Head of Programs

POSITION TITLE: Head of Programs

COUNTRY PROGRAM: South Sudan

RESPONSIBLE TO:  Country Director

STATUS:  Full Time

SUPERVISORY CAPACITY: Sector Coordinators, County/Hospital Coordinators/Managers

DATE: December 2016

To apply: https://app.jobvite.com/j?aj=ojBr4fw9&s=AlertNet

COUNTRY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The overall objective of the ARC South Sudan program is to assist the South Sudanese to respond and react to community needs. To achieve this objective, ARC implements a multi-sectoral program that includes primary health care, tertiary care and gender based violence prevention and response activities. ARC currently works closely with the County Health Departments in large scale county wide health programming. ARCs GBV programming is expanding its outreach mechanisms and introducing innovative new initiatives. ARC has program activities in Central and Eastern Equatoria, Kajo Keiji, and Northern Bahr el Gazal.

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

Based in Juba, the Head of Programs (HoP) will assume direct responsibility for the overall management and coordination of the various components of the ARC South Sudan Program. S/he provides overall leadership and direction to program staff and support to the Country Director to strengthen the program development, strategies, program quality, partnerships, and accountability in accordance with ARC and donor policies. The HoP will work directly with Sector Coordinators and County and Hospital Coordinators/Program Managers, who retain principal responsibility for the day-to-day management of their respective sectors and/or field sites. The HoP SPC will work in close coordination with other departments and management staff to provide outstanding support to the field operations and to collaborate with Headquarters on program related issues.

The HoP will also assist the Grants and Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator, in ensuring sound grant management, compliance, and developing the ARC South Sudan M&E strategy, reporting standards and program database.

The HP will also actively lead and participate in program strategy formation and development. S/he will work closely with the Grants and M & E Coordinator to ensure the grant cycle is followed and systems are in place. S/he will also coordinate closely with Finance and the program managers/county coordinators to ensure that all program spending remains within approved limits. S/he will be responsible for ensuring all teams are sufficiently successful in monthly burn rates and spending. Finally, the HoP will provide the Country Director with program updates on a regular basis, help on strategizing, coordination mechanisms and donor relations.

MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY /

PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES  

Program Implementation, Grant Management and M&E (40%)

• Provide oversight and leadership to all aspects of program implementation in South Sudan, including ensuing timely reporting, compliance and quality utilizing routine monitoring and feedback into program implementation
• Ensure effective and transparent planning and use of financial resources in compliance with ARC and donor policies and priorities
• Lead Sector Coordinators and County and Hospital Coordinators/Program Managers, in compiling and developing work plans and achieve benchmarks for program activities including spending plans, cash need identification and burn rates.
• Document lessons learned and best practices for dissemination within ARC, to donors and to other agencies and interested parties, and ensure synergetic programming and cross-program collaboration in South Sudan
• Ensure timely and targeted communication and information flow to all internal and external parties and coordination with the Country Director, donors, field offices and other program partners to remain informed about program achievements
• Effectively stay abreast of donor policies, procedures, rules and regulations; compile and update applicable local policies; and train ARC program staff in these policies
• With the Operations and Finance 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

Program Development and Strategy (40%)

• Lead program development initiatives including writing concepts, proposals and budgets in line with donor requirements
• Collaborate closely with the Country Director, program staff and Headquarters Program Development staff in the development and design of innovative initiatives to drive new business development
• Participate in country level strategic planning and contribute to the sustainable management of program growth with a continual eye to new program development that meets the needs of beneficiaries and the strategic needs of ARC
• As required represent ARC South Sudan programs to funders and potential donors
• Cultivate key relationships that enhance ARC’s visibility and efficacy in its area of operations as well as new business development opportunities

Team Management / Capacity Building (20%)

• Effectively manage a team of expatriate and South Sudanese managers, technical experts, and program staffers located at sites throughout the country with an emphasis on excellence, promoting a culture of learning, creativity and innovation

• Assist the human resources and administration department in the development of job descriptions, recruitment and orientation of staff
• Draft and/or review scopes of work to hire and manage technical consultants, including review for technical efficacy and contract budget
• Conduct annual performance reviews and lead ongoing performance monitoring for all direct reports
• Provide daily oversight to programmatic needs and collaborate closely with the operations, finance, and administrative teams in support of field office operations including reporting, grant administration and implementation
• Collaborate closely with Sector Coordinators, County and Hospital Coordinators/Program Managers and M & E team to incorporate staff development into performance management and team building processes
• Perform any other duties assigned by the CD or ARC Senior Management as necessary

Education, Technical Skills and Knowledge Required

• Master’s Degree in International Development, Public Health, Project Management, Humanitarian Assistance, Social Science or related field.
• Over 5 years of progressively responsible international experience in program management, leadership and design preferably in Africa in countries in conflict or post-conflict settings
• Prior experience in South Sudan preferred
• Knowledge of the regional political and social conditions.
• Demonstrated experience and skill in proposal development, budget development, program implementation, monitoring and evaluation
• Experience effectively coordinating with National Governments, International and National NGO partners and a variety of working with and coordinating with a variety of donors including USAID, EU, DFID,
• Excellent English writing, analytical and strategic thinking skill, with proven ability to create and utilize qualitative and quantitative analyses in organizational planning

Key Behaviors and Abilities

• Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational, and prioritization skills are necessary.
• Ability to cope and lead in a challenging environment.
• Knowledge of the regional political and social conditions.
• Must be able to work independently while being a strong team player.
• Ability to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work and security environment.
• Capacity to spark innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to programming and to inspire groups to collaborate closely to implement high-quality programs.
• Proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results.
• Ability to navigate complex situations with diplomacy.
• Ability to manage ambiguity, frustration and stress in self and others.
• Confident and decisive leadership.
• Desire and ability to learn and grow, both personally and professionally.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members is required.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to professionally and appropriately represent the organization and negotiate and defend ARC’s interests with a diverse range of government officials, local organizations and other groups.
• Willingness to live in shared accommodation.

To apply: https://app.jobvite.com/j?aj=ojBr4fw9&s=AlertNet

American Refugee Committee is an Equal Opportunity Employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.  American Refugee Committee complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.