The HoP will be to contribute to and oversee the implementation of DRC’s strategy in CHAD/RCA and Central African Republic (CAR), taking a proactive and hands-on approach to ensure the highest programmatic standards, with an emphasis on quality assurance and lessons learning. The Head of Programme is responsible for the overall programmatic strategy across both countries’ operations and is responsible for providing technical input to the implementing actors within the different sectors. The Head of Programme is responsible for developing policies, processes and standards within respective areas and plays a lead role in fundraising activities and external representation. This role also includes Cluster representation and technical quality assurance across various protection sectors.
Responsibilities:
Represent the program/operations within the Senior Management Team (SMT).
Responsible for coordinating the country's sectoral and overall programmatic strategy.
Technical quality support for the operations in CHAD/RCA and CAR.
Line management, performance driver and staff development of Project Manager, Protection Coordinator, MEAL Team, PIM and other program staff.
Promote and facilitate effective coordination between the program and other CO departments.
Provide oversight and/or support Field and Project Managers in the overall implementation of program- and project- level activities, ensuring these are planned strategically and to meet high standards of delivery.
Follow up and support as needed.
Provide contextual program analysis inputs to DRC’s country and fundraising strategy, ensuring program relevance and expansion, in line with DRC’s Strategy and donors priorities.
Participate in consolidating DRC’s operations in CHAD and CAR and advise on partnerships and programmatic opportunities (thematic complementarity, geographic presence, consortia with local, national and international partners).
In close collaboration with the CD and Support Supply Manager, ensure effective planning, management and mobilization of programme resources, including financial and human resources; in coordination with the Area Manager/Project Manager, provide guidance and orientation to program/project staff.
In consultation with the program team, ensure effective implementation of the fundraising strategy, and participate in consolidating DRC’s operations in CHAD and CAR.
Ensure quality of overall project and program activities, with increased synergy and complementarity across projects, and provide regular updates and advice on program improvements.
Develop/update the country's protection strategy using a participatory approach and disseminate it to field teams
Drive and continuously improve program performance, by ensuring alignment and streamlining of program and financial management tools and processes, grant management and reporting.
Support the collection and management of quality data for protection data as well as protection analysis
Support the design and implementation of food security & livelihoods, financial inclusion and peacebuilding projects.
Work closely with DRC’s national partners, assess their capacity and implement organizational and technical capacity-building plans accordingly.
Supervise the development of timely and quality project reports matching DRC and donor requirements.
Promote, streamline and strengthen cross-project capitalization and learning opportunities, in close coordination with the MEAL Manager and Project Managers.
Support and oversee the development and implementation of strong Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning systems and feedback mechanisms.
Ensure monthly qualitative and quantitative reporting and data collection, in line with DRC’s Results Framework.
Actively mainstream protection and gender in all projects and advise on climate mainstreaming; ensure the inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable groups, and assist the program with working towards Core Humanitarian Standards and relevant SDGs as well as adherence to SPHERE standards.
Ensure project compliance to DRC and donor policies and requirements.
Requirements:
At least 7 years’ experience in the humanitarian sector.
At least 4 years’ experience with people management.
Full professional proficiency in English and French.
Experience in managing program operations, including at country senior management level.
Experience in fundraising and good understanding of key donor requirements.
Proven leadership skills and competence in people management.
Experience with proposal development, budget development, program implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
Experience in effectively coordinating with national partners, local/government authorities, NGO partners, UN agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
Any other relevant professional background in protection, emergency and economic recovery;
Previous experience in developing program strategies and producing technical guidance related to protection, economic recovery and/or peacebuilding.
Experience in working with local partners, local authorities and other INGOs within a consortium.
Experience in working with donors as as ECHO, SCDS, CDS, FPI, BHA, EU, BPRM.
Previous professional experience in West and Central Africa.
Very good knowledge of humanitarian principles.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills.
Ability to cope with heavy workloads and work under pressure.
Highly motivated, results-oriented and creative problem solver.
Computer skills in Microsoft Pack (Excel, Office, Outlook, etc.).
Good understanding of and commitment to DRC values.
