Programme Director & External Engagement – Caracas

About the role

The Programme Director and External Engagement will lead the design and delivery of Save the Children’s programme and localisation strategy for the Venezuela country office, as well as the associated fundraising plan. Based in Caracas, the role oversees programme quality, advocacy and media campaigns, and ensures alignment with the organisation’s vision and global breakthroughs.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the Country Strategic Plan, needs assessments, child participation initiatives and localisation strategy.
• Design and execute the fundraising strategy for the Venezuela office, coordinating with donors and partners.
• Directly manage the heads of Programme Development & Quality, Partnership Management, Localisation, and MEAL, ensuring performance, recruitment and capacity building.
• Oversee risk management, programme‑level risk articulation, mitigation measures and emergency preparedness planning.
• Represent Save the Children with government, UN agencies, donors and the global network, building strategic partnerships.

Required profile

• Minimum five years of senior management experience in international humanitarian or development contexts, including roles such as Deputy Country Director or Head of Programs.
• Proven experience in operational planning, financial and budget management, and people management.
• Fluent in Spanish and English.
• Demonstrated ability to lead localisation, partnership programming and resource mobilisation.

Required skills

• Strong conceptual, analytical and negotiation skills with the ability to influence cross‑departmental collaboration.
• Expertise in programme development, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL).
• Experience in designing advocacy and media campaigns.
• High ethical and financial integrity.