INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.
Terms of reference
Job Title: Programme Manager
Code: SR-58-2195
Duty station: Teheran, with frequent mission to the field
Starting date: 15/02/2022
Contract duration: 24 months renewable
Reporting to: Head of Mission
Supervision of: Nationals PM
Dependents: Family duty station
General context of the project
Iran faces a significant deterioration of the humanitarian situation which is likely to further worsen in the first half of 2022. The recent developments in Afghanistan are further worsening the humanitarian situation for thousands of Afghans who are currently obliged to flee their homes. It is widely anticipated that Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation may deteriorate further, given that the international support to key essential and social services – food aid, health, education, and other essential services, is currently frozen. The deterioration of the humanitarian situation led already to a massive number of displacements towards Iran.
Additionally, Iran is one of the first countries hit by Covid-19 pandemic and remains the most affected country in the Eastern Mediterranean region and among the worst hit worldwide (WHO). The third wave was even more harmful than the previous two, with the whole country in a declared state of emergency. A fourth wave is expected. COVID-19 has worsened a critical situation, both in terms of health and limited capacity to fulfil basic needs. Concerns are further increasing for both Iranians and Afghans with limited access to basic services, especially health care, due to the impact of COVID-19, the country’s ongoing economic crisis and the difficulty to import essential medical goods. COVID-19 has a severe impact on the socio-economic situation and causes loss of employment, especially for the poorest 40% of the population. Most vulnerable Afghans and Iranians increasingly resort to negative coping mechanisms; 46 million people live below or just above the multidimensional poverty line; 32 million people are affected by some food insecurity and malnutrition, with 1 million children already at risk of severe acute malnutrition prior to COVID-19; 3 million households are female-headed, and child-headed households are on the rise. Malnutrition is increasingly visible, in particular in rural and remote areas.
For these reasons, INTERSOS has decided to open its humanitarian operations in Iran since the very first stage of the highly likely Afghan refugee’s influx. INTERSOS strategic presence in Iran will guarantee a strong and effective humanitarian response to the newly displaced as well as the most vulnerable Iranian host communities filling also the gap that the country is experiencing in term of international humanitarian actors presence. The presence in Iran will also strategically boost INTERSOS capacity to respond to the Afghan crisis at regional level considering the over 20 years humanitarian activity in Afghanistan.
General purpose of the position
The Country Programme Manager will be responsible to support Iranian mission in the development, implementation and monitoring of the country programme in line with INTERSOS Country Strategy, plans and policies, and in strong coordination with the Head of mission and EU Emergency Coordinator. The programme coordinator will be in charge for supervision of national PM and/or activity coordinators including supervision of workplans and budget expenditures.
The Program Manager will support Iranian mission in the startup and implementation of new humanitarian interventions, identification and design of new proposals in coordination with INTERSOS technical referents and under the technical supervision of the EU emergency Coordinator, while ensuring regular engagement with local stakeholders and main donors at mission level.
Main responsibilities and tasks
Key responsibilities
o Under the supervision of the HoM, lead the development of new concept notes and project proposals (design of the project rationale, logframe, narrative and budget in cooperation with finance department) in collaboration with technical referents and E-Unit Emergency Coordinator
o Supervise, coordinate and provide quality support to INTERSOS Project Managers in the country
o Ensuring supervision and control on projects workplans, indicators and budgets.
o Ensuring a quality implementation of INTERSOS country programme in coordination with INTERSOS Technical Referents and E-Unit Emergency Coord
o Coordinate and supervise the timely and quality submission of reports to donors with the support of the E-Unit Emergency Coord
o Coordinate and maintain relations and supervision of activities with the Consortium members
o Represent INTERSOS in relevant meetings
Project implementation, reporting and quality control
o Responsible of the preparation and keep up to date workplans and related financial plans of projects with the contribution of Project Managers and relevant team member, ensuring timely and quality implementation
o Guarantee the application of INTERSOS procedures and donor’s rules for reporting and implementation, in collaboration with the HoM and E-Unit Emergency Coordinator
o Guarantee relations and coordination with the members of the Consortium in order to ensure smooth implementation of the activities
o With the support of Country Finance Coordinator, supervise the management of budgets in line with donor and INTERSOS guidelines, supporting budget and program revisions when needed
o Provide a support and supervision to the Project Managers through regular field visits, meeting with the staff and the line managers, prepare and supervise the planning of the activities and programmes
o Support the Head of Mission in the set up and supervision of the projects’ MEAL plans
o In coordination with HoM and E-Unit Emergency Unit, ensure all reports are properly drafted and submitted on time to donors
Human Resources
o Supervise the Project Managers, strengthening their capacities and ensuring a regular evaluation through the Internal Review Process (IRP) tools
o In line with the INTERSOS Policies and in collaboration with HR department, support the HoM in recruit, train, supervise and evaluation of the PM, including identification of capacity building gaps and implementation of related training sessions
o Together with the HoM, ensure that PMs respect INTERSOS rules and regulations and adheres to INTERSOS Fundamental Charter Values and Code of Ethics
Strategy Development
and Fundraising
o Support the Head of Mission in the development, implementation and evaluation of the mission strategy and program, providing updated information, inputs and recommendation for new and on-going interventions in the country.
o In cooperation with the HoM, national staff and HQ departments, contribute to the design of a Country Strategy for Iran mission, in line with INTERSOS Global Strategy
o Lead the design and drafting of potential funding opportunities and the new project proposals in coordination with Technical referents and the E-Unit Emergency coordinator
Monitor, Evaluation and Supervision
o Provide guidance and support to Project Managers on the work planning, budgets, and spending
o Under the supervision of the HoM and with support and E-Unit Emergency Coordinator, monitor the level of progress achieved by each project and ensure targets are met
o Support Project Managers in planning and monitoring the implementation of activities and achievement of results
o Ensure compilation, follow up and feedback on the monthly Project Appraisal Tool (PAT), both at a technical and financial level
o Ensure high-quality donor reporting standards through the compilation of mid term and final reports.
o Guarantee regular update of projects IMP sections
Representation, Coordination and Advocacy
o In coordination with the HoM, establish and maintain collaborative relations with donors, project stakeholders and other organisations working in the project areas
o Together with the HoM and INTERSOS Technical referents, participate in meetings with relevant donor’s program and finance officers at central or field level.
o Proactively participate in relevant coordination meetings at national and subnational level
Other objectives and duties:
o Upon request of the Head of Mission and based on needs of the mission for the effective implementation and quality of the strategy and programmes
Required profile and experience
Education
Advanced university degree in humanitarian related field (international relation, social studies, IHL, IHRL)
Professional Experience
Minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience at similar position (proposal writing) in humanitarian context**
Professional Requirements
o Strong and proven understanding of the humanitarian operating context, the humanitarian system and its flexibility, donors and their high demanding, security and financial management in humanitarian context
o Strong knowledge of institutional donor’s procedures
o Very strong skills in computer (excel) and admin/finance procedures
o Knowledge of the regional coordination mechanism.
o Proven experience in the management of EU, UN, USAID and ECHO funds.
o Highly able to keep confidentiality
o Able to work independently
o Risk management knowledge is an asset
o Organization skills, delegative and empowerment approach of the supervised team
o Ability to define country and program strategies
o Ability to administer funds, logistics and human resources
o Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills
o Readiness to commit and adhere to the values, mission and vision of INTERSOS
o Previous proven experience in proposal writing from secondary data will be considered an advantage
Languages
English is mandatory. Knowledge of Dari/Farsi is highly desirable**
Personal Requirements
o Proactiveness and strong problem-solving approach
o Flexibility to adapt to a dynamic context and to the volume of work
o Strong team spirit, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment
o Ability to work and adapt in different environments
o High reactivity to unexpected demands
o Capacity to work under stress and meets the deadlines
o Very strong interpersonal skills: strong communication and diplomatic skills
How to apply
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates are invited to apply following the link below:
Please note that our application process is made of 3 quick steps: register (including your name, email, password, citizenship and Skype address), sign-up and apply attaching your CV and motivation letter in PDF format. Through the platform, candidates will be able to track their applications’ history with INTERSOS.
In case you encounter severe difficulties applying through the platform – i.e. if and only if it is impossible to submit the requested files through the adequate channel – you will be allowed to submit your CV and Motivation Letter (both in PDF version) via e-mail to recruitment@intersos.org, with the subject line ” Platform issue – SR-58-2195 – Position “. Please, bear in mind this is an exceptional measure, as there are allocated channels created for every job opening, which will make this process quicker and easier.
Please note that any application submitted via e-mail may take longer than our standard terms to be processed.
Please also mention the name, position and contact details of at least three references, including the line manager during your last job. Family members are to be excluded.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.