Job Summary
Silver Jubilee Development Agency (SJDA) was established in 1984 and incorporated as a Company limited by guarantee under section 23 of the Companies Act 1913 (now, section 42 of the Companies Act, 2017) on October 30, 1984. The objective of establishing SJDA is to promote the socio-economic progress of the communities by developing and supporting programmes and institutions.
Programme Overview
The Poverty Elimination (PE) Programme is SJDA’s integrated, institutional response to improve the Quality of Life of the underprivileged members of the communities by supporting the families to increase income. The PE Programme is a flagship initiative aimed at reducing multidimensional poverty within the local communities in Pakistan. It focuses on enabling vulnerable families to graduate out of poverty through targeted interventions such as income generation, access to finance, education, skill development, health, and social protection. The programme aligns with the global vision of driving sustainable poverty elimination and promoting resilience through economic empowerment and social inclusion.
The programme aims to:
- Increase the employment and self-employment opportunities;
- Support establishment of small enterprises;
- Improve agriculture productivity;
- Improve livestock breeding/rearing.
Position Overview
SJDA is seeking a Director, Poverty Elimination Programme, a senior leader with strategic, operational, and technical depth to steer the implementation, scale-up, and continuous improvement of the programme across Pakistan.
The Director will provide visionary leadership, oversee multi-tiered implementation teams, and ensure that the programme’s strategies, systems, and partnerships are optimized for maximum impact. The role requires a leader capable of leading the programme team to design inclusive economic pathways, strengthen institutional processes, ensure organizational accountability, and foster strategic partnerships at regional and national levels.
Reporting Relationship
Reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or a designated senior authority.
Role and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Programme Direction
- Provide strategic oversight and direction for the design, implementation, and scale-up of the programme in Pakistan.
- Translate programme vision and Board priorities into actionable strategic plans.
- Lead the development and refinement of programme tools, systems, and methodologies to improve efficiency, sustainability, and impact.
- Conduct high-level analysis of poverty dynamics and community needs to shape programme interventions and future expansions.
Programme Management & Delivery
- Lead and mentor a large, multidisciplinary, and geographically dispersed team responsible for programme delivery.
- Ensure teams adhere to performance standards, timelines, and operational protocols.
- Oversee the development of contextualized economic development pathways through market analysis, stakeholder consultations, and community engagement.
- Ensure robust family identification, assessment, triaging, and case management frameworks.
- Strengthen programme quality through continuous evaluation, risk mitigation, and responsive improvements.
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
- Build, nurture, and leverage strategic partnerships with Government bodies, Private Sector entities, AKDN agencies, civil society organizations, and community institutions.
- Represent SJDA at high-level forums, donor meetings, and sector-wide platforms.
- Advocate for pro-poor policies and contribute to national discourse on economic inclusion and livelihoods development.
Governance, Compliance & Reporting
- Ensure strict compliance with organizational policies, governance decisions, and donor requirements.
- Oversee documentation systems, ensuring consistency and accuracy of monitoring data, impact evaluations, and programme records.
- Produce high-quality reports, policy briefs, and strategic updates for the CEO, Governance Committees, and other stakeholders.
- Oversee the integrity and confidentiality of programme information.
Financial & Budget Oversight
- Lead the development and management of programme budgets.
- Ensure financial discipline, optimal resource allocation, and cost-effective programme operations.
- Monitor financial performance and approve area-level expenditures within delegated authority.
- Provide strategic guidance for forecasting, budget planning, and financial reporting.
People Leadership & Organizational Development
- Lead recruitment, professional development, and performance management for programme teams.
- Establish clear KPIs and ensure accountability at all levels of programme implementation.
- Foster an organizational culture centered on collaboration, innovation, learning, and high ethical standards.
Communication & Community Engagement
- Provide strategic direction for community engagement efforts ensuring transparency and responsiveness.
- Strengthen communication channels that support trust-building between the program, local leadership, and beneficiary families.
- Oversee the dissemination of key programme information through culturally appropriate and accessible methods.
Required Skills
Skills and Qualification:
- Exceptional strategic thinking and programme management capabilities.
- Strong leadership presence with a demonstrated track record of managing large teams in complex environments.
- High-level relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Proven experience in socio-economic development, poverty alleviation, or related fields.
- Strong analytical, monitoring, and impact measurement skills.
- Outstanding communication skills, including public speaking, report writing, and presentations.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
- High emotional intelligence, discretion, and professionalism.
Professional Experience
- 12 to 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in international development, socioeconomic development, or poverty alleviation.
- Minimum 4 years in a management role overseeing complex multi-functional programmes.
Academic Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, Management Sciences, or a related field (HEC-recognized or internationally accredited).
Language Proficiency
- Excellent command of English and Urdu, both written and spoken.
- Fluency in regional languages is an advantage.
Travel & Schedule
- Based in Karachi with frequent travel across programme regions in Pakistan.
- Flexibility to work evenings or weekends when required for programme commitments.