Program Director, DW Akademie Namibia Office

About the role

Deutsche Welle is looking for a Program Director (f/m/d) for its DW Akademie office in Windhoek, Namibia, starting 1 February 2027 or as soon as possible. The post is a full-time local staff position initially limited until 31 December 2027, with the possibility of extension.

Key responsibilities

• Steer DW Akademie's activities in Namibia and across Southern Africa, including developing country and regional approaches
• Ensure implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of media development projects, especially BMZ and EU funded ones
• Represent DW Akademie and the Namibia Office with external stakeholders in Namibia and the region
• Oversee office operations, including local staff coordination, project administration and accounting, risk and knowledge management
• Advise partners strategically, technically and administratively
• Oversee financial management, budgeting and controlling, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Coordinate with donors, mobilise resources and travel regularly within Southern Africa and to Germany

Required profile

• Degree or equivalent in media studies, communication, journalism or another relevant field
• Long-standing experience in freedom of expression and media development, especially training and consulting; journalistic experience required
• In-depth knowledge of strategic approaches in international development cooperation and project/programme management (ideally BMZ and/or EU)
• Excellent knowledge of the media situation in Namibia and Southern Africa
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly within the region and to Germany

Required skills

• Expertise in media development cooperation (Media Information Literacy, Media Viability, Journalism Education); AI expertise is an advantage
• Organizational and coordination skills in diverse international programme teams, with strong intercultural competence
• Professional English (minimum C1); German is an advantage

Applications with CV and cover letter in English must be submitted online by 5 November 2026. Part-time candidates are also considered, and the employer welcomes applications from women and people with disabilities.