The posting
Opportunity Type:
Regular Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
Summary:
Around the world, access to safe and decent shelter remains a fundamental human right—and across Europe, the challenge of building sustainable, equitable housing systems has never been more urgent. At Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), we are driving transformative change to ensure everyone has a safe place to call home. To drive this regional impact, we are seeking a Program Director for Europe. In this regional leadership role, you will drive systemic impact across four core pillars: strategic portfolio leadership, technical and program quality, people and network leadership, and resource mobilization.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Portfolio Leadership * Develop, operationalize, and update the Europe Program Strategy in alignment with global and regional priorities. * Translate strategy into clear multi-year objectives, delivery plans, resource allocations, and impact targets. * Conduct regular portfolio reviews to scale, adapt, or exit programs and partnerships, ensuring focus on Habitat’s core comparative advantages.
Technical Quality, Innovation & Systems Change * Position HFHI as a thought-and-practice leader across priority housing areas (e.g., energy efficiency, social rental, adaptive reuse, Roma housing, and displacement response). * Lead and mentor a team of Subject Matter Experts (technical advisors) to drive evidence-based interventions. * Oversee technical standards, quality assurance, and integrated approaches linking housing with climate, policy, finance, and social inclusion.
Team Leadership & People Development * Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing, multidisciplinary Europe program team. * Provide matrix leadership for cross-functional staff and foster a culture of trust, accountability, inclusion, and continuous learning. * Manage capacity allocation across proposal design, technical support, and strategic initiatives.
Network Collaboration & Governance
* Build strong strategic relationships with National Organizations (NOs), Global Foundations, and leadership boards. * Represent and chair HFHI on National Organization Boards of Directors. * Support country entities in strategic alignment, technical assistance, and capacity assessments while respecting local governance.
Program Development & Resource Mobilization * Build a robust pipeline of scalable, fundable programs aligned with regional priorities. * Lead the development of multi-country funding packages, concepts and consortium opportunities for EU institutions, development banks, foundations, and bilateral donors in close partnership with Resource Development.
External Positioning & Influence
* Represent Habitat’s programmatic interests with EU institutions, governments, development banks, and housing networks. * Translate program evidence into policy recommendations, annual engagement packages, and active coalition leadership.
Area Leadership & Operations * Serve as an active member of the Europe & Middle East Area Leadership Team, contributing to organizational strategy, budgeting, and talent management. * Act on behalf of the Senior Director for Programs when delegated.
What do we require? * Master's degree in International Development, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field. * Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in program management and leadership roles, with at least 5 years specifically focused on programs within Europe. * Proven track record as a housing expert with deep operational and conceptual knowledge of regional housing challenges * Familiarity with EU funding programs (such as LIFE and Horizon Europe) * In-depth understanding of European development finance institutions * Extensive experience in managing and leading multicultural teams. * Fluency in English is required; proficiency in at least one other major European language (e.g., French, German, Spanish) is highly desirable. * Strong understanding of the political, economic, and social landscape of Europe. * Ability to travel extensively within Europe and to the global headquarters as required. * Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
* Active support of HFHI Values:
- Humility – We are part of something bigger than ourselves - Courage – We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular - Accountability – We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission
* Safeguarding: HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct
This position is based in Bratislava, Slovakia and requires 30% of travel. Deadline for applications is October 12, 2026.
#LI-DNI
Hiring Range:
The actual salary offered for this role will be based on a variety of factors, including location, internal equity and the candidate’s qualifications and professional experience. HFHI offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that varies by country and typically includes vacation leave, sick leave, personal days, health insurance options, retirement plan contributions and life insurance.
For work locations in Slovakia, the minimum monthly gross pay starts at:
€7 100,00 EUR
About Us:
Habitat for Humanity, founded in 1976, is a global, Christian-based nonprofit organization that grew out of an intentionally multi-racial community in rural Georgia. Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat brings together people of all faiths and people of no faith to build homes, communities and hope. Working alongside each other, we help families and individuals build and improve places to call home and achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Habitat seeks individuals who have a willingness to affirm these principles and values.
At Habitat for Humanity International, we are compelled by our Koinonia roots to put God’s love for all into action and pursue housing equity and opportunity by bringing all people together to build community and drive impact. We strive to build a culture rooted in learning, accountability and trust, attracting and retaining mission-driven talent reflective of the global communities we serve.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
As an equal opportunity employer, we realize our success depends on courageously committing to being a workplace where all staff feel safe, welcome, visible, respected, supported and valued, and building a workforce that reflects a variety of lived experiences, backgrounds and perspectives, in which every person experiences dignity and respect.
