Plan International is Seeking a Head of Programmes – Rwanda: Apply by 30 September 2026
Join Our WhatsApp Channel for Latest UpdatesPlan International is Seeking a Head of Programmes – Rwanda: Apply by 30 September 2026
Plan International – Head of Programmes – Kigali, Rwanda
Complete guide to eligibility, benefits, responsibilities, and application process
Quick Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Plan International (Rwanda Country Office) |
| Position | Head of Programmes |
| Location | Kigali, Rwanda |
| Duration | Full-time, Senior Leadership |
| Eligibility | Rwandan nationals only |
| Focus | Programme Management, Children's Rights, Girls' Rights, Gender Equality |
| Benefits | Competitive remuneration, senior leadership role, international NGO exposure |
| Application Deadline | 30 September 2026 |
| Official Website |
Opportunity Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Organisation | Plan International |
| Opportunity Category | Job / Senior Programme Management |
| Location | Kigali, Rwanda |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Language | English |
About Plan International
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation working to advance children's rights and equality for girls. The organisation works with children, young people, communities, partners and supporters across more than 80 countries.
Its work focuses on addressing the root causes of poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination while supporting children and young people to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity.
Role of the Head of Programmes
The Head of Programmes will provide strategic leadership for the programme portfolio of Plan International Rwanda and ensure that projects are aligned with the organisation's Country Strategy, global standards and programme priorities.
The role involves overseeing the complete programme cycle, including:
| Responsibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Programme and Project Design | Strategic design of programmes and projects |
| Strategic Planning and Implementation | Planning and implementing programme strategies |
| Programme Quality and Learning | Ensuring quality and learning across programmes |
| Monitoring and Evaluation | Overseeing M&E processes |
| Risk Management | Managing programme risks |
| Budget and Resource Management | Managing budgets and resources |
| Project Closure | Overseeing project closure processes |
| Fundraising and Proposal Development | Supporting fundraising and proposal development |
| Influencing and Strategic Partnerships | Building and managing strategic partnerships |
The successful candidate will work closely with Programme Managers, Project Managers and Programme Unit Managers to ensure that programmes are effectively planned, delivered and evaluated. As a member of the Country Management Team, the Head of Programmes will contribute to strategic decision-making and implementation of Plan International Rwanda's Country Strategy.
The role will also support fundraising by providing technical leadership and helping develop strong, high-quality funding proposals.
Gender-Transformative Programming
A central responsibility of the position is ensuring that programmes contribute meaningfully to gender equality, girls' rights and the rights of children and young people. The Head of Programmes will help ensure that programme interventions are gender-transformative, sustainable and capable of producing measurable improvements for children, girls and young people across Rwanda.
The role also requires strong integration of safeguarding principles into programme design and implementation.
Safeguarding and Organisational Standards
Because Plan International works directly with children and young people, the Head of Programmes is expected to uphold the organisation's safeguarding standards and policies. The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate commitment to:
| Standard | Details |
|---|---|
| Safeguarding | Safeguarding children and young people |
| PSHEA | Preventing sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse |
| Gender Equality | Commitment to gender equality |
| Diversity and Inclusion | Commitment to diversity and inclusion |
| Racial Justice | Commitment to racial justice |
| Girls' Rights | Commitment to girls' rights |
| Organisational Values | Plan International's organisational values and behaviours |
Plan International conducts pre-employment checks as part of its safeguarding procedures. Recruitment may also involve checks under the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is specifically advertised for Rwandan nationals.
| Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Rwandan nationals only |
| Experience | Substantial experience in programme leadership, development or humanitarian programming |
| Leadership | Capable of providing strategic and operational leadership across a complex country programme |
| Programme Quality | Ability to manage programme quality, teams, budgets, risks, partnerships and fundraising |
| Strategic Thinking | Strong strategic thinking, programme management, collaboration, communication and influencing capabilities |
| Alignment | Ability to ensure interventions remain aligned with organisational strategy and standards |
Location, Contract and Reporting
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Head of Programmes |
| Organisation | Plan International |
| Location | Kigali, Rwanda – Country Office |
| Eligibility | Rwandan nationals only |
| Reports to | Country Director |
| Grade | Level 18 |
| Field | Programme Management |
| Posted | 16 September 2026 |
| Closing Date | 30 September 2026 |
Essential Skills and Competencies
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
| Strategic Programme Leadership | Experience leading country-level programme management |
| Programme Design | Designing and implementing high-quality development or humanitarian programmes |
| Gender-Transformative Programming | Experience in gender-transformative programming and girls' rights |
| Monitoring & Evaluation | Programme monitoring, evaluation and learning |
| Budget & Risk Management | Budget, risk and project-cycle management |
| Fundraising | Fundraising and development of competitive proposals |
| Partnership Management | Partnership management and stakeholder engagement |
| Safeguarding | Safeguarding and protection expertise |
| Team Leadership | Leading multidisciplinary teams |
| Influencing | Influencing policy and programme priorities |
How to Strengthen the Application
Applicants can strengthen their applications by clearly demonstrating experience relevant to the responsibilities of the position. In particular, the application should highlight experience in:
Strategic programme leadership and country-level programme management
Designing and implementing high-quality development or humanitarian programmes
Gender-transformative programming and girls' rights
Programme monitoring, evaluation and learning
Budget, risk and project-cycle management
Fundraising and development of competitive proposals
Partnership management and stakeholder engagement
Safeguarding and protection
Leading multidisciplinary teams
Influencing policy and programme priorities
Applicants should use specific examples and measurable results wherever possible rather than relying only on general descriptions of responsibilities.
Application Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the official Plan International careers platform |
| 2 | Review the full job description carefully |
| 3 | Confirm you meet the nationality requirement |
| 4 | Prepare your CV and application demonstrating relevant experience |
| 5 | Highlight strategic management and programme leadership capabilities |
| 6 | Submit before 30 September 2026 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Posted | 16 September 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 30 September 2026 |
| Start Date | As per recruitment timeline |
Important Links
| Description | URL |
|---|---|
| Official Application Page | https://career5.successfactors.eu/sfcareer/jobreqcareerpvt?jobId=54963&company=PlanInt |
| Plan International Official Website | |
| CareerFlora |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Q1. What is the position? | Head of Programmes at Plan International Rwanda. |
| Q2. Where is it located? | Kigali, Rwanda. |
| Q3. Who can apply? | Rwandan nationals only. |
| Q4. Is it paid? | Yes, as per Plan International standards (Grade Level 18). |
| Q5. What are the benefits? | Competitive remuneration, senior leadership role, international NGO exposure. |
| Q6. What are the responsibilities? | Programme design, implementation, quality, M&E, risk, budget, fundraising, partnerships. |
| Q7. Is work authorization provided? | Position is for Rwandan nationals only. |
| Q8. What is the deadline? | 30 September 2026. |
| Q9. How to apply? | Online through the official Plan International careers platform. |
| Q10. When does the role start? | As per recruitment timeline. |
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The Plan International Head of Programmes – Rwanda Job 2026 offers a unique opportunity for experienced development professionals to provide strategic leadership for a complex country programme. The role's emphasis on gender-transformative programming, safeguarding, and programme quality provides candidates with meaningful experience that can shape their careers in international development.
The senior leadership position, combined with Plan International's global network, ensures that the successful candidate receives high-quality exposure to groundbreaking development work and international collaboration.
Best Opportunity For
| Category | Suitable |
|---|---|
| Programme Managers | Yes |
| Development Professionals | Yes |
| Humanitarian Professionals | Yes |
| Rwandan Nationals | Yes |
| Gender Equality Experts | Yes |
| Children's Rights Advocates | Yes |
| Senior NGO Leaders | Yes |
Competition Level
| Category | Level |
|---|---|
| Overall Competition | High |
| Selection Difficulty | Competitive |
| Application Complexity | Medium |
CareerFlora Recommendation
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Value | Excellent |
| Career Growth | Very High |
| Application Difficulty | Medium |
| Apply Early | Strongly Recommended |
Final Call-to-Action
Apply for Plan International Head of Programmes – Rwanda Job 2026 before 30 September 2026.
Visit the official application page: https://career5.successfactors.eu/sfcareer/jobreqcareerpvt?jobId=54963&company=PlanInt
Review eligibility requirements
Confirm you meet the nationality requirement
Prepare your CV and application demonstrating relevant programme leadership experience
Submit before 30 September 2026
Follow CareerFlora for the latest updates