Head of Programmes

**WHO WE ARE**

EQUAL is a Singapore-based charity with Institute of Public Character (IPC) status. We offer animal-assisted services to children, youths, persons with special needs, families and the elderly to equip them with life skills and to support their social integration. Our animal-partners are rescued animals whom we rehabilitate, retrain and care for, so they can journey with us to transform the lives of our beneficiaries through the unique programmes we offer. In many ways, we are a hybrid charity - caring for both our animals and human beneficiaries to the best of our abilities. We are nestled in a green and rustic area in Thomson (15 mins walk from Caldecott MRT Station) where our animals and us co-exist in a symbiotic manner to bring maximum impact to the communities we serve. We are also setting up a centre for our Canine-Assisted Learning programme in Enabling Village (near Redhill MRT) and you will move around between both locations.

**ABOUT THE ROLE**

We are looking for a Head of Programmes and Services who will oversee the planning and delivery of our signature animal-assisted programmes for beneficiaries ranging from children, youths, family to elderly as well as persons with special needs and/or disabilities. Our programmes include our Equine-assisted learning programme and Canine-assisted learning programme, as well as the planning, research and study of new animal-assisted learning programmes which could be beneficial to communities in Singapore.

You will oversee and lead the development and administration of our programmes and services in a mission-driven and sustainable manner, always looking for ways in which we can serve more and serve better for various beneficiary groups and communities in Singapore. You will oversee resource management and ensure the right processes and best practices are in place.

You will conduct internal and external environment scans to identify and track service impact and oversee the data collection and documentation for analysis, research, communications and reporting purposes.

You are expected to be attuned to the latest research and developments in social work, and animal-assisted interventions and you will be given the latitude to investigate service gaps, and to design and implement new programme initiatives to achieve EQUAL’s mission and objectives. You will work very closely with our animal welfare colleagues to design our programmes around our animals.

You will follow-up with partners and organisations to conceptualise and customise suitable animal-assisted interventions for their beneficiaries and also manage all internal and external stakeholders to ensure the success of the programmes.

You will champion a strong code of conduct among and look actively into the professional development of the staff in your division.

You will report to the CEO and you will be part of the Management team looking into the strategic and sustainable growth of the organisation. You will contribute towards building a high-quality workplace and positive work culture for the organisation. You will also be required to work on other areas and projects as assigned by the Board and Management.

**Technical Competencies**
- Programme management
- Stakeholder management
- Budget and Financial management
- Staff development
- Case management system management

**Core Competencies**
- Collaborative mindset
- Beneficiary and Partner-centric
- Coaches for performance
- Builds and develops positive teams
- Leads with strategy and innovation
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

**Preferred Achievements / Characteristics**
- Educational and professional background in social work, counselling, casework or equivalent work involving beneficiaries will be an advantage
- Passion and love for animals; experience with animal-handling will be a bonus
- Animal-assisted intervention background and experience working with animals and people will be a strong advantage