The Director of Programs (DoP) role is an exciting opportunity to shape and lead our growing programs in the country. The DoP is a proven leader that is directly responsible for overseeing the portfolio in South Sudan while engaging with donors and partners to lead business development efforts. The role will work closely with the Country Director (CD) to lead new program development and strategy, and ensure effective program coordination and technical support, program quality and accountability in close collaboration with the operations, finance and internal control teams. The DOP may be asked to act as Country Director. Essential Responsibilities STRATEGY AND VISION
- Support Country Director to communicate a clear vision of present and future program goals of Mercy Corps to team members and stakeholders.
- Support countrywide program strategy and business development planning and mobilize resources to deliver strategic goals.
- Identify opportunities for innovative action, coordination, and collaboration, creating an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcome. · Ensure that analytical, program quality and technical support teams are collaborating with program and other internal stakeholders effectively, adding value to the program and maintaining strategic focus. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT · In coordination with relevant country, regional and global colleagues, lead the identification of new initiatives and program opportunities that respond to identified needs and the country strategy; · Provide overall leadership to relevant Program teams and MEL teams working on the program development process. · Cultivate strategic partnerships or relationships with new/existing donors. PROGRAM PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY · Provide leadership and oversight to program team to ensure program adherence to grant agreements, Mercy Corps policies and procedures and relevant external rules and regulations. · Support Program Directors/Managers to oversee performance of teams and partners. · Promote a culture of gender-sensitive, and where appropriate, gender-transformative programming. · Support the MEL Manager to put in place effective program quality tools and measures in place and to regularly monitor and improve quality control. TEAM MANAGEMENT · Manage performance of program leaders including establishment of clear and measurable objectives, ongoing feedback, periodic reviews and regular check-ins. · Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence. · Hire, orient and provide mentorship and capacity building to team members as necessary. INFLUENCE AND REPRESENTATION · Establish close and productive relationships with donors, national/regional/local government authorities, private sector actors, and local/international organizations in South Sudan in close coordination with the Country Director, Heads of Offices, and Program Directors; · Represent Mercy Corps at all relevant coordination meetings and increasingly play a lead role in other advocacy and coordination bodies; · Coordinate with other NGOs to consolidate Mercy Corps’ strategic niche and comparative advantages, while identifying strategic partnerships. SECURITY · Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.