Senior Advisor, Programs

About CIVIC

Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is an international nonprofit with offices around the world working to improve protection for civilians caught in conflict zones. CIVIC envisions a world in which no civilian is harmed in conflict. Our mission is to support communities affected by conflict in their quest for protection and strengthen the resolve and capacity of armed actors to prevent and respond to civilian harm. We are advocates who believe that no civilian caught in conflict should be ignored, and advisors who provide practical solutions to preventing and responding to civilian harm. Learn more at civiliansinconflict.org.

About the Position

• Location: The Hague
• Reporting to: Senior Director of Programs (SDP)
• Staff Reporting: None
• Travel: Up to 40% required

Under the direction of the Senior Director of Programs, the Senior Advisor, Programs is responsible for contributing to the creation and implementation of organization-wide program management standards and processes, building the capacity of field and HQ-based staff involved in program management, and providing support to the expansion of CIVIC’s programs to more civilians in more conflict-affected environments. This position holds a wide range of duties, the balance of which may adjust over time dependent on organizational needs and priorities; the Senior Advisor, Programs will work with the Senior Director of Programs to determine the prioritization among these responsibilities at any given time.

Guided by CIVIC’s Strategic Plan (2021-2025), the Senior Advisor, Programs will work closely with program staff to strengthen our work on behalf of civilians in conflict.

CIVIC is committed to focusing on how to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout our unique approach to protection of civilians (POC) and in our broader work. We believe in order to meet the goals in the CIVIC strategic plan, CIVIC must always consider DEI in all aspects of our work. We expect CIVIC staff, regardless of their location or position, to be champions of DEI.

Key Functions

• Program Performance & Quality

  • Work with the SDP to create/improve organization-wide systems that ensure the development of consistent standards, processes and practices of program management to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of CIVIC’s programs
  • Support the SPD and PDs to further decentralize CIVIC’s systems and processes for program implementation and management
  • Provide assistance to PDs and country teams to implement high quality program management approaches in line with standards set at the organizational level
  • Work with the SDP, PDs and MEL on identifying challenges hampering high quality program performance that would inform ongoing capacity building

• Strategy Implementation

  • Work with the SPD, PDs (and where requested, Country Teams) to identify program management challenges/needs to implement the regional strategies at the highest level, provide assistance to address those
  • Support the SMT, SPD, RLI, and PDs to identify new program opportunities in regions where CIVIC does not currently operate, including full and light-touch programs
  • Support the SDP and PDs through the provision on advice of feasibility assessments for potential new programs, and advise on risks and opportunities in regions where CIVIC is not currently operating
  • Provide support to PDs and country teams at key moments including program start-up, kick-off meetings, inception meeting check-ins, quality audits, and end of program transition or close-out.

• Capacity Building

  • Provide assistance with on-boarding/capacity building on program management whenever needed, as well as interviewing as requested
  • Work with HR to improve/systematize onboarding/induction for key staff responsible for program implementation

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in a related field
• Subject matter expertise in CIVIC’s work, including protection of civilians, human rights, and international humanitarian law
• Record of achievement in designing and implementing programs and projects that yield results in complex and volatile environments
• Proven ability to identify and address gaps or inefficiencies in systems, structures, or processes
• Ability to remain calm and productive under pressure, prioritize among competing demands, and deliver on time-sensitive requests
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Fluency in English

Desired Qualifications

• Entrepreneurial mindset and record of achievement in innovating to improve policies and practices on behalf of civilians in conflict
• Proficiency in French or Arabic

Additional Details

If you believe you can fulfill the job responsibilities, are a good match, and are excited by the position, but do not meet all of the qualifications listed above please still apply and emphasize any transferable skills in your resume and cover letter.

CIVIC offers a competitive compensation and benefits package to include a health stipend, a commuter benefit, professional counseling services, a retirement saving match, and 25 paid leave plus paid holidays (including the days between Christmas and New Year’s Day).

Application Deadline: February 18, 2021

Resumes are reviewed on a rolling basis so please apply early.

Currently, CIVICs office in The Hague is temporarily closed due to COVID-19, therefore, this position is currently remote until, and when, the office is re-opened, at which point, this position will be required to be located in the office permanently.

COVID-19 Precaution(s): All interviews for this position will be virtual.