Job Description
- Title: Officer
in Charge
- Start
Date: As soon as possible
- Reports
to: Director, International Programs
- Department: International
Programs
- Travel: Field
travel is required
- Location:
Aden, Yemen
- Open
to: Yemeni Nationals
- Closing
Date: November 24th, 2025
Organizational Background
War Child Canada is a registered Canadian charity based in
Toronto that works to accelerate peace and disrupt the cycle of violence by
investing in and empowering local communities to build brighter futures through
comprehensive, evidence-informed programs that foster resilience,
self-reliance, and self-determination.
War Child Canada is globally recognized for our grassroots, community-driven
model of humanitarian action that’s rooted in collaboration and entirely
locally led. We have developed a solid track record of long-term, sustainable
impact supporting children and families living in areas dominated by conflict.
War Child Canada works with some of the most vulnerable populations around the
world and is a leader in developing and implementing programs specifically
targeting and protecting children, women, and displaced people living in the
most complex humanitarian environments in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic
of Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, and Yemen.
Country Office Background
Yemen is War Child Canada’s newest country of operation,
established in 2020. Since then, War Child Canada has been working with
national NGO partners in some of the most remote and hard-to-reach areas of
Yemen. Our goal is to improve the lives of highly vulnerable and at-risk women
and children through programs focused on education, child protection, and
livelihoods. War Child Canada has rehabilitated schools, installed solar power
systems to provide reliable electricity and improve learning environments,
training and equipped teachers, and distributed learning, hygiene, and
recreational kits to children. Since 2024, War Child Canada has focussed its
efforts in Al Dali, Lahij and Aden.
Position Summary
The Officer in Charge (OIC) provides overall leadership,
strategic oversight, and operational management of War Child Canada’s programs
and operations in Yemen. The OIC ensures that programming is high-quality,
evidence-based, and responsive to the needs of children and families affected
by conflict.
A central focus of the role is the program design, development, and scale-up
within the thematic areas of education, protection, and food security and
livelihoods (FSL). The OIC ensures compliance with donor and legal
requirements, strengthens partnerships and funding opportunities, and
represents War Child Canada with government authorities, donors, and key
stakeholders.
Responsibilities
Leadership and Representation
1. Provide leadership and direction to all
programs and operations in Yemen.
2. Represent War Child Canada with government authorities, UN
agencies, donors, and implementing partners.
3. Ensure that War Child Canada maintains strong, visible,
and credible presence within the humanitarian and development community.
4. Drive the expansion of funding opportunities aligned with
War Child’s strategic priorities and thematic focus.
5. Lead country level inputs to the development of War
Child’s organisational strategy and lead the development of a long term country
plan
Program Design, Development, and Oversight
1. Lead the design and development of new
programs and proposals, ensuring that they are contextually relevant,
technically strong, and aligned with donor and organizational priorities.
2. Oversee program scale-up processes aligned with performance
measures, ensuring smooth transitions from design to implementation, including
recruitment, work planning, procurement, and partner onboarding/management.
3. Supervise implementation of all projects to ensure
quality, timeliness, and compliance with donor requirements.
4. Coordinate with the HQ teams to align program goals with
War Child Canada’s global strategy.
5. Oversee systems for program monitoring, evaluation, and
learning are in place and that findings inform program improvement
6. Lead or coordinate context and needs assessments to inform
program design and strategic decision-making, particularly in the thematic
areas of education, protection, and FSL.
Finance and Operations
1. Oversee financial management and ensure
compliance with War Child Canada and donor policies.
2. Review and approve budgets, expenditures, and financial
reports.
3. Ensure efficient procurement, logistics, and
administrative systems.
4. Maintain proper asset management and cost control
mechanisms.
Human Resources and Capacity Building
1. Supervise and support Yemen staff.
2. Promote team cohesion, staff well-being, and performance
management.
3. Ensure HR practices comply with War Child Canada policies
and Yemen labour laws.
4. Identify capacity gaps and implement staff development
plans.
Safety, Security and Risk Management
1. Serve as the Security Focal Point for
Yemen; liaise with HQ in order to manage and respond to risk.
2. Ensure the implementation and regular updating of the
Security Management Plan.
3. Monitor the security environment and adjust operational
plans as necessary.
Coordination, Compliance and Reporting
1. Submit regular program, financial, and
security reports to HQ.
2. Ensure legal compliance with Yemeni authorities and
registration requirements.
3. Maintain strong coordination with HQ and other Country
Offices for knowledge sharing and alignment.
4. Represent Yemen in relevant coordination and planning
forums.
Qualifications
Experience & Knowledge
1. Applicants must be a national of the
country with the ability to live and work in Aden.
2. Minimum 10 years of experience in humanitarian or
development work, including 5 years in a senior management role.
3. Demonstrated experience in program design, proposal
development, and program scale-up, preferably for international organisations.
4. A self-starter, with proven leadership in complex,
high-risk operational contexts in Yemen.
5. Thematic knowledge and working experience in education,
protection, and/or FSL programming.
6. Experience in program management, donor compliance, and
partnership development.
7. Strong understanding of financial management and HR
processes.
8. Excellent communication, negotiation, and representation
skills.
9. Fluency in English required and Arabic is a must.
Compensation & Benefits
We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package
that is commensurate with your experience and qualifications.
How to Apply
Application Process
All interested applicants are invited to submit their
application through this link.
Only those applicants selected for an interview will be
notified. We regret that we cannot entertain phone calls. War Child Canada is
an equal-opportunity employer.
War Child Canada is committed to providing a work
environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and
dignity.
Final candidates will be vetted in accordance with War Child
Canada’s Child Protection Policy and Prevention of Sexual Abuse and
Exploitation Policy, including appropriate reference and security checks.
War Child Canada is committed to providing an accessible
workplace. Accommodation is available upon request for individuals with
disabilities.