Programme Lead, Africa

Organizational context

The Department of Programmes is the central management and coordinating function for programme delivery and capacity development. It is responsible for the implementation of IDLO’s global programme portfolio for field and non-field locations in line with organizational strategy.

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Programme Manager Africa, the Programme Lead engages with internal and external functions to develop and manage large/innovative programmes including developing the design and management of the complete work and staffing plan and budget.

The Programme Lead represents IDLO with Partners, IDLO HQ staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, donors, and civil society.

Primary Functions

Summary of Functions:

1. Oversee programme implementation and ensure that all project phases are consistent with the project design and delivery schedule and aligned with IDLO processes and procedures.
2. Monitor programme activities to ensure programme compliance with donor contracts and procedures and that programme cycle quality controls are in place.
3. Programme Development and Programme Representation.
4. Lead the programme team, ensuring effective, efficient, result-based, and timely delivery of activities and results.

Key results expected

1. Oversee programme implementation, including work planning, budget management, monitoring, and reporting, and ensure that all phases of the project are consistent with the project design and delivery schedule and IDLO processes and procedures.

• Monitor programme implementation issues, including revisions to project design and work plans; make decisions for timely and optimal course corrections;
• Maintain oversight of the overall financial management accurate financial forecasts, including reviewing financial reports, identifying areas of over- or under-spending, and flagging urgent budgetary issues.
• Review and provide inputs to annual and quarterly reports; clear the submission of financial and narrative reports; highlighting the value and impact the programme/activity brings;
• Design, research, draft, and edit legal working papers, memos, briefs, and other original materials in the field experience, and utilize these materials for the development of relevant outputs;
• Ensure programme deliverables meet quality standards and proactively seek input from relevant substantive internal experts.

2. Monitor programme activities to ensure programme compliance with donor contracts as well as quality standards.

• Ensure compliance with programme contracts and subcontracts;
• Conduct research on legal, political, social, and economic events, trends, and/or developments relating to the programme; respond to internal and external requests for such research;
• Design, research, draft, and edit legal working papers, memos, briefs, and other original materials in the field experience, and utilize these materials for the development of relevant outputs;
• Ensure programme deliverables meet quality standards and proactively seek input from relevant substantive internal experts.

3. Programme Development and Programme Representation.

• Represent IDLO in programme events, and under the guidance of the supervisor, build relationships and liaise with donors, UN agencies, government institutions; CSO’s and other stakeholders in the rule of law field through meetings and the preparation of reports and briefs;
• In coordination with the supervisor, generate ideas and identify new programme opportunities; provide substantive input in the development of proposals or concept notes aimed at innovatively expanding IDLO’s programme portfolio in line with country/regional/organizational strategies;
• Responsible for design of implementation plans by means of standardized programme cycle management tools, logic models and frameworks, work plans, monitoring reports, and others.

4. Lead the programme team ensuring effective, efficient, result-based, and timely delivery of activities and results.

• Effectively lead the team by providing clear direction, addressing development, and performance management through ongoing dialogue, and mentoring; fostering a teamwork approach in meeting objectives and goals; address possible conflicts in a positive and constructive manner; encourage initiative and maintain effective working relationships within a multi-cultural setting;
• Responsible for developing staffing plans, coordinating with Human Resources in the recruitment and selection of employees and consultants;
• Oversee the monitoring of contracts, responsible for providing recommendations on amendments and changes to contracts and status.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education and work experience

• Graduate degree (master’s or equivalent) in Law, International Relations Development Studies, or other related field is required.
• 8- 10 years of significant relevant professional experience within an international organization, designing and managing the implementation of complex programmes.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in French and Arabic would be an advantage.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Familiarity with the standard programme and data management tools, as well as results-based management and monitoring and evaluation principles;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Proficient use of other ICT software and internet software.
• Works well with others and actively participates. Shares information contributes, encourages, and motivates others to become involved in team activities. Provides constructive feedback and willingly helps others. Contributes to a fair environment that fosters collaboration and cooperation. Works effectively across and within IDLO organizational boundaries.
• Acts as a role model and offers guidance to colleagues. Takes the initiative to share knowledge, experiences, and information with others. Accepts and gives constructive feedback (up, down, and across) to develop and motivate others.
• Proven ability to see through tasks set and deliver results.
• The ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, flexibility, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Ability and willingness to travel to the region, if necessary.

Terms & Conditions

For this internationally professional recruited position, IDLO shall offer the selected candidate an Affiliate contract of 12 months, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and availability of funding.

IDLO shall also offer a yearly basic salary of EUR 66,679 and a benefits package including provident fund contribution, medical insurance, and leave entitlements in accordance with IDLO Employee Regulations and Rules. Relocation and installation support are also available for internationally recruited employees.

Salaries and benefits paid by IDLO to employees are exempt from taxation in Italy. IDLO employees are responsible for compliance with income tax laws of their country of nationality or residence and/or of any other relevant fiscal jurisdiction.

Applications will be screened on a regular basis; a qualified applicant might be recruited before the deadline. In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications of qualified and diverse candidates.

IDLO is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature, or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

The application deadline is 2 March 2023(23:59 hrs Rome time).