Program Manager – Sudan

Job description

We are urgently recruiting a Program Manager to join our Programs team in Sudan. The role will be an initial fixed term contract starting October 1, 2026, until May 30, 2027. The contract may be renewed subject to funding. This is a country-based position in Sudan, with regular travel across programme locations subject to security and access conditions. At Relief International, we are committed to building a representative, inclusive and authentic workplace. We strongly encourage applications from candidates from minoritized backgrounds and those who bring lived experience of the contexts in which we work. This role is classified as requiring enhanced pre-employment checks. About Relief International Relief International is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Our teams work across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, delivering high-impact Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), Education, Protection and Livelihoods programming. We work alongside local actors and communities to develop safe, inclusive and evidence-based programmes that build resilience and create sustainable change. In Sudan, Relief International delivers multi-sector humanitarian programmes in some of the world's most complex and challenging operating environments, supporting vulnerable communities affected by conflict, displacement and recurrent crises. About the Opportunity The Program Manager will lead Relief International's multi-sector programme portfolio across either Western Sudan or Eastern Sudan, overseeing programme implementation, operational performance, donor compliance, partnership management and team leadership across a portfolio exceeding $10 million USD. Reporting to the Deputy Country Director – Programs, the successful candidate will play a pivotal leadership role in ensuring programmes are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the highest standards of quality and accountability. This role requires a dynamic humanitarian leader who can operate effectively in a complex and rapidly changing environment, balancing strategic oversight with day-to-day programme management. Working closely with technical teams, MEAL, Awards and Partnerships, Finance, Supply Chain, HR and Security colleagues, the Program Manager will drive programme performance while ensuring risks are proactively identified and managed. The role also provides significant opportunities to strengthen local partnerships, support adaptive programming and contribute to the continued growth and impact of Relief International's Sudan portfolio. Your Responsibilities This role includes the following responsibilities. Lead the implementation and performance of a multi-sector humanitarian portfolio, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget and in compliance with donor and organizational requirements. Provide overall oversight of programme planning, start-up, implementation, reporting, modifications and close-out processes. Manage programme budgets, forecasts and expenditure, ensuring strong financial stewardship and compliance with donor regulations. Strengthen programme quality through effective coordination with technical, MEAL, awards, finance, supply chain, HR and security teams. Support partnership management processes, including due diligence, capacity strengthening, compliance monitoring and performance management. Promote accountability to affected populations through strong feedback mechanisms, learning processes and adaptive management approaches. Lead and develop programme teams through effective performance management, coaching, mentoring and staff wellbeing initiatives. Ensure safeguarding, gender equality, inclusion and protection principles are embedded across all programme activities. Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, donors, authorities, clusters and other stakeholders to support effective programme delivery. About You You will bring the following experience and skills. Master's degree in Public Health, International Development, Humanitarian Affairs, Project Management, Social Sciences or another relevant field. Substantial experience managing humanitarian and development programmes in fragile, conflict-affected or complex environments. Proven experience managing institutional donor-funded programmes, including grants from donors such as UN agencies, BHA, PRM, USAID, ECHO, the European Commission and FCDO. Strong programme management expertise, including implementation oversight, compliance management, budgeting, financial monitoring and donor reporting. Experience overseeing multi-sector programmes, with strong technical understanding of at least one sector such as Health, Nutrition, WASH, Protection or Livelihoods. Strong knowledge of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) systems and the use of programme data for decision-making and adaptation. Demonstrated leadership experience managing diverse teams and supporting local partner capacity strengthening. Excellent communication, stakeholder management, analytical and problem-solving skills. Professional fluency in English is essential. Arabic language skills are highly desirable. Previous experience in Sudan or a comparable humanitarian context would be an advantage. How To Apply To apply for this post, click on the Apply button in the job advert page. You will be asked to upload a CV and Cover Letter. The cover letter should be one page and explain why you are interested in this post with Relief International and how your skills and experience make you a good fit. Closing Date September 21, 2026. As a humanitarian organization, Relief International is committed to the safeguarding of all those we come into contact with through our work. We are committed to the core humanitarian principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. Relief International expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and uphold the values and behaviours outlined in the Code of Conduct. Recruitment to all roles in Relief International includes a criminal records self-declaration, references and other pre-employment checks, which may include police and qualifications checks. Due to the nature of this role, we will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and the role might be filled and closed before the closing date. Early applications are encouraged.