Intermon Oxfam is Spanish based development cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, Non-Governmental organization working since 1995 to eradicate the poverty in Ethiopia. Our organization works in program areas of Food security, rural water supply and sanitation, pastoralist development, and different emergency programs.
The Role
Reporting to the Associate Country Director, you will provide strong and strategic leadership to the country programme. As a member of the senior management team (SMT) in Ethiopia, you will be required to ensure the proper implementation of programme strategies and plans and coordinate a broad spectrum of programmes, stakeholders and geographies, while leading the closure and/or transfer process of programs to other affiliates or agencies and contributing to the implementation of Oxfam 2020 in country. You will co-ordinate and supervise the operations of Field Managers and Technical Coordinators, and guarantee timely and high quality programme delivery that is consistent with Intermon Oxfam’s values, mission and goals, aligning them with country priorities.
Key accountabilities
Programme Development and Strategy
Contribute to the development and implementation of the country strategy
Define the annual operational plan, in collaboration with the rest of the coordination team and the Associate Country Director, and within the framework of the country strategy.
Oversee the strategic implementation of programme activities from the different funders and implemented by the country programme team. This includes leading on the annual work plan in collaboration with Field Managers and the technical team.
Ensure the proper transfer of existing programs to other affiliates or agencies in a responsible and quality manner.
Analyse the information provided by the technical coordinators in order to take appropriate operational decisions
Work with the Associate Country Director to diversity the funding base through developing existing or new relationships with donors
Facilitate the design of the operations plan for an emergency response, in conjunction with the humanitarian coordinator and the other technical coordinators
Coordinate the operations of an emergency response in conjunction with the Technical Coordinators and Field Managers
Ensure the appropriate follow-up of the emergency interventions
Implementation and Quality of the Programme
Ensure that strategic decisions regarding programmes are implemented
Make key decisions in relation to the programme implementation, and offer solutions to problems that arise during the implementation of programmes
Ensure the programme meets IO’s Quality Standards and international Codes of Conduct
Ensure programmes are implemented and evaluated in a consultative and participative manner through regular field visits using accountability framework and related appropriate tools.
Monitor programme implementation against work plans and objectives, document analysis programme strategy and implementation.
Based on the outcome of monitoring and evaluation, recommend changes in the programme to ensure that targets are met and objectives achieved.
Ensure effective and high quality reporting, monitoring and evaluation systems reliable for programme decision-making
Ensure the timely submission of proposals and reports, with support from the Technical Coordinators, and with inputs from Logistics and Finance departments in Addis Ababa.
Review proposal and reports prior to submission to the Associate Country Director for validation
Ensure that all the programmes have an appropriate MEL system defined and that it is implemented
Ensure the Field Managers implement the recommendations provided by the technical coordinators on programme standards and quality.
Ensure gender is mainstreamed in all programmes
Management
Actively participate in the Oxfam Humanitarian Country Management Team (HCT)
Facilitate team building across the Programmes
Motivate the programme and technical team and ensure they have clear objectives and receive meaningful feedback on their performance
Ensure that performance management is in place and used effectively. Develop performance objectives (Aboras) and appraisals with staff he/she manages.
Provide HR Management to ensure the short and long-term success of the programme, including recruitment, staff development, etc.
Work with the logistics and HR departments to ensure that adequate means are available to support the field managers to implement good quality programmes
Facilitate regular field trips for supervision and discussion of each programme, define constraints, priorities, plans of action, etc.
Deputise for the Associate Country Director whenever requested to do so.
Negotiate with other affiliates and/or stakeholders the transfer of programs in a responsible and sustainable manner
Assume any other responsibility as required.
Networking and Communication
Ensure good coordination and coordination between the programme teams and the logistics and finance and administrative teams
Ensure regular and effective communications are maintained within the programme and with the Associate Country Director, and others at Head Office
Build relationships with other INGOs and with donors
Budgetary responsibility
Assist the programme team to develop, finalise and closely monitor their programme(s) budget
Work closely with the Finance Department to ensure effective financial and budgetary control of the programmes, according to IO’s policy and procedures
Ensure corrective measures are taken to address over/under spends in the project budget
Identify annual efficiency savings across the programme.
Humanitarian
Ensure that emergency preparedness plans are reviewed
Conduct in-depth assessments in the proposed programme area(s) to inform the humanitarian implementation strategy, keeping in mind operational contexts, IO sectoral competence and security environment.
Ensure that a common strategic vision for humanitarian action in-country is articulated with other Affiliates, by supporting its development.
Undertake a comprehensive risk matrix for the operational areas and present the same to Oxfam HCT along with mitigation/management strategies.
Ensure a high quality, multi-sectoral approach, aiming at reaching Sphere standards, with a strong focus on quality and accountability.
Work with the Technical Coordinators and funding person to develop concept note and proposals and present the same to potential donors.
Develop and implement a comprehensive work plan for emergency response interventions
Participate in the recruitment of operation and programme staff for launching new emergency response operations.
Lines manage relevant humanitarian staff.
Job Requirement
Advanced Msc degree in international development studies, Economics, Project Management, humanitarian aid or other related topics.
At least 5 years of proven programme management experience, and at least 4 years of senior management experience
Experience in both emergency and development contexts
Experience of working in integrated programmes with multiple donors
Proven experience in developing proposals (writing and editing)
Knowledge and experience in Formulation, Assessment Monitoring and Evaluation of programmes at country level
Strong international project coordination and management experience, including: project needs assessment, project proposal and logical framework development, and project monitoring and evaluation.
Knowledge of the Humanitarian Aid mandate and programme cycle management and planning
Previous experience in leading, managing, and advising teams of staff
Experience in managing budgets from different donors
Experience of contract management of medium-large scale projects
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Strong analytical and planning skills;
Strong English writing skills. Desirable: Amharic
Previous experience in the country or in the region.
Experience in chairing/ moderating forums and Workshops
Willingness to travel extensively to field sites
Competencies:
Initiative: availability / learning capacity.
Team work
Leadership, management and negotiation skills
Strategic thinking and ability to anticipate possible emergencies, etc
Ability to organise and plan ahead
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to look at situations from several points of view
Problem solving skills in day to day and crisis situations
Flexible and adaptable to change
Capable of managing a team of expatriates and nationals
Willingness and ability to work some weekends, holidays, after hours