Head of Programmes

🌍We're Hiring: Head of Programmes

Odyssea's mission is to ensure that people have equal opportunities by harnessing the power of knowledge for employment and personal development. Our vision is to build a world where all young people thrive by realising their full potential.

At Odyssea, we place people at the heart of the programmes and services we develop, with the aim to meet their needs and helping them gain the skills and confidence to become productive members of society. If you really want to make an impact on people's lives, this is a great position for you!

📍 Location: Athens, Greece (Hybrid)
🕒 Job Type: Full-time

📈 Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

About the Role

Odyssea is seeking a Head of Programmes to lead the delivery of all programmes across our two core functions: the Academy, which implements vocational training programmes, and the Employability team, which connects beneficiaries to employment opportunities and corporate partners.

This role is the senior programme leadership presence in the organisation — overseeing department managers and project managers, maintaining delivery quality, and ensuring donors and stakeholders receive timely and meaningful engagement.

This role requires someone who combines strong programme management discipline with a people-first leadership approach and the tech-savvy mindset to drive efficiency and quality across teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. Programme Oversight & Quality

• Oversee the delivery of all active programmes across the Academy and Employability teams.
• Monitor programme KPIs, ensuring quality, compliance, and impact are consistently achieved.
• Guide Project Managers on best practices in project management, stakeholder engagement, and reporting.

2. Project Management & Reporting

• Develop and maintain project management tools including Gantt charts, workplans, and timelines across all active programmes.
• Monitor programme KPIs on an ongoing basis, identifying risks and ensuring corrective action is taken where needed.
• Log and track project progress using organisational tools (e.g. Monday.com), ensuring all information is up to date and accessible to the team.
• Lead on donor reporting, ensuring reports are accurate, timely, and reflect the quality of delivery on the ground.
• Ensure all project documentation is up to date and compliant with donor and organisational requirements.
• Support and coach managers on project management best practices, embedding a culture of rigour and accountability across teams.

3. Team Leadership & Manager Development

• Line manage the Academy Manager, Employability Manager, and Project Managers.
• Coach and develop managers to build their project management and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Facilitate resource sharing and coordination across teams to ensure efficient programme delivery.

4. Stakeholder & Donor Engagement

• Serve as the senior point of contact for key programme stakeholders and donors.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and high-quality reporting to donors and institutional partners.

5. Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Communications team to ensure programme work is reflected accurately in external communications and fundraising materials.
• Coordinate across the Academy and Employability teams to ensure resources are shared effectively and delivery is aligned.
• Represent Odyssea's programmes externally at events, networks, and partner meetings.

Requirements

Academic Background

• Bachelor's Degree in Project Management, Economics, Management, International Development, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Master's Degree in Project Management, Business Administration (MBA), Operations Management, or Non-Profit Management will be considered a strong asset.

Professional Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in programme or project management.
• Demonstrated experience using project management tools and methodologies — including Gantt charts, KPI monitoring, and donor reporting.
• Experience managing or mentoring teams, with a track record of developing people and driving accountability.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data tracking and reporting (pivot tables, complex formulas).
• Experience with project management platforms such as Monday.com or equivalent tools.
• Familiarity with CRM or data management systems.
• Comfortable using AI tools and automation platforms to increase productivity and streamline workflows.

Key Competencies

• Strong programme management discipline with attention to quality and impact.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills — comfortable with both teams and senior stakeholders.
• Coaching mindset: able to develop people, not just manage them.
• Strategic thinker who can connect day-to-day delivery to organisational goals.
• Resilient and adaptable — able to lead through organisational change.

What we offer to make your work-life awesome! 🌟

• 🏖️ 3 extra holiday days than your PTO (your paid time off as stipulated by Greek law) + 2 extra days off (Good Friday and Pentecost).
• 📚 3 personal learning days per annum with a 100€ company contribution
• 🤝 2 volunteer days off per year to be used at another organisation
• 🌐 Hybrid work model: One remote day per week
• 💪 Private health insurance

Recruitment Process:
1st Interview: HR Generalist & CFO
2nd Interview: CEO & CTO

                                          Odyssea · Building a world where all young people thrive