Head of Mission Programs

BernardFrank is recruiting to fill the position of Head of Programs for a  Faith Based Organization  based in Nairobi Kenya.  The client is a Christian Mission agency, that exists to equip and multiply leaders in Church and Society for community transformation.

Department:  Mission  Program

Reporting to:  International Director

Supervises: Programme Managers (Evangelism & Discipleship, Christian Leadership & Household Transformation, Stewardship of Creation), MEL Manager, Country Coordinators (programmatically)#.

Role Purpose

To provide strategic, operational, and spiritual leadership across CMS-Africa’s programmatic work, ensuring the development and delivery of high-impact, biblically grounded programs aligned to the 2025–2035 Strategic Plan. The role oversees planning, execution, reporting, innovation, and learning across all pillars, integrating digital transformation, safeguarding, sustainability, contextual responsiveness, and board-aligned strategic collaboration..

Strategic Contribution

• Leads the translation of CMS-Africa’s vision and strategic pillars into implementable programmatic frameworks.
• Supports innovation in delivery models, especially in digital, conflict-affected, and religiously plural contexts.
• Champions organizational learning, MEL integration, and theological reflection on impact.
• Ensures programmatic alignment with Sustainable Mission Support Services (MSS) and Partnerships for Local and Global Mission.
• Works collaboratively with the Board to explore and apply strategic integration across pillars and tap into Board-level expertise.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Programme Leadership

• Lead short-, mid-, and long-term strategic programme planning with Programme Managers and Country Coordinators.
• Ensure programme design and delivery reflect biblical worldview, contextual realities, and strategic priorities.
• Oversee cross-pillar integration and ensure cohesion across programme streams.
• Collaborate with the Board and Executive Team to advance strategic priorities that leverage multi-pillar synergies.

Budgeting and Resource Stewardship

• Establish the consolidated annual programme budget and monitor programme-level expenditures.
• Ensure resource mobilization efforts are aligned to programme needs, priorities, and impact ambitions.
• Coordinate financial accountability, grant tracking, and donor compliance with Mission Services and Finance teams.

Programme Quality and Innovation

• Provide strategic oversight and quality assurance for all programme design, content, and delivery methods.
• Encourage use of digital tools (apps, CRMs, AI-informed tools) for programme efficiency and scale.
• Promote environmental scanning and adaptive approaches to address emerging trends and risks.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Impact Learning

• Oversee MEL integration across all programmes to ensure results-based management and mission-aligned impact.
• Ensure timely production of internal and external reports, including quarterly, annual, and donor-specific outputs.
• Promote use of data and theological insights to inform programme decisions and reflection.

Capacity Building and Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor Programme Managers, MEL Manager, and Country Coordinators on programmatic execution and innovation.
• Promote servant leadership, collaboration, and spiritual maturity across programme teams.
• Ensure professional development and digital capacity strengthening across country field teams.
• Harness the power of volunteer teams by integrating their contributions into program delivery, storytelling, fundraising, and mentorship in line with CMS-Africa’s mission and strategic goals.

Partnerships, Communications, and Representation

• Support proposal development and donor engagement in collaboration with the Grants and Communications teams.
• Represent CMS-Africa in regional and global programme forums.
• Liaise with Communications to amplify impact stories and lessons learned.

 Compliance, Safeguarding, and Ethics

• Uphold CMS-Africa’s safeguarding, data protection, and ethical standards across all programmes.
• Ensure security and risk mitigation strategies are integrated, especially in high-risk or sensitive areas.
• Promote transparency, integrity, and accountability in all programme and personnel practices.

 Key Relationships

• Internal: International Director, MSS Leads (Finance, MEL, Grants), Programme Managers, Country Coordinators, Communications, People in Mission, Admin/IT Support
• External: Donors, Partner Churches, Faith-Based and Development Agencies, Consultants, Evaluation and Research Institutions, CMS-Africa Board (for pillar integration and strategic advice)

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in Programme Management, Theology, Development Studies, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of progressive leadership in faith-based programme management, with demonstrated success in multi-country or regional roles.
• Experience in digital program design, grant management, monitoring and evaluation, and team leadership.
• Strong understanding of Christian missions, biblical worldview integration, and community transformation.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, programme management software, and online reporting tools.

Competencies and Core Values Alignment

Faithful: Models biblical integrity, spiritual leadership, and prayer-informed decision-making

Relational: Leads with humility and respect across diverse cultures and denominations

Pioneering: Champions innovation, digital transformation, and context-responsive approaches to discipleship and service

Evangelistic:  Advances the Gospel through programmes that witness to Christ’s love in word and deed