Director of Programs, DRC

Director of Programs, DRC

About Viamo

Mobile technology is revolutionizing how organizations engage with their end users. More than 96% of the world’s population has access to a mobile phone, meaning it is now possible to reach nearly every single person on the planet. Yet 3 billion people living in emerging markets still lack access to relevant, timely, and engaging information in their local languages, and their voices remain underheard. The organizations that serve them lack the technology and capacity to reach them, and many are unaware of the power of mobile technology to meet their organizational goals.

Viamo connects individuals and organizations using digital technology to make better decisions.

With more than 30 million people reached in 2020 alone, we are well on our way to meeting our goal of reaching 50 million people annually by 2023.

About the role

Reporting to the Country Director for DRC, this position will be based in Kinshasa. The DoP oversees all of Viamo DRC’s project implementation, which currently consists of the USAID-funded Integrated Health Program (IHP), Breakthrough Action (BA), and Elimu ni Jibu as well as other FCDO, Gavi, and World Bank-funded projects, and will expand as Viamo’s portfolio grows. This will include managing program managers, providing support, building capacity, and ensuring deliverables and reporting requirements are met and Viamo is fully contractually compliant.

This position will also require some new business development support, including writing proposals, meeting and pitching to potential partners, and developing concept notes and budgets for complex project submissions. The Director of Programs is a senior member of the DRC team and plays a crucial role in supporting the overall mission of Viamo.

Key Responsibilities

1. Partner Management

• Provide close assistance to key partners for the effective use of Viamo’s services in the domains of health, health system strengthening, SBC, education, and other sectors as they arise
• Monitor stakeholder ICT4D needs according to project objectives and adapt programming and budgets as required
• Inform partners of new services and product improvements
• Solicit and document partner feedback, including needs and expectations to inform the ongoing development of Viamo’s offerings
• Manage Program Manager(s) and provide close coaching and support, ensuring capacity is being developed at all levels

2. Project Implementation

• Oversee the establishment of annual work plans and quarterly/monthly deliverables for the program in partnership with Viamo’s Program Managers
• Monitor and contribute to the implementation of work plans according to the established timelines
• Oversee and complete monthly/quarterly/annual narrative and financial reports (with support from Viamo’s finance team)
• Facilitate training and 321 content development/validation workshops
• Supervise qualitative and quantitative research and other field activities
• Contribute to Viamo DRC’s institutional knowledge by leading case studies, impact evaluations, etc. as needed

3. Innovation and Service Development

• Propose and pilot new service offerings to include in Viamo’s suite of ICT products
• Support the 321 Product Manager in developing strong relationships with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to ensure the infrastructure is in place to connect with all mobile phones.
• Document and share lessons learned and best practices with Viamo’s international team of program staff
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Viamo’s annual strategic objectives

4. New Business Development

• Support the Country Director in the identification of new complex project opportunities, track and respond to RFPs, and design high-quality scopes of work and budgets for complex project partnerships.
• Work with partners to design and launch effective mobile engagement projects; this includes building relationships, co-designing projects, preparing budgets, and responding to RFPs.

Key Performance Indicators

1. Impact: Number of unique listeners and engagements with Viamo products and services
2. Bookings: Value of secured complex project funding
3. Revenue: Execution & invoicing of program deliverables on current contracts.

Team and Reporting Structure

• Reports to the DRC Country Director
• Line manages two Program Managers

Profile

Required

• Fluency in English and French, with excellent writing skills in both languages
• Exemplary project management skills and the ability to manage a portfolio of large, complex projects
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and prioritize, creating and implementing common project management tools such as Gantt charts, work plans, etc.
• Proven ability to create and manage complex budgets
• Proven ability to work independently; flexibility and willingness to adapt to new tasks as needed
• Good common sense and ability to approach situations and challenges with a creative and open mind
• Bottom line focus and solution-oriented
• Mastery of computers and mobile technology; knowledge of common software packages and an ability to quickly learn and master new software
• Excellent attention to detail and thoroughness
• Excellent cross-cultural communication and emotional intelligence
• Effective Team Management skills.

Desirable

• Experience managing USAID, UKAid, and World Bank-funded projects
• Experience working with national and local stakeholders in DRC
• Experience in ICT4D
• Communication skills in local languages
• Experience working with Mobile Network Operators