Information about the Job Opening

• Position Title: Program Development and Portfolio Lead
• Location: Aden, Republic of Yemen
• Reports To: Team Leader
• Deadline: September 24, 2026

Job Overview

This role serves as the central coordination and management function for program portfolio implementation, ensuring effective delivery while maintaining strong relationships with key external stakeholders including communities, government representatives, client officials, partner organizations and local and international institutions. The role is responsible for translating local needs and stakeholder priorities into impactful program and project opportunities, ensuring alignment with client objectives and strategic outcomes. Operating within complex and often politically sensitive environments, the postholder will work closely with senior sector specific technical expertise and provide leadership across program governance, portfolio quality assurance and cross-program coordination. Success in this role is measured through strong stakeholder visibility and trust, generation of innovative and relevant project opportunities, effective portfolio implementation and the development of sustained political and institutional support for program delivery.

Key Responsibilities 

Portfolio Implementation and Program Management

• Lead coordination and oversight of Program portfolio implementation across multiple projects and workstreams.
• Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with agreed governance, quality standards, timelines and stakeholder expectations.
• Manage portfolio level budget allocations and monitor under/overspend risks.
• Monitor portfolio performance, risks, dependencies and opportunities, escalating issues where appropriate.
• Effectively manage implementation risk to portfolio and support Program teams to resolve implementation challenges and remove barriers to delivery.
• Promote continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to strengthen Program management processes, delivery approaches and operational efficiency.
• Contribute to Program reporting, governance forums and strategic decision-making processes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management

• Serve as a visible and trusted representative of the Program with external stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local communities, government officials, client representatives, delivery partners, civil society organizations and other relevant institutions.
• Develop and implement stakeholder engagement strategies that strengthen collaboration, trust and Program impact.
• Ensure stakeholder perspectives and local priorities are understood and reflected within Program planning and delivery.
• Facilitate productive dialogue between Program teams and external stakeholders to support effective decision-making and issue resolution.
• Represent Program interests at meetings, workshops, consultations and public-facing events.

Opportunity Identification and Project Development

• Identify emerging needs, challenges and opportunities through ongoing stakeholder engagement and environmental awareness.
• Generate and shape project concepts that address emerging priorities while aligning with client strategy and Program objectives.
• Gather and synthesize intelligence from stakeholders, partners and the operating environment to inform future Program development.
• Champion innovation by identifying new approaches, partnerships and opportunities to enhance Program outcomes.

Quality Assurance and Delivery Excellence

• Provide quality assurance across the project lifecycle, from inception through implementation and closure.
• Review project plans, governance arrangements, stakeholder management approaches, risk management processes and delivery performance.
• Identify implementation challenges and opportunities for improvement, ensuring lessons learned are captured and applied.
• Promote best practice in Program and project management throughout the portfolio.
• Support capability development and knowledge sharing across the delivery teams.

Political and Institutional Engagement

• Operate effectively within politically complex and sensitive environments, demonstrating strong judgement and awareness of local dynamics.
• Maintain and expand political and institutional support for Program activities and local delivery.
• Monitor political, social and institutional developments that may affect Program implementation.
• Provide strategic advice to Program leadership regarding stakeholder sentiment, political risks and engagement opportunities.
• Maintain a direct and regular reporting line to the Team Leader, providing at least weekly and ad hoc briefings on emerging Program and project opportunities, portfolio and delivery risks, conflict sensitivities, stakeholder sentiment, and political access or influence affecting Program implementation. 
• Escalate emerging concerns promptly, coordinate significant politically sensitive engagement with the Team Leader, and ensure relevant decisions, relationships and engagements are appropriately documented and managed in accordance with Program governance, client requirements and ethical standards.

Coordination, Knowledge Sharing and Partnerships

• Coordinate with internal and external programs to minimize duplication, avoid conflicts and identify collaborative opportunities.
• Share Program insights, lessons learned and evidence-based recommendations with local and international stakeholders.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange between Program teams, government bodies, donor organizations and partner institutions.
• Support development of strategic partnerships that strengthen Program outcomes and sustainability.

Success Measures

The role will be considered successful when:

• The program maintains strong visibility, credibility and trust among key stakeholders.
• Stakeholder engagement is proactive, effective and demonstrably contributes to program outcomes.
• New project opportunities are consistently identified and developed based on local needs and client priorities.
• Projects across the portfolio meet quality, governance and delivery expectations.
• Political and institutional support for program activities is maintained and strengthened.
• Risks and stakeholder concerns are identified and addressed early.
• Effective coordination with adjacent programs creates measurable synergies and reduces duplication.
• Insights from local delivery influence both program strategy and broader institutional learning.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree in International Development, Project Management, Public Administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• Significant experience in program or portfolio management within complex multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong track record of stakeholder engagement and relationship management at senior levels.
• Experience working with government stakeholders, public sector institutions or politically sensitive programs.
• Experience managing competing priorities and navigating ambiguity in dynamic environments.

Skills (including Abilities and Knowledge)

• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities and translate stakeholder needs into actionable projects and initiatives.
• Strong understanding of program governance, risk management and project assurance methodologies.
• Excellent influencing, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presentation and facilitation.
• Ability to build credibility and trust with diverse stakeholder groups