Head of Programmes At Caritas Czech Republic

I. Information about the job position

Name of position: Head of Programmes

Expected length of employment: 6 Months or 1 year with a possibility of extension

Type of position: Full-time

Place of employment: Erbil, Iraq (with frequent travel to project locations)

Country Programme Budget 2022: Approx. 6 M USD

II. Organizational context

Caritas Czech Republic (CCR) is a non-profit organization that operates abroad, in the context of humanitarian aid and development cooperation. It is a respected member of the international network Caritas Internationalis. Its foreign activities focus on the health and social sectors and also on developing livelihood for the local population and education of children and adults.

In Iraq, we have been engaged in emergency response and reconstruction since 2017. We focus on livelihoods reconstruction and development, infrastructural rehabilitation, shelter and non-food items provision and assist the most vulnerable communities to cope with climate change.

CCR is looking for a head of programmes who will be responsible for managing CCR’s programme portfolio in Iraq; this includes, but is not limited to, providing necessary coaching and supervision to project managers, leading the development of new interventions and making sure that CCR is well represented in various coordination platforms.

III. Responsibilities

Programme Management:

• Contribute to the development of CCR’s strategy in Iraq and ensure alignment of the country programme with the needs of vulnerable populations and priorities of the government and humanitarian community.
• Analyse humanitarian needs and political developments in the country of operation and the surrounding region in order to support the CD in regular context analysis.
• Coordinate and directly supervise the mission programme, ensure timely reporting, and compliance with contractual obligations and donors’ procedures.
• Monitor the progress of ongoing projects by closely tracking achievements (using CCR’s IndiTrack Tool) and budget spending/forecasting (using CCR’s spending table) and trigger project modification processes when necessary.
• Supply constantly HQ ME Desk with timely and quality updates about the programme in Iraq and involve relevant HQ staff in consultation, review and decision-making according to CCR’s mission operation framework and M&E manual.
• Directly manage awarded projects when a gap in the mission structure occurs.
• Be the officer in charge to cover the absence of the Country Director.

Coordination and Representation:

• Participate in relevant coordination meetings and update all relevant stakeholders on the CCR mission and country program.
• Make sure that CCR is well represented in various coordination platforms including the durable solution network and associated area-based coordination and technical working groups.
• Enhance and establish strategic and constructive relationships with bilateral and multilateral humanitarian and development agencies working in Iraq through meetings, communication and information sharing.

Project Development:

• Lead assessments for new programming, ensuring involvement of MEAL Unit and quality data collection and analysis, with coherent strategies developed accordingly.
• Lead the proposals development for consistency with the requirements of solicitations, requests or calls for proposals, development of concept notes and predicting or preventing bottlenecks in the proposal development process, securing the necessary information to complete the process.
• Provide support to CCR’s Grants Manager in writing the narrative part and to the Financial Manager in completing budgetary parts and reviewing the final version of proposal documents before submission.

Staff Management

• Provide direct supervision and coaching to CCR’s Project Managers, Grants Manager and MEAL Unit. This includes the identification of knowledge gaps and capacity-building initiatives.
• Assist the Country Director in identifying gaps in CCR’s mission organogram and propose necessary improvements.
• Regularly monitor the performance of staff members under the chain of command and agree on new performance objectives.
• Participate in the recruitment of programme staff including managers and technical officers.

Requirements

• Candidate must have experience in the management of humanitarian and development programmes internationally.
• Minimum of three years of professional-level experience working in early recovery, livelihoods and durable solutions sectors.
• Previous experience with INGOs.
• Fluency in English is a must. Knowledge of Arabic is highly desired.
• Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility.
• Ability to operate Microsoft Word, Excel and Project Management software.
• Prior knowledge of and experience in the Iraqi context is an asset.
• Good organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Experience from countries with high insecurity is an asset.

What we offer

• Career development in a value-driven professional organization, suitable especially for dynamic professionals.
• Opportunity to apply and further develop creative and independent working approach.
• Gross monthly remuneration is negotiable with potential future increase in case of significant results.
• 25 days of paid leave / year, in addition to official public holidays.

In case of expatriate staff:

• Per diem/ living allowance equal to 1,400 USD/ month
• Shared living space or Housing allowance equal to 400 USD/ month
• R&R break every 3 months (5 working days) with financial contribution equal to 500 USD
• Travel health insurance (Provided by SIGNA)
• 2 return flights per year to home country
• Access to training opportunities