Health Program Manager (ECHO) – occupied Palestinian Territories (oPT) At Relief International

Job Description

Title: Health Program Manager (ECHO) – occupied Palestinian Territories (oPT)

Location: Ramallah, West Bank, oPT

Reports to: Country Director – oPT

Direct Reports: Health program team (ECHO) of oPT country office

Context

About Relief International

RI is active in 15 countries around the world, including some of the most fragile: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Myanmar, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Pakistan, Philippines, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, and Yemen. Often, RI is the only organization providing assistance to highly vulnerable communities.

Globally RI employs about 5,000 staff and auxiliary workers
97% of staff are local nationals and about 90 international (expat) staff
2022 programs budget is about $130M

About our Country Program

Relief International was operational in oPT starting in 2007, and after entering hibernation period in 2017, has recently reactivated its operations at the end of 2023. Relief International is currently building its response to the current and evolving situation in both Gaza and the West Bank through both a direct implementation and partnership approach. Relief International’s programming in oPT follows Relief International’s global strategy with Health as a central focus with components linked to our work in Health through the sectors of WASH, Protection, Education and Livelihoods. The context in oPT is extremely dynamic and requires focus on nexus programming that brings together both humanitarian service delivery combined with systems strengthening and longer-term programming. Navigating complex program challenges, including ensuring program quality within a very difficult operational environment, will be a key area of focus for the Health Program Manager (ECHO).

Job Profile

The Health Program Manager (ECHO) is responsible for leading the implementation of RI’s ECHO project focused on delivery of secondary healthcare services in Gaza. The Health Program Manager for ECHO will lead the strategic planning and implementation of the ECHO project, and will be responsible for day-to-day relationship management with ECHO and other key external stakeholders as it relates to project implementation, and in alignment with broader strategy for RI’s programming in oPT. The Health Program Manager will be responsible for developing and following workplan, external coordination, day-to-day implementation, ensuring program quality, and troubleshooting as necessary. This position requires an individual who is accustomed to the pace of emergency response programming, has experience in successfully leading a diverse team, does not require close supervision or direction, is flexible and highly responsive, and excels at building and strengthening relations with external actors. Previous experience implementing ECHO-funded projects is highly favored.

Key accountabilities and responsibilities

Project Implementation and Reporting

Act as the primary point of contact with regards to overall management matters regarding the program. This includes, but is not limited to, empowering and supporting staff to make decisions within their level, taking leadership to resolve issues at the level of a Program Manager, and collaborating with Country Director (and/or DCD/ Program Director if mission grows) for resolution of issues at a higher level or if assistance is requested.
Work closely with country SMT to ensure access, risk mitigation and support supply chain for effective program delivery.
Build effective and collaborative working relationship with ECHO and other key relevant stakeholders critical to ensure implementation.
Ensure satisfactory management of project budget. This will require a monthly meeting with the in-country head of Finance to go over the BVA and update spend-down plans on a monthly basis. Updated spend down plans are expected within 10 working days of the BVA release and are ultimately the responsibility of the in-country head of Finance, but it is required of the Program Leads to ensure availability to meet with the in-country head of Finance to facilitate this.
Ensure compliance to RI’s and Donor’s regulations as it applies to the projects within the job-holder’s purview, and work closely with other departments to facilitate and provide needed advice accordingly.
Identify and develop a detailed Work Plan for project implementation and ensure regular follow up in alignment with the Work Plan and recommend needed improvements or changes accordingly.
Review the short- and long-range plans for delivery of project services and provide guidance to the project staff regarding the immediate and future strategies for effective project impact.
Coordinate with MEAL Team to ensure data collection and monitoring is accurate.
Follow routine data collection and reporting procedures; prepare and ensure submission of all required reports to external stakeholders as required, including but not limited to Clusters, MoH, etc.
Ensure program quality from a technical medical standpoint through effective collaboration and utilization of the Health Advisor (s) at country, region and global levels.
Carry out field assessment/ monitoring visits for evaluating the effectiveness, identifying problems and providing technical support to staff.
Travel to project sites in Gaza and other relevant locations (ie, Egypt and Jordan) as security allows.
Ensure the development of “Success Stories” for the project, aiming for at least one every quarter.

Project Employee Supervision

Closely follow up on the recruitment of project staff within the project in cooperation with HR.
Manage the staff, including but not limited to: employee relations, task delegation, capacity building, teamwork and collaboration, completion of performance evaluations in a comprehensive and timely manner for all staff; and leaves’ management. Issues faced in any of the above-mentioned tasks should be reported to the HR Manager and all decisions taken should be in alignment with RI’s policies and procedures.
Plan and organize training and orientation activities in developing capacity for project staff.

Internal and External Coordination

Keep Country Director (and/or DCD/ Program Director if mission grows) and country SMT well-informed regarding developments and emerging issues related to the implementation of the project.
Stay updated regarding relevant health policies and guidelines from MOH, WHO, Health and Nutrition Clusters and/or other; and communicate necessary updates to all relevant staff while ensuring the presence of appropriate improvement or changes in implementation accordingly.
Actively engage with and participate with Health and Nutrition Clusters.
Ensure positive field visits from the donor, government, or other important external stakeholders, including ensuring a well-organized visit and responsiveness to any questions.
Engage in program development initiatives related to Health for oPT.

Culture and conduct

Demonstrate and uphold RI’s values, ethics and compliance, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Uphold and promote RI’s commitment to ensuring the safeguarding and safety of the vulnerable communities we serve.
Support systems that prevent sexual exploitation and abuse and promotes the implementation of the Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies.

Management and leadership

Create a positive and productive work environment which is free from harassment and bullying.
Demonstrate sensitivity and understanding of diversity and cultural differences, gender issues and the commitment to equal opportunities.
Work collaboratively with the Safeguarding Leads to advocate for the inclusion of safeguarding activities and resources within program
Ability to demonstrate knowledge of donor requirements of safeguarding standards and protection from exploitation and abuse.

About you.

This position demands a dynamic individual with a demonstrated ability to achieve results in a demanding and fast paced environment. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Key desirable qualifications:

Master’s level education in a relevant field or bachelor’s degree with commensurate work experience
Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in grants management and proposal development in international relief or development programs, including field experience.
Excellent writing skills in English at a native-speaker level and demonstrated ability to write and edit reports and proposals under tight deadlines.
Strong knowledge of the rules and regulations of major institutional donors such as US Government, EU/ECHO, FCDO, GAC, and UN donors.
Experience conducting capacity building activities and enthusiasm to share knowledge and information with others.
Working knowledge of budget development and management.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively with colleagues in a multi-cultural setting.
Ability to work in unstable security environment.
Ability to work independently, set priorities, and manage time efficiently.
Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including ability to give effective feedback and to guide and mentor direct reports.
Proficient in Microsoft Office.