Country Program Manager At Action for Humanity

General Description of the Role (Brief):

As a key member of the Senior Management Team, the Country Programs Manager drives the country strategy, aligning it with AFH’s global and regional goals, as well as adapting to local needs and contextual developments. The Country Programs Manager is responsible for the conceptualization and development of programs, leading fundraising efforts, and engaging with donors. This role ensures high programmatic quality and effective grant management. The country Programs Manager manages a team of technical program staff at the country office and in Field offices and is tasked with maintaining programmatic quality standards, integrating lessons learned, and addressing cross-cutting issues such as protection and mainstreaming age, gender, and diversity. Additionally, the Country Programs Manager actively engages with partners, civil society, and the donor community to represent AFH’s perspectives and priorities, while ensuring adherence to policies and systems

The successful candidate should have experience of working and leading teams in fragile and insecure environments, excellent knowledge of regional politics and development trends, and a strong track record in both resource mobilization and improving programme quality. S/he should demonstrate experience of building programmes on a daily commute and/or remotely (cross-border) with a focus on accountability, and evidence of connecting programmes to wider advocacy agenda. S/he is expected to show that S/he can build effective working relationships across organizational boundaries and have the technical skills to appraise and oversee complex development projects will oversee AFH’s entire operation in Iraq and North Syria.

Qualifications and Education REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree in one of the following subjects: Business Management / International Relations / Development / Environmental / Conservation Management or other related fields.
• Proven track record in successfully developing, leading, and managing small to large-scale programs in various humanitarian sectors.
• Experience: Minimum of eight years in management, including at least five years in humanitarian and development fields.
• Negotiation & Influence: High-level negotiation and influencing skills with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with NGOs, donors, and government officials.
• Talent Development: Proven track record in fostering a performance culture, promoting empowerment, and delegating effectively.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work outside normal office hours and attend meetings on weekends or evenings.
• Travel: Open field and international travels.
• Leadership: Strong leadership abilities with experience in managing human and financial resources, leading change, and driving organizational vision.
• Team Management: Excellent team management and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic Thinking: Effective decision-making skills with the ability to think and manage strategically.
• Participatory Approaches: Sound knowledge of participatory methods.
• IT Skills: Proficient in relevant IT systems such as MS Office Package.
• Security & Risk Management: Knowledge in security and risk management.
• Fundraising & Grant Management: Demonstrated success in securing funding from institutional donors, grant management, and reporting. Proven fundraising skills and experience working with donors.
• Ethics & Compliance: Commitment to equal opportunity employment policies, AFH’s code of ethics, humanitarian principles, and international humanitarian laws.
• Language Proficiency: Fluent in written and spoken English is essential. Fluency in Arabic and/or Kurdish is preferred.

Main Responsibilities:

​Programme Design & Development

• Identify and keep abreast of key developments and trends in the Syria Context and position AFH to address these with quality and efficiency.
• Drive the conceptualization and development process of the country strategy, and sector strategies collaboratively and with the participation and inputs from the overall country operations. This includes ensuring the strategy is evidence based and includes internal/external accountability and that it is informed by AFH’s expertise and stakeholder consultations.
• Ensure that the key regional frameworks are contextualized and applied across programs and ensure that staff are aware of and understand these.
• Foster synergies between program areas including integration, harmonization across Area Offices and ensure quality assurance for more holistic approaches to assistance.
• Ensure the emergency preparedness and response plan for Syria and Iraq is updated and facilitate assessments and rapid responses for new emergencies as discussed and agreed with the SMT.
• Keep abreast and engage with the Early Recovery Architecture and ensure AFH is well represented in these fora. In close collaboration with the Deputy/Country Director, ensure advocacy is embedded in and informed by programs as well as used for external communications with government authorities, donors, and other humanitarian and development stakeholders.
• Facilitate visits to project sites by donor representatives and other AFH representatives
• Is responsible for the management and coordination of the Iraq and Northern Syria Programs.

Fundraising and Grant Management

• Coordinate with MEAL manager and program teams to identify and agree upon possible areas and sectors to conduct Needs assessments and MSNAs.
• Identify potential opportunities that are in line with the organization’s thematic areas and strategic objectives.
• Make sure to develop and submit quality proposals and Concept Notes on timely manner to potential donors.
• Work in line with the institutional fundraising strategy and with support from the UK Programmes/Operations team to raise funds through relationship building and proposal development.
• Ensure effective and transparent budgeting, planning and follow-up in compliance with AFH policies and priorities as well as donor rules and regulations.
• Ensure grants opening, review, and closure meetings take place systematically.
• Ensure quality control of donor reports and authorize the submissions of these and proposals to HQ/donors
• Donor liaison, Partnerships and Representation
• Represent AFH to current and potential donors.
• Cultivate key relationships that enhance AFH’s visibility, and credibility and position AFH as a Partner of Choice
• Identify partners/Stakeholders and develop partnerships with relevant and complementary partners.
• Keep abreast and engage with strategic coordination structures including Working Groups and Task Force and ensure AFH is well represented in these as well as other external fora and platforms.
• Staff Management
• Ensure that technical/Project managers, coordinators, and specialists, under Country Programs Manager line management have clear and realistic performance-based management goals.
• Provide ongoing support and coaching and ensure that line-managed staff have the required capacities to fulfil their responsibilities.
• Plan, draft and/or review scopes of work to hire and manage technical consultants, including review of technical efficacy and contract budget
• Other:
• In close collaboration with the broader Senior Management Team, lead by example to ensure continual progress towards compliance of Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS)
• Promote compliance with AFH’s commitment to zero-tolerance to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse policy.
• Ensure legitimacy of staff and operations, and clear legal standing for all office operations.

Other duties as requested by the Deputy/ Country Director