Associate Program Director (Gender Justice)

Role Overview

The Associate Director Programs will take charge of shaping and executing program operations over the next 5-10 years. This role involves streamlining processes, strengthening teams, and developing new initiatives, with a particular focus on preventing sexual violence. The ideal candidate combines operational expertise with strategic thinking and can drive high-impact programs at scale. Key Responsibilities 1. Program Operations & Execution Lead teams to optimise workflows, ensuring smooth delivery of programs. Transition from multiple independent initiatives to a cohesive program model with clear governance and accountability. Define and implement SOPs, reporting structures, and operational frameworks. Build and maintain partnerships with implementing agencies to co-deliver interventions. Enhance internal support mechanisms for fundraising, communications, and branding. Strengthen financial planning, tracking, and reporting processes. 2. Innovation & Data-Driven Insights Develop and pilot new approaches based on program learnings, collaborating across teams and with external experts. Set up robust Theory of Change and Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) frameworks to support evidence-based decision-making. Leverage technology and data to inform program improvements and scale impact. 3. Leadership & Capacity Development Foster a collaborative, mission-focused team culture with unified goals. Build leadership capacity across thematic areas and strengthen the second line of leadership to enable independent project ownership. Serve as a thought leader in the sector and represent the program externally. Work closely with HR to structure teams and build capabilities aligned with strategic objectives, embed culture and values in decision-making, and champion progressive people practices such as hybrid work, wellbeing, and inclusion. Qualifications & Experience At least 12 years of professional experience, including a minimum of 5 years working on programs related to sexual violence, gender justice, or adolescent-focused interventions at scale. Minimum 5 years in senior leadership roles with end-to-end responsibility for large initiatives. Postgraduate degree in Public Policy, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Management, or a related discipline. Desired Skills & Attributes Proven experience managing relationships with diverse stakeholders including government agencies, institutional and corporate partners, and funders. Strong track record in leading large, multi-location teams and programs. Ability to conceptualize, plan, and scale interventions nationwide. Deep understanding of gender justice and adolescent-focused issues. Collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to challenges. Comfortable leading teams through ambiguity with strategic foresight. Demonstrated success in scaling national-level programmatic initiatives.