PROJECT LEAD - FUNCTIONAL EXCELLENCE

Work Location : Flexible - Approved LocationsType of Post : Not ApplicableOther Possible Location : Kenya - NairobiFunding : APPROVEDExpected Travel : up to 10%Type of Contract : Language Requirement : EnglishApplication Deadline : Employee Duration : Full-Time
Starting salaries are based on various factors, including candidate experience, education, knowledge, skills, and the cost of labor where the job is based. Salaries listed only apply to jobs based in the US.
Who We Are
As a global leader, CARE is shaping the future of the humanitarian and development sector. Each year, we deliver support and services to millions of people globally. We do this by focusing on our mission and vision, and the values of equality and excellence that guide our organization. We seek dedicated individuals who align with our mission and are passionate about making it a reality by collaborating with others, embracing learning and innovation, and delivering results.
What We Are Looking For
At CARE, we value diversely talented people who can bring different experiences and perspectives to our organization. We know that not all applicants will have every skill and qualification. We encourage everyone who meets the minimum required qualifications to apply. Having one or more of the preferred qualifications will strengthen an application. But, even if you are earlier in your career or followed a non-traditional educational or professional path, we hope you will consider a career at CARE.
Job Title: PROJECT LEAD - FUNCTIONAL EXCELLENCE
Job Location(s): Flexible - Approved Locations
Job Summary
This role can be based in any approved CARE USA location. Candidates must currently have and maintain the legal authorization to work in the country in which they will be based. International relocation or expatriate terms are not available for this role. This position is not visa sponsorship eligible.
The Project Lead drives organization-wide change initiatives from conception through implementation and evaluation, with a focus on organisational change and operating models. This role is within CARE's Transformation Office which partners with different functional areas of the organisation to deliver changes that enable CARE to deliver on its current 5 year global strategy.
For remainder of CARE's fiscal year (June 2027) this involves completing the implementation of an existing project called Functional Excellence which is clarifying and strengthening the functional relationships between HQ, Regional and Country layers of CARE. This Project Lead role would then lead other organisational change initiatives through close partnership with different functional areas of CARE. The Project Lead will be responsible for driving alignment across senior stakeholders, leading implementation efforts, identifying sustainable efficiency opportunities, and ensuring successful implementation of these transformation projects in a highly matrixed environment.
The role will be line managed by the Senior Director of Transformation.
Responsibilities
Deliver project objectives through excellent project management
Ensure the successful delivery of project objectives within the approved budget, timeline, and scope.
Develop project plans, timelines, budgets, and success metrics aligned with project goals, Project Management Lifecycle, and CARE policies
Liaise with FP&A team and Executive Office budget manager to ensure project’s adherence to budget guidance and to manage any budget-related risks or issues as they arise
Track project progress against outcomes and lead project team in successfully executing on project plan by facilitating team meetings, identifying and addressing barriers, and mitigating risks and issues
Collaborate with the Senior Global Change Manager on integration of Change Management work and plans into overall project strategy and planning
Ensure inputs from cross functional stakeholders on project planning where needed, such as for functional leads on periods of implementation for their function
Leverage Monday.com and other project management tools for maximum efficiency and clarity
Identify and manage resources needed to deliver on project goals, such as external consultants; travel; translation; etc.
Lead stakeholder engagement
Lead in articulating the project vision and promoting the active engagement of key stakeholders
Facilitate inclusive planning sessions, workshops, and project meetings
Lead development of multi-stakeholder communication, engagement and commitment strategies, promoting dialogue from a diverse array of levels and functions across CARE
Provide timely and impactful project communication and updates to all stakeholders across the CARE network: country office staff, regional offices, HQ functional teams, IPO, and executive leadership
In partnership with the Senior Global Change Manager, support trainings and comms related to change management
Represent the project as needed in organizational or team forums
Identify and mitigate risks related to staff capacity and active engagement in the project.
Ensure effective project governance
Schedule, plan, and facilitate Steering Committee meetings, including preparing meeting agendas and slides; discussing meeting objectives with Executive Sponsors; ensuring adequate attendance; preparing any other facilitators as needed; and sending post-meeting follow-ups.
Identify needs for governance input, such as significant risks or issues; changes to scope; etc., and bring them to the Steering Committee for decision
Facilitate the project’s progress through Project Management Lifecycle stage gates by guiding Steering Committee approval and decision points
Manage other key meetings of leadership related to project governance.
Personnel management
Provide day-to-day direction, coaching, and regular feedback to a change manager, setting clear priorities and expectations aligned to project goals, addressing any performance or capacity issues early and constructively
Support the change manager's professional development through goal-setting, performance conversations, and stretch opportunities
Delegate effectively, balancing ownership and autonomy with appropriate oversight and escalation points
Foster a collaborative, trusting working relationship that models inclusive, transparent, and adaptive leadership.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in business, organizational management, nonprofit management, or other relevant field; or equivalent experience
Professional certification in Project Management
A track record of leading large-scale organisational transformation and enterprise-wide change programmes within complex global organisations.
Experienced in operating within complex INGOs, federated organisations, multinational matrix environments, or similarly complex stakeholder structures.
Extensive experience engaging, influencing, and building alignment among Executive Leadership Teams, Global Functional Leaders, Country Directors and senior stakeholders across multiple geographies.
Has knowledge and practical experience of operating model design, shared services, process harmonisation, workforce and level-of-effort optimisation, finance transformation, and organisational effectiveness initiatives.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working across both headquarters/global teams and decentralized country operations.
Experience in Lean Six Sigma, continuous improvement, or operational excellence methodologies.
There are individuals who may use CARE’s name and trademark in emails and on websites in an attempt to solicit fees from interested job-seekers. Some examples of these fees are placement fees or immigration processing fees. CARE does not use recruiting or placement agencies that charge candidates an up-front fee of any kind. Occasionally, CARE does employ recruiting or placement agencies to help us identify candidates for specific employment within CARE. If you’re contacted by a legitimate recruiting or placement agency, there should be no charge to you. If you suspect that you have been a victim of fraud from someone purporting to be CARE, please contact us at legal@care.org. Please do not email legal@care.org to apply for this position. Instead, click "apply now" below in order to submit your interest.
CARE is an Equal Opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.
Starting salaries are based on internal equity, candidate experience, and the cost of labor where the job is based. Salaries listed only apply to jobs based in the US.

Work arrangement
Yes