Somalia: Deputy Director for Programs

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

The IRC started working in Somalia in the early 1980s, providing essential services to conflict and disaster affected communities. Programs were often interrupted by conflict and all offices had to close eventually. The IRC returned to Somalia in 2006 and now operates three field offices in Galkacyo, Garowe and Mogadishu. Programming includes primary health care, water and sanitation, protections and livelihoods. reaching out to more than 250,000 people.

The International Rescue Committee Somalia seeks a Deputy Director for Programs (DDP). The position is based in the country office in Nairobi and will direct the program unit offering leadership in the areas of strategic planning, program quality, future development and strong external and internal representation and advocacy. S/he must be able to motivate and lead a diverse staff as well as effectively manage programs, partnerships and budgets. The position holder must spend at least 50% of his/ her time traveling in Somalia to support programs and teams at field sites. Candidates who are unable to make this commitment are requested not to apply.

Responsibilities:

Strategic planning Contribute to implementation of the Country Strategic Plan through committed investment in achievement of the plan objectives, regular review of plans, and discussions with team Lead the country program program development, by undertaking regular multi-sector assessments, and designing innovative approaches to respond to the needs of the population of Somalia Program Development Plan and oversee needs assessments and train others to assess specific needs In coordination with the Country Director and the Program team, ensure the development of new program opportunities in line with the IRC Somalia Strategic Plan Develop programming concepts that address longer term issues (drought and conflict mitigation, governance, quality of services, etc.); identify potential partners (local and INGOs) and donors for the same and develop quality needs-based proposals in line with the IRC Program Framework In coordination with technical staff, identify local NGO partners; develop and implement capacity-building plans for the transfer of IRC skills to local government and national NGO partners Develop advocacy mechanisms and identify networks for coalition building Provide leadership in new program/proposal development planning Ensure IRC’s five core principles (Participation, Capacity Building, Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, Partnership and Holistic Programming) are mainstreamed in all program activities: assessment, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Programming Provide overall leadership and management to all IRC Somalia programs, by protecting and enforcing strategic program direction and growth. Monitor all programs through regular field visits (at least 50% of time) and ensure that program implementation strategies are compatible with overall program goals and objectives. Train of staff on identified technical and program management issues Liaise with various stakeholders- local authorities, donors, NGOs, and other operational partners in Somalia through attendance in coordination meetings at cluster level and other relevant forums Participate in the development of strategic work-plans with clear objectives and benchmarks, long-term and short-term priorities, implementation plans, financial projections and tools for evaluation Ensure program assessments are conducted timely in accordance with donor specific requirements, information is analyzed and shared with all stakeholders; and appropriate actions are -taken by program technical staff in collaboration with clients, and partners Develop tools for the measurement of IRC Somalia program impact including development of stringent monitoring and evaluation systems Finance/ Grant Management Work with the program coordinators/ managers and the finance team to track monthly project expenditure against program budget Recommend grant and budget revisions in consultation with the program managers/coordinators and field teams Assist in budget development with the field teams and program managers/coordinators in consultation with finance and operations departments Review all program donor reports and new project proposals in collaboration with the program department, technical coordinators, operations and finance departments; ensure completeness, quality and timely submission Operations Encourage constructive and productive communication between program and operations staff Ensure program compliance with internal control procedures Be aware and adhere to security protocols for the organisation in line with the Security Management Plan for the country program Human Resources Facilitate the conceptual, managerial, organizational and technical capacities of IRC staff to effectively contribute to the achievements of the program objectives. Directly supervise program and grants managers/coordinators Coach and build capacity of program staff to foster staff retention and enhance program quality Coordinate the recruitment of program staff, and recommend promotions and performance action plans for program staff with direct supervisors, Human Resources and the Country Director. Ensure the Performance Management System for all program staff is followed. Communication, Reporting and Data Collection Liaise with counterparts, UN agencies and NGOs in the field to coordinate multi-sector integrated programs, standardize sector specific activities and obtain up-to-date information for program planning and implementation. Ensure IRC participation in respective sector specific coordination forums and help foster exchanges of program information, best practices and training materials with partners, involved communities and various line Government ministry officials Ensure regular communication between field program teams and program department staff. In coordination with the Country Director and the management team ensure effective communication mechanism is in place to facilitate access to information by all staff to enhance inclusive participation and empowering work environment In coordination with the Country Director and program managers/ coordinators liaise with IRC’s Technical Units for technical guidance and support. Required Competencies

Six to eight years of international experience (ideally in sub-Saharan Africa), preferably in relief/development work with management and supervisory responsibilities in program administration at senior management level Minimum of four years of international experience in program management Direct experience in building the capacity of national NGOs and working with local partners, including a clear understanding of NGO capacity building Experience working with and coordinating with donors including EU, ECHO, foundation donors, UN (WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR), DFID, OFDA etc. and knowledge of specific donor guidelines and priorities Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation systems Demonstrated excellence in proposal and report development and writing Demonstrated excellence in human resource management, particularly in a multi-cultural environment, including techniques for staff development, training, motivation, and discipline Demonstrated excellence in multi-tasking, time management, and flexibility Demonstrated skills working within INGO finance, security and operational frameworks Knowledge of best practices in project design, implementation and community participation Ability to take initiative and proven ability to work creatively, innovatively and effectively to make decisions with limited direct supervision Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software programs Masters degree in relevant field (Development Studies, Social Sciences, International Relations, etc) Excellent written and spoken English essential. Knowledge of Somali a distinct advantage Willingness to travel to the field is a requirement (at least 50% of time)

Please apply online: http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH02/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=IRC&cws=1&r...