Humanitarian Programme Manager
| Published | August 27, 2026 |
| Location | Caracas, Venezuela |
| Category | Management |
| Job Type | Full Time |
Description
POSITION SUMMARY
The Humanitarian Programme Manager is responsible for developing and managing Solidar Suisse's humanitarian programme in Venezuela. The role combines programme development, project management, technical oversight, partnership management and external representation.
The Humanitarian Programme Manager will identify and assess local partner organisations, develop project proposals and funding opportunities, and oversee partner-implemented projects throughout the project cycle. This includes providing technical support and quality oversight, particularly in the areas of WASH and/or Protection, and monitoring implementation progress, budgets, results, compliance and reporting requirements. S/he will furthermore represent Solidar Suisse with donors, UN agencies, clusters, national authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
Working closely with Headquarters in Zurich, the Humanitarian Programme Manager ensures that programmes are relevant, accountable, technically sound, compliant with donor requirements, and aligned with Solidar Suisse's humanitarian strategy and localisation approach.
MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Programme Development and Management
Monitor humanitarian needs, response gaps and funding opportunities.
Lead the development of project concepts, proposals, budgets and workplans in collaboration with partners and Headquarters.
Manage projects throughout the project cycle, from design to closure.
Monitor implementation progress, budgets, risks, deliverables and contractual obligations.
Conduct regular field visits and follow up on implementation challenges and corrective actions.
Contribute to donor reporting, project amendments and proposal revisions.
Ensure that projects are implemented in line with donor requirements, humanitarian principles and Solidar Suisse policies.
Technical Oversight
Provide technical guidance and support to partners during project design and implementation.
Review project activities, methodologies and outputs to ensure quality and relevance.
Support partners in applying recognised standards and good practices in WASH and/or Protection.
Identify technical capacity gaps and support partner capacity strengthening where required.
Monitor programme quality and recommend corrective measures where necessary.
Partnership Management and Localisation
Identify, assess, establish, and manage partnerships with national and local organisations.
Lead partner identification, due diligence processes, capacity assessments, and partnership performance reviews.
Promote localisation through equitable partnerships and capacity strengthening initiatives.
Provide coaching, mentoring, and on-the-job support to partner organisations as required.
Ensure partner compliance with Solidar Suisse policies, donor requirements, and agreed partnership arrangements.
Representation, Coordination and Resource Mobilisation
Represent Solidar Suisse in meetings with donors, UN agencies, clusters, authorities and other stakeholders.
Maintain and strengthen relationships with humanitarian actors and potential donors.
Participate in relevant coordination mechanisms and technical working groups.
Support donor engagement and resource mobilisation efforts.
Promote Solidar Suisse as a reliable and credible humanitarian partner.
Financial Management, Compliance and Reporting
Monitor project budgets and expenditures together with partners and Headquarters.
Review partner narrative and financial reports.
Ensure compliance with donor regulations, partnership agreements and organisational procedures.
Identify and manage operational, financial and programmatic risks.
Provide regular updates and reports to Headquarters.
Security and Safeguarding
Monitor security and contextual developments affecting programme implementation.
Ensure compliance with Solidar Suisse's safeguarding, PSEA and Code of Conduct policies.
Support partners in applying relevant safeguarding and duty-of-care standards.
Other Duties
Undertake other duties reasonably required to support the successful implementation of Solidar Suisse's humanitarian programme in Venezuela.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Education
Advanced university degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, water resources management, psychology, social work, humanitarian action, international development, social sciences, or another relevant field.
Professional Experience
Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian and/or development programming.
Demonstrated experience in partnership management and localisation approaches.
Demonstrated experience managing projects implemented through local partners.
Experience in donor engagement, fundraising and external representation.
Experience participating in humanitarian coordination mechanisms.
Demonstrated technical experience in WASH and/or Protection programming.
Experience providing technical support, quality assurance and capacity strengthening to partners.
Previous experience in emergency response and start-up programmes is a strong asset.
Experience in Venezuela or Latin America is highly desirable.
Skills and Competencies
Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills.
Excellent networking, negotiation, and representation skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently in complex and evolving environments.
Strong programme management and organisational skills.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Strong commitment to humanitarian principles and localisation.
Languages
Professional fluency in Spanish and English, both written and spoken.
Interested candidates should submit their CVs along with a motivation letter
