Consultancy - Interim Director of Programmes

International Alert’s DRC mission is looking for an experienced manager to join us on an interim basis between September and December 2024, while recruitment for our permanent Director of Programmes is ongoing. DRC is Alert’s largest mission with approximately 65 staff working out of 4 different offices in the east of the country. Our programme currently is composed of 6 different peacebuilding projects working on everything from engagement of the private sector in stabilisation, engaging young people and people from marginalised groups in peacebuilding and decision making process, to improving community perceptions of security in artisanal mining areas.

The Interim Director of Programmes will be responsibile for leading the development of Alert’s programme strategy and of new peacebuilding initiatives. They will work closely with the Country Director on the development of new project ideas and the identification of new funding opportunities and new partnerships. The will work with the Deputy Director of Programmes to ensure effective programme management to maximise impact through cross-learning, quality control and appropriate advocacy and visibility for the programme.

It is ideal that the interim DoP be based in Goma or Bukavu during this time; if the consultant is not based for the full 20 days per month in DRC, they will be required to undertake 2 – 3 missions of 3 – 4 weeks to provide programme support during this time given the programmes’ needs.

Fluency in English and French is essential.

Role duties and responsibilities:

1. Lead on programme strategy and impact in DRC

• Provide strategic guidance for design of 1 – 2 new projects so they are relevant, likely to produce impact, feasible and financially sustainable
• Carry out monthly budget check ins on all projects ; work with Director of Finance and Deputy Director of Programmes to oversee the programme budget, ensure that forecasts at country level are accurate and promote effective grants management and programme sustainability;
• Oversee programme implementation in line with contractual requirements and with a high level technical quality through line management of the Deputy Director of Programmes.

2. Lead on new projects, fundraising & regional synergies

• Support the development of 2 – 3 new concept notes (lead on technical inputs, methodologies, strategies, choice of location and partners, structural set-up etc).;
• With support from the Deputy Director of Programmes, ensure that monthly regional coordination meetings are taking place, take the lead on programming steering committees for regional projects and propose mechanisms for improved collaboration;
• Lead on strategic level coordination of regional projects with neighbouring Alert country programmes during the interim period; trouble shoot and work with senior management in other country programmes to ensure smooth implementation of regional projects during the interim period.

3. Provide quality control and support for strong MEL, research and programme level advocacy

• Provide strategic guidance to research activities ongoing at project and programme level;
• Develop communications priorities for each of the programme’s projects for the coming 12 months and support their implementation together with the Country Director, Deputy Director of Programmes and other programme staff, as well as Alert’s global communications team, in the interim period.
• Lead on strategic programme level learning within the DRC programme to generate a shared responsibility for the programme’s achievements and impacts; specifically developing learning reports and planning the 2024 Annual Reflection Session to be held in December
• Organise peacebuilding learning activities, such as thematic working groups, staff training and programme team retreats.
• Work closely with finance and operations teams to contribute to strong interdepartmental collaboration and resolve blockages.
• Ensure the strategic direction of programmatic management of the Alert RDC program portfolio through results and research-based approaches.
• Provides the final review of annual reports of projects and submits them for CD approval.

4. Ensure representation and effective overall partnership management

• Attend Steering committees for Consortium projects, giving technical input and managing the Chief of Party where Alert is the lead agency.

Please note that the above are just some of the role requirements. For the full requirements, please click here to view the terms of reference.