International Programs Director - Strategy & Impact (12 Month Parental Leave Cover)

International Programs Director - Strategy & Impact (12 Month Parental Leave Cover) 
About the Role
As the Director of International Programs – Strategy & Impact you drive international program strategy that enables the delivery of quality development and humanitarian programs across the Asia-Pacific region. You champion locally-led development approaches across all aspects of ChildFund’s work. You set clear criteria, workplans and indicators of success to guide the roll-out of strategy and also contribute to the ChildFund Alliance global program. This is a 12 month fixed term parental leave cover contract commencing June 2026.
Key Duties

Lead the development and roll-out of program strategy, including advancing locally led development commitments, helping grow ChildFund’s impact in the region;

Provide strategic guidance and support to Country Office Senior Management Teams and partners to enhance program quality and impact;

Ensure programming is innovative and impactful and delivers excellent results for ChildFund Australia’s project stakeholders;

Drive a culture of evidence-informed practice, impact measurement and learning with internal and external stakeholders;

Champion and oversee advocacy efforts that advance the rights of children and young people;

Contribute to and support organisational engagement in key strategic priorities of the ChildFund Alliance

 Develop and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders i.e. ACFID, Pacific partners, DFAT, research bodies, other NGOs, bilateral and multilateral agencies.

Participate as a member of the Executive Team in developing integration of activities with other departments and contribute to the overall strategy and management of the organisation; 

Implement risk management strategies, including bi-annual risk assessments that respond to current or anticipated risks in program operations;

Promote and integrate gender equality, disability, and social inclusion into day-to-day work, and remain alert and responsive to any child safeguarding or sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment (SEAH) risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills to promote strong safeguarding practices, understand the child safeguarding and PSEAH policy and procedures, and conduct yourself consistent with those policies.

Qualifications and Experience

Masters in relevant field or equivalent practical experience;

Substantial experience in leading the design and implementation of program strategy, impact measurement approaches, and multi-sectoral and inclusive international development programs;

Significant senior experience working in a developing country contexts;

Experience in assessing inclusive programming in development;

Demonstrated commitment to children’s rights and experience in child-centred development programs;

Substantial senior management experience in staff management and leadership;

Experience in negotiating with government, multi-lateral and non-government agencies.

Desirable

Technical specialisation in child development or children’s rights programs, health, education or child protection.

Experience in the coordination or delivery of humanitarian emergency response initiatives.

Familiarity with GEDSI and safeguarding frameworks and practices

Are you with us?
ChildFund Australia believes in a global community where children are safe and can reach their full potential. We take extensive steps to safeguard children in any work done by our people, i.e., our staff, volunteers and interns, supporters, partners, board members, ambassadors and suppliers. We strive to keep children safe through child safe practices, and rigorously ensure we prevent, oppose, and combat all exploitation and abuse of children and vulnerable people. As part of this commitment, all people working with us will undergo relevant background checks before joining ChildFund Australia.
At ChildFund Australia, all staff must remain alert and responsive to any child safeguarding or sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment (SEAH) risks. Staff will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to understand our Child Safeguarding and PSEAH policies & procedures, promote strong safeguarding practices, and conduct themselves consistent with these policies.
In line with our values, diversity of people and ideas is critical to our work and our success at ChildFund Australia. We strive for a team culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and supportive. ChildFund is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and strongly encourages people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply for any vacancies.