DIRECTOR – REGIONAL PROGRAM EXCELLENCE AND PARTNERSHIPS – EAST & SOUTHERN AFRICA

Work Location: Kenya – Nairobi

Organization: CARE International

Deadline: 25 January 2026

Job Description

* Starting salaries are based on various factors, including candidate experience, education, knowledge, skills, and the cost of labor where the job is based. Salaries listed only apply to jobs based in the US.

Who We Are:

As a global leader, CARE is shaping the future of the humanitarian and development sector. Each year, we deliver support and services to millions of people globally. We do this by focusing on our mission and vision, and the values of equality and excellence that guide our organization. We seek dedicated individuals who align with our mission and are passionate about making it a reality by collaborating with others, embracing learning and innovation, and delivering results.

What We Are Looking For:

At CARE, we value diversely talented people who can bring different experiences and perspectives to our organization. We know that not all applicants will have every skill and qualification. We encourage everyone who meets the minimum required qualifications to apply. Having one or more of the preferred qualifications will strengthen an application. But, even if you are earlier in your career or followed a non-traditional educational or professional path, we hope you will consider a career at CARE.

Job Title: DIRECTOR – REGIONAL PROGRAM EXCELLENCE AND PARTNERSHIPS – EAST & SOUTHERN AFRICA

Job Location(s): Kenya – Nairobi

This role is open to nationals in any of our ESA countries, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

JOB SUMMARY:

Are you a visionary leader who thrives at the intersection of program quality, strategic partnerships, and regional impact? Do you excel at bringing diverse teams together to deliver high-quality, transformative programming at scale? CARE is seeking a highly strategic and collaborative Director, Regional Program Excellence & Partnerships to drive program excellence, strengthen regional coherence, and accelerate fundraising efforts across the ESA region.

This is a pivotal leadership role that shapes CARE’s regional programming footprint and positions the region for long-term success in alignment with CARE’s 2030 Vision. If you are passionate about quality, innovation, partnership-building, and driving collective impact—this role is for you.

Why This Role Matters

As a cornerstone of the Regional Management Unit, you will be the quality assurance leader and strategic connector—ensuring that programs across East & Southern Africa meet the highest standards while enabling collaboration that strengthens outcomes for the communities we serve.

You will work hand-in-hand with Country Offices, CARE Member Partners (CMPs), PSI (Program Strategy and Innovation), IPO (International Programs and Operations), and regional teams to steward multi-country programming, enhance program design, and create coordinated fundraising pathways. Your leadership will ensure that our programming is not only compliant and impactful—but also innovative, locally led, evidence-driven, and aligned with global best practices.

What You Will Lead

Program Delivery Quality Assurance: You will lead the development and oversight of robust regional quality assurance systems that elevate program design, implementation, MEAL, and evaluation across all Country Offices. This includes conducting regular program quality reviews, ensuring alignment with CARE’s Programming Standards and 2030 Strategy, driving data-informed improvements, coordinating technical assistance, and stewarding knowledge management and learning agendas to strengthen localization and networked impact across the region.
Regional Proposal Development & Fundraising Coordination: You will coordinate multi-country and regional proposal development processes, ensuring strategic alignment with CARE Member Partners and leveraging regional comparative strengths. This includes managing the regional proposal pipeline, improving proposal quality through reflective learning, and driving a cohesive partnership strategy that positions the region for greater resource mobilization and stronger engagement with donors and strategic partners.
CMP, PSI & IPO Coordination and Support: You will serve as the central regional liaison for CARE Member Partners, PSI, and IPO teams—ensuring structured communication, coordinated program priorities, and effective collaboration. Your role will foster learning exchange, facilitate joint programming opportunities, strengthen access to technical support, and cultivate regional communities of practice that enhance innovation and cross-organizational alignment.
Support to Staff Management & Leadership: You will contribute to strong performance management systems by supporting goal setting, coaching, and professional development across regional and CO program teams. Additionally, you will play a key role in recruitment, onboarding, and capability strengthening efforts, helping to build high-performing teams that can deliver quality programming across the ESA region

Required Qualifications:

You are Our Ideal Candidate If You Have:

• Advanced leadership experience in program quality management and multi-stakeholder coordination across complex organizational landscapes
• Proven expertise in coordinating cross-regional programs and navigating diverse organizational partnerships with finesse
• Exceptional facilitation skills – you’re comfortable working within networks and communities of practice, building consensus across stakeholder groups
• Track record of excellence in developing and implementing quality assurance systems that drive organizational transformation
• Strategic vision combined with practical execution skills in change management and organizational development
• Change Management: Strong experience in change management, strategic planning, and leading organisational transformation processes

There are individuals who may use CARE’s name and trademark in emails and on websites in an attempt to solicit fees from interested job-seekers. Some examples of these fees are placement fees or immigration processing fees. CARE does not use recruiting or placement agencies that charge candidates an up-front fee of any kind. Occasionally, CARE does employ recruiting or placement agencies to help us identify candidates for specific employment within CARE. If you’re contacted by a legitimate recruiting or placement agency, there should be no charge to you. If you suspect that you have been a victim of fraud from someone purporting to be CARE, please contact us at legal@care.org. Please do not email legal@care.org to apply for this position. Instead, click “apply now” below in order to submit your interest.

CARE is an Equal Opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

Starting salaries are based on internal equity, candidate experience, and the cost of labor where the job is based. Salaries listed only apply to jobs based in the US.