Head of Programme, Iraq

The “Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Deutschland (ASB)” is a German aid and welfare organisation with more than 300 branches at national, regional, district and municipal level all over Germany. More than 1.4 million members provide a broad social basis for our organization and more than 40,000 employees as well as over 20,000 volunteers form part of the ASB ensuring a high level of quality in areas such as rescue services, civil protection and social services. Since its foundation in 1888, the ASB has acted as a politically and denominationally independent association ensuring a high level of continuity and reliability. ASB Foreign Aid Department provides both direct emergency relief to people hit by man-made or natural disasters and longer-term rehabilitation measures designed to promote recovery and to rapidly help restore the livelihood of refugees, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable people. ASB currently has a portfolio of more than 100 relief, rehabilitation, development and inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction projects and runs offices in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Greece, Haiti, Indonesia, Iraq, Kosovo, Nicaragua, Niger, Serbia and Ukraine.

Operational in Iraq since 2012, and with its own office structures since 2014, ASB has been committed to providing support that improves the lives of the people of Iraq through the delivery of efficient and cost-effective project services. Iraq Country Office serves to deliver a range of humanitarian relief and sustainable developmental projects in the sectors Health, WASH, Protection and Livelihoods. The Country Office is responsible for managing strategic and operational risks associated with its portfolio, and developing and delivering cost effective services that are contributing to achievements of ASB sustainable management results.

ASB is currently seeking expressions of interest from qualified and committed individuals for the position of Head of Programme, Iraq.

1)Purpose and job-specific background Information:

The Head of Programme (HoP) reports directly to the Country Representative who provides direction and general supervision. The HoP is responsible for programme development planning and for managing all stages of programming to achieve results in the area/s of responsibility. The HoP is a leadership role, which contributes to the development and implementation of strategies to enhance the competencies and position of ASB in project management and services to project participants, partners and stakeholders.

2) Functional Responsibilities:

1. Programme governance, implementation and monitoring
2. Programme development and planning
3. Manage programme resources
4. Partnership networking and advocacy
5. Knowledge management and innovation
6. Leadership

Programme governance, implementation and monitoring

• Responsible for project portfolio oversight as delegated by the Country Representative.
• Establish and execute the programme implementation plans in collaboration with the team and partners, including setting objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely delivery and people-centred services.
• Monitor and supervise the timely and cost-effective implementation of the programmes according to ASB goals and donor regulations, agreed quality standards, approved budget and full cost recovery, and in line with signed Legal Agreements.
• Supervise the Project Team to ensure that project management governance, policies, processes and methods are complied with and practiced according to ASB standards, best project management practices are promoted, and overall assurance of projects is provided.
• Ensure proactive programme and project risk identification and assessment and implementation of adequate mitigation measures.
• Mentor and supervise Project Coordinators and Program Managers in planning, execution and delivery of allocated projects, ensuring incorporation of best practice project management processes.
• Facilitate timely and accurate project tracking, analysis of outputs, and reporting.

Programme development and planning

• Support the Country Representative and Finance Manager in ensuring the financial sustainability of the programme and delivery of desired results, compliance with organisational strategies, rules, regulations and standards of performance.
• Submit mandated reports and critical issues to the Country Representative, to drive future process improvement and business organisational development planning.
• Analyse and keep abreast of political and development trends in the geographical area, to identify and propose to the Country Representative areas for ASB engagement and support based on priorities in the relevant geography, strategic areas of focus and comparative advantage.
• Manage and oversee the preparation of programme documents (including programme plans, needs and risk assessments, etc).
• Ensure the accurate and timely completion of programme/ operational recommendations for the review and approval of the Country Representative.
• Consult and collaborate with internal and external colleagues and partners to ensure linkages, consistency, and harmonisation of approaches and compliance with guidelines, framework and standards of accountability, integrity and performance.

Manage programme resources

• Plan and propose to the Country Representative, required programme resources (human and financial resources).
• Manage programme resources in accordance with ASB standards of ethics, integrity and accountability and financial sustainability.
• Plan, recruit, manage and develop programme personnel/technical experts with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance and encourage the formation of diverse teams.
• Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing the programme team with clear directions, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.
• Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

Partnership, networking and advocacy

• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of ASB competencies.
• Ensure and facilitate the capture of lessons learnt from programme and project implementation into new programming opportunities, as well as the adequate identification of risks and mitigation measures.
• Contribute to current and future development plans for the Country Office ensuring alignment with the ASB Strategic Plan.
• Support Communication and develop communication strategies to maximise communication impact and outreach and build awareness of ASB goals and competencies.
• At the request of the Country Representative participate and/or represent the Country Office in inter-agency discussions and planning to ensure ASB position, interests and priorities are fully considered.

Knowledge management and innovation

• Keep abreast of and incorporate best practices, approaches and technology to enhance the programme delivery and results.
• Operationalise and share best practices and lessons learned for organisational development planning and knowledge building.
• Draft policy papers and/or recommend policy changes to align operations with changing environments.
• Lead the planning, implementation and organization of strategic capacity building of personnel, partners, national counterparts and stakeholders within the programme.

Leadership

• On the request of the Country Representative, act as Officer-in-Charge, representing Iraq Country Office

3) Requirements

Education:

• A Master’s degree, preferably in project management, public administration, social science, international affairs or other relevant related field is required.
• A combination of Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.
• Additional education in MEAL, Quality Management, People-centred and participatory approaches (e.g. PFIM) to ensure achievement of high-quality programme results is a distinctive asset.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience that combines strategic and managerial leadership in social development, organisational development, executive management and/or programme management planning and operations in an international organization.
• At least 3 years progressive leadership experience including supervising teams is required.
• Experience in fragile/hardship locations especially in Iraq and experience leading an extensive portfolio / operations is a distinctive asset.

Language Requirements:

• Full working knowledge of English is essential.
• Knowledge of Arabic and German language is an asset.

4) Conditions:

Start date: August 2024

Duration of contract: 12 months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

Duty Station: Dohuk with extensive travel to project sites and offices in Iraq (Baghdad, Salah ad-Din, Krikuk, Ninewa, Anbar, and any new project area)

Salary: ASB offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience