Programme Manager, Policy Research | GICHD 2 views

Job Purpose

Lead the Policy Research team in planning, developing and implementing policy research programme/projects in Mine Action in collaboration with internal divisions, as well as external partners, ensuring alignment with the GICHD’s strategy. Provide expert policy advice, political analysis, and strategic input to help shape EORR policy, and represent the GICHD with external stakeholders. Propose dedicated research which responds to clear sectoral needs and strengthens the sector’s connection to broader political agendas related to humanitarian action, sustainable development, peace and security.

Key responsibilities

1. Lead in the designing, developing, and managing of policy research programme/projects in accordance with agreed work plans, objectives, priorities, and resources and GICHD strategy.
2. Conduct, lead and coordinate research work, and approve draft articles, issue briefs, case studies and other publications, in compliance with the research guidelines.
3. Ensure that programme/projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required level of quality, communicating any deviations promptly to the relevant parties.
4. Provide strategic and tactical guidance to team members on developing and implementing research work objectives and action plans as well as provides timely feedback during the year on performance and supports professional development.
5. Negotiate and set objectives with external partners, in compliance with the GICHD’s decision making architecture.
6. Represent the GICHD and participates in panels, debates and public speaking roles.
7. Design, organise and convene seminars, workshops, and learning activities pertaining to capacity development of relevant partners.
8. Provide support and advice to the senior leadership on policy and strategic issues and on engagement, and support other divisions with such advice, as required.
9. Identify resources for the programme, through triangulation of donor funding, sectoral needs, and internal team capacities.
10. Ensure programme staff comply with applicable donor agreements and GICHD rules and guidelines, including reporting on programme/projects. Prepare concept notes, project proposals, budgets and review financial reports for submission to auditors and donors as required by the Head of Division.
11. Manage programme/projects budgets, authorise expenditures, monitor project spending, manage grant allocations, forecast future expenditures in compliance with Internal rules, procedures and donor requirements.
12. Identify, evaluate, assess, mitigate and communicate risks throughout the programme/projects life-cycle and ensure the accuracy of results reported into the Results Based Management (RBM) system.
13. Oversee contracting and monitoring of external consultants and suppliers as per GICHD’s procurement rules.
14. Coordinate and communicate internally across teams, programmes and divisions to promote synergies and deliver as one GICHD to ensure effective information dissemination.

Qualifications and professional experience

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or PhD) in relevant field, including International Relations, Political Science, Law, Development Studies or equivalent.
• Strong experience (indicative is 8+ years) in leading and managing strategic policy research projects/programmes in humanitarian mine action and/or disarmament.
• Proven track record of delivering successful strategies or contributing to concrete policy changes or design.
• Proven experience in publishing research, understanding of research design and implementation is required.
• Proven experience engaging with multilateral or regional organizations (e.g. OSCE, UN, EU, etc.) and knowledge of relevant international policy agendas.
• Knowledge and experience in International Humanitarian Law and/or Disarmament Law is considered an asset.
• Ability to understand sustainable development mechanisms and processes.

Knowledge, skills and competencies

• Fluency in English, both written and oral; fluency in an any other language spoken in Explosive Ordnance affected countries an advantage.
• Excellent project management, analytical, planning and organisational skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective and persuasive verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in multi-cultural settings with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Knowledge of UN agencies, relevant national authorities, NGOs and humanitarian organisations and knowledge of the needed protocols.

Operating network

• Internal stakeholders, partners, suppliers, consultants.
• National mine action authorities, governmental ministries/departments.
• Diplomatic fora/actors.
• National and international operators.
• International (including UN), regional and civil society organisations.
• Donors

Travel requirements

Expected to travel up to 30% of the working time including to countries affected by explosive ordnance, with low-medium-high risk environment.

Applications

If you feel you have the right profile, kindly register your application on-line, including a CV in English on pdf format of maximum 2 pages.

Application Deadline: 19 January 2026

The GICHD implements a Gender Equality and Inclusion Policy and is an equal opportunities employer. Applications are encouraged from women and men, nationals of mine-affected countries and individuals with a disability or special needs, who meet the above profile requirements.