Head of Programmes - Burundi & Tanzania

The Head of Programmes Burundi & Tanzania sits on the senior management team and leads the implementation of programmatic priorities identified in the Strategic Plan. This role is responsible for cross-cutting programmatic information management, sound design of high-quality programming, comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning, and ensuring compliance to donor and DRC policies and Minimum Standards.

This role will also take responsibility for providing leadership and strategic direction in developing and delivering DRC’s vision and strategy across the Great Lakes sub-region (Burundi, DR Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda). The role is responsible for supporting the delivery of high-quality multi-country and borderlands/cross-border programmes that are relevant, implemented in a timely manner, in line with best practice and technical standards, and leads quality assurance of programme implementation. This position is also responsible for delivering on high quality, successful business development for the Great Lakes sub region.

This position represents an excellent opportunity to provide strategic leadership in an exciting and challenging context, and to lead the development of the quality, impact and sectoral integration of DRC’s work across the Great Lakes. This position is Non-accompanied.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities listed in the JD are not exhaustive and may be readjusted according to operational needs but will remain in line with the overall purpose of the role

Head of Programmes Burundi-Tanzania (75%):

• Supervise overall achievement and quality of all project cycle management, and in coordination with HOSS and budget holders, supervise programme budget consumption.
• Lead and coordinate the development, implementation and monitoring of DRC’s Strategic Plan Burundi-Tanzania, and individual sector strategies in Economic Recovery, Protection amongst others.
• Lead in the development of partnership strategies and the process of localization in both countries
• Foster synergies between program areas (integrated approach), support the strong integration of protection and economic recovery throughout all initiatives and ensure adherence to Sphere and Minimum standards.
• Support MEAL department in rolling out qualitative monitoring and evaluation approaches aiming to build contextually grounded learning into program activities, and to set-up, develop and ensure complaints handling mechanisms are in place for all programs/offices;
• Supervise and oversee grants management including reporting, project review meetings, project kick off and closure meetings, compliance, etc.
• Provide technical mentorship to teams through regular one-to-one supervision and performance appraisals in coordination with Area Managers (specifically protection) in Burundi.
• Establish capacity building plans to develop and enhance the skills and competencies of programme team members (specifically on Protection) in Burundi.

GL programme strategy and leadership (25%):

• Lead and coordinate the development, implementation and monitoring of DRC’s programmatic strategy in Great Lakes
• Develop and implement a business development strategy across the core geographic and thematic areas of focus for DRC in Great Lakes, in line with regional and country strategic plans.
• Identify and develop borderlands/cross-border programming between country operations along common axis of displacement and geographic areas of presence across the Great Lakes
• Conduct constant in-depth analysis of context, trends, gaps, challenges and opportunities, including through pro-active external engagement.
• Visit country teams on a regular basis and provide support and feedback to SMTs on programme approaches, technical quality, project cycle management, and methodological issues.
• Maintain close working relationships with country level HOPs and SMTs, EAGL regional teams and HQ to ensure strategy and implementation coherence with overall objectives
• Represent DRC in all relevant high-level coordination forums as required.

Experience and technical competencies:

• At least 7 years of INGO or other agency experience in insecure environments, including at least three years of management experience;
• Proven leadership skills and competence in people management, including with remote management of staff.
• University degree with advanced training or technical qualification in relevant line of work/sector;
• Proven technical experience in Protection or Economic Recovery at a programme and Project Management level is a requirement.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and management and leadership skills;
• Proven track record in business development with key institutional donors such as EU, FCDO, DANIDA, SIDA, US government, UN agencies. Experience with foundations and private fundraising an advantage.
• Experience with project cycle management and project management tools such as logical frameworks, work plans, budget monitoring etc.
• Good communicator and proven diplomacy with all types of stakeholders;
• Fluent and articulate in spoken and written English and French
• Strong working knowledge of other languages spoken widely in the region is an advantage
• Ability to work independently, but also coordinate effectively as part of a team;
• Strong computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point); and
• Ability and willingness to work and live in diverse, challenging and potentially unstable environments.

Desirable:

• Previous experience working in the Great Lakes region.
• A proven track record in staff capacity building.
• A proven interest in programming which focuses on reduction of environmental degradation as a cross-cutting issue.
• Good knowledge of the Core Humanitarian Standards or other accountability measures/standards.

About you

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

What we offer

Contract: 1 Year Contract with the possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance.

Salary: in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment Management Band/ E1.

Availability: May 2024.

Duty station: Bujumbura, Burundi (with frequent travel to Tanzania, DR Congo, Uganda and Kenya)

Reporting Line: Country Director Burundi & Tanzania

Providing equal opportunities, we are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

DRC strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff within its programs. As such, we strongly encourage national and diaspora candidates to apply for this position.

Promoting high standards: DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.