About the organization
The Graines de Paix Foundation carries out an educational and societal mission. It works to transform education and social action in order to develop the multiple life skills and human values of children and young people. These skills and values help them grow, prevent violence, and develop peaceful reflexes. In this way, they are better equipped to build their future as citizens and professionals. Graines de Paix also works with families and communities, helping them strengthen their own capacities to support children and young people with confidence, prevent violence and violent extremism, and foster a culture of peace.
To achieve this, the Foundation develops innovative educational, vocational training, and social programs based on learning through dialogue. In this way, the development of skills and values takes place through experience and practice. The focus is on the growth, identity, and critical thinking of children and young people through teachers, social workers, and community stakeholders.
Position overview
The Head of Programs position is intended for an experienced professional capable of driving the development of innovative international programs that transform education, vocational training, and community action. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role combines strategic, operational, and managerial responsibilities.
In this role, you will be responsible for leading, structuring, and developing the entire program portfolio. You will ensure the quality and consistency of the programs, as well as excellence in project management practices. The objective is to deliver strong, measurable impact, recognized by beneficiaries, public authorities, international agencies, and private donors. You will build trusted and collaborative relationships with these stakeholders and contribute to the consolidation and expansion of the Foundation’s activities. You will work closely with our other department heads and country directors to achieve these goals.
Key responsabilities
1. Strategic Program Leadership
- Define and implement the program strategy in line with the Foundation’s vision.
- Structure and lead a multi-country / multi-partner project portfolio.
- Ensure alignment of programs with institutional priorities and donor requirements.
- Identify opportunities for program development and innovation.
- Identify, analyze, and mitigate project risks.
2. Development and Partnerships
- Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships aimed at new programs.
- Optimize responses to selected calls for proposals.
- Actively contribute to fundraising efforts (project proposals, donor relations).
- Represent the Foundation with institutional and technical partners.
3. Project Management
- Define and roll out project management standards, tools, and methodologies across the department.
- Oversee the full project life cycle (planning, implementation, monitoring, and closure).
- Establish robust performance monitoring mechanisms (KPIs, dashboards, risk management).
- Ensure the quality of narrative and financial reporting.
- Foster a management culture focused on results and impact.
4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Knowledge Management
- Set up and oversee monitoring and evaluation systems (M&E).
- Ensure the capitalization of lessons learned and continuous improvement.
- Promote data-driven and evidence-based approaches to impact.
5. Team Management
- Lead and develop a team of project managers.
- Structure roles, responsibilities, and internal processes.
- Support the development of project management skills (coaching, tools).
- Foster collaborative, high-performing, and harmonious teamwork within the operational team and with country office leads.
Profile sough
Education
- University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international relations, education sciences, or a related field.
- Advanced project management certification required (e.g., Project Management Institute, PRINCE2, Hermes, or equivalent).
Experience
- Minimum 7 years of experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder, multi-country programs/projects.
- Experience in developing institutional funding proposals, including evaluation components.
- Experience managing local and international teams, including within development NGOs if possible.
- Experience in, or a strong interest in, the education sector and its current evolution.
Key Skills
- Strategic program development and implementation
- Strong command of project management methodologies, standards, and frameworks (project cycle, logical framework, theory of change, risk management)
- Ability to structure, budget, and lead complex programs
- Budget monitoring and reporting
- Coordination of multidisciplinary teams
- People-centered, empowering, rigorous, and goal-oriented management
Required Aptitudes
- Strong sense of responsibility, proactivity, and results orientation
- Strong analytical rigor, prioritization skills, and attention to detail
- Fluency in spoken and written French and English; knowledge of German is a plus
- Strong conceptual, writing, and synthesis skills
- Strong communication and confident representation skills
Conditions
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Workload: 60–80%
- Permanent contract
- Start date: to be agreed
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their complete application (cover letter, CV, certificates) and mention in the email subject line: “Application – Head of Programs – LAST NAME First Name”.
We recommend visiting our webpage for the application criteria: https://grainesdepaix.org/en/act-with-us/employment/
Application deadline: 14.04.2026