In the humanitarian sector, finding a role that balances mission-driven impact with genuine staff care is a rare find. World Vision, one of the world’s largest Christian humanitarian organizations, is currently recruiting a Project Manager for its [Insert Location/Country] Program.
This position is distinctive not just for its scope of responsibility, but for the comprehensive benefits package attached to it. World Vision is renowned for its “Total Rewards” philosophy, which prioritizes the physical, financial, and spiritual well-being of its employees. For experienced development professionals who are tired of short-term contracts with zero security, this role offers stability, competitive remuneration, and a support structure designed to keep you thriving in the field.
Whether you are an expert in WASH, Food Security, Child Protection, or Livelihoods, this Project Manager role places you at the helm of a critical intervention. You will lead a dedicated team to transform the lives of the most vulnerable children, all while being supported by an organization that values you as much as the beneficiaries you serve.
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Background & Job Description
World Vision operates in nearly 100 countries, dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. The organization is faith-based, child-focused, and community-empowering.
The Project Manager is the linchpin of World Vision’s Area Programs (APs) or Grant-funded projects. This role bridges the gap between donor expectations and community reality. You will not just be sitting behind a desk; you will be the primary strategist ensuring that project goals—whether they be digging wells, distributing food, or training teachers—are met on time and within budget.
This position fits into the broader organizational goal of “sustained well-being of children.” By managing resources efficiently and leading your team effectively, you ensure that every dollar donated translates into tangible change for a child in need.
Key Responsibilities
The Project Manager will have full operational oversight of the assigned project. Key duties include:
- Project Implementation & Management:
- Direct and oversee the full project cycle (start-up, implementation, monitoring, and close-out) in accordance with World Vision standards and donor requirements (e.g., USAID, DFID, EU).
- Develop detailed work plans (DIPs) and ensure the project team adheres to the timeline.
- Manage the project budget (often ranging from $500k to $2M+), ensuring zero overspending or disallowed costs.
- Team Leadership & Staff Care:
- Supervise, mentor, and motivate a diverse team of field officers, M&E specialists, and finance assistants.
- Conduct performance agreements and appraisals, identifying training needs for staff development.
- Ensure staff adherence to security protocols and Child and Adult Safeguarding policies.
- Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting:
- Lead the preparation of high-quality monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for donors and the National Office.
- Ensure that project data is accurately captured in the Horizon/Step-system (World Vision’s management information system).
- Facilitate joint monitoring visits with government stakeholders and community leaders.
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Represent World Vision at district or provincial coordination meetings (e.g., Rural District Council meetings).
- Build strong relationships with local government ministries, traditional leaders, and church partners to ensure community buy-in.
World Vision Project Manager 2026: Lead Impactful Programs with a Top-Tier Benefits Package
Qualifications
To manage a high-stakes project, World Vision requires a blend of academic rigor and field toughness.
Education & Certification
- Bachelor’s Degree: A degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Agriculture, Public Health, or Business Administration is mandatory.
- Master’s Degree: A postgraduate qualification in Project Management or Development is a distinct advantage.
- Certification: Professional certification such as PMD Pro (Project Management for Development Professionals), PMP, or PRINCE2 is highly desirable.
Experience
- 5+ Years Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in managing community development projects or humanitarian relief grants.
- Donor Experience: Proven experience managing grants from major donors (USAID, WFP, ECHO, UNICEF) is critical.
- Technical Skills: Strong budgeting skills (Excel), report writing, and familiarity with M&E frameworks (Logframes).
- Driver’s License: A clean, valid Class 4 (or equivalent) driver’s license is often mandatory for field mobility.
Core Competencies
- Faith Alignment: As a Christian organization, candidates are expected to be in agreement with World Vision’s Core Values and Vision Statement.
- Language: Fluency in English and the local language of the project area (e.g., Shona, Ndebele, Swahili, French) is required.
Why Apply for This Position
The headline promised “lots of benefits,” and World Vision delivers. Here is what sets this offer apart from standard NGO jobs.
1. Comprehensive Medical & Health Coverage World Vision typically offers a premium Medical Aid package (e.g., Cigna, MASCA, or top-tier local providers) that covers not just the employee, but often their immediate family (spouse and children). This includes dental and optical benefits, providing immense peace of mind.
2. Financial Security & Perks
- 13th Cheque: Many World Vision offices provide a guaranteed 13th-month salary (bonus) at the end of the year.
- Pension Fund: A robust contributory pension or provident fund helps you secure your retirement future.
- Hardship Allowances: If the project is in a remote or difficult location, you may receive additional “hardship” or “location” allowances on top of your base salary.
3. Tools of the Trade Project Managers are typically assigned a project vehicle for work duties (often a 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser or Hilux), a high-quality laptop, and a smartphone with data/airtime allowances. This ensures you are never hindered by a lack of resources.
4. Work-Life Balance & Leave The organization offers generous leave days (often 24-30 days per year), plus “Compassionate Leave” and specific “Care Breaks” for staff working in high-stress zones. They actively encourage you to disconnect and recharge.
5. Spiritual & Professional Growth World Vision invests in the “Whole Person.” You will have access to staff chaplains for spiritual support, daily devotions (optional but available), and world-class training platforms (e-Campus) to upgrade your skills in leadership and management free of charge.
Application Tips & Insights
World Vision’s recruitment process is unique because it assesses both professional competence and cultural fit.
1. Address the “Christian Identity” Tactfully World Vision is explicit about its Christian identity. In your cover letter, it is beneficial to mention your alignment with their core values (We are Christian, We are committed to the poor, We value people). You do not need to write a sermon, but acknowledging that you share their motivation to serve the poor is crucial.
2. Highlight “Child Safeguarding” This is a non-negotiable for World Vision. Even if not explicitly asked, mention in your CV or cover letter that you have a clean background and understand the importance of Child and Adult Safeguarding. Mentioning that you have completed training on “PSEA” (Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) is a strong plus.
3. Speak “PMD Pro” Language When describing your experience, use standard project management terminology. Use words like Logframe, Theory of Change, Burn Rate, Variance Analysis, and Risk Register. This shows you are a technical professional, not just a general administrator.
4. The “Driver’s License” Factor For Project Managers, the ability to drive is often a “knock-out” question. If you have a license, put it clearly in your personal details section. If you have done 4×4 off-road driving courses, list that under skills—it proves you are field-ready.
Additional Information
- Salary: Competitive NGO Market Rate (Grade 13-15 equivalent). World Vision regularly benchmarks salaries against other top NGOs (like Save the Children, CARE).
- Contract Type: Fixed Term (typically 2-3 years), renewable based on grant funding and performance.
- Location: [Insert Specific District/Town], with frequent travel to rural operational areas.
- Work Environment: Field-based office. Expect a mix of office days and field monitoring days.
- Equal Opportunity: World Vision is an equal opportunity employer. Women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
- Official Portal: Go to the World Vision International Careers site (wvi.org/careers) or the specific National Office recruitment portal.
- Filter: Search for “Project Manager” within the specific country location.
- Register: Create a profile on the Workday recruitment system.
- Upload: Submit your CV (max 3 pages) and a cover letter detailing your project management experience.
- Assessment: You may be asked to complete a short online personality or cognitive assessment upon submission.
Deadline: Applications usually close strictly at 5:00 PM local time on the listed date. Do not wait until the last minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to be a Christian to work for World Vision? A: Generally, yes, or at least highly receptive to the Christian faith. For leadership roles like Project Manager, World Vision typically requires candidates to subscribe to their Statement of Faith or Core Values. However, they do not discriminate based on denomination.
Q: Is this a “family status” post? A: If this is a Local/National position (recruited within the country), you live where you choose, and benefits cover your family. If this is an International Expat position, it depends on the security rating of the location (some are non-family posts). This post is written assuming a National/Local recruit.
Q: What does “Child Safeguarding Check” mean? A: World Vision performs rigorous background checks. You will be required to provide a Police Clearance Certificate and sign a declaration that you have never been accused of harming a child.
Q: Can I apply if I don’t have a Master’s degree? A: Yes. While a Master’s is preferred, a Bachelor’s degree with strong, relevant field experience (5-7 years) is often accepted.
