Head of Programme (maternity cover)

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, has been operating in West Africa since 1998, and since 2013 in Mali in the areas of:

Food security: In the Gao region, DRC is implementing a comprehensive food security program that aims to strengthen the resilience of households and communities by linking emergency, rehabilitation and development while addressing structural and long-term problems. DRC also respond to food security emergency need to respond to the food security crisis. DRC uses cash transfers modalities, complemented by individual and community activities.

Protection: DRC is implementing an ambitious integrated protection program with emergency protection, child protection, individual assistance, and PSS components. The programme provides direct assistance to victims of human rights violations, support and reinforce protection capacities of communities. DRC is also the co-lead of the Protection Cluster.  

Reducing armed violence: DRC support victim assistance and implement risk education programme in the North of Mali. DRC also support communities and women in developing mediation capacities while working with local actors to prevent and respond to conflict. Conflict sensitivity is a key cross sectorial component of DRC Mali programming.  


About the Job

Reporting to the Country Director, the Head of Programme will contribute to the development of the country strategy, which translates into action plans in the various areas of DRC intervention in Mali. He/She will coordinate the development of proposals and the quality of programs (MEAL unit) while ensuring a watch on funding opportunities. He / she will provide technical supervision of DRC Mali programs and the technical unit team (including thematic coordinators).

The Head of Programme is part of the Senior Management Team and will have the following activities and tasks:

People management and internal communication:

• Manage, coordinate of the operational team ((Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding Coordinator, Protection Coordinator, eventually the Food Security Coordinator, the Grant Officer, the Avdocacy Specialist and the MEAL) ensuring their professional development and capacity building as needed
• Oversee and support capacity building for both expatriate and national staff on programme cycle management, program implementation, based on assessment of the critical programme improvement needs of the Mali mission
• Work in close cooperation with technical units and support staff in Mali, and actively seek support, knowledge and coaching as necessary from colleagues in regional office, other regions and HQ
• Ensure implementation of strategic documents and SOPs

Program strategy, proposal development and contract management:

• Develop, disseminate and implement the strategy of the Mali program within the DRC team.
• Supervise and coordinate the development of project proposals and budgets, ensuring strong coordination between technical, operational and support teams, including field teams, as well as a close link and consultation with the RO / HQ
• Ensure the quality of project implementation and the reporting requirement and deadlines.
• Follow up on the fundraising strategy in accordance with the program strategy.
• Ensure that multisectoral assessments and programme assessments are responding to needs

Program quality and accountability:

•  Oversee and support the continuous improvement of program quality standards, including harmonization between field bases
• Ensure the respect and application of DRC's values and code of conduct, in particular by setting an example
• Evaluate and improve DRC accountability measures in Mali in accordance with commitments under the Humanitarian Standards
• Contribute to high quality Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)
• Support and supervise the Grant officer in the timely submission of high quality reports to donors.

In addition to the above, the Head of Programme may be asked to carry out other duties requested by the Country Director.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to possess the following:

Required:

• Relevant university degree (master or post diploma), in international relations and / or development. political science or similar field
• Past experience in a Protection Coordinator position
• Min. 5 years of experience abroad in complex humanitarian and development emergencies, preferably with refugees and / or internally displaced persons
• Min. 3 years of experience in staff management and development
• Good understanding of displacement issues and related international standards / frameworks.
• Strong experience in program development and proven fundraising
• Substantial experience in project management in an NGO, including responsibility for strategy design, staffing, administrative and financial management, contract management and donor relations.
• Experience in leading programming and strategic planning, implementation, monitoring and learning. 
• Proven experience in negotiating and advocating with government authorities and donors for solutions that meet the needs of beneficiaries and civil society by pursuing internationally recognized values ​​of a universal nature in a conflict or post-conflict context, in respect for local culture and traditions
• Ability to manage a multidisciplinary team, heavy workload and multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines
• Team player, excellent communication and strong participatory leadership skills.
• Work experience in analyzing and managing protection data
• Experience working with national partners, local / government authorities and United Nations organizations
• Excellent computer skills (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Excellent command of French (reading, speaking and writing) and professional command of English
   

Desirable :

• Previous experience in West Africa and / or Central Africa
• Experience in an NGO committed to human rights
• Experience with donors such as ECHO, BHA, SDC, DFID, etc.
   

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ 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 uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We would also expect you to possess the following

• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment
• Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration
• Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are required
• Multi-tasking and Organizational skills are necessary
• Adaptable and Flexible
• Proven analytical and critical thinking skills
• Exemplary sense of ethics in the workplace
• Team-oriented & good sense of humor
   

We offer

Contract length: 6 months (maternitty cover)

Band: E1 Management

Designation of Duty Station: Bamako (with travels across Mali) - Unaccompanied position

Start date: As soon as possible.
 

Application Process

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in French or in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process. However, applicants must be aware that DRC cannot employ, under an international traineeship or volunteering agreement, a citizen of the country in which she/ he is going to be stationed (in such case, the Republic of Mali).

Applications close 9 December 2022.  Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.       

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.