Programme Operations Advisor

TITLE: Programme Operations Advisor

TEAM/PROGRAMME: Programme Operations

LOCATION: Amman (Syria Response Office)

GRADE: TBC

Contract LENGTH: 12 months

REPORTS TO: Deputy Country Director

CHILD SAFEGUARDING:

Level 3: the role holder will have contact with children and/or young people either frequently (e.g. once a week or more) or intensively (e.g. four days in one month or more or overnight) because they work in country programs; or are visiting country programs; or because they are responsible for implementing the police checking/vetting process staff.

ROLE PURPOSE:

The overall role of the Programme Operations Advisor is to provide operational and humanitarian support to Save the Children’s response in Syria, with a specific focus on the implementation and monitoring of high-risk awards and operational issues to ensure the quality delivery of programs across a complex, volatile, multi-location and multi-sector response that requires considerable investment and oversight from the central program operations team.

The Programme Operations Advisor will work closely with the DCD ensuring that the relevant field teams are adequately supported to deliver high-quality, timely interventions in line with the objectives of the response strategy and in accordance with donor requirements. The Programme Operations Advisor will also support the response to emergencies, such as cholera and IDP responses, and assist in the design of emergency preparedness procedures. The Programme Operations Advisor will lead the rollout of PMM and PRIME, and program/ project management systems strengthening across SRO.

The responsibilities listed may change and evolve in line with the situation on the ground. Budget holder responsibilities will be given as per the Scheme of Delegation.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Reports to: Deputy Country Director

Staff reporting: None

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

Programme operations management

• Support the DCD to have oversight of program implementation of the high-risk awards to ensure timely and high-quality delivery.
• Support the Area Offices, where needed, to develop corrective measures for high-risk awards.
• Attend and contribute to the regular meetings where needed such as BvA and ARM, members, and donor meetings.
• Support the DCD to lead the Ops events preparation such as the program operations workshops, program ops review workshops, and meetings.
• Support in the development of the required plans such as the CSP, EPP, etc.
• Contribute the strategic discussions to improve program implementation and quality.
• Conduct regular field visits and ensure blockages between the AO and MO departmental functions are identified and resolved to ensure effective and efficient delivery of programs.
• Support the DCD with sensitive compliance and CSG matters.
• Act as a BH to support verifying and approving POs, contracts, payments, and other documents under the DCD SOD.
• Provide cover for the Deputy Country Director and Area Directors, as required.

PMM and PRIME implementation and systems strengthening

• Work closely with PMM PRIME team as a country focal point to provide the needed expertise/ support to apply PMM and PRIME systems across SRO.
• Support the Area Offices to ensure full data migration as per the agreed timeline.
• Provide guidance across all stages of the project lifecycle in the PRIME system to ensure cohesive delivery of these changes.
• Ensure project management methodology mandatory tools are incorporated in the project management life cycle as per PMM guidance.
• Collaboration with wider teams regarding alignment/ changes to existing processes, etc.

Emergency preparedness and humanitarian response

• Work with the Area Directors, and assist in the design of emergency preparedness plans and procedures.
• Ensuring the Area Offices’ readiness to respond to emergencies within the designated portfolio/areas or as per SMT guidance.
• Track the emergency response budget vs the expenditures per area office.
• Lead the management of the Humanitarian Funds and Pooled Funds.

COMPETENCIES FOR THIS ROLE:

1. LEADING AND INSPIRING OTHERS

Demonstrates leadership in all our work, embodies our values, and articulates a compelling vision to inspire others to achieve our goals for children.

1. DELIVERING RESULTS

Takes personal responsibility and holds others accountable for delivering our ambitious goals for children, continually improving own performance or that of the team/organization.

1. PROBLEM-SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Takes effective, considered, and timely decisions by gathering and evaluating relevant information from within or outside the organization.

1. COMMUNICATING WITH IMPACT

Communicates clearly and confidently with others to engage and influence; promotes dialogue and ensures timely and appropriate messages, building confidence and trust with others.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• A Master’s degree in a related field.
• At least 5 years of project/ program management and programme operations experience with a solid understanding of the full project management cycle.
• Previous experience in managing programs in complex contexts.
• Good analytical skills, effective negotiator, with the ability to positively influence cross-departmental and cross-sector working.
• Proven ability in mentoring and coaching.
• Experience in developing and negotiating successful partnerships with institutional donors.
• Demonstrated ability to set up project management systems in large complex programs.
• Credibility to lobby, influence, and represent Save the Children at all levels.
• Ability and willingness to dramatically change work practices and hours, and juggle multiple tasks.
• Experience in a complex and matrix-managed organization.
• Ability to work within a diverse team.
• Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children’s aims, values, and principles including rights-based approaches.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Fluency in Arabic is desirable.