Deputy Director Programs At International Rescue Committee

Background

Across two refugee camps, Dadaab and Kakuma, and four counties (Garissa, Turkana, West Pokot and Nairobi), the IRC implements programs in the sectors of health, Nutrition, governance & rights, and women’s protection & empowerment, Economic Recovery and Development, as well as providing emergency response through a network of four field offices and a range of institutional and community-based partnerships.

Scope

The Deputy Director of Programs will play a central role contributing to the work of IRC Kenya at a challenging and exciting time. The DDP is a key member of the country senior management team. Based in Nairobi s/he will be responsible for developing the country program and coordinate the implementation of the country three-year SAP. The DDP will enhance programming and managerial skills of key staff. S/he will be responsible for working with the program team to develop IRC’s capacity in the area of partnerships as well as develop new program areas for the IRC Kenya.

Under the supervision of the Country Director (CD), the DDP focuses on the delivery of quality programming across the country program.

The DDP will be responsible for significant elements of IRC SAP100 strategy implementation and management of key humanitarian donor relationships together with the CD and DDGA.

Responsibilities

Program Development

• In charge of SAP implementation, this position will coordinate with technical staff, identify viable, active local NGO partners; develop and implement capacity-building protocols for the transfer of IRC skills and experience to local government and local NGO/CSO partners
• In coordination with the Country Director and the Program team, ensure the development of new program opportunities in line with IRC’s Mission Statement and IRC Kenya’s Strategic Plan
• Develop advocacy mechanisms and identify networks for coalition building
• Provide leadership in new program/proposal development planning.
• Ensure IRC’s five core vision goals (Impact, Scale, People, Influence and Funding) are mainstreamed in all program activities: assessments, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

Programming

• Provide overall leadership and management to IRC Kenya programs, protecting and enforcing strategic program direction and growth.
• Review all programs through periodic field visits and ensure that program implementation strategies are compatible with overall program goals and objectives.
• Liaise with county and national governments, donors, NGOs, and other operational partners in Kenya via attendance at meetings, consultations and other forums
• Participate in the development of strategic work-plans with clear objectives and achievement benchmarks, long-term and short-term priorities, implementation plans, financial projections and tools for evaluation
• In liaison with DDGA; ensure program assessments are conducted timely in accordance with donor specific requirements, information is analyzed and shared with all stakeholders; and appropriate actions are effected by program technical staff in collaboration with clients, and partners
• In coordination with DDGA; support the development of the measurement tools of IRC Kenya program impact and involvement of client groups in program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, ensure the alignment of the IRC Kenya programs with the Program Framework and the use of established stringent monitoring and evaluation systems, and oversee the development of monitoring systems for new programs.
• In coordination with DDGA and technical staff, identify viable, active local NGO partners; develop and implement capacity-building protocols for the transfer of IRC skills and experience to local government and local NGO/CSO partners

Finance/ Grant Management

• Directly work with the Grants unit to ensure that donor compliance and relations are established and maintained.
• Work with the program managers and the finance department to track monthly project expenditure against program budget
• Recommend grant and budget revisions in consultation with the Technical/Field Coordinators
• Assist in budget development with the field teams and program coordinators in consultation with finance and operations departments
• Coordinate and review all program donor reports and new project proposals in collaboration with the program department, technical coordinators, operations and finance departments; ensure completeness and timely submission
• Support the INTEGRA rollout and implementation for the country program.

Operations

• Encourage constructive and productive communication between program and operations staff to guarantee timely service
• Ensure program compliance with internal control procedures
• Work with operations to ensure that new IRC initiatives are implemented and lessons learned shared.

Human Resources

• Facilitate the conceptual, managerial, organizational and technical capacities of IRC staff to effectively contribute to the achievements of the program objectives and develop within the organization.
• Directly supervise IRC Kenya program staff including technical and field coordinators and program department
• Coordinate the recruitment of all program staff; recommend promotions, disciplinary action and termination of program staff in consultation with direct supervisors, Human Resources and the Country Director.
• Oversee the Performance Management System for all program staff is followed and carried out as required

Communication, Reporting and Data Collection

• Liaise with counterparts, UN agencies and NGOs in the field to coordinate multi-sector integrated programs, standardize sector specific activities and obtain up-to-date information for program planning and implementation. Ensure IRC participation in respective sector specific coordination forums and help foster exchanges of program information, best practices and training materials with partners, involved communities and various line Government ministry officials
• Keep the Country Director informed of all developments and issues through monthly reports, informal updates and written minutes documented for all external meetings
• Ensure regular communication between field program teams and program department staff.
• In coordination with the Country Director and the management team ensure effective communication mechanism is in place to facilitate access to information by all staff across board to enhance inclusive participation and empowering work environment
• In coordination with the Country Director liaise with IRC’s Technical Units (NY and UK) for technical guidance on implementation and new program design

Requirements

• Masters degree in relevant field (Development Studies, Social Sciences, International Relations, etc)
• Minimum of three years of management and leadership experience.
• Overseas experience is a plus (ideally in sub-Saharan Africa), preferably in relief/development work with management and supervisory responsibilities in program, administration at senior management level
• Direct experience in building the capacity of local NGOs and working with local partners with a clear understanding of civil society development.
• Experience working with and coordinating with donors including USAID (OFDA), BPRM, UNHCR, UNICEF, DFID, ECHO and EU, and knowledge of specific donor guidelines and priorities.
• Experience working and coordinating with INGOs, national NGOs and government agencies
• Knowledge and understanding of best practice monitoring and evaluation systems and procedures
• Demonstrated excellence in proposal and report development and writing
• Demonstrated excellence in human resource management, particularly in a multi-cultural environment, including techniques for staff development, training, motivation, and discipline
• Demonstrated excellence in multi-tasking, time management, and flexibility
• Demonstrated skills and experience in NGO administration, finance, and logistics systems
• Knowledge of best practices in project design, implementation and community participation techniques
• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software programs

Working environment: IRC Kenya is at Security level 1 – The situation in the country in general is stable.

The position is based in Nairobi with 15% travel to different field locations, living conditions are good.

Standards of Professional Conduct: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Narrowing the Gender Gap: The International Rescue Committee is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including a flexible hour (when possible), maternity leave, transportation support, and gender-sensitive security protocols.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The IRC is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.