Senior Programme Manager – NORAD_SIDA_Danida

TITLE:  Senior Programme Manager – NORAD_SIDA_Danida Projects in South Sudan TEAM/PROGRAMME: Program Operations 

LOCATION:  

South Sudan 

GRADE: Executive/Tier 3

CONTRACT LENGTH: 12 months 

Open for both National & International applicants 

CHILD SAFEGUARDING: 

Level 3:  the post 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 country programs; or are visiting country programs; or because they are responsible for implementing the police checking/vetting process staff.

 

ROLE PURPOSE:

Save the Children is seeking a Senior Program Manager for its NORAD_SIDA_Danida  funded programmes in South Sudan designed to deliver an education programs to conflict -affected communities in Eatern Equatoria , Jonglei, Warrap and Upper Nile States and other states the project could potentially expand to. Through these projects, SC will will be responsible for the management of abroader education programmes aimed at increasing access to and retention in safe, inclusive and quality basic education, achieved by ensuring that children and young peoples’ rights to education are upheld, to continually access quality and relevant learning in a safe, inclusive and protected environment. Children and young persons have strengthened resilience, to current and future crises; and are able to contribute to the peaceful socio-economic development of South Sudan. We are currently seeking a senior-level Program Manager to lead these critical projects in South Sudan.

The Senior Program Manager base of operations is Juba South Sudan with up to 75% travel to Field locations in Eatern Equatoria , Jonglei, Warrap and Upper Nile States, and other operational States within South Sudan. By working closely with the Education Technical Advisor, Field Program implementing teams, Logistics, and Programme Operations Manager, the position holder will provide effective leadership, strategic oversight, operational guidance, support monitoring and evaluation, and ensure quality and timely implementation of the project. He/she will also ensure effective financial and operational management of the project. The Senior Program Managers acts as the key focal point and represents the project to NORAD_SIDA_Danida, and other key stakeholders meeting, including government representatives in South Sudan, while ensuring SC participation in key technical working groups and sectors Clusters. The Senior Programme Manager will ensure that the programmes are delivered are to the appropriate scale, scope, quality and accountability expected of Save the Children, and incorporate a child focused lens. The post holder will Support in organizational strategy, capacity building, policy & advocacy initiatives and fundraising. The Post holder will ensure the integration of cross cutting themes in Education programming.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

 

Reports to:  Deputy Director of Program Operations

Staff reporting to this post: None. 

Budget Responsibilities: BHA and ECHO projects, according to Scheme of Delegation)

Other key working contacts: This role does not line manage any staff. However, the incumbent will have a matrixed relationship with the Field Managers Partnership Manager, Partner agencies, Logistics Manager, Finance and Grants Managers, HR Manager, Deputy Director of PDQ, Director of PDQ, Director of program Operations, Deputy Director of program Operations, Proposal Development Manager and Reporting Coordinator, other sector Technical Programme Managers and Technical Advisors , the CRG Program Manager and Assistant Programme Manager as well as Technical Advisors. A significant portfolio of this project will be implemented through local partners. The Senior program Manager will therefore work closely with these partner organizations in ensuring the effective delivery of the project.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY :

Programme delivery/implementation

Working closely with the Thematic Program Manager , Program Coordinators (Education, Child protection and Child Rights governance ), Program Operation Manager as well as local partner staff to:

• Provide overall strategic and operational leadership to programme team members and partners programming under NORAD_SIDA_Danida programming.
• Lead the development and successful implementation of high-quality program activities in line with the grant agreement and SC technical and operational requirements. 
• Develop detailed implementation plans, procurement plan, MEAL plan including phased budgets, updating these as required by participating the relevant program, finance, supply chain and MEAL team.
• Conduct planning meetings with key program staff, while ensuring adequate planning documents are established and maintained.
• Ensure that activities are appropriately planned, that delays and constraints are documented, and solutions identified.
• Inspire, lead and motivate programme staff and partners to deliver on programme objectives and build culture of accountability within the programme.
• Ensure strong internal communications with team members, partners and SCI Country Office at large.
• Ensure adequate and clear processes in place for developing and applying a MEAL system in general and specifically tracking/reporting on progress against deliverables, monitoring quality, establishing workable Accountability and Learning systems/practices within the programme across SCI and partners.
• Plan, organise and facilitate regular joint programme meetings and reviews with staff and partners
• Ensure timely program reports on project activities in compliance with internal requirements and any relevant external donor requirements.  
• Oversee and support implementation, including the supervision of proper targeting, identification, registration, and monitoring of beneficiary lists to prevent overlap with other humanitarian programmes in the intervention areas. 
• Steer efficient internal coordination with NORAD_SIDA_Danida programmes, as well as other SC program teams, to ensure effective program integration within the areas of intervention.
• Coordinate closely with other humanitarian actors and UN agencies for geographic mapping and ensure program activities are in line with national and humanitarian technical priorities. 
• Ensure that efficient systems are in place to mitigate risk and to support all aspects of project activity, including financial and grant management, project monitoring and evaluation, and that they support the effective use of project resources and allow for contingencies, in compliance with NORAD_SIDA_Danida regulations.
• Work closely with the Monitoring, Research, Evaluation, Accountability, Learning and Monitoring (MEAL) team (Head of MEAL, MEAL Managers, and MEAL officers) to develop appropriate monitoring and evaluation plans and to capture learning opportunities; ensure that data collection processes are standardized and applied by all field staff.
• Ensure all administrative procedures are followed, such as those regarding vehicle use and procurement.
• Ensure logistics/administrative staff provide sufficient and timely support to programmes and programmatic staff.
• Ensure partner implementation of program activities is timely, appropriate, and compliant with program design and donor regulations.
• Arrange regular/Ad-hoc meetings with project implementation team, technical team (PDQ) and member focal points and other relevant departments for program progress review, to promote integration and to foster team collaboration for program success.
• S/he will provide programmatic and technical capacity and coordinate with other technical leads in all aspects of the implementation of  programming.
• Anticipate the supply needs of the projects and submit timely order requests for all project supplies needed so that procurement can be initiated and supplies delivered on time. 
• Ensure that proper supplies procedures are followed and all materials are being used for their intended purpose.
• Ensure that Project staff prepare, monthly reports and movement plans are submitted in time. 
• Review DIPs and work plans on a regular basis together with Project Staff to ensure they are in line with the logical framework and objectives of the project.

Financial, Budget and Grant Management

• Serve as overall budget holder for NORAD_SIDA_Danida awards; support sub-budget holders for individual projects and grants as appropriate. 
• Ensure that programme budgets are managed through rigorous budget and finance monitoring practices with participation of all key functions involved in projects. 
• Oversee the general application and observance of financial procedures and guidelines set out in SC financial manual and donors' requirements. 
• Lead the timely expenditure of approved budgets, avoiding both underspending and overspending on grant line items. 
• Ensure monthly AIR meetings are conducted to review programme BVA.
• Work together with Area Managers/ Field Managers and Thematic Managers to develop, phase and implement based on their field level budgets. 
• Ensure that budgets are spent and charged to their respective budget heads and grants by diligently reviewing the financial (AGRESSO) reports at least every month and bringing to the timely attention of the Deputy Director of Operations and the Finance Director any major budget concerns. 
• Monitor the implementation of grant Sub-budgets, keeping the Project implementation staff informed.
• Efficiently and successfully manage the grant cycle by putting in place robust mechanisms to start, implement and close grants in line with donor as well as Save the Children’s policies, with support from the Country Office Award Management team. 
• Ensure that grants are managed as per Save the Children’s and donors’ requirements; lead the development, review and approval of high-quality donor reports that reflect information from all implementing teams, in line with internal and donor requirements.
• Work with Assistant Program Manager(s) to gather accurate field information on particular activities for the development of new program design ideas, budgets revisions and learning

Programme Development and Strategy

• Lead the development of Project Modifications and Amendment requests as identified during the implementation of the project. 
• Contribute to situation/response analysis and any corresponding revision of program strategy documents and sector response plans, ensuring integration with other sectors.
• Work closely with PDQ and Awards/Finance team on the coordination of follow-on funding for the program. This includes developing funding strategies, creating grant proposals, and identifying strategic leads and concepts. 

Partnership Management

• Work with Partnership Manager and Operations to identify local partners with whom Save the Children will work with to deliver programmes to beneficiaries including children.
• Liaise with the partnership Manager to conduct partner screening with a view to identify the right partners to deliver programs and projects.
• Coordinate partnership ongoing capacity building programmes as per capacity assessment plans.

Human Resources and Administration

• In close collaboration with Program Operation Manager, Area Manager, Field Office Manager, and thematic Managers the Senior Program Manager will supervise the respective program management team funded by the programmes: conduct performance evaluations, with the support of technical specialists identify staff skills development needs and seek technical assistance from relevant TSs and management support from the operations director to fill the gaps identified. 
• See that all project staff are aware of and understand SCI policies and procedures; take appropriate disciplinary measures as needed.
• Promote accountability, communicating expectations and providing constructive feedback through regular performance reviews.
• Responsible for the timely recruitment, orientation, and training of new staff as needed. 

Coordination, advocacy and representation

• Map out efforts of other stakeholders within the sectors relevant to the programme and take appropriate actions to effectively coordinate the programme and achieve maximum efficiency
• Represent SC and the multi-sector program in NORAD_SIDA_Danida donor meetings and with representatives from NORAD_SIDA_Danida.
• The senior Program Manager will represent Save the Children in relevant coordination forums within the country, and internationally, as and when required. 
• Ensure that involve programme partners coordinate their part of the programme with other stakeholders.
• Maintain good working relationships with officials and other humanitarian actors, particularly those within the relevant government agencies (local and national authorities including technical departments, INGOs, NGOs, UN agencies.)
• Represent SC and maintain good working relationships among the international and local NGO community, among community leadership structures and community-based organizations, and with visiting donor and third-party monitoring teams and other key contacts. Keep abreast of NGO, government, and donor initiatives relevant to SC’s work.
• Maintain focus on SC program principles.
• Encourage teamwork, openness, and honesty among NORAD_SIDA_Danida project staff and between SC and its partners.
• Ensure that programme’s operational and technical lessons and good practices are documented and disseminated by working with relevant team members in Programme Development and Quality
• Oversee development of programme advocacy plans, key advocacy messages and implementation and evaluation of those plans.

Monitoring and evaluation

• Where security permits, the Senior Program will make frequent visits to field sites, to monitor and oversee project implementation and provide managerial guidance/support identifying issues that need timely action and support at different levels. 
• Ensure the development and application of a comprehensive MEAL system/plan for the programme, development and monitoring of programme quality, identification and undertaking operational researches, documentation and dissemination of best practices of the programme through working with relevant managers and staff in PDQ and Operations.
• Maintain clear overview of technical assistance requirements for the programme and ensure appropriate levels of technical support are provided by working with PDQ team
• Work with Monitoring, Evaluation and Research unit to develop tools and ideas to ensure that the program is monitored against measurable and appropriate indicators. 
• Ensure regular price monitoring and post distribution monitoring is carried out appropriately and contributes to analysis. 
• Support and ensure the timely completion of program assessments, evaluations and other reviews required in the program. 
• Contribute to situation/response analysis and any corresponding revision of program strategy documents and sector response plans ensuring integration with other sectors.
• Ensure best practices are gathered, documented, and shared with the wider program.
• Update the programme IPTT and output tracker from time to time.
• To conduct lessons learn events and programme reviews from time to time and when relevant.
• To ensure communities participate in programme implementation, monitoring, evaluation and learning.
• Work with MEAL and operations to coordinate any midline or endline evaluation of the programme to establish the extend with which the programme is contributing to its high level
• Advocate to government and community on child rights related issues 

 

 

BEHAVIOURS (Values in Practice)

Accountability:

• holds self accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values
• holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities - giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved.

Ambition:

• sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves and their team, takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages their team to do the same
• widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others
• future orientated, thinks strategically and on a global scale.

Collaboration:

• builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, Members and external partners and supporters
• values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength
• approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.

Creativity:

• develops and encourages new and innovative solutions
• willing to take disciplined risks.

Integrity:

• honest, encourages openness and transparency; demonstrates highest levels of integrity

 

QUALIFICATIONS 

 

• Post-graduate degree in development management, education planning and management, Child Rights programming, social works or a related field with relevant training in project planning and management techniques
• At least 8 years relevant experience at a senior level of programme/project management particularly managing integrated programmes mainly focused on education, child protection, child rights governance and Gender integration.
• Knowledge of current global, regional and country level debates on resilience, quality education and governance
• Proven experience of managing successful, high quality, innovative and cost-effective programmes/projects in fragile and insecure environments with International organisations.
• Proven experience and skills in participatory approaches for designing, implementing and monitoring with communities and children.
• Experience of working in partnership with local civil society organisation, national governments etc. in general and building capacity of partners in particular.
• Strong competence in project management skills particularly in planning, coordination, monitoring and writing high quality reports.
• Ability to extensively travel for project monitoring and provide on-site technical and operational support to field teams
• Highly level of interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation, steering and coaching
• Highly level of cultural awareness and ability to work well in an international and matrix management environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Knowledge of child rights in general and application of child rights programming in practice
• Ability and willingness to dramatically change work practices and hours, and work with incoming surge teams, in the event of emergencies
• Fluency in English, both verbal and written, required
• Work experience in South Sudan or any similar context is a plus.
• Commitment to Save the Children values

 

Additional job responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.