We are looking for a highly qualified Head of Programme to have overall management responsibility of Danish Demining Group (DDG) work in Somalia.

The DRC/DDG Somalia Programme is the largest programmes in East Africa region. DRC/DDG is among the INGOs with the largest presence in Somalia, with country-wide programmes implemented through six main sub offices in Somaliland, Puntland, Hirran Region, Gedo Region, Bay Region and Banadir Region. DDG, a specialized unit within DRC, has been operational in Somalia since 1999 and has established itself as one of the main international actors engaged in bottom-up community safety, conflict management and security and justice reform as well as humanitarian mine action (HMA) in the country.

About the job

The DDG Head of Programme must ensure high quality and timely implementation of planned results, strategically grow DDG’s programme and portfolio and ensure adherence to applicable donor and organizational policies and requirements. S/He leads DDG’s team of national, international staff and works closely with the DDG Regional Technical Manager, and DDG’s regional and HQ team of technical advisers specialized in different aspects of security and justice, community safety and conflict management, and Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA).

In more details, your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Strategy Development

• Lead the strategic development of DDG’s work in Somalia, and cross border initiatives with neighbouring countries. This will be achieved in close consultation with the DDG Regional Technical Manager and DDG technical specialist/Advisors.
• Work closely with the DRC Head of Programs to ensure that DDG work in Somalia fits within and complements DRC’s wider Somalia programme.
• Ensure proper understanding and implementation of DDG’s strategy and portfolio by relevant actors (including DRC/DDG staff, partners, NGOs, government counterparts, and donors).
• Update the Country Director from time to time on DDG program strategy development issues.
• Contribute to the operationalization and implementation of the DDG specific aspects of the Results Contract.
• Contribute to the annual reviews and planning processes for the Somalia program.

Programme development

• Ensure high quality programming by building on DDG’s strong programmatic platform, global best practice and foster innovation.
• Explore and exploit opportunities for new Armed Violence Reduction and Mine Action funding as well as integrated DRC/DDG projects.
• Consult with the DRC Head of Programme on program synergies and joint programming.
• Jointly with the DRC Head of Programme, contribute to the preparation of the annual strategic program document (SPD) for DRC/DDG Somalia.
• Participate in the organization of the quarterly meetings and Annual review meetings.

Management                

• Management, operational oversight, coordination and implementation of DDG projects within the DRC/DDG Somalia programme.
• Ensure high quality project implementation for DDG and DRC/DDG joint projects in accordance with donor and DRC/DDG regulations as well as in line with agreed indicators, budgets, and work plans.
• Maintain oversight and supervision of DDG Somalia programme staff. This includes coaching, ensuring co-ordination between local managers, staff recruitment and development.
• In consultation with the Country Admin and HR Manager, provide appropriate and timely feedback to DDG staff regarding their performance, including bi-annual staff performance appraisals. Identify with staff their needs and opportunities for professional development.
• Brief the Country Director regularly on DDG program status, and issues that require support and follow up.
• Serve as a member of the Country Senior Management Team.
• Any other assignments as delegated by the Country Director.

Fundraising, Representation and Donor engagement

• Develop strong relations with existing and new donors based on DDG’s record of accomplishment and mutual trust and respect.
• Develop and implement a donor engagement strategy in consultation with the DDG SSJP Chief of party; Country Director, DDG Regional Technical Manager, and Somalia Grants Manager.
• Actively identify and respond to relevant funding opportunities.
• Be a driving force for the development of highly competitive funding proposals to ensure a growing impact on Somalis and their country.
• In close coordination with the Country Director, represent DDG in key meetings forums in Somalia and with local government authorities, donors, partners, UN agencies, international and local NGOs and various local co-ordination forums.
• Work closely with the Area Managers and DDG Project Managers who are currently interlocutors with regional authorities at area level.

Finance and administration

• Responsible for thorough and timely budget monitoring, financial management and expenses control including compliance with minimum DRC/DDG and donor requirements and ensuring that the necessary systems are in place.
• Work closely with the Head of Support Services and the Finance Manager in ensuring sound financial practices as per DRC financial processes.
• Signatory of official documents (payments, purchase orders etc. as per IDRA) within approved parameters and in compliance with the laws of Somalia, donor and DRC/DDG’s rules and regulations.
• Work closely with the Area Managers, base managers and the Admin/HR Manager to ensure sound administration of field offices where DDG programme staff are operating.

Reporting & Accountability

• Ensure high quality and timely financial and narrative reporting in compliance with internal and external reporting requirements including procurement.
• Work closely with the Head of Programme and Grants Manager to ensure timely reporting to donors.
• Guided by the DRC Program Handbook, continuously monitor and develop relevant accountability initiatives in the field as well as strengthening the effort to document the impact of DDG’s activities.
• Work closely with the Program quality assurance Manager and the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager to ensure quality assurance of DDG work in Somalia/land.

Security       

• In consultation with the Safety Coordinator for Somalia, play a key role in security management in ensuring DDG staff adherence to security procedures, monitoring the development in the security situation, developing contingency plans etc.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect the following experience and technical competencies:

Required technical competencies:

• University Degree, preferably Master’s, in International Relations, International Development, Conflict Resolution, Criminology, Law, Management or other relevant field.
• Minimum of 7 years programme management experience with International NGOs or operational UN agencies.
• Extensive project management experience including at community level.
• Extensive experience of conflict and security related programming in conflict affected and insecure contexts.
• Extensive experience of monitoring, evaluation and learning.
• Demonstrated ability to mobilize resources and expand programmes
• Demonstrable ability to think strategically, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a complex and challenging environment.
• Strong budget development and expenditure tracking capacity.
• Strong analytical skills and understanding of conflict sensitive programming.
• Excellent writing and verbal skills in English for project proposals, reports, and communications; Somali skills is an added advantage.

Required personal competencies

• Demonstrable leadership and management skills, including team building, management by example, and conflict management.
• Demonstrable capacity to be articulate, imaginative and innovative.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently unsupervised with a strong work ethic.
• Have a high degree of flexibility with respect to working hours, with ability to plan and manage her/his own time effectively.
• Political and cultural sensitivity, including ability to adapt well to local cultures.
• He/She must be able to exercise a large degree of common sense and personal discipline.
• Demonstrated successful experience working within a complex security environment is preferred.
• Able to work under pressure and difficult security conditions.

Desired competencies:

• Experience of developing and implementing mine action programmes
• Strong understanding of the Somalia context.
• Prior experience of working in Somalia.

Moreover, 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: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length:  1 Year renewable subject to Performance and Funding.
Band:                  Salary and conditions in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Global Expatriates available at www.drc.dk under Vacancies graded as Band M.E level 1. For qualified Somalia nationals’ terms of employment will be in accordance with DRC terms for National staff in Somalia.
Duty Station:       Mogadishu – Somalia l Non-family duty station
Start Date:         1 August 2020

Commitments: DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html).  All DRC staff must be committed to the Red Cross Code of Conduct, as well as the Core Humanitarian Standards.

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels.  In light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap.

Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer.  We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees.  We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, colour, race, marital status or other protected characteristics.

Application process

Applicants must send a cover letter (max 1 page) and an updated CV (max 3 pages) in English. The cover letter should outline your personal motivation for applying and your key qualifications for the position. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 5 July 2020 

Please note that applications will be reviewed continuously and interviews will be planned as soon as a suitable candidate is identified – so early submission of applications is encouraged. DRC remains a right to close the vacancy once a suitable candidate is identified.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit  drc.ngo/jobsupport