Program Development Lead – Kyiv

About the role

The Program Development Lead is a senior member of CARE Ukraine’s Program Leadership Team, responsible for designing and developing high‑impact humanitarian and development programmes in line with CARE’s strategy. The role works closely with internal teams and external partners to secure funding and ensure programme quality.

Key responsibilities

• Identify and conceptualise new programmes based on needs assessments, donor priorities and CARE’s strategic objectives.
• Lead the design and drafting of high‑quality project proposals, including objectives, activities, budgets and timelines.
• Coordinate cross‑team collaboration between implementation, technical, MEAL and partnership units.
• Engage with donors, CARE Member Partners and national implementing partners to explore funding opportunities and strategic alliances.
• Represent CARE in donor briefings, sectoral working groups and coordination forums, advocating for organisational priorities.
• Oversee adaptive programming, capture lessons learned and integrate them into future programme designs.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in development, social sciences or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience with an INGO in humanitarian or development contexts.
• At least 3 years of senior management experience in programme development, including emergency and development settings.
• Proven ability to work within complex, matrix‑organisational structures and coordinate with national partners.
• Strong background in needs‑based, results‑driven programme design and donor engagement.