Head of Programs

Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profitmaking, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

1. Background

Present since 2006, DRC is one of the largest international NGOs in the Central African Republic, working in two districts (Ouham, Ouham-Pendé) with 3 bases (Paoua, Batangafo and Bocaranga) in addition to an office in the capital (Bangui) with a portfolio of projects in various sectors. The program strategy for 2023 focuses on the following three sectors: protection, economic recovery and livelihoods, and emergency response to immediate needs linked to population displacement.

1. Purpose

The Head of Programs delivers operationally and can strategically drive DRC’s Programs in the CAR. He/she reports directly to the Country Director and is a member of the Strategic Management Team (SMT).

1. Duties and Responsibilities

People Management and internal communication

• Manage, coordinate and coach members of the Programme team, ensuring their professional development and capacity building as needed
• Oversee and support capacity building for expatriate and national staff on technical issues and Programme cycle management, based on assessment of the critical Programme improvement needs of the CAR mission
• Work in close cooperation with Programme and support staff in CAR, and actively seek support, knowledge and coaching as necessary from colleagues in other regions and HQ

Program strategy and business development

• Ensure the development of sector Programme strategy in line with the CAR Programme strategy. Guide Programme Coordinators in the implementation of strategies through collaboration and proactive Programme development and implementation
• Develop, disseminate, and implement the CAR Programme strategy within DRC team
• Supervise the drafting of project proposals and budgets, ensuring strong cross-departmental coordination between Programme and support teams, including field teams, as well as close liaison and timely consultation with RO/HQ.
• Draft project proposals and budgets for Economic Recovery / FSL projects.
• Contribute to the development of a fundraising strategy in line with the CAR Programme strategy
• Establish strong and efficient partnerships with organisations, donors and authorities, in line with the CAR Programme strategy and DRC partnership management policy
• Design, contribute and/or lead assessments for emergency or longer-term programming in existing or new project locations

Quality and accountability of the Programs

• Oversee and support continuous improvement of Programme quality standards, including application and harmonisation across field bases
• Ensure the supervision of Economic Recovery or FSL Programme, and develop them
• Ensure that DRC values and code of conduct are respected and upheld, including through setting a personal example
• Assess and improve DRC CAR’s accountability measures in accordance with DRC’s global Core Humanitarian Standard commitments
• In supervision of the MEAL team, ensure that DRC CAR implements high-quality Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEAL) across all projects, including that learning is captured, capitalized and used in Programme design and implementation
• Support the grants team in timely submissions of high-quality donor reports.

External relations and representation

• Together with Country Director, ensure adequate bilateral representation of DRC with government authorities, donors, UN agencies, humanitarian agencies and other partners regarding programme and participation in coordination meetings as relevant
• Represent DRC in cluster meetings

1. Required Qualifications

• Min. 5 years’ experience overseas in complex emergencies
• Technical background in Economic Recovery or Food Security, Protection & Livelihood essential
• Relevant university degree (Master or Post graduate), in agronomy, economy and/or development, or similar field.
• Min. 3 years’ experience in staff management, significant leadership and interpersonal skills
• Good understanding of displacement issues and related international standards/frameworks
• Strong experience in programme development and proven programme development abilities
• Substantial NGO project management experience, including responsibility for strategy design, staffing, admin/finance management, contract management and donor relations
• Experience of leading strategic programming and planning, implementation, monitoring and learning
• Proven track record of negotiating and advocating with government authorities and donors for solutions that serve the needs of beneficiaries, pursuing values of internationally recognized and universal character in a post-conflict context with a strong respect of local culture and tradition
• Ability to manage a large workload and multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines
• Ability to diffuse the strategic goals and challenges of the mission but also to be hands-on and work on an operational dimension when the situation requires it
• Team player with excellent communication and strong participatory leadership skills
• Excellent written and spoken French and English

1. Required Skills & Qualities

• Core Competencies of DRC:
  • Striving for excellence
  • Collaboration
  • Taking the lead
  • Communication
  • Demonstrating Integrity
• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment
• Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration
• Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are required
• Multi-tasking and Organizational skills are necessary
• Adaptable and Flexible
• Proven analytical and critical thinking skills
• Exemplary sense of ethics in the workplace
• Team-oriented & good sense of humor

1. General Regulations

• The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework
• Employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization
• Employee should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period
• Employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization
• Employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request