Deputy Program Director

The International Rescue Committee’s mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded over 80 years ago, the IRC is a leading humanitarian and development organization with a presence in more than 40 countries. Across contexts, the IRC is committed to delivering innovative, high-impact programs tailored to the needs of communities affected by crisis.

Position Summary

IRC is seeking a Deputy Program Director (DPD) for an anticipated multi-million-dollar Department of Health CDC Strengthening Immunization Program Implementation in Sub-National Consequential Geographies opportunity. The aim of this program is to provide immunization services (identify and vaccinate zero- and under-dose children, support polio eradication, measles mortality reduction and regional measles and rubella elimination, hepatitis B and maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination, and other vaccine-preventable diseases surveillance); support global laboratory networks for polio and measles/rubella; support planning and implementation of supplemental immunization campaigns; and support the strengthening of immunization delivery systems and capacities in high priority countries.

The DPD will oversee operational and program management support for the program and support the Project Director in project management, management of staff, capacity building and stakeholder engagement, including relevant government line ministries and ensure program performance through monitoring of activity progress, financial status, and contract compliance. He/she will coordinate the development, implementation and reporting on detailed management plans that may include implementation plans, deliverable and budget tracking, etc., in assigned area of responsibility. The DPD will also manage implementing partners and oversee programmatic excellence. The DPD will be responsible for ensuring capacity sharing between global and local consortium partners to achieve contract milestones in a compliant manner. S/he will liaise with country program and partner staff and support them to put in place systems to ensure project performance and contract compliance.

The position will be based in any of the following locations: Abuja, Nigeria, Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia, Nairobi, Kenya. Recruitment is contingent upon the successful award of the project, and the selection of the final applicant is subject to CDC approval. The project is anticipated to begin in June 2024.

Job Responsibilities:

• Support the Program Director in providing strategic and technical leadership and direction, defining and implementing activities to achieve the greatest impact toward project goals and objectives; serve as Acting Program Director in the Program Director’s absence.

• Closely monitor the implementation of project activities against approved work plans and budgets and ensure timely completion of results and achievement of objectives.

• Ensure project delivery meets all standard operational policies and procedures.

• Oversee project management of multi-million-dollar project in full compliance with US Government regulations, terms, and conditions.

• Support the Program Director in managing consortium partnerships and maintaining collaborative partner relations, ensuring that all partners are aware of the project’s expectations and are actively involved in achieving the objectives while using the project management tools developed or adapted for the consortium.

• Support reporting to CDC through both formal and informal debriefings, annual and semi-annual reports; lead review of periodic programmatic reports and their ensure timely submission to the Program Director.

• Assist Program Director in maintaining active and cooperative relationships with all key stakeholders, including government officials, project partners, other implementing agencies, and related institutions.

• Work closely with project staff and partners to identify, document and disseminate best practices.

• Represent the project and the organization in public, as assigned, and support the distribution of information about project achievements and lessons learned.

• Support project staff by creating and maintaining a work environment that promotes teamwork, trust, mutual respect, and empowers staff to take responsibility.

• Conduct other activities as assigned by the Program Director.

• Ensure that IRC and donor visibility standards are maintained by all implementing partners.

• Ensure that a broad range of communications products are developed and disseminated to inform stakeholders of the objectives and achievements of the project.

• Lead strategy review and ensure that staffing structure is fit for purpose.

Requirements:

• Degree from an accredited university in international development, public health, or other related field; equivalent experience may be substituted for graduate degree.

• At least 8 years of experience in managerial roles in comparable programs, including substantial supervisory experience; previous experience as a Deputy Program Director on Institutional Donor funded programs preferred.

• Significant knowledge of US Government compliance, rules and regulations required.

• Substantial experience managing diverse sub-grantees/sub-contractors, including INGO, NGO, local FBO and private sector actors.

• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to develop relations with local counterparts, donors, and other stakeholders.

• Demonstrated innovation and success in staff capacity-building and in participatory, flexible, and gender-sensitive programming and implementation.

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written;

• Fluency in English required.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.