Head of Programme – Syria

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Head of Programme to work in Damascus, Syria

DRC has been operating in Syria since 2008, initially responding to the Iraqi refugee influx, with extended operational capacity since the Syria crisis. DRC has the main office in Damascus and three working spaces across three governorates: Homs, Daara, and Aleppo, maintaining emergency response capacity through Aleppo to Idleb and Hama.

About the job

The Head of Programme is a senior management role driving the Country Strategy, Implementation Plan and ensuring overall programme quality and Impact. S/He provides leadership in the design and delivery of the DRC Syria programme, including mobilization and stewardship of resources and program quality and accountability, while upholding the principles outlined in the Core Humanitarian Standards.

The Head of Programme is responsible for the quality of programme delivery, the development of in-country expertise in each sector, as well supporting the capacity development of national staff. S/he establishes clear communications and direction for all programme staff, participates actively in program management, coordination, and strategy meetings with other members of the senior management team. The HoP actively engages with partners, the INGO and donor community to ensure DRC’s views and humanitarian priorities are strongly represented.

Your maint duties and responsibilities will be:

• Programme strategy development: lead on overall programme strategy development through consultations with technical leads and country leadership staff to support strategic growth. remain informed of humanitarian response and funding trends in country and provide regular updates on these trends.
• Programme development, proposal writing & reporting: lead on programme development with colleagues in country program, region and hq to identify funding opportunities and develop competitive, responsive proposals that are in line with country strategy and compliant with donors; liaise with donors to discuss current and potential funding opportunities. ensure that all internal and external reports are provided in a timely fashion in collaboration with relevant staff.
• Monitoring and evaluation: support the development of appropriate meal tools and systems and ensure that programme management tools and systems are relevant. develop internal mechanisms for institutional learning and memory. improve the quality of services provided through supervision of key staff, analysis and dissemination of meal data and lessons learnt, and review of drc and other best practice guidelines.
• Finance and administration: coordinate with drc’s support services to ensure that budgets are designed in accordance with needs. ensure that expenditure are planned and properly managed. manage drc programme staff and ensure that all staff have relevant work plan, job description and that performance reviews take place. ensure that drc management principles are disseminated and adequately applied.
• Human resources mangement: manage people and teams including recruiting, selecting, inducting employees, providing orientation, imparting training and development and appraising the performance of employees.
• Representation: attend coordination meeting in coordination with the cd; with government partners, regional and local authorities; donors; national level working groups, local agencies etc. at all levels of project implementation as required.
• Media/PR/Visibility: support the CD in the development of communication materials, including project and programme brochures, case studies as well as press releases.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect that you possess the following:

Required

• At least 8 years of international experience in an INGO Senior Management Position, with at least 5 years of experience in complex emergencies;
• Relevant degree in Social Sciences, Administration or equivalent
• At least 5 years management experience in large scale programmes;
• Proven experience in strategic development and program design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation;
• Experience with range of donors including DfID, USAID/OFDA, UNHCR, EC, ECHO and UNICEF;
• Experience in working with national NGO partners and local/government authorities;
• Results-oriented management experience of a large, diverse and dynamic team, with strong leadership skills;
• Practical and proven skills in negotiation and conflict resolution with a wide range of stakeholders essential.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills and an ability to work independently and with a team needed.
• Knowledge of refugee issues and related policies;
• Full professional profiency in English

Desirable

• Arabic language
• Experience in livelihoods, housing/infrastructure, protection, direct assistance and relief highly desired;

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 12 months

Band: E

Designation of Duty Station: non-family duty station

Start date: 1 April 2023

Salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment for international staff or DRC National Staff salary scale. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Sachitra at [email protected]. Applications sent by email will not be considered.