DanChurchAid (DCA) invites applications for an experienced Head of Programmes (HoP) for its Syria programme. This is a non-family position, based in Erbil, Iraq and/or North East Syria as the context allows.
The HoP is a new position in this growing multi-sectoral humanitarian response programme. The main responsibilities are to coordinate all programme and project activities, develop concept notes, proposals and donor reports, and assist the Country Director (CD) with strategy development, ensuring programme synergies and relevance in a volatile context. You will advise on humanitarian principles, ensure the programme mainstreams protection and gender, and assist the programme with working towards Core Humanitarian Standards and all relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The HoP is part of the Senior Management Team and reports directly to the Country Director.
You will work in a potentially hostile and arduous environment. You will therefore need to demonstrate a positive and self-motivated attitude. Conditions in Syria require a cool head, an ability to multi-task and work under tight deadlines, a great deal of flexibility and a good sense of humour. If you have these qualities and skills, and you are looking for a challenging opportunity with a leading mine action and humanitarian NGO then we would like to hear from you.
The main duties relating to this position are as follows:
- Represent all Syria programme operational departments (Shelter/ NFI, Cash, Mine Action, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support) within the Senior Management Team (SMT);
- Ensure quality of overall project and programme activities, with increased synergy and complementarity across programme departments in order to become one programme delivering one coordinated response;
- Develop concept notes and project proposals and take lead on fundraising. This includes project design and leading the development of project proposals, together with colleagues in Syria and HQ;
- Take the lead on the development of timely and quality project reports to donors, in close collaboration with technical programme staff;
- Manage information management staff and provide structured mentoring and capacity building related to donor and cluster reporting requirements;
- Coordinate with international experts/project coordinators to monitor project progress and ensure that objectives are reached;
- Coordinate with relevant humanitarian fora, international NGOs, UN agencies, donors, national and local authorities and other stakeholders;
- Support the development of strong Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning systems, in close collaboration with technical programme staff;
- Provide inputs to DCA’s country strategy, ensuring programme relevance and expansion;
- Participate in consolidating DCA’s presence in Syria and advise on partnerships and programmatic opportunities;
- Identify and assess new programme opportunities and advice CD on programme improvements;
- Actively mainstream protection and gender in all projects, and assist the programme with working towards Core Humanitarian Standards and relevant SDGs;
- Ensure project compliance to DCA and donor policies and requirements;
- Deputize for the CD, when relevant;
- Any other duties, as requested by CD.
Additional responsibilities include:
- Contribute to culture of excellence, continuous improvement and performance optimization across all projects;
- Work in accordance with DCA values and humanitarian principles;
- Maintain effective working relationship with other members of the programme;
- Be a role model for diversity and inclusion, as well as a positive role model for contributing to the team spirit.
Applicants must have the following qualifications and experience:
- A relevant academic qualification, at Masters level or higher, in development studies, sociology, project management or other relevant topics;
- Minimum 3 years’ experience at a senior level, preferably in complex humanitarian environments, is essential;
- Demonstrated successful experience with fundraising, donor liaison and coordination;
- Demonstrated experience of writing successful concept notes and proposals and producing good quality donor reports;
- Clear understanding of cluster system, with sector expertise particularly related to protection;
- Experience in a volatile and insecure context and the ability to keep a cool head under pressure;
- Strong leadership, team building and communication skills - both spoken and written;
- Strong analytical skills with ability to plan, coordinate and lead processes that include multiple stakeholders and interests;
- Computer literacy essential including proficiency in Excel, Word, Power Point, etc.;
- Fluency in written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of Arabic would be advantageous.
We offer:
- 12 month contract with the possibility of extension;
- A competitive salary package;
- 30 days of paid annual leave;
- A generous R&R allowance;
- Insurance as per industry standards;
- An interesting and challenging experience addressing humanitarian needs.