Senior Program Manager

The Role

CARE in Timor-Leste is currently seeking a Senior Program Manager, who is responsible for overseeing the effective implementation of a portfolio of projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, on budget, and in line with donor requirements and CARE International standards. This position supervises and supports Project Managers, provides technical guidance, ensures coordination and compliance, and contributes to program quality and performance across the portfolio. The role acts as a key interface between project teams and support units.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance oversight to Project Managers
• Coordinate across multiple projects to ensure coherence, efficiency and compliance with donors and CARE International standards
• Guide Project Managers to track project timelines, deliverables, and budgets to flag delays, risks, or deviations
• Work with the GPQ team and Project Managers to ensure strong data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Support Project Managers in preparing accurate and timely donor reports
• Maintain a central repository of key project documents, agreements, and deliverables
• Act as a coordination hub between project managers, technical advisors, finance, and logistics teams
• Support Program Director in communication with donors and partners regarding portfolio-level updates and milestones
• Prepare portfolio dashboards, summaries, and reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Identify capacity gaps and recommend relevant training for project teams
• Support documentation of lessons learned and promote best practices across the portfolio

Selection Criteria

• Bachelor's degree in international development, project management, or related field (master's degree is preferred)
• At least 4–6 years of experience in program coordination or portfolio management in an NGO or development context
• Strong knowledge of project cycle management, donor compliance (e.g., EU, Australian DFAT, Japan MOFA, WB, UN, etc.), and reporting standards
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• Excellent organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is preferable; other languages are a plus

How to Apply

To apply to this position, please email or submit your application letter and Curriculum Vitae with contact details for three references by email to [email protected] before 17:00 local time on 29th of January 2026. Please put the position title in the "subject line" of your email. Alternatively, you may submit your application to the HR unit at CARE office at Bairo Pite, Dili.

Whilst we appreciate all applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the interview.

Note: This position is contracted in Timor-Leste, and in return for your commitment you will benefit from ongoing professional development within an innovative and forward-thinking environment, plus a comprehensive national staff benefits package. CARE is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workplace. Women and People with a Disability are strongly encouraged to apply.