Programme Manager

DRS (DevelopmentAid Recruitment Solutions) is looking for a Programme Manager in Poland for an INGO to oversee the INGO’s programming in Poland, including projects implemented with local partners. In addition to directly managing grants in these areas, the Programme Manager will be expected to lead programme planning, oversight of programme implementation, recruitment and procurement. The Programme Manager will contribute to programme design and strategy as well as lead on grant reporting and contribute to proposal development when required.

• Location: Warsaw, Poland (with regular travel to the field)
• Working hours: Full-time
• Duration of employment: 12 months
• Starting date: As soon as possible

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY, working with the National Technical Coordinator:

Partner management:

• Work with the partners to develop their programme design and proposals, ensuring they align with the INGO’s strategy and grant design;
• Ensure regular review of partner progress against the budget and work plan, and support partners to alter activities/strategies in light of context changes or operational challenges;
• Review, with the support of the Technical Advisors, partner narrative and financial reporting as well as MEAL data, in line with the internal deadlines for MEAL;
• Undertake ongoing capacity assessments of partners, reporting areas for development to and soliciting support from the Technical Advisors;
• Ensure the program aligns with INGO values of responsible and ethical partnership.

Programme Management:

• Overall responsible for the implementation of project activities, ensuring that services are delivered on time, on budget and in compliance with donor regulations;
• Provide technical guidance, in collaboration with the Technical Advisers, in all areas of programming, ensuring that implementation methods are consistent with acknowledged good practice and achieve sustainable results;
• Ensure the programme is implemented in ways responsive to communities, partners and children in line with the hiring organization’s principles, values and strategic plan and compliant with the procedures;
• Ensure that the programme is implemented with regular liaison with local level stakeholders, and support the field team in the development of regular revisions to, and in compliance with, community agreements for the implementation of the programme;
• Develop the programme implementation plan, including procurement and distribution schedules of programme inputs in line with programme logistics/supply chain capacity;
• Ensure that staff have work plans in place and follow up with team members and partners regularly to ensure that activities are on track;
• Manage programme budget, including phased budgets, monthly budget forecasting and quarterly budget revisions for all grants;
• Ensure proper and effective use of program resources, ensuring that all resources/assets in the project are managed in line with the hiring organization and Donor policy;
• Monitor programme progress against both programmatic, along with the Technical Advisors, and budgetary targets, adjusting programme implementation plans as necessary;
• Prepare timely and high-quality programme and donor reports on project activities in compliance with internal requirements and any relevant external donor requirements.

Needs Analysis and Program Design:

• Support the Technical Advisers with the design and planning required for assessments, baselines, and evaluations;
• Contribute to situation/response analysis, development of strategy documents and response plans, as well as programme design, working with the field team to ensure the design is appropriate and implementable;
• Where required, support the Technical Advisors to develop project and donor proposals in close coordination with logistics, finance and grants unit and ensure participation of the field team, partners and beneficiaries in proposal development;
• Prior to proposal submission, identify implementation methodology (direct versus indirect), undertaking consultation with partners and initial partner proposal work;
• Contribute to country-level contingency plans and, where possible, integrate contingency planning in all program planning and proposal design.

Capacity Building and Staff Management:

• Support the Technical Advisers in developing capacity-building plans for the team, Partners, Local Authorities, and facility staff;
• Provide day-to-day coaching on technical and programme management skills to the team and partners, as well as support dissemination of capacity building to the team;
• Work with Technical Advisors to identify learning and training opportunities for the staff and partners and work as a mentor and as a role model;
• Ensure that the capacity building of the team is planned within budget parameters, as well as realistic within the implementation plans of the programme.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Accountability

• Work with the Technical Advisors and MEAL team to develop M&E and indicator tracking plans for all grants, inputting into the development of additional M&E tools as necessary to monitor project progress;
• With the Advisors and MEAL team, ensure appropriate, timely and accurate data collection at all Education staffing levels against agreed indicators to enable both internal and external reporting;
• Work with the MEAL team, Technical Advisors to identify and incorporate project-suitable accountability mechanisms.

Staff Management, Mentorship, and Development:

• Ensure appropriate staffing within the operations component of the team within budget parameters;
• Support the partners to ensure that all education field staff understand and are able to perform their role, identifying areas of development as noted earlier.

Representation & Advocacy & Organizational Learning:

• Ensure that all project Infrastructure needs are supported by appropriate TAs from members to ensure the timely delivery of construction and rehabilitation works for Education program facilities according to the CPMS Minimum Standards;
• Work together with all Programme Managers to ensure that programmes are aligned and connected, in collaboration with the Advisors, and ensure needs for children are integrated, mainstreamed and considered in all program interventions;
• Work with other sectors and agencies to strengthen referral systems;
• Regularly coordinate and collaborate with all other program managers and program team to support high-quality inter-sectoral programming and strengthen programmatic synergies and impact for children;
• Represent the organization in relevant meetings and working groups;
• Support representation needs as required by Technical Advisors.

General:

• Comply with the hiring organization’s policies and practices, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.

Qualification, Experience, and Skills:

Education: Master’s degree in Studies, International Development Studies, or in a relevant subject, or a BA with equivalent field experience

Experience:

Required qualifications:

• At least 3 years of programme management experience;
• Proven capacity to supervise and coach staff;
• Experience of, and commitment to, working through systems of community and child participation and accountability;
• Specific experience in managing major donor projects and understanding donor compliance;
• Experience in effectively managing large budgets;
• Ability to analyze information, evaluate options and think and plan strategically;
• Ability to write clear and well-argued assessments and project reports;
• A team player who is able to work collaboratively and with people of diverse backgrounds;
• Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy;
• Commitment to the aims and principles of the organization. In particular, a good understanding of the organization’s mandate and child focus and an ability to ensure this continues to underpin our support;
• Experience in capacity building and training of local communities and stakeholders regarding child protection in emergency programming;
• Experience working and building the capacity of partners on technical issues.

Preferred additional qualifications:

• Previous experience of managing a team at a national level is highly desirable;
• Experience in remotely managing programmes in complex settings;
• Experience or knowledge of working and living in relevant regions/contexts;
• Experience in any of the relevant fields, such as community-based Education, Protection, well-being and psychosocial support programmes;
• Experience in representing an organization in the coordination mechanism;
• Polish nationals are highly encouraged to apply.

Languages: Strong oral and written communication skills in English and Polish are required.