Head of Programs

Job posted by: American Refugee Committee (ARC) - USA - Mon, 28 Jul 2014

Job Details:

Organisation: American Refugee Committee (ARC) - USA

Deadline Fri, 8 Aug 2014

Job type: Permanent

Location: South Sudan

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POSITION: Head of Programs
COUNTRY PROGRAM:
 South Sudan
RESPONSIBLE TO
: Country Director
STATUS: Full Time
SUPERVISORY CAPACITY: Sector Coordinators and County Program/Project Coordinators/Managers 
DATE: July 2014

Country Program Description 

ARC works with its partners and constituencies in 10 countries around the world to provide opportunities and expertise to refugees, displaced people and host communities. In support of vulnerable communities and IDPs in South Sudan, ARC manages a multi-sectoral program that includes primary and secondary health care and gender-based violence prevention and response. ARC currently works in Central and Eastern Equatoria, Northern Bahr el Gazal and Warrap States. ARC is committed to its ultimate aim of delivering programs with measurable quality and lasting impact for the communities it serves. 

Primary Purpose of the Position 

The Head of Programs (HP) 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 HP will work directly with Program Managers/County Coordinators, who retain principal responsibility for the day-to-day management of their respective sectors and/or field sites. The HP 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 HP will provide the Country Director with program updates on a regular basis, help on strategizing, coordination mechanisms and donor relations. 


DUTIES AND 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 County and Program Coordinators/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 Country Coordinators 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 experience in program management, leadership and design preferably in Africa in countries in conflict or post-conflict
  • Prior experience in South Sudan preferred
  • 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 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.
  • 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.


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