Country Head of Programmes Mali

Position: Country Head of Programmes Mali

Reporting to: Country Representative

Collaborating with: Head of Departments and Project Managers

Location: Bamako, MALI

Starting date: ASAP

Application deadline: 20/1/2025

Family Duty Station: NO

R&R: YES

Working Context

WeWorld has been active in Mali since 2019. The sectors of intervention are food security and support to resilience, protectionwithspecialfocusonchildprotection and themostvulnerable groups ofpopulation, particularly IDPs. Future activities will enlarge the intervention in the fields of education and school feeding, including cash transfer. WeWorld currently works in the regions of Mopti. Currently we have a national representation office in Bamako, a field office in Douentza and an operational presence in Mopti with the help of the partners.

Purpose of the Role

The Country Head of Programmes will supervise all ongoing projects in the country in accordance with the strategy, plans and policies of the WeWorld mission in Mali and will ensure technical and quality control of ongoing project interventions and contribute to the development of new ones.

Main functions and duties

Programme Management and Quality Management

· Provide leadership and ensure program quality by effectively guiding Project Managers and Program Advisors

· Oversee the alignment of all programs with WeWorld’s strategy and the Malian context, implementing contingency plans and corrective actions as necessary

· Monitor and supervise the planning of project activities to ensure efficient implementation and compliance with donor regulations, Malian legislation and professional standards

· Liaise with the Financial Officer and the National Representative to ensure effective management of project budgets within the Malian portfolio

· Ensure high quality compilation and timely delivery of internal and external reports, briefing notes and other reporting materials

· Manage and implement projects directly in the absence of a dedicated Project Manager, following the guidelines provided by the National Representative

· Lead the integration of cross-cutting issues in project design and implementation

· Ensure the continuous monitoring of quality criteria and indicators to inform decision-making processes

Strategic Direction

· Work closely with the Country Representative to shape a long-term strategic vision and develop plans for impactful, high-quality program strategies and related processes

· Identify funding opportunities, oversee data collection initiatives, and lead the development of competitive, responsive proposals in collaboration with the Country Representative, HQ coordinators, and program teams

· Build and maintain strategic alliances and partnerships with national and local authorities, donors, multilateral agencies, partners, and WeWorld HQ

· Coordinate and ensure the delivery of integrated humanitarian and development programs, incorporating policy and advocacy components

Institutional representation and capitalization

· Ensure that procedures, tools and guides are updated and implemented

· Represent WeWorld at higher level coordination fora, including national working groups, feeding back to the Country Representative and HQ coordinators on relevant issues

· Provides effective WeWorld representation to donors, national and local authorities, partners and other relevant stakeholders in the country

HR Management

· Supervise and mentor direct line management staff, including setting performance objectives, establishing a supportive environment while emphasizing accountability

· Ensure proper communication within the program team and between departments, making sure that the strategy, decisions and future endeavors are shared in a transparent manner

· Ensure transparent, equal and inclusive recruitment, management and training of human resources in accordance with the policy and procedures, and all regulatory requirements (WeWorld, host country legislation and donor’s policy)

· Foster an inclusive and diverse work environment, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed

The duties and responsibilities set forth above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to perform additional duties.

Job Specifications

Essential Requirements

Qualifications and Knowledge

· Advanced university degree or equivalent in the field of Social or Political Science, Development Studies, Economics, International relations, Project Management, Agronomy, Business development

· Knowledge of main donors’ policies and procedures (EU, UN Agencies, Italian Cooperation, ECHO)

· Fluency in written and spoken French

· Good computer skills, in particular MS Office package

Professional experience

· At least 5 years of relevant working experience in humanitarian or development settings

· At least 4 years of experience in Project Cycle Management

· Proven experience in project proposal writing

Skills and Abilities

· Strong interpersonal relationships and good communication and leadership skills

· Ability to perform under stress conditions

· Capacity to work autonomously and in problem prevention/resolution

· Proven organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks while fostering quality, team spirit and positive working relationships with colleagues

· Integrity in line with the Humanitarian Principles and ethical standards

· Cultural, gender, religion, and age sensitivity and adaptability

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

· Previous experience in sub-Saharan Africa

· Previous experience in Development and Emergency programs

· Knowledge of the Italian language

WHAT WE OFFER

Type of contract: a first 6 (six) month collaboration contract subject to verification of the achievement of specific objectives (these objectives will be agreed together with the Line Manager upon arrival on assignment); a second collaboration contract of 6 (six) months, following the positive evaluation of the first months of contract and according to financial coverage

Economic conditions: to be defined according to WeWorld Expatriates Compensation Policy: Base Salary (seniority/role held) + Contributions (role complex, housing and hardship based on place of work)

Annual leave: 2,5 days/month (working days)

Flight ticket: one return flight every 12 months of contract

Health insurance: covered

Family duty Station: NO

R&R: YES (5 days each 12 weeks – Daily Allowance covers costs of expenses for food, accommodation and travel)