom.

Purpose of the Role

The Country Head of Programmes will supervise all ongoing projects in the country in accordance with the strategy, plans and policies of the WeWorld mission in Burkina Faso and will ensure technical and quality control of ongoing project interventions and contribute to the development of new ones.

Main functions and duties

Programme Management and Quality Management

• Coordinate the development of new projects (design of the logical framework, participation in drafting the budget, and writing the narrative) in collaboration with other stakeholders in the organization (WeWorld head office, technical experts, etc.)
• Ensure quality implementation of 5 projects currently being carried out in the vocational training, food safety, protection, and disaster risk reduction sectors
• Oversee and update project work plans, with input from the relevant project managers and team members, to ensure proper implementation of activities
• Coordinate the work, provide quality control, and support to Project Managers, in collaboration with the Country Representative
• With the support of the Finance Coordinator, manage budgets in accordance with donor and WeWorld guidelines, assisting Project Managers with budget revisions when necessary
• In collaboration with the MEAL Manager, provide advice and support to Project Managers in planning work, budgets, and expenditure related to MEAL components
• Provide support and supervision to Project Managers through regular field visits and meetings with project staff and team members
• Supervise and coordinate reporting to donors in collaboration with each Project Manager
• Ensure that all reports are properly drafted and submitted on time to the donors
• In the absence of the Project Manager, carry out management tasks related to the implementation of the project, from both a programmatic and financial perspective

HR Management

• In accordance with WeWorld procedures and in collaboration with the Human Resources department, support the Project Managers and HR department as needed in the recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of the project staff, including identifying capacity-building needs and implementing appropriate training sessions
• Directly supervise 5 people (4 Project Managers and 1 MEAL Manager) currently working on the projects
• Supervise and build the capacity of the project teams involved
• Ensure that project staff comply with WeWorld’s rules and regulations and adhere to WeWorld’s values and code of ethics

Development of Strategies and New Projects

• Play a key role in developing and defining the mission’s country strategy under the supervision and coordination of the Country Representative
• Support the Country Representative in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the mission’s strategy and program, providing up-to-date information, input, and recommendations for new and ongoing interventions in the country
• In cooperation with the Country Representative, Head of Regional Unit, national staff, and head office departments, contribute to updating the country strategy for the mission
• Lead the development and drafting of potential new funding opportunities and project proposals

Monitoring, Assessment, and Supervision

• Contribute to the implementation of the MEAL strategy and tools for the mission and its projects
• Assist the MEAL Manager in setting up and supervising project MEAL plans
• Support Project Managers in planning and monitoring the implementation of activities and the achievement of results

Representation, Coordination, and Advocacy

• In coordination with the Project Managers and the Country Representative, establish and maintain collaborative relationships with donors, project stakeholders, and other organizations working in the project areas
• Proactively participate in various coordination meetings at the national level
• Participate in meetings (with program managers from other NGOs, clusters, relevant donors at the central level or in the field, etc.), following the instructions of the Country Representative
• Represent WeWorld at sectoral and coordination meetings when necessary

The duties and responsibilities set forth above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to perform additional duties.

Job Specifications

Essential Requirements

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Advanced university degree or equivalent in the field of Social or Political Science, Development Studies, Economics, International relations, Project Management, Agronomy, Business development
• Knowledge of main donors’ policies and procedures (EU, UN Agencies, Italian Cooperation, ECHO)
• Good computer skills, in particular MS Office package
• Fluency in written and spoken French (English is an asset)

Professional experience

• At least 5 years of relevant working experience in humanitarian or development settings
• Proven experience in project proposal writing
• Proven experience of team management
• Proven experience of fundraising, particularly with humanitarian donors (ECHO, OCHA, UN, etc.)

Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal relationships and good communication and leadership skills
• Ability to perform under stress conditions
• Capacity to work autonomously and in problem prevention/resolution
• Proven organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks while fostering quality, team spirit and positive working relationships with colleagues
• Integrity in line with the Humanitarian Principles and ethical standards
• Cultural, gender, religion, and age sensitivity and adaptability

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience in Burkina Faso or sub-Saharan Africa
• Knowledge of Italian

WHAT WE OFFER

Type of contract: a first 6 (six) month collaboration contract subject to verification of the achievement of specific objectives (these objectives will be agreed together with the Line Manager upon arrival on assignment); a second collaboration contract of 6 (six) months, following the positive evaluation of the first months of contract and according to financial coverage

Economic conditions: to be defined according to WeWorld Expatriates Compensation Policy: Base Salary (seniority/role held) + Contributions (role complex, housing and hardship based on place of work)

Annual leave: 2,5 days/month (working days)

Flight ticket: one return flight every 12 months of contract

Health insurance: covered

Family duty Station: NO

R&R: YES (5 days each 12 weeks – Daily Allowance covers costs of expenses for food, accommodation and travel)

Tagged as: Burkina Faso, WeWorld