Habitat for Humanity Vietnam is seeking a progressive and transformative Head of Programs (HoP) contribute to the growth of the country program by working closely with the National Director to effectively identify and develop appropriate strategic and operational goals/objectives and business models for the design and implementation of short and long-range plans that are founded on people-centered, partnership-driven housing ecosystem approach.
The Head of Programs is responsible for leading and facilitating overall effectiveness and efficiency of Habitat for Humanity Vietnam programming. He/She shall ensure:
- alignment of the country programming to the country strategy and global strategy;
- ensure high quality design and implementation of programs, projects, and efforts within the country portfolio and alignment to the international program framework, ToC, and standards;
- compliance of the country program with applicable Habitat, donor, partner and government policies and requirements;
- develop and update country specific program policies, procedures, and guidelines when needed in alignment to global mechanism; and
- ensure technical rigors on program and project design, implementation, and evidence building.
* Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities
1. Mission and strategy alignment
- Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of country strategies, operational plans, budgets, and annual plans aligned with Habitat Vietnam’s strategic business plan, HFHI mission, and Asia‑Pacific priorities.
- Ensure mission alignment and quality application of Habitat guidance across all programs, projects, and initiatives
2. Multi‑stakeholder partnerships and government engagement
- Build, maintain, and steward strategic partnerships with government, development peers, private sector, communities, and internal stakeholders to enhance program impact and funding opportunities.
- Monitor and analyze policy and regulatory changes, engage authorities to address operational challenges, and advocate for improved housing policies and programs.
3. Program quality, innovation and effectiveness
- Ensure programs meet core standards, contextual guidelines, and demonstrate relevance, coherence, sustainability, and scalability.
- Promote innovation, continuous quality improvement, evidence-based content of program and project designs for proposal development and systematic learning by documenting, applying, and sharing lessons across the organization.
4. Program and team management
- Oversee planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of all country programs, ensuring effective delivery, resource management, and coordination with AP Programs and technical teams e.g. DRR-CCA/Climate Resilience, WatSan, Construction Excellence, Housing Market Systems Development, and Rural & Urban Programs TCIS, etc.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary program team, fostering capacity, performance, and professional growth.
5. Risk management and compliance
- Identify programmatic and operational risks, implement mitigation measures, and proactively escalate concerns to the National Director.
- Ensure compliance with HFHI, donor, partner, and government requirements, and collaborate with finance to ensure sound budget stewardship.
6. Growth, resource mobilization, and donor Stewardship
- Stay abreast of the programmatic trends and changes, including donor interest and focus and lead program growth through cross‑departmental collaboration with finance, resource development, and HR.
- Contribute to donor relations, proposal development, funding mobilization, and identification of new partners and mission opportunities.
7. Advocacy and representation
- Lead the adaptation and implementation of HFHI global advocacy initiatives in the Vietnam context.
- Identify advocacy targets and partnerships, and represent Habitat Vietnam in advocacy, learning, and networking platforms.
Job requirements
1. Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Social Sciences, or related field (or equivalent relevant experience), with minimum 5 years of leadership and management experience overseeing multidisciplinary teams with substantial responsibilities.
2. Technical competencies
- At least 10 years of experience in program and project management; experience in housing solutions for the poor is an advantage
- Strong skills in strategic and operational planning and overall program management
- Solid understanding and practical application of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MEARL) frameworks
- Proven experience in coordinating and facilitating institutional capacity‑building initiatives
- Demonstrated success in partnership development and stakeholder engagement
3. Leadership and business competencies
- Strategic and results‑driven leadership: Provides strategic input to regional and national programs, demonstrates strong critical thinking, drives results and innovation, and supports stewardship of Habitat country programs.
- Analytical and problem‑solving capability: Applies strong analytical, logical, and decision‑making skills to assess complex situations from multiple perspectives and resolve challenges effectively.
- Collaborative and cross‑cultural leadership: Leads collaboration across departments, cultures, and contexts; shares ideas, resources, and accountability to achieve collective outcomes.
- People‑centered management: Demonstrates excellent people management, interpersonal skills, and positive leadership presence; communicates clear expectations and supports team engagement and resilience.
- Effective communication and influence: Communicates clearly and confidently in Vietnamese and English, with strong presentation and influencing skills to convey vision, decisions, and priorities.
- Agile, ethical, and inclusive leadership: Leads through change and ambiguity, upholds high ethical standards, promotes transparency, and fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives.
- Operational effectiveness: Manages multiple priorities effectively and demonstrates strong digital literacy, including proficiency in MS and Office 365 tools.
4. Working condition & context: The position is office based, with regular domestic travel to project sites, partner/ donor locations, and communities. Occasional international travel may be required to participate in regional and global events.
HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.
If you are looking for meaningful work, kindly submit your application via this LINK.
