Overview

We are currently recruiting a Deputy Country Director – Programs to join our team in South Sudan.

This is a hybrid position, with frequent field visits in South Sudan.

At Relief International, we are committed to building a representative, inclusive and authentic workplace. We strongly encourage applications from candidates from minoritized backgrounds those who bring lived experience of the contexts in which we work.

This role is classified as requiring advanced pre-employment checks.

About Relief International

Relief International is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience and promote long-term health and wellbeing. We work in 16 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, providing Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education and Livelihoods programming that creates the foundation for community resilience.

Relief International (RI) in South Sudan is recognized for its effectiveness in emergency response and lifesaving programs that reach the most vulnerable communities in some of the country’s hardest-to-access areas. Our teams are trusted by communities and respected by partners for their integrity, professionalism, and commitment to principled humanitarian action. Joining RI means being part of a mission-driven team that values impact, accountability, and innovation, and works collaboratively to deliver results that restore dignity and hope where it’s needed most.

About the Opportunity

The Deputy Country Director – Programs (DCD-Programs) provides strategic and technical leadership for RI’s multi-sectoral portfolio in South Sudan, ensuring programs are evidence-driven, high-quality, and aligned with organizational and donor priorities. A technically accomplished leader with a Master’s degree in Public Health, the DCD-Programs brings strong expertise in Health and Nutrition programming, Monitoring & Evaluation, and proposal design and report writing.

The DCD-Programs also shapes the strategic direction of RI South Sudan, providing leadership in program design, donor engagement, and portfolio growth to ensure interventions remain relevant, sustainable, and impactful. The role requires a highly networked and externally engaged professional—an effective communicator and relationship builder—who represents RI with donors, government counterparts, and peer agencies to strengthen visibility, partnerships, and positioning in a rapidly evolving funding landscape.

Your Responsibilities

• Provide overall direction for all RI programs, ensuring strategic coherence, technical excellence, and compliance with donor and RI standards.
• Lead or participate in key program lifecycle processes—including design, kick-off, grant reviews, and closeout—to drive accountability and adaptive management.
• Integrate robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) systems that promote data-driven decision-making and continuous adaptation and improvement.
• Oversee program budgets, forecasting, and expenditure monitoring in collaboration with Area Managers and Finance, ensuring efficiency and accountability.
• Provide clear direction, coaching, and performance management for program teams, fostering a culture of accountability, learning, and inclusion.
• Develop and manage strategic partnerships, particularly with national NGOs, local institutions, and technical agencies, to advance sustainability and local ownership.
• Serve as Country Emergency Focal Point, leading contingency planning and ensuring readiness for rapid response.

About You

• Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) required; advanced technical background in Health and Nutrition programming essential. Experience in WASH and Livelihood programming preferred.
• Significant progressive senior experience in program leadership within INGOs, preferably in complex or conflict settings.
• Proven ability to design, write, and lead successful proposals and high-quality donor reports.
• Strong experience managing large multi-sector portfolios and institutional grants (ECHO, USAID/BHA, DoS, FCDO, EU, UNICEF, WHO, WFP, SHF, etc.).
• Demonstrated excellence in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) to ensure data-driven and adaptive programming.
• Skilled in financial oversight, team leadership, and partner capacity development.
• Outstanding interpersonal and networking skills; a collaborative leader able to build strong relationships across diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written and spoken English; strong analytical and presentation abilities.
• Willingness to travel frequently to field locations and work in demanding environments.

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs, unless they meet every single requirement. If you’re excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t align with every criteria described, we encourage you to apply anyway, you could be exactly what we need!

How To Apply

To apply for this post, click on the “Apply” button in the job advert page.

• You will be asked to upload a CV and Cover Letter.
• The cover letter should be two pages, and explain why you are interested in this post with Relief International and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.

Closing Date

Monday October 20, 2025.

As a humanitarian organization, Relief International is committed to the safeguarding of all those we come into contact with through our work. We are committed to the core humanitarian principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. Relief International expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and uphold the values and behaviors outlined in the Code of Conduct.

Recruitment to all roles in Relief International include a criminal records self-declaration, references, and other pre-employment checks, which may include police and qualifications checks.