Deputy Director of Programs At International Rescue Committee

With headquarters in Goma and field offices in the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut Katanga and Tanganyika, the IRC is one of the largest humanitarian actors in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The IRC aims to save lives, to strengthen Congolese institutions and to reinforce social cohesion through carefully designed and professionally-implemented programs. The IRC has been working in the DRC since 1996 and currently operates in five core programming areas – primary health care, education, child protection, women’s empowerment and the prevention and mitigation of gender-based violence, and emergency preparedness and response. These programs reflect IRC’s guiding principles of capacity-building; participation; partnership; protection and promotion of human rights; and holistic programming.

Scope of work

The International Rescue Committee currently seeks to recruit for the position of Deputy Director of Programs (DDP) for its DR Congo programs, based in Goma. The position will lead the program unit in the areas of strategic programming and planning, ensuring program quality, promoting strategic growth and strong external and internal representation and advocacy.

S/he must be able to motivate and lead a diverse staff as well as effectively manage programs, partnerships and budgets. Particular emphasis will be placed on responsiveness to beneficiary needs and evidence of impact.

In coordination with the Country Director, the DDP builds and sustains strong donor relationships, as long as strong relationships with the DRC Government entities/authorities.

Reporting to the Country Director and a member of the Senior Management Team, the DDP directly supervises senior program coordinators/managers who are responsible for proposal development, program quality and implementation.

This position has close working relationships with the IRC Regional Team, Regional Safety and Security Coordinator, Head of Finance, Sr. HR Coordinator, Grants Coordinator as well as field-based staff. The DDP position is unaccompanied and requires extensive provincial travels within DRC.

The position holder must spend at least 40% of his/her time supporting programs and teams in the provinces and at field sites.

Job Description/Responsibilities

1. Strategic planning

• Lead implementation of the Country Strategic Action Plan (SAP) through committed investment in achievement of the plan objectives, regular progress review of plans, and discussions with the SAP Implementation Committee, by serving as the focal point person for the SAP Monitoring and Reporting Protocol.

• Lead the country program in strategic program development, by undertaking regular multi-sector assessments, and designing innovative approaches to respond to the needs of the target population.

2. Program Development

• Plan and oversee needs assessments and train others to assess specific needs.

• In coordination with the Country Director and the Program team, ensure the development of new program opportunities in line with IRC DRC Strategic Action Plan.

• Develop programs that address long-term issues, identify potential partners (local and INGOs) and donors for the same and develop quality proposals to address these needs.

• Lead the development of high-quality, needs-based project proposals in line with the IRC Program Framework.

• Where applicable, in coordination with technical staff, identify local NGO partners; develop and implement capacity-building protocols for the transfer of IRC skills and experience to local government and national NGO partners.

• Develop advocacy mechanisms and identify networks for coalition building.

• Provide leadership in new program/proposal development planning.

• Ensure IRC’s five core principles (Participation, Capacity Building, Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, Partnership and Holistic Programming) are mainstreamed in all program activities: assessment, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

3. Programming

• Provide overall leadership and management to all IRC DRC programs, by protecting and enforcing strategic program direction and growth.

• Monitor all programs through periodic field visits (at least 40% of time) and review sessions and ensure that program implementation strategies are compatible with overall program goals and objectives.

• Ensure Training of staff on identified areas- technical and program management

• Liaise with various stakeholders- local authorities, donors, NGOs, and other operational partners in through attendance in coordination meetings at cluster level and other relevant 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

• Ensure program assessments are conducted timely in accordance with donor specific requirements, information is analyzed and shared with all stakeholders; and appropriate actions are taken by program technical staff in collaboration with clients, and partners.

• Work with the Regional Measurement for Action Coordinator to ensure that appropriate monitoring structure/system is in place and functions fully.

4. Finance/ Grant Management

• Work with the program coordinators/managers and the finance team to track monthly project expenditure against program budget.

• Recommend grant and budget revisions in consultation with the program managers/coordinators and field teams.

• Assist in budget development with the field teams and program managers/coordinators in consultation with finance and operations departments.

• Review all program donor reports and new project proposals in collaboration with the program department, technical coordinators, operations and finance departments; ensure completeness, quality and timely submission.

5. Operations

• Encourage constructive and productive communication between program and operations staff to guarantee timely service.

• Ensure program compliance with internal control procedures.

• Be aware and adhere to security protocols for the organization in line with the Security Management Plan for the country program.

6. 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 program managers/ coordinators.

• Coach and build capacity of program staff leading to staff retention and enhancing program quality.

• Coordinate the recruitment of all program staff, and recommend promotions, performance action for program staff in consultation with direct supervisors, Human Resources and the Country Director.

• Ensure the Performance Management System for all program staff is followed and carried out as required

7. 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.

• Ensure regular communication between field program teams and program department staff.

• Ensure quarterly program reports are sent to the DRC Government

• 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 to enhance inclusive participation and empowering work environment.

• In coordination with the Country Director and program managers/coordinators liaise with IRC’s Technical Units (NY and UK) for technical guidance and support on quality implementation and new program design.

Required Competencies

• Eight years of overseas experience (ideally in sub-Saharan Africa), preferably in relief/development work with management and supervisory responsibilities in program, administration at senior management level.

• Minimum of five years of international experience in program management.

• Direct experience in building the capacity of national NGOs and working with local partners including a clear understanding of NGO capacity building.

• Experience working with and coordinating with donors including EU, ECHO, foundation donors, UN (WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR), DFID, OFDA. USAID, the World Bank, etc. and knowledge of specific donor guidelines and priorities.

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of 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 working finance, security and operational frameworks.

• Knowledge of best practices in project design, implementation and community participation techniques.

• The ability to take the initiative and proven ability to work creatively, innovatively and effectively to make decisions with limited direct supervision.

• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software programs.

• MSc. degree in relevant field (Development Studies, Social Sciences, International Relations, etc.)

• Excellent written and spoken English essential. Good working Knowledge French would be a distinct advantage.

• Willingness to travel to the field (at least 40% of the time)

Security and Housing:

The DDP will be based in Goma with regular travel to South Kivu, North Kivu, Haut Katanga and Tanganyka provinces. Goma is the Head city of North Kivu and has a population of approximately 1 million people. The city is rated orange/green on a security scale of MONUSCO. As with any large city anywhere in the world, it is advisable to take precaution to prevent crime and theft. The position is unaccompanied and the DDP will be housed within individual housing.

Standard of Professional Conduct: IRC and IRC employees are required to abide by the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way Code of Conduct which are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, IRC operates and implements policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.

Diversity, Inclusion and Gender Equality: IRC acknowledges and honors the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status or disability. IRC is also 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 parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits.

Returning National Candidates: IRC strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff in our programs. We strongly encourage national or returning national candidates to apply for this position. If you are a national of the Country in which this position is based and are currently located outside of your home country and possess over two years of international work experience, the IRC has introduced an attractive remuneration package. The package includes competitive compensation, return flight to post, shipping allowance, temporary housing and a relocation allowance. Certain restrictions may apply.

CVs to be submitted in English or French