JOB SUMMARY: The Deputy Chief of Party_ Program (DCOP) oversees the technical quality of all POTENTIAL program activities and leads development of methodologies; development of training materials; building the capacity of implementing partner staff on their use; and performing technical quality audits in program implementation locations. His/her strategic management of programme implementation will ensure the area office is in accordance with Save the Children’s policies and practices, its vision, mission and values. The DCOP leads and manages program technical staff, including the Private Sector Specialist, the Girls/Women’s Livelihoods Specialist, the Informal Education Specialist, and Regional Program Managers. S/he works in a team with the POTENTIAL Technical teams, Hub Directors and Operation staffs on a day-to-day basis related to quality of program activities. As a member of the POTENTIAL Senior Management Team, s/he will contribute to issue resolution, programmatic and administrative planning and representation within the relevant bureaus and donors. S/he will be expected to ensure that gender considerations are taken into account during the development and implementation of the project activities. Furthermore, the position holder will be in charge of managing the performance of staff in the program operations work area through effective use of the Performance Management System.
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY: As a member of the POTENTIAL Senior Management Team,
Contribute to leadership of the POTENTIAL Program Unit
Support the development of an organisational culture that reflects Save the Children’s dual mandate, values, promotes accountability and high performance, encourages a team culture of learning, creativity and innovation, and frees up our people to deliver outstanding results for children and excellent customer service for our Members and donors
Help design and implement a coherent Programme technical strategy that is consistent with agency practices and appropriate to program needs
Help establish, maintain, and improve active and regular working relationships with host government authorities, donors, partner agencies including donors, and local and international NGOs
Ensure that the required support is provided promptly, at scale and in line with the rules and principles.
Oversight and Management of Program Operations
Responsible for overall coordination and support of POTENTIAL program implementation
Ensure program implementation is in accordance of USAID rules, regulations and procedures per specifications of the Cooperative Agreement.
Provide technical and timely support to POTENTIAL activities and sub-awards to meet goals, timelines, and deliverables.
Provide strategic guidance and leadership to operationalize POTENTIAL activities.
Oversees programmes which are implemented through the decentralised system of area hubs
Ensures that field staff and partners are supported to roll out youth economic strengthening approaches.
Leads development of quality youth livelihood training modules and other support materials for youth leadership activities.
Ensures that gender considerations are taken into account during the development and implementation of POTENTIAL activities.
Conducts routine field visits for monitoring and to provide technical support to staff and partners.
Work with the M&E Advisor to develop and implement the M&E plan, the detailed implementation plan, and the beneficiary tracking tools.
Use and disseminate monitoring data to promote organizational learning agenda and generate required reporting.
Ensure programs are planned and implemented according to plans and budgets, following the requirements of donors and the rules of donor compliance, in ways responsive to the communities and children, in line with Save the Children principles, values and strategic plan and following Save the Children compliance procedures.
Ensure that the program managers from different technical sectors reporting to the hub are coordinated, integrated and support each other to optimize programs and programs
Collaborates for proper close out of awards.
Staff Management, Mentorship, and Development
Ensure and manage appropriate staffing within area of responsibility
Ensure that all POTENTIAL technical staff understand and are able to perform their role
Manage the team; define expectations, provide leadership and technical support as needed, and evaluate direct reports regularly
Ensure the recruitment, training, and promotion of staff as appropriate and ensure availability of appropriate professional development opportunities for staff
Incorporate staff development strategies and Performance Management Systems into team building process. Establish result based system and follow up
Manage the performance of staff in the program operations work area through:
Effective use of the Performance Management System including the establishment of clear, measureable objectives, ongoing feedback, periodic reviews and fair and unbiased evaluations;
Coaching, mentoring and other developmental opportunities;
Recognition and rewards for outstanding performance;
Effective and timely management of poor performance
Documentation of performance that is less than satisfactory, with appropriate performance improvements / work plans
Job Requirement
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Essential:
A minimum of 10 years management experience in a development environment, including significant operations experience.
Bachelor in management, international development or other social sciences, Masters degree preferred
Familiar with international donors rules and regulations
Robust experience of NGO program management, and with experience of working within a complex and matrix organization structure
A excellent understanding of youth education and livelihood and a working knowledge of the program priorities of the Country Office
Significant knowledge of international humanitarian and development systems, institutions and donors, and of procedures, accountability frameworks and best practices
Substantial experience and knowledge of effective financial and budgetary control
Solid program management skills related to organisational development programs and international, cross-functional teams with a proven history of delivering results
Ability to analyze information, evaluate options and to think and plan strategically
An in-depth understanding of national and international development issues in particular in relation to children and youth
Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
Fluency in written and spoken English
Ability and willingness to change work practices and hours,
Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children’s aims, values and principles including rights-based approaches.
Desired:
Masters degree preferred
Familiarity with USAID rules and regulations
Previous experience of managing geographically dispersed team and developing a team and the ability to lead, motivate and develop others