Head of Programs

About SEED Foundation: SEED Foundation is a registered NGO in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. SEED’s mission is to protect, empower, and support the recovery of survivors of violence and others at risk. SEED is committed to delivering high quality, holistic approaches, which combine international expertise and local know-how to achieve results for the people of Iraq and Kurdistan Region. SEED’s programming focuses on three key objectives: 1) the delivery of transformational, comprehensive services including case management, mental health, and legal services, as well as psychosocial support activities; 2) strengthening the capacity of service providers through education, training, and capacity-development programs; and 3) promoting policy and social change to strengthen the rights of, and protections for, vulnerable groups and individuals through public awareness, technical assistance, and advocacy.

SEED staff are expected to perform job duties and responsibilities professionally, respecting SEED’s Code of Conduct and Policies. SEED is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants, or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members as part of our commitment to a safe and harmonious work environment.

Role of the Head of Programs: The Head of Programs will lead and manage SEED’s portfolio of programming across the sectors of MHPSS, GBV, child protection, and human trafficking. The Head of Programs will be responsible for the successful attainment of objectives and ensuring high standards of quality, impact on beneficiaries, accountability for donor resources, and compliance with applicable SEED and donor requirements. The Head of Programs will be responsible for creating and overseeing the implementation of strong program and grant management guidelines. The Head of Programs will take a leading role in leading resource planning within programs and across programs and locations, working with the Director of Operations, Program Managers, and Protection and Service Delivery Managers. The Head of Programs reports to the President, and will work closely with other senior managers and technical advisors.

Specific Tasks:

Program Planning, Management, and Implementation (40%)

• Oversee SEED’s portfolio of programming, ensuring high quality programming.
• Ensure development and quarterly review of program work plans and implementation plans.
• Track progress on all program objectives, activities, and targets, ensuring program implementation is on time, progressing towards targets and within budget.
• Ensure regular grant review meetings are taking place.
• Conduct resource planning within programs and across programs and oversee management of budgets and resources, ensuring compliance with SEED policies and donor regulations.
• Directly manage programs if absences in program management occur.
• Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities.
• Identify challenges with implementation and ensure course correction.
• Coordinate across programs and teams to maximize synergies and complementarity of programming.
• Ensure program implementation is in line with SEED policies and donor regulations.
• Ensure quality reporting.
• Support the development of proposals and concept notes and contribute to SEED’s strategic planning.

Systems and Policies (20%)

• Lead development of systems, guidance, policy and tools to support implementation of programs.
• Ensure necessary policies and systems are in place and being followed.

Staff Management and Capacity Building (25%)

• Lead programs team to achieve targets.
• Supervise programs personnel, create staff work plans, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance appraisals.
• Identify capacity building needs and develop capacity building plans.
• Support recruitment, including creation of job descriptions, participation in interviews and onboarding of new staff.

Partnerships and Organizational Representation (15%)

• Develop effective partnerships with other NGOs, coordination bodies, authorities and other stakeholders.
• Nurture strong working relationships with key stakeholders including donors, government actors, UN agencies, and other NGOs.
• Support creation of communications materials.

Required Experience and Competencies

• Minimum of seven years of humanitarian and/or development programming, at least five of which have been in a management position. Experience in Iraq and the Middle East will be considered an asset.
• Experience managing large programs, multi-year budgets, and leading large teams. Experience working with US Government funding will be considered an asset.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong ability to work independently, including the ability to multitask, prioritize competing tasks, and manage time effectively.
• Ability to work in a stressful setting and adapt quickly to changing environments.
• Willingness to live in Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
• High standard of written and spoken English required. Kurdish and/or Arabic skills would be an asset.