Head of Programmes, DCA CAR At DanChurchAid

DanChurchAid (DCA) invites applications for an international, experienced Head of Programmes (HoP) for its CAR Country Programme. The position is based in Bangui, CAR and is a non-accompanied position.

DCA is an organization with a Christian-based foundation and identity, but open and inclusive to everyone irrespective of their faith, beliefs, or customs. When working with DCA you will learn that on a daily basis it is our four values of being compassionate, proactive, responsible and respectful that guide our work along with our goals to save lives, build resilient communities and fight extreme inequalities – and we expect you to share the same values. On a global scale we are a small INGO, which gives us the opportunity to maintain close links and open dialogues between HQ and Country Offices.

In DCA CAR we have been supporting humanitarian, development and peacebuilding activities implemented both directly and through CAR local partners since 2015. DCA aims to mitigate the consequences of conflict and displacement by contributing to recovery and enhanced resilience of the most vulnerable. The programme is protection and Conflict Prevention -focused with an emphasis on Humanitarian Mine Action, psycho-social support, and community-based initiatives. Most programming in CAR is done directly by DCA with aim to progressively move towards local or national NGOs implementation which will include comprehensive capacity building components.

The HoP position is an integral part of the in-country Senior Management Team in a multi-sectoral humanitarian response programme and responsible for the coordination of all departments and donor-funded projects across a range of sectors. Key tasks include project design, development of concept notes, proposals and donor reports, and assistance to the Country Director (CD) with strategy development, ensuring programme synergies and relevance in a volatile context.

You will be working closely with programme managers , civil society organizations (CSOs) and a range of external stakeholders to reach populations in need, strengthen the resilience of conflict- and climate affected populations, and help build the programme portfolio of DCA in CAR and its diverse group of national partners. We are therefore looking for candidates with experience in building and maintaining equitable and respectful partnerships, as well as technical competencies in writing proposals related to Protection, Food Security and Livelihood, Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding Peace and climate resilience/adaptation.

With this position, you will have the opportunity to shape a technical team focused on delivering high quality partnership-based interventions, while at the same time driving forward DCA’s agenda as one of the leading actor in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding interventions and on localization in CAR. The role is well suited for dynamic and highly motivated candidates, who are passionate about supporting and enhancing local capacity and seeking a lasting impact in a collaborative, supportive, and innovative atmosphere.

The main duties relating to this position are:

• Ensure all programmes meet technical minimum standards, introduce best practice, and seek areas for innovative and holistic programming towards long-term impact
• Establish and/or strengthen relationships with DCA’s current partners, local CSOs and other stakeholders in CAR
• Coordinate with relevant humanitarian, development and conflict prevention actors for a and coordination bodies, international NGOs, UN agencies, donors, national and local authorities, and other stakeholders
• Support and oversee the development of strong Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning systems
• Ensure high quality donor proposals through the development of concept notes and project proposals. This includes project design and leading the development of project proposals together with colleagues in CAR and HQ
• Take the lead on the development of timely and quality project reports to donors, in close collaboration with technical programme staff
• Recruiting, managing, and developing programme staff

The experience we’re looking for includes:

• 5 years of experience managing a programme portfolio
• Thorough knowledge of the CAR context
• A well-developed humanitarian and peacebuilding toolbox with experience in Protection, Food Security and Livelihood, social cohesion and Climate Resilience/Adaptation (experience with HMA and Emergency Response/Preparedness an added advantage!)
• Clear understanding of the cluster system, with sector expertise particularly related to protection and conflict sensitive approaches
• Experience in a volatile and insecure context and the ability to keep a cool head under pressure. HEAT or similar training (within last two years) strongly desired.
• Demonstrable project development and fundraising experience
• Sound understanding of holistic programming and using humanitarian assistance as a foundation for development and peacebuilding initiatives and longer-term impact
• Strong analytical skills with ability to plan, coordinate and lead processes that include multiple stakeholders and interests
• Committed, flexible, results oriented and with strong interpersonal skills
• Fluency in written and spoken English and French.

We offer:

• 12-month contract with the possibility of extension
• A competitive salary package
• 30 days of paid annual leave
• Three R&R cycles per year (subject to DCA’s Staff Welfare Policy for Bangui as a duty station)
• Insurance as per industry standards
• An interesting and challenging experience addressing humanitarian needs
• A dynamic, flexible, and respectful working environment that will give you the freedom to work and support to succeed.

Closing date: 12 February. Only online applications uploaded to DCA’s recruitment system and consisting as a minimum of a CV and a cover letter will be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, abilities, or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy. DCA conducts an anti-terror check as part of the recruitment process. It is a prerequisite that you can pass this check and maintain this status throughout your employment with us. Everyone applying for a job with DCA must be ready to comply with our Staff Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment and our Child Safeguarding Policy.