Job purpose: Overall management of the HPA programme in Somaliland; representing HPA in the country; leading and supporting programme development and resource mobilisation.

Responsible for: Sahil Programme Manager, Hargeisa Programme Manager, Burao Programme Manager, National Nutrition Manager, Finance and Administration Officer, and ultimately all staff in the Somaliland office.

Location: Hargeisa, Somaliland with regular travel to project sites

Responsible to: Head of Programmes, Africa

Salary: From £26,721 per annum based on experience and competency

Established in 1984, Health Poverty Action’s (HPA) work has grown to include programmes in 13 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America (with more currently in development). We always prioritise the poorest and the most marginalised – those not reached by governments and almost everyone else. This has led us to work in some very difficult environments, often providing the only external assistance.

HPA been working in Somaliland since 1994 and has broadcast a radio programme from Hargeisa since 1999. HPA has, over the years successfully implemented a number of projects supported by the European Commission, FCDO, UNICEF, WFP, UNFPA, Global Fund and other trusts and foundation. For the effective implementation of projects, the Country Director will be expected to oversee all programme activities and processes.

This key post is the most senior post in the country office in Somaliland, and therefore includes representation duties, project, human resources and financial management oversights, and leading and coordinating proposal writing, partnership development and management, and overall leadership of the country programme.

Main Functions of Post

1. Provides overall management for the FCDO funded UNICEF managed Multisectoral drought response (HPD) project implemented in ten selected districts across Sahil, Togdheer, Sool and Awdal regions; the EC (Somaliland Terminating Oppression of women and girls Program II (STOPII) project in Burao and Ainabo districts and the WFP nutrition project Togdheer Burao, Hargeisa, Sheikh and Berbera Districts of Somaliland, ensuring good financial and general administration of projects, staff, finances and assets. The CPM is responsible for the development and management of the country program strategy, planning, organizing, operating, staffing and budgeting, financial and risk management.
2. Represents HPA in Somaliland in the promotion of excellent relationships with central and local government departments, international organizations, other NGO’s and in-country donors.
3. Maintains good internal communications both with the Head of Africa Programmes and the Programme Mangers, and the central Health Poverty Action office in London.
4. Leads and supports programme development and resource mobilisation for Somaliland and Somalia

Essential requirements

At least 5 years experience as a health and/or development programme manager, preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa

• Bachelors’ degree in health-related discipline or social sciences
• Significant proven development programmes experience with governments, INGO, NGOs, related to integrated development and health
• Representational skills, diplomacy and the ability to communicate and negotiate at all levels.
• Experience in managing project grant contracts
• Proven skills in human resource management
• Proven skills in Project Cycle Management
• The ability to think and operate strategically, with strong conceptual and analytical skills
• Proven skills in effective networking and collaboration with partners and other stakeholders
• Teambuilding and leadership skills – the ability to communicate effectively, motivate individuals and teams, resolve conflict and promote effective working relationships.
• Relationship builder and communicator with experience leading diverse teams, developing strategies for program excellence, engaging community partners and working closely within the senior leadership team.
• Proven ability to monitor and evaluate field programs and understand the relationship between field and HQ.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Foster Teamwork – the ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Experience with EU, FCDO (formerly DFID), UN agencies, USAID, Irish Aid etc. funded programs including related rules and regulations including engaging with key stakeholders in the national and international NGO community.
• Outstanding problem solver – Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.
• Ability to travel to field sites to provide on-site leadership to programs.
• Ability to work both independently and on one’s own initiative.
• Understanding of and commitment to humanitarian principles
• Cultural sensitivity.
• Ability and flexibility to work in stressful and unstable areas
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills – with ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy to manage conflict.
• Proven financial management skills in accounting, budgeting and reporting;
• Computer literacy in Word, Excel, Power Point
• Fluent oral and written English

Desirable requirements

Experience supervising staff operating in multiple field programs across a sub-Saharan country

• Masters degree in health related discipline or social sciences
• Knowledge and understanding of Africa, particularly the sub-Saharan and Horn of Africa
• Proven understanding of how international organizations work
• Experience working in or with hospitals or clinics
• Experience in health education using mass media including radio
• Experience of organising and facilitating participatory discussions
• Ability to understand Somali will be a plus
• Experience of representing an organisation to governments and donors
• Proposal and report writing skills
• Experience of working in Somalia or Somaliland