Head of Programme Support Unit

The Head of Programme Support Unit (HOPSU) is a senior position within the Programme Development and Quality Unit and works alongside the Head of Programme on the development and quality implementation of Education, Youth, Shelter, Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), WASH, Livelihoods and Food Security (LFS), and Protection programming in South Sudan. To maintain and improve quality programming across multi-sector (core competency) projects and geographic areas, the Head of Programme Support oversees and contributes to programme quality in the areas, including on Education, LFS and ICLA aspects, programme monitoring and learning, project cycle management and partnership management. To be successful in this role, the HOPSU will work collaboratively with the core competency Specialists, Consortium Managers, Area Managers and field staff, support teams, and regional advisers.

The HOPSU furthermore supports the Head of Programme with donor relations, fundraising, and ensuring effective and constructive communication between functions and area offices.

Specific responsibilities

• Manage performance and staff development in the Programme Support Unit.
• Lead the formulation of programme quality standards, particularly in the Education, LFS and ICLA core competencies, and perform programme checks focussed on quality, compliance, timeliness, and relevance.
• Oversee the integration of recommendations of programme quality control processes into routines, through the development and roll-out of country and area offices action plans and self-assessment tool.
• Initiate the development and embedding of technical guidance documents/SOPs and tools relevant to the Programme Support Unit.
• Oversight of key PCM processes, training and support.
• Ensure all staff training on PCM, data protection, securing supporting documentation.
• Strengthening accountability to beneficiaries and community engagement approaches through improving M&E processes, including outcome monitoring.
• Oversee efficient growth of downstream partnership portfolio through centralized partnership management, strategy and approaches.
• Support in the development of a multi-year funding strategy, gab analysis, prioritized areas, forecasts opportunities and identify funding opportunities, taking particular account of changing context and donor priorities.
• Ensure optimal articulation between the South Sudan Country Office, Regional Office and Head Office on grants management, donor engagement, M&E and partnerships.
• Promote close collaboration between Grants and Finance to ensure effective creation, management and monitoring of financial proposals, spending plans, modifications, and reporting of donor budgets.
• Contribute to lessons learnt and evidence-based programming in a systematic manner.
• Oversight of initiatives and responsibilities as delegated by the Head of Programme.

Please click this job description for more information

Generic professional competencies for this position:

• University degree in Project Management, Development Studies, Social science, or the equivalent
• Experience from working in complex contexts
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior humanitarian position, with line management and project management responsibilities
• Experience in M&E systems and approaches, and accountability mechanisms and frameworks
• Experience of working on, coordinating or leading partnership implementation
• Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal

Context/Specific skills, knowledge and experience:

• Knowledge of the context in South Sudan
• Knowledge of donor landscape, priorities and conditions
• Experience of working in integrated programmes

What We Offer

NRC is an equal opportunities employer and aims to have staffing diversity in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, nationality and physical ability.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to join our work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility: At NRC we think outside the box. We encourage ideas and give responsibility to all employees at all levels, to help solve the complex issues that we face. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative

• 12 months fixed term contract
• Management grade 10 in NRC’s grade structure
• An opportunity to match your career to a compelling cause
• A chance to meet and work with people who are the best in their fields