Under the supervision of DRC Area Manager, the Area Programme Manager (APM) is responsible for the timely and quality implementation of approved activities in the area of operation, including by ensuring that policies, systems and people are continuously and accurately working in a coordinated manner resulting in a coherent and comprehensive program design and implementation. Additionally, the Area Programme Manager is responsible for ensuring that DRC standards and donor compliance guidelines are adhered to.
The Area Programme Manager oversees teams with staff in different programmatic sectors including Economic Recovery, Protection, Emergency, Shelter & Infrastructure and guides them to implement Programme activities in the field in line with DRC and Donor guidelines and regulations. The position will have regular communication and liaison with DRC Technical Coordinators (based in DRC country office Afghanistan) for quality assurance and technical inputs.
The Area Programme Manager specifically:
Works in close cooperation with Area-based Team Leaders and Country Office-based Technical Coordinators in developing context specific programmatic strategies and designs.
Is responsible for overall project cycle management, working closely with Sector Managers and Team Leaders to ensure timely, high-quality implementation, troubleshooting and ensuring that the projects deliver against targets, including proactive budget review and financial management.
Facilitates Programme development in the area and provide inputs for proposal developments in line with DRC sector/ area/and country strategies.
Promotes integration between DRC core sectors, including through support with the identification of opportunities for integrated programming and documentation of lessons learnt
Acts as the main focal point for programme stakeholders (internal and external) in all programmatic sectors that Area Office implements.
Ensures appropriate sectoral technical expertise are available to the staff in the area office through facilitation with DRC country office technical teams.
Ensures compliance with DRC Operations Handbook and guidelines within the area office.
Responsibilities:
Programme / Project Management, working in close coordination with Team Leaders:
The APM is overall accountable for management and implementation of DRC programmed in their area of operation and for supporting Sector Managers and Team Leaders to carry out detailed project cycle management for all projects, including coordination, planning and monitoring of timely and high quality implementation of project activities, identifying variances to plans, and applying corrective measures and actions where needed.
Review and approve project / Programme expenditures based on approved and delegated authorization for APM under DRC`s delegation system,
Develop and regularly update Budget Forecasts for individual Projects and Review project Budget Follow Up (BFU) reports and highlight discrepancies, where correction is required.
Proactively identify if projects require budget modifications through regular, monthly, budget reviews and timely flag needs to Country Office for further action
Support Sector Managers and Team Leaders to coordinate the development of concept notes and project proposals.
Support Sector Managers and Team Leaders in conducting on-going needs assessment in the area feeding into Programme development and design of new projects.
Contribute to development and implementation of the area Programme strategy in line with overall DRC country strategy.
Ensure high quality of the sector-specific interventions and take steps towards increasing integration of DRC core sector, coherence, and interlinkages among all projects, strengthening programmatic approach to the area strategy.
Support the development and roll-out of project-related operational tools and training modules in close cooperation with MEAL and sector-specific Technical Coordinators.
Ensure that corrective actions and recommendations from the MEAL team’s monitoring activities are taken into account and timely implemented during field implementation
Identify means of enhancing strengths and opportunities, addressing weaknesses and threats and formulate actionable recommendations related to implementation and project cycle management.
Carry out any other duties as assigned by the supervisor to facilitate the DRC strategy.
External representation
In close coordination with Area Manager, represent DRC in external meetings and actively participate in sectoral and other relevant cluster / working groups contributing to advocacy about area-specific needs and DRC response strategy.
Support close coordination with relevant stakeholders related to DRC programming (e.g., donors, Government counterparts and other coordination mechanisms).
Monitoring, accountability, and reporting
Work closely with MEAL colleagues to ensure appropriate monitoring of implementation in accordance with MEAL plans and donor guidelines.
Coordinate inputs and/or support Sector Managers and Team Leaders in reporting of progress against project targets in donor reports and DRC IPTT
Ensure appropriate filing of documentation by project staff is in place for audit purposes.
In line with DRC operations handbook, continuously monitor and ensure effective upwards and downwards accountability mechanisms are put in place within each project implemented in the area.
Oversee continuous knowledge sharing across teams contributing to development of technical competencies in the area team.
Compile and quality check regular Programme progress reports to be shared internally and externally as needed.
Ensure that referred feedback from Area office and country office are responded upon in a timely manner.
Staff management
Assume leadership of staff and programme, in close liaison with Area Manager, to ensure high quality and timely delivery.
Hold regular meetings with Programme team, do effective delegation of tasks and responsibilities.
Supervise Programme team members and influence them to take positive action and assume responsibility and accountability for their assigned work.
Provide staff with direction in the field and provide technical support where needed.
Ensure staff capacity building and capacity development in all areas of the program.
Ensure appropriate and timely performance management of staff based on DRC HR guidelines.
Provide direct line management to staff, coaching and capacity development.
Support recruitment and talent management processes within the area Programme team.
Ensure compliance with DRC Code of Conduct and other accountability mechanisms by yourself and your direct reports.
General
Maintain high level of security awareness and adhere to all safety regulations provided by DRC for safety and security of DRC staff and assets
Comply with DRC policies and practice with respect to child safeguarding, code of conduct, safety and security, anti-harassment, and other relevant policies and procedures.
To be successful in this role you must have:
Experience and technical competencies:
At least 5 years of proven experience in international NGO with the focus on Programme development and implementation.
Experience in providing support to displaced, conflict-affected and other vulnerable communities, including emergency and development interventions is an asset.
Demonstrated experience in project cycle management and management of projects and programmers.
Demonstrated experience in representation.
Proven knowledge and application of gender, age and disability mainstreaming strategies.
Proven leadership skills and a competence in people management, including multi-cultural teams.
High professional proficiency in English / Dari / Pashto.
Good writing and reporting skills for external audiences (including governments and donors);
Experience in working with donors such as Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, European Union (Europe aid and ECHO), DANIDA, SIDA, UK Aid and various UN agencies.
Education/qualifications:
Relevant university degree (e.g., political science, international development, management of humanitarian aid, economics, etc.)
Good management and leadership skills
Essential knowledge of IDPs/returnees’ populations.
Excellent communication and analytical skills
Ability to handle multiple tasks; proven self-initiative and problem-solving abilities
Languages:
High professional proficiency in English / Dari / Pashto.
