Director of Program Development & Quality (PDQ)

About the role

The Director of Program Development & Quality (PDQ) is a senior leader responsible for shaping Save the Children’s strategic direction in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The role ensures that programmes are relevant, coherent, safe and deliver measurable impact for children across all contexts.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and regular updating of the Child Rights Situation Analysis and Country Strategy Plan, aligning them with global Ambition 2030 goals.
• Oversee thematic excellence across the three Breakthroughs: reducing preventable child deaths, ensuring quality basic education, and eliminating violence against children.
• Recruit, manage and mentor high‑calibre Technical Advisors in education, health, nutrition, protection, gender equality and related areas.
• Foster cross‑functional collaboration with Operations, Award Management, Humanitarian, Advocacy, Finance and other units.
• Provide strategic guidance to the Senior Management Team and ensure programme quality, impact and compliance.
• Travel regularly to field sites to monitor implementation and maintain strong relationships with partners and stakeholders.

Required profile

• Proven senior‑level experience in integrated child‑rights programming within humanitarian or development contexts.
• Demonstrated agile leadership and ability to manage complex, multi‑task environments.
• Strong track record of building and leading cross‑functional teams and partnerships.
• Commitment to achieving measurable outcomes for children and to the three Save the Children Breakthroughs.
• Fluency in English and French.
• Legal right to work in the Democratic Republic of Congo for the contract duration.

Required skills