As a key member of the Concern Worldwide Burundi and Rwanda Senior Management Team, the Programme Director (PD) is responsible for quality implementation of all of Concern’s programmes across the two countries, and for the development of new projects and programmes. Specifically the Programme Director:
Leads quality and control in programmes through improving programming methodologies, techniques and through a mentoring programme with managers on programme management tools and approaches.
Leads the improvement of the M&E system through reinforcement of the team’s capacity and improving review systems and processes.
Supports fundraising efforts led by the Country Director with the development of high quality proposals and building links with key in-country donors.
Builds a network of key technical and peer agencies, which allows for shared learning and identifying potential consortium partners.
Deputizes for the Country Director when required and undertakes any additional duties as mutually agreed with the Country Director.
Supports the implementation of the Country Strategic Plan (2023-2027).
You will be responsible for:
Programme Design, Implementation and Development
Ensure that programming meets high standards in design, monitoring and evaluation through Concern Worldwide’s Programme Cycle Management System (PCMS).
Support the programme coordinator and project managers in programme implementation, providing critical guidance.
Lead the quarterly programme review process with the programme coordinators and the M and E Manager to ensure programmes are managed according to Results Based Management.
Work with the Country Director, Programme Quality and Development Coordinator and Desk Officer to develop and maintain a funding strategy to ensure future funding streams are identified and developed to the greatest extent possible.
Maintain good donor relations through the production of high quality and timely donor proposals and reports.
Support the programme managers in programme design, providing critical guidance, programme concept note (PCN) development oversight and proposal development support.
Identify areas of research required to inform programming and promote learning, influence and impact.
Ensure that cross cutting issues - HIV and AIDS, equality, DRR, climate adaptation - are mainstreamed into all programme activities.
Lead the process of implementing Concern Burundi and Rwanda’s Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS) plan. With the support of the Systems Director and of the Programme Quality and Development Coordinator, ensure that all staff understand the requirements of the CHS for good programming. Support the Programme staff apply CHS practice in all community engagement and programme design.
Staff Development and Organisational Learning
Develop a mentoring and skills development plan for the Programme team.
Mentor Programme Coordinators in addition to facilitating or sourcing other training as required.
Proactively seek, receive, synthesise and disseminate programme relevant material to all programme coordinators, advisors and senior programme staff.
Build clear processes in each programme to ensure organisational learning is prioritised and systematically used in CW Burundi and Rwanda Programmes, external exchange and advocacy.
Country Strategy and Networking
Lead implementation of programme objectives in the Country Strategic Plan (2023-2027)
Develop national level networks relevant to increasing Concern’s learning; provide for potential funding/consortium work and joint advocacy efforts.
Divide representation of Concern at the national level with the CD and ensure active purposeful participation in donor/implementing partner groups and relevant Government forums.
Lead the development of a partnership strategy and partnership agreements for CW Burundi and Rwanda.
Lead the appraisal of potential partners’ technical competencies and work with finance and logistics on partner reviews.
Serve as the national level focal point for contact with National Partners including ensuring that effective controls and the monitoring of partners’ finances are in place.
Support the Programme Quality and Development Coordinator to develop and implement an effective communication strategy, which increases Concern’s profile and contributes to advocacy actions.
Work with CD and Programme Quality and Development Coordinator to develop international communication pieces to promote learning and influence.
Administration
Responsible for the planning and management of programme budgets as approved, with the support of the Country Finance Manager and Programme Coordinators
Responsible for the efficient and effective use of resources
Responsible for financial forecasting in line with the budget and projected expenditure
Ensure that all financial and logistical procedures are followed
Participate in the recruitment of national and international staff when required
Reporting
Oversee preparation of monthly activity reports for the CD
Oversee preparation of high quality and timely narrative reports for donors as necessary
Provide input to Senior Management Team as necessary
Accountability
Promote and ensure compliance with the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) commitments and quality criteria
Ensure that all staff are familiar with the principles underpinning accountability, safeguarding and Concern's Complaints and Response Mechanism (CRM) and ensure that information about Concern's commitments on accountability and safeguarding are disseminated among programme participants and communities
Ensure that the CRM is functional, effectively implemented and accessible in all programmes' locations, enabling safe reporting of both programmatic and sensitive complaints, including safeguarding concerns
Ensure that complaints are welcomed, managed and responded to in a timely, fair and appropriate manner; ensure that sensitive complaints, including safeguarding concerns, are handled with utmost confidentiality and that the safety of the complainants and those affected is prioritised at all stages.
Your skills and experience will include:
Essential
Education, Qualifications & Experience Required:
Fluent in French and English
Third level qualification in Development Studies, Nutrition, Public Health, Agriculture or other
related discipline
At least three years overseas experience in similar or related senior management positions
Experience of programme development, management and participatory planning methodologies, ideally, but not limited to the areas of nutrition, health, social protection, food security, climate change adaptation.
Robust commitment to and knowledge of Core Humanitarian Standards and gender transformative approaches.
Experience with emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction strategies
Experience of leading proposal development processes
Experience of managing donor relationships
Experience of staff development with strong mentoring skills
Strong staff management skills and awareness of Performance Development Review/ Appraisal systems
Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
Ability to work with culturally diverse groups of people
Excellent organisational and planning skills
Ability to work under pressure often to strict deadlines
Empathy with organisational goals
Desirable
Education, Qualifications & Experience Required:
Masters in Development or a related field
Work experience in Central Africa
Experience working in health, nutrition, livelihoods, WASH, DRR sectors
Experience of working on EU, DFID or Irish Aid funded projects
International driving license
Skills in survey design and statistical analysis
Special Skills, Aptitude or Personality Requirements:
