Head of Programme

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an independent international non-governmental organization, working in 40+ countries throughout the world, and our primary mandate is to promote durable solutions for refugees and displaced populations. DRC established operational presence in Sudan in 2004 providing support to conflict-affected population in the west of the country. With the outbreak of recent conflict in 2023, DRC pivoted to an integrated humanitarian response to meet the urgent needs of IDPs, refugees, migrants, and host communities, providing protection services, mobile Camp Coordination and Camp Management (Transit camp of Maicao), Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), distribution of non-food items, and prevention and response to Gender Based Violence (GBV). Through Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) programming, DRC provides EORE to communities at risk of encountering explosive ordinance. At present, DRC has programmatic presence in Central and South Darfur, South Kordofan, Gedaref, White Nile, Al Jazirah and Khartoum.

Overall purpose of the role

The Head of Programme role has a country focus and ensures compliance with DRC procedures and guidelines within the country and more broadly within the DRC East Africa and Great Lakes Regional Office. The role contributes to the development of country strategies, which are translated into action plans and day-to-day tasks. The role provides management of programme support and sector technical coordinators in support of country operations while overseeing country activities. The Head of Programme is a Senior Management Team (SMT) member and represents DRC to authorities, UN agencies, other NGOs, and partners.

Responsibilities:

The main responsibilities will include:

People Management

• Lead and manage programme staff (including people planning, performance, well-being and development)
• Mentor team through regular one-on-one supervision and performance appraisals.

Project management and development

• Lead and coordinate the development of programmatic strategy in Sudan, and effective, efficient and timely implementation of all projects according to agreed contracts, budgets, policies, and donor requirements;
• Manage senior technical advisors, grants staff and MEAL staff and provide them with technical guidance and support through regular coordination meetings;
• Provide technical oversight on program management and quality of implementation to Area Managers and other field-based staff;
• Provide oversight and provision of strategic direction to the MEAL department in rolling out monitoring and evaluation approaches aiming to build contextually-grounded learning into program strategies and activities;
• Ensure that relevant beneficiary data is collected, compiled, analyzed and distributed and that relevant assessments are conducted in the project area;
• Provide regular internal and external reports, and other relevant information on programme activities, policy matters and external relations;
• Ensure effective coordination and visibility of the implementation of the projects with all humanitarian and development actors;
• Implement and oversee the DRC administrative guidelines and policies, safety and security procedures, logistics support and other tasks associated with efficient day-to-day operations;
• Oversee rollout of DRC’s partnership strategy and selection, capacity building and monitoring of all DRC partners;
• Promote lessons learned and best practices within DRC, to donors and other stakeholders when relevant in order to ensure synergetic programming and cross-program collaboration in Sudan;

Strategic vision, grants management and businesses development

• Ensure technical strategies are in place to provide strong rationale for programmatic priorities and reflect the evolving nature of the programmatic context in Sudan;
• Deliver inputs to programme strategy and identify opportunities for new projects;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the funding strategy in Sudan in close coordination with relevant team members and EAGL RO;
• Lead assessments for emergency or longer-term programming in existing or new project locations and cross-border programming;
• Lead the planning and development of concept papers, budgets and project proposals;
• Maintain links and alignment with HQ and RO counterparts to developed programme and advocacy strategies:

External relations

• Increase the visibility and credibility of DRC’s program in the area and maintain close relations with all relevant stakeholders including donors;
• Ensure correct and timely narrative and financial reporting to donor;
• Represent DRC in all relevant high-level coordination fora as agreed with the CD.

About you

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

Experience and technical competencies:

• At least 7 years of progressively responsible humanitarian experience in conflict or post-conflict countries;
• At least 5 years of management experience, of which at least 3 include multi-sector portfolios of at least 10M USD;
• Master’s degree in political science, international development, economics or other relevant field;
• Experience in managing emergency humanitarian operations at country senior management level;
• Proven leadership skills and competence in people management;
• Experience with proposal development, budget development, program implementation, monitoring and evaluation;
• Proven fundraising abilities with key donors (ECHO, BHA, FCDO, SIDA)
• Experience with effectively coordinating with national partners, local/government authorities, NGO partners, UNHCR and other relevant stakeholders;
• Full professional proficiency in English;
• Previous experience in Sudan desirable.

Education

• Post graduate degree in Business Administration, Finance or Accounting and Addition Professional qualification such as ACCA/CPA or equivalent is desired.

Languages:

• English required
• Arabic desirable

What we offer

Contract: 1yr. Salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment for Employment band E- Management.

Availability: April 2024.

Duty station: Port Sudan / Nairobi until acquisition of Sudan visa

Reporting Line: Country Director

Providing equal opportunities We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

Promoting high standards : DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process