The Program Development Manager is a critical role at Ruben Centre, a faith-based organization striving for an empowered and just Mukuru community by providing quality education, health, financial, and social services to children and families in Mukuru community. Ruben Centre is a non-profit, charity organization run by the Christian Brothers African Province.
This role requires providing strategic oversight and coordination of all programs, ensuring alignment with the Centre’s mission, values, and strategic plan. The manager will be responsible for leading the development, implementation, and review of program work plans and budgets, focusing heavily on rigorous Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), data integrity, donor reporting, and staff capacity building.
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership and Management
- Provide strategic oversight and coordination of all programs, ensuring alignment with the Centre’s mission, values, and strategic plan.
- Lead the development, implementation, and review of program work plans and budgets in collaboration with department heads.
- Support high-quality project design through logical frameworks, clear indicators, risk analysis, and sustainability strategies.
- Oversee program implementation to ensure quality, timeliness, and compliance with donor requirements and organizational policies.
- Strengthen coordination and collaboration across programs to enhance integration, synergy, and efficient use of resources.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
- Design, operationalize, and continuously strengthen a comprehensive MEL framework across all programs.
- Lead systematic analysis of program performance using OECD DAC evaluation criteria.
- Ensure MEL indicators, learning objectives, and accountability mechanisms are embedded in proposals, work plans, and reports.
- Oversee baseline studies, mid-term reviews, and end-line evaluations to assess progress and impact.
- Translate evaluation findings and community feedback into adaptive program improvements.
Data Management, Reporting, and Accountability
- Ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality program reporting to donors, partners, the Board, and internal management.
- Lead in-depth data analysis to inform evidence-based planning and strategic decision-making.
- Strengthen community feedback and accountability mechanisms.
- Ensure compliance with data protection, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
Learning, Innovation, and Impact
- Promote continuous learning through reflection sessions and cross-program knowledge sharing.
- Document and disseminate lessons learned, best practices, and impact narratives.
- Collaborate with Communications and Fundraising teams to showcase evidence of impact.
- Drive innovation in program design, delivery, and monitoring approaches.
Capacity Building and Staff Development
- Build capacity of program and M&E staff through coaching and mentorship.
- Support adoption of participatory approaches and digital MEL tools.
Strategic Collaboration and Partnerships
- Support evidence-based proposal development and donor engagement.
- Represent the Centre in external forums and partnerships.
- Contribute to institutional strategies and operational plans.
Qualifications and Experience
- Education: BA/BSc/HND qualification.
- Experience: A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience.
