DRC Somalia is looking for a dynamic and experienced Head of Program who will provide overall quality and delivery of DRC’s programs across all established areas of operation in Somalia with a significant contribution expected to the conceptualization, technical support, and implementation of development, emergency and “nexus” projects. The HoP will play a vital role as a member of the SMT and will drive the overall integrated country-level vision, mission and objectives, and guide the implementation of area- and technical-level strategies. S/he will be active in high-level and strategic decision-making, collaborating closely with the Head of Support Services, Head of Operations and Country Director, ensuring outputs are in line with the programme's country priorities, DRCs mandate and according to DRC policies and systems. The incumbent will oversee and coordinate programmatic issues related to quality and delivery with a focus on program sector integration and collaboration. The HoP is also responsible for foreseeing the Humanitarian Disarmament & Peace Building (HDPB) Unit.
Responsibilities:
Program Strategy & Development:
Participate in country-level strategic planning and contribute to the sustainable management of program growth with an eye toward program growth and development.
Contribute to the conceptualization and evolution of the country strategy, develop/define the country programming in a collaborative way ensuring program appropriateness and accountability among the country program team with active participation in the drafting of the DRC Strategic Programme Document
Collaborate closely with CD and senior management staff in the development and design of innovative initiatives to drive new program development in DRC Somalia in accordance with DRC’s assistance framework
Foster synergies between program areas (integrated approach) inclusive of HDPB, support the strong integration of protection and gender considerations throughout all humanitarian initiatives, and ensure adherence to humanitarian principles and any other international standards when relevant
Advocate for DRC’s program in Somalia with government, donors, and humanitarian stakeholders, in HCT, consortia, cluster meetings, workshops, conferences, and in other relevant fora.
Establish strong and efficient partnerships with organizations, donors, and authorities, in line with the country programme strategy and DRC partnership management policy
Program Implementation & Coordination:
Provide oversight, guidance and leadership to all technical coordinators and specialists to ensure quality program implementation and integration in DRC Somalia.
In a frequent context of remote management, provide oversight on programmatic needs and gaps collaborate closely with the AMs, as well as the Quality Assurance management team.
With the Technical teams, continually evaluate current methodologies and policies, determine their effectiveness and provide suggestions on ways to improve compliance, and to ensure program and organizational success.
Ensure effective and transparent budget follow-up, planning, and use of financial resources in compliance with DRC and donor policies and priorities.
Lead Technical Coordinators in compiling and developing work plans for PMs and achieving benchmarks for program activities including spending plans and burn rates.
Effectively stay abreast of donor policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; and train DRC program staff in these policies
Program Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning:
With BDQM, ensure that all projects contribute to measuring impact and are in line with DRC’s country strategic plan.
Ensure quality programming by coordinating the technical support provided by the Quality Assurance team into programs with a keen focus on IM, MEAL, and other quality improvement initiatives
Promote learning and knowledge management within the country program
Document lessons learned and best practices for dissemination within DRC country and Regional teams, to donors, and to other stakeholders when relevant in order to ensure synergetic programming and cross-program collaboration in DRC Somalia and in the whole region
Implement appropriate monitoring, tracking, and reporting systems, tools, and templates that enhance monitoring of program outputs and quality, generate quality evidence on program impact, and promote and ensure use of data for decision-making processes/ program adjustments.
Fundraising, Grant proposal writing & reporting processes:
Pursue funding opportunities in all DRC- areas of competence and coordinate the capacities of the Technical Coordinators and SMT to identify and materialize opportunities in alignment with country and regional strategies
Trigger and oversee the drafting of concept notes, proposals, and donor reports by program managers (including budgets for cost-related activities) in coordination with grants departments in line with DRC HQ/Region and donor requirements
Ensure timely and targeted communication and information flow to all relevant internal and external parties in coordination with the Country Director, Regional Office, HQ, and other program stakeholders to remain informed about program achievements
Program staff Management and Capacity Building:
Effectively manage program teams, including where applicable, international and national managers, specialists and technical experts, coordinators, and officers, located at sites throughout the country with an emphasis on excellence, promoting a culture of cooperation, learning, creativity, and innovation.
Develop Job descriptions/Terms of Reference, lead and or contribute to recruitment processes and the induction and/or orientation of new staff.
Development of overall staff competence through leadership, training and coaching of technical and management key program staff
Conduct annual staff performance reviews
Collaborate closely with the Head of Support Services and Head of Operations to allocate funding for staff development, performance management, and team-building processes.
Donor liaison, Partnerships, and Representation:
Together with Country Director, ensure adequate bilateral representation of DRC with government authorities, donors, UN agencies, humanitarian agencies and other partners in regard to programme and participation in coordination meetings as relevant.
Liaise with government counterparts to ensure DRC grant sub-agreements are signed in a timely manner.
Advocacy and communication:
Work in collaboration with CD and HPA on developing advocacy and policy key messages across programmatic platforms.
Support the CD in the development and review of communication materials, including brochures, case studies as well as press releases.
Qualifications and Experience:
Minimum 8 years of management experience, of which at least 3 should include management of a large portfolio of programs across multiple sectors.
Post-graduate in international relations, Humanitarian Programs Management, degree, social science, international development and/or similar field
Min 4 years of experience in staff management and development in complex environments
Good understanding of displacement issues and related international standards/frameworks
Strong experience in programme quality, MEAL, programme development, and proven fundraising abilities with key donors
Proven experience in representing external to key stakeholders, including government authorities, donors, embassies and clusters.
Experience of leading strategic programming and planning processes
Experience of managing systems and tools to oversee complex project portfolios across different sectors and locations as well as within consortia
Ability to live and work under pressure in a rapidly changing and sometimes insecure environment
Team player with excellent communication and strong participatory leadership skills
Ability to work in hazardous environments with limited social possibilities
