Head of Programme

Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profitmaking, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

1- Background

The West and Central Africa, North Africa and Latin America (WANALA) region has 73 bases spread around three main areas in 12 countries: 43 in West Africa (former WARO), 11 in North Africa (former NARO) and 19 in the Americas.

Under the leadership of the regional office in Dakar, DRC began operations in Mexico in 2020 by responding to the humanitarian needs regarding Humanitarian Demining. Currently, DRC Mexico operates a Country Office located in Mexico City and 2 Bases in cities/Towns in Reynosa (REX) and Tapachula (TAP).

Interventions focus on finding durable solutions for the most vulnerable, using the holistic approach of graduation to improve protection for refugees in the territory. Interventions include identifying key protection risks and inter-population conflicts to identify social cohesion and conflict resolution projects that will bring communities together.

Programming focuses in rural and hard-to-reach areas to meet people’s basic needs for food, shelter, and NFIs, while improving the protection environment.

2- Purpose

As Head of Programme, you contribute and coordinate the development of the DRC Central America and Mexico country strategy, sector strategies and coordinate technical design including for proposals and budgets, in close collaboration with the Senior Management Team (SMT), Area Managers and implementing personnel. You oversee the technical programme unit that provides the Area Managers and implementing partners, responsible for implementation with the technical tools, training, and oversight to support the quality implementation of the country portfolio.

You will strengthen and expand programing in Central America, developing strategic partnerships with local actors in Guatemala and Honduras, representing DRC with stakeholders and contributing to business development. You are a member of the SMT, providing input to the overall DRC country operation.

3- Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Country Director, The Head of Program is responsible for the quality of program development and implementation, and for developing the program strategy for DRC in Mexico He/she reports directly to the Country Director and is a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT).

As Head of Programme, you contribute and coordinate the development of the DRC Mexico country strategy, sector strategies and coordinate technical design including for proposals and budgets, in close collaboration with the Senior Management Team (SMT), Area Managers and implementing personnel. You oversee the technical programme unit that provides the Area Managers and – when relevant – implementing partners – responsible for implementation with the technical tools, training, and oversight to support the quality implementation of the country portfolio. As part of this drive for quality, you also line manage the MEAL-IM team, to enable close monitoring of the effectiveness of DRC’s programming in line with country, regional and global strategies. You are a member of the SMT, providing input to the overall DRC country operation.

4-Responsibilities:

– Program strategy and business development

• Responsible for the overall programmatic strategy across the entire country operation. Ensures strategic coherence and vision of the whole country programme, based on active participation in the drafting of the DRC Strategic Programme Document and as part of the Senior Management Team.

• Leads, with the support of programme, support and area teams, the development and submission of high quality and relevant proposals.

• Lead the identification and coordination with local partners in Central America – (Guatemala and Honduras)

• Develop Economic Recovery programing in Central America and Mexico.

• Leads needs assessments for emergency or longer-term programming in existing or new project locations, mainly Central America.

• Establishes strong and efficient partnerships with organizations, donors and authorities, in line with the country programme strategy and DRC partnership management policy.

• Ensures programmatic integration across all sectors and departments.

• Contributes to fundraising efforts by engaging systematically with key donors and, with support from the Country Director and the Business Development Regional Advisor, to identify and pursue new collaboration and funding opportunities.

– Management, quality and accountability of the programs

• Responsible for developing policies, processes, and standards within respective areas.
• Oversee and support continuous improvement of programme quality standards, including application and harmonisation across field bases.
• Work in close cooperation with programme and support staff in the country mission, and actively seek support, knowledge and coaching as necessary from colleagues in other countries, regions and HQ.
• Provides technical expertise to the entire country operation and ensures technical advice on programme quality, MEAL-IM and programme development.

– Management Responsabilities

• Manage, coordinate and coach members of the programme team, ensuring the establishment of clear professional objectives, their professional development and capacity building as needed.
• Oversee and support capacity building for expatriate and national staff on technical issues and program cycle management, based on assessment of the critical program improvement needs of the country mission.
• Ensure that DRC values and code of conduct are respected and upheld, including through setting a personal example.
• As Manager the post-holder is responsible for the following:
• Accountable for achieving DRC’s strategic goals and objectives within the area of responsibility.
• Accountable for making significant decisions on what the unit does: its purpose, functions and role, and for making commitments and decisions that require the expenditure of significant unit resources; and accountable for ensuring DRC´s compliance procedures are in place at all levels.
• Accountable for people management of direct reports. This includes hiring & firing, objective setting, probation, performance appraisal, development of staff, managing performance, including poor performance, etc.
• Accountable for making sound decisions based on DRC policies, MOPs, standards, and the advice of technical experts in DRC.

– External relations and representation

• Together with Country Director, ensure adequate bilateral representation of DRC with government authorities, donors, UN agencies, humanitarian agencies and other partners in regard to programme and participation in coordination meetings as relevant.

5- Required Qualifications

– Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum 5 to 7 years at international level of progressively responsible experience in program management, leadership and design in countries of conflict or post-conflict and at least 3 should include management of a portfolio across multiple sectors.
• Minimum 5 years of management experience and at least one year of experience in senior management position required
• Good understanding of displacement/refugee/migration issues and related international standards/frameworks.
• Experience in emergency response as well as early recovery/durable solutions programming.
• Experience in Economic Recovery and/or Shelters is an asset
• Strong experience in programme quality, MEAL, programme development (including proposals) and proven fundraising abilities with key donors (UNHCR, ECHO, DANIDA, PRM)
• Experience in Latin America considered a strong advantage.
• Proven experience in effectively coordinating with National Governments, International and National NGO partners.
• Previous successful experience with DRC is an asset.
• Proven experience in managing integrated programs as well as capacity building.
• Proven excellent communication and report writing skills.
• Fluency in English and Spanish.

6- Education:

• Relevant University Degree, Masters or post-graduate in international relations, Humanitarian Programs Management, political science, international development and/or similar field.

– Required Skills & Qualities

• Core Competencies of DRC:
  • Striving for excellence.
  • Collaboration.
  • Taking the lead.
  • Communication.
  • Demonstrating Integrity.
• 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

7- General Regulations

• The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework.
• Employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization.
• Employee should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period.
• Employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization.
• Employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request.

8 – Application Process

Are you interested? Then apply for this position online**: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies.** All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English**.**

DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment based on 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.

Applications close on the 11th of July 2024 at 11.59 PM (GMT) 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.