DCD-Program Development and Quality (DCD-PDQ)-Re-advert

The role

As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) in Country, the Deputy Country Director Program Development and Quality (DCD-PDQ) is responsible for driving the country office strategic plan and Theory of Change. S/He is responsible for ensuring strategic development of high quality, evidence based, high impact, innovative full spectrum programs that deliver immediate and lasting change for children and contribute to Save the Children’s global breakthroughs: Learn, Survive, Be Protected. One of the key aspects of the role is ensuring capacity building, mentoring and coaching of technical advisors in order to build a strong PDQ department.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Reports to: Country Director

Technical Report: Regional PDQ Director

Staff directly reporting to this post: MEAL Director, and up to 10 Program Quality / TE staff. These positions will vary depending on the thematic programmes.

Role Dimensions: The DCD-PDQ plays a key role in defining and pursuing the strategic direction for Save the Children’s programs in-country, ensuring the relevance, strategic coherence, and impact of our programs for children in all contexts. This is a challenging role in a complex environment requiring a dedicated, experienced and highly motivated individual who can operate in a high profile environment. S/he has specific oversight for strategy and program development, and ensuring that programs demonstrate thematic excellence in contributing to Save the Children’s three priority breakthroughs for children: no child dies from preventable causes before their fifth birthday; all children learn from a quality basic education; and violence against children is no longer tolerated. The post-holder will ensure high quality response strategies and plans, and that humanitarian programmes delivered are to the appropriate scale, scope, quality and accountability expected of Save the Children, and incorporate a child focused lens.

The DCD-PDQ works with technical experts and advisors to develop evidence-based strategies, programs and projects, to strengthen program integration, and to spearhead advocacy and campaign initiatives. S/he takes a lead in establishing systems for program monitoring, quality improvement, accountability, evaluation and learning, and in ensuring that learning and results are captured, shared and used to inform programs. As a senior leader in the country office s/he plays a representational role with the government, donors, partners and others. The DCD-PDQ has the responsibility to build the capacity of, mentor and coach SC teams and individual staff in areas related to PDQ, ensuring the development of a strong national team. S/he works closely with PDQ and thematic leaders from across Save the Children to facilitate strategic alignment and to maximize synergies.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Post graduate qualifications in relevant social science, human rights, development studies, NGO management or equivalent field
• A minimum of ten years of progressive senior management and/ or humanitarian and development experience, including experience designing and implementing programs for children.
• Experience in more than one of Save the Children’s thematic sectors: education, child protection, child rights governance, health and nutrition, child poverty, emergencies
• Knowledge of New Business Development, members and donors and their environments and a basic understanding of advocacy, policy, and reform in the host country
• Experience of lobbying, influencing and and representing an organisation at all levels and across diverse sectors
• Experience working with high level government agencies and academics on issues related to children
• Strong skills and proven experience in new program development, project design, and donor proposal design with corporates, foundations and institutional donors
• Strong skills and proven experience in leading strategic planning, change management and program management processes; also from the knowledge and learning perspective
• Developing and managing monitoring, evaluation and learning systems
• Excellent listening, inter-personal, communication and networking skills; and the ability to work with diversified populations
• Skilled at delivering and facilitating training and capacity building interventions, e.g. coaching, mentorship.
• Analytical, problem solver, with strong experience and understanding of project cycle management and coordination.
• High level of self-awareness and self-development with the maturity to deal with constructive feedback the willingness and ability to adapt leadership and management style as appropriate
• Experience of conducting research, drafting and presenting reports to varied audiences

Contract length: 12 months

The Organisation

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

Application Information:

Please apply using a cover letter and up-to-date CV as a single document. Please also include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations. Due to urgency of the position, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Applicants are advised that Save the Children International does not require any payment or expense during the entire recruitment process. Any request in this direction should be immediately reported as contrary to the values and practices of our organization.