Head of Programmes

Country: 
Estonia
City/office: 
Tartu
Tallinn
Workload: 
1.0
Contract type: 
Employment contract
Description: 

We are looking for a Head of Programmes who leads the Country Office and project portfolio in Estonia, shaping the national strategy and designing high-quality services that respond to changing needs. The role oversees programmes, people, partnerships, digital development, and crisis preparedness while ensuring that ERC’s work is effective, accountable, and aligned with organisational standards and priorities.

Main tasks: 

Programme development and management(50%)

  • Design practical, evidence-based programmes and services, including training, counselling, entrepreneurship support, and youth interventions.
  • Lead programme development from initial concept through testing, delivery, evaluation, and scale-up.
  • Develop high-quality proposals, tenders, concept notes, workplans, and budgets in cooperation with the Donor and Partner Relations team.
  • Produce and quality-assure reports, guidance, presentations, advocacy materials, and external communications.
  • Oversee programme quality, compliance, monitoring, accountability, finances, and reporting.
  • Provide hands-on technical guidance to programme leads and support staff.

Leadership and HR (30%)

  • Lead ERC’s Estonia strategy and translate priorities into clear plans and measurable results.
  • Recruit, manage, and develop staff using a supportive and empowering leadership approach.
  • Drive innovation and digitalisation across services and internal processes.
  • Ensure crisis preparedness and provide leadership during emergencies.
  • Promote compliance with the ERC Code of Conduct and foster a safe and inclusive workplace.
  • Capture lessons learned and contribute to ERC’s national and global strategies.

Representation, coordination and advocacy (20%)

  • Represent ERC with partners, donors, coordination bodies, and the media.
  • Build effective cooperation with relevant organisations and national coordination mechanisms.
  • Help shape sector strategies, advocacy, and communications while representing the needs of ERC’s target groups.
Expectations towards the candidate: 
  • A master’s degree in social sciences, human rights, humanitarian assistance, or another relevant field.
  • Management experience and a leadership style focused on coaching, empowerment, and staff development.
  • Experience in an (I)NGO and good knowledge of Estonia’s migration-related stakeholders.
  • Knowledge of migration, integration, and/or humanitarian work.
  • Experience designing and scaling programmes, services, training content, or intervention models.
  • Strong proposal-writing and content-development skills.
  • Excellent written and spoken Estonian and English; Russian is an asset.
  • Advanced digital skills and experience using technology to improve services and workflows.
  • Experience in crisis preparedness and the ability to lead effectively under pressure.
  • A willingness to combine strategic leadership with hands-on programme development.
What we offer: 
  • Gross salary 3300-3600€.
  • 32 flexibly used vacation days.
  • Glasses compensation and supervision options.
  • Cozy office in Tartu or Tallinn.
  • Opportunity to shape the Estonian Refugee Aid strategy at the local level and develop the organization internationally.
Deadline: 
13.08.2026 - 23:59
Contact person: 
Kristi Juurik
kristi.juurik@pagulasabi.ee
Documents necessary for applying: 
CV
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