Programme Director – Somalia

OB SUMMARY:

Job Title: Programme Director – Somalia

Location: Mogadishu, Somalia

Closing Date:        January 05, 2025

BACKGROUND:

Established in 1968, Concern is a non-profit, non-governmental humanitarian organisation, dedicated to the reduction of suffering and the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries.

Concern’s vision, our mission and our work are all defined by one goal – ending extreme poverty, whatever it takes. Concern strives for a world free from poverty, fear and oppression.

Our culture is values driven and we believe that our people are central to all that we do and are key to delivering on our goal of Reaching the Furthest Behind First. We are committed to ensuring a workplace where everybody feels valued and are enabled to succeed in their work and contribute to delivering on our mission.

Role Purpose: Concern has a large, growing and dynamic portfolio of programming in Somalia, covering Community Resilience, Durable Solutions to protracted displacement, Emergency Response and institutional Systems Strengthening, in the sectors of Livelihoods (rural and urban), Health & Nutrition, WASH, Education, Social/Cash Transfers. With an annual budget of over €20m, our key donors include FCDO, EU, ECHO, Irish Aid, Education Cannot Wait, German Foreign Office, World Bank, UN, plus Trusts & Foundations grants. The PD role is an essential part of Concern’s Country Management Team (CMT), supporting quality, effective and efficient development and implementation of programmes and helping to provide strategic direction to the country programme.

Responsibilities:

As a member of the Concern Somalia Senior Management Team, the PD contributes to management of the country programme with specific responsibilities covering:

Development of programmes in line with the Country Strategic Plan;

Overseeing integration of sector programming and fostering synergies between emergency and development work in all operational locations of Somalia/Somaliland;

Working with the CFC to ensure accurate budgeting and financial management of all programmes;

Ensuring quality, accountability and learning from programme implementation and reporting, in compliance with donor requirements;

Fundraising to maintain and expand the donor funding portfolio;

Assisting the CD in building the programme profile and relations with donors and key stakeholders in Somalia/Somaliland and at Nairobi level;

Line managing senior programme staff;

Working with the Programme Coordinators and HR to strengthen capacity of staff and create professional development opportunities;

Representing Concern in key external meetings, including consortia steering committees; Engaging with relevant authorities in Somalia and Somaliland, as necessary.

All managers are responsible for upholding and promoting Concern’s values, demonstrating leadership on workplace equality, diversity and inclusion, and role modelling a positive safeguarding ethos.

All managers are required to actively participate in any emergency response as and when required.

Specific responsibilities include:

Senior Management

Through active participation in the Country Management Team (CMT), assist the Country Director in overall management, implementation, development and strategic direction of the Somalia country programme, in line with the Country Strategic Plan.

Be responsible for fostering effective integration between programmes, strategic programme development and quality, accountable implementation and reporting.

Take leadership alongside CMT colleagues to develop, implement and report against the country Accountability Plan, in line with the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability.

Engage with the Partnership Advisor to support implementation of the Country Partnership Strategy; ensure effective collaboration with local implementing partners to meet programme objectives and support roll out of capacity building in line with identified needs.

Programme Management and Funding

Ensure programmes are designed and implemented in line with Concern Worldwide policies, using a Results-Based Management approach.

Actively guide and support programme staff in identification of new programme interventions and opportunities in accordance with the CSP and How Concern Understands Extreme Poverty.

Proactively identify and develop relationships with existing and potential donors, and lead fundraising efforts to maintain and further expand the funding portfolio.

Working with CFC, oversee programme teams’ development of accurate donor budgets and effective financial management of expenditure in compliance with approved donor budgets and procedures.

Ensure budget revisions are prepared and submitted on time by PCs.

Support efficient collaboration between programmes and logistics team for timely procurements in line with programme and donor requirements.

With the Somaliland PD, assist Grants & Information Manager and Programme Coordinators to ensure reports are submitted timely, to high standard, in compliance with donor and internal requirements.

Programme Quality, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

Ensure that programmes are designed, managed and implemented in conformity with Concern’s policies and strategies, especially the Programme Quality Guide

Support the Somaliland Programme Director and MEAL Coordinator to:

o   Oversee the MEAL Unit (Mogadishu and Baidoa team members) to ensure an effective, responsive MEAL framework for Concern’s programmes in Southern Somalia; coordinate timely M&E of all programmes (including partner implemented) in line with programme logframes, work plans, budgets. Ensure timely, effective analysis and use of data for reporting, learning, adaptive programming and results-based management.

o   Facilitate annual programme reviews and other internal learning events.

o   Ensure that cross-cutting issues (primarily equality, protection, conflict sensitivity) are given due consideration in programmes and that staff receive regular orientation and training on the same.

o   Liaise with Head Office Strategy, Advocacy and Learning (SAL) unit, and engage consultants as necessary, to ensure the necessary technical expertise is available to support the programme.

Foster links and continually strengthen integration between emergency response and longer-term development (resilience, durable solutions, social transfers, systems strengthening) programming.

Actively help ensure that country team members are kept up to date on best practices in the fields of development and humanitarian work, including on emerging trends and good practice.

Human Resources

Ensure sufficient human resources for programmes to meet their objectives.

Line manage staff and ensure their professional development, including implementation of Performance Development Reviews.

Ensure all staff comply with Concern’s Code of Conduct (CoC) and Associated Policies.

Facilitate technical and management capacity development for staff, including training and coaching where needed, especially for direct reports.

With CD and OD, ensure programme staff awareness and adherence to the Security Management Plan.

Representation and Networking

In absence of the CD, act as focal point for the country programme.

In conjunction with the CD, network and strengthen relations with donors, UN Agencies, the Somali NGO Consortium, Government representatives, and other leading NGOs and actors.

Represent Concern at relevant coordination meetings, including the various Consortia Programme Steering Committees and in other relevant fora.

In collaboration with the CD, liaise with Concern’s HQ offices (Dublin, London and New York) on appropriate advocacy issues and approaches for Concern Somalia/Somaliland; ensuring a timely sharing of information and inputs to collective efforts.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

Masters level qualification in International Development Studies, Programme Management or other relevant course of studies.

At least 10 years’ experience in international development and/or humanitarian programming, including significant programme management experience in complex contexts.

Experience working with major institutional donors and securing external donor funding.

Experience of financial management and HR, logistics, administration systems and processes.

Proven ability to represent an organisation at senior levels with government, Clusters, Consortia, etc. and to engage in influence and advocacy.

Proven experience managing staff, strengthening capacity and building effective teams.

Experience of emergency preparedness and response, resilience, durable solutions and/or systems strengthening programming, at a senior level.

Experience working with and through local partner organisations, including strengthening capacity. Solid experience working in complex multi-stakeholder or consortium partnerships and structures.

Ability to ensure accountability to all stakeholders, particularly the communities and people we serve. Knowledge and experience of Results Based Management.

Excellent report and proposal development skills in the English language.

Knowledge of latest theories and best practice in the field of development and humanitarian work, demonstrable understanding of how they relate to the Somalia/Somaliland context.

Commitment to nurturing institutional cultures that use learning to improve their practice.

Desirable

Experience of managing multi-sectoral programmes in insecure environments. Experience overseeing and supporting adaptive programming.

MEAL knowledge and experience, especially using emerging findings from data analysis to enhance programme implementation and impact.

Working understanding of practical implementation of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS).

Desirable Skills, Aptitude & Personality Traits:

Strong inter-personal skills and proven ability to establish effective working relationships with key actors at all levels.

Flexibility and adaptability.

Ability to work with and engage with people from different socio-cultural backgrounds. Ability to work on own initiative.

Capacity to manage pressure and work to conflicting deadlines.

Ability to build relationships of mutual trust in diverse socio-cultural and professional settings. Experience in Somalia/ Somaliland or comparable contexts a distinct advantage.

Willingness to travel regularly to Somalia/Somaliland and stay in basic conditions, in insecure areas. A good sense of humour and positive attitude.

Competencies:

For GB7 – 10 Roles:

As this is a key leadership position, potential candidates are expected to demonstrate significant ability in the following areas:

Focusing on the most marginalised people             Communicating and influencing

Managing risk                                                          Leading change

Making decisions                                                     Driving performance

Leading by example                                                Removing barriers to delivery

Motivating and developing

We encourage all eligible candidates, irrespective of gender, ethnicity or origin, disability, political beliefs or socio-economic status to apply to become a part of the organization. Concern is against all forms of discrimination and unequal power relations and is committed to promoting equality.

If this role sounds right for you, please apply with your CV and cover letter. We will respond to every applicant. Please be aware we may offer positions before the closing date.

If you have any concerns about our recruitment process and need particular assistance – for example if you have a disability e.g. a hearing impairment – please let us know and we will do our best to respond to your needs.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates, who meet the above requirements, should submit their applications (cover letter and updated CVs) by email to som.vacancies@concern.net with the subject line “Application for Programme Director –

Somalia” by 5th January 2025.

ONLY shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the written test and interview. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Important information:

Concern has an organisational Code of Conduct with three Associated Policies: The Programme Participant Protection Policy, the Child Safeguarding Policy, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Policy accessible here. These have been developed to ensure the maximum protection of programme participants from exploitation, and to clarify the responsibilities of Concern staff, consultants, visitors to the programme and partner organisations, and the standards of behaviour expected of them. In this context, staff have a responsibility to the organisation to strive for, and maintain, the highest standards in their work, in accordance with Concern’s core values and mission. Any candidate offered a job with Concern Worldwide will be expected to sign the Concern Staff Code of Conduct and Associated Policies as an appendix to their contract of employment. By signing the Concern Code of Conduct, candidates acknowledge that they have understood the content of both the Concern Code of Conduct and the Associated Policies and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these policies. Additionally, Concern is committed to the safeguarding and protection of adults and children in our work. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work or volunteer with adults and children are recruited by us for such roles. Consequently, working or volunteering with Concern may be subject to a range of vetting checks, including criminal background checking.

During this job application, you will provide Concern with your personal data. Concern takes its responsibilities towards this personal data very seriously and is committed to complying with all relevant data protection legislation.