Deputy Director Programs

Background: The IRC has been working in Somalia since 2007, providing essential services to conflict and disaster affected communities. The IRC has been operational in Central Somalia (Mudug and Galgadud regions), Mogadishu and Puntland implementing interventions in the areas of livelihood, WASH, Governance/ protection, GBV and primary health care reaching out to more than 300,000 conflict and drought affected people.

Scope of work: The International Rescue Committee currently seeks a Deputy Director of Programs for its Somalia program, based in Nairobi. The position will lead the program and grants unit with leadership in the areas of strategic programming and planning, ensuring program quality, promoting strategic growth 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 inside Somalia supporting programs and teams at field sites. Persons who are unable to commit to this are requested not to apply.

Job Description/Responsibilities

Strategic planning

• Contribute to implementation of the Country Strategic Plan for Somalia through committed investment in achievement of the plan objectives, regular review of plans, and discussions with team
• Lead the country program in strategic program development, by undertaking regular multi-sector assessments, and designing innovative approaches to respond to the needs of the population at 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 IRC Somalia Strategic Plan
• Develop programs that address longer term issues (drought and conflict mitigation, Governance, basic services etc) in Somalia, identify potential partners (local and INGOs) and donors for the same and develop quality proposals to address these needs
• Lead the development of high-quality, needs-based project proposals in line with the IRC Program Framework
• In coordination with technical staff, identify local NGO partners; develop and implement capacity-building protocols for the transfer of IRC skills and experience 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 periodic field visits (at least 50% of time) and review sessions and ensure that program implementation strategies are compatible with overall program goals and objectives.
• Training of staff on identified areas- 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 achievement 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- 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 to guarantee timely service
• Ensure program compliance with internal control procedures
• Be aware and adhere to security protocols for the organization 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 and develop within the organization.
• Directly supervise 5-6 program staff (program managers/ coordinators). Matrix manage field based project coordinators
• Coach and build capacity of program staff leading to staff retention and enhancing program quality
• Coordinate the recruitment of all program staff, and recommend promotions, performance action for program staff in consultation with direct supervisors, Human Resources and the Country Director.
• Ensure the Performance Management System for all program staff is followed and carried out as required

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 (NY and UK) for technical guidance and support on quality implementation and new program design

Required Competencies

• Eight years of overseas 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 and procedures
• 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 and experience working within INGO finance, security and operational frameworks
• Knowledge of best practices in project design, implementation and community participation techniques
• The ability to take the 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 (at least 50% of time)

Specific security Situation/Housing

This is an accompanied position based 50% time in Nairobi and staff member is entitled for benefits in line with IRC international staff policy.