Head of Programme at Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a Danish international non-governmental organisation, which promotes and supports durable solutions to the problems faced by refugees and internally displaced people all over the world. DRC is present in more than 30 conflict territories around the world assisting displaced people with shelter, food, income-generating activities, and a wide range of other assistance. It is of utmost importance for DRC to work in compliance with the DRC Accountability and Quality Management system and national legislations. Smooth, reliable and effective operational systems are preconditions for DRC to maintain its position as a trustworthy and reliable partner for our donors and an accountable organisation towards our beneficiaries.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:  

Job Title: Danish Demining Group (DDG) Head of Programme Location: Maiduguri, Borno Contract type: Expatriate contract

Job Description

• We are currently looking for a highly qualified Danish Demining Group (DDG) Head of Programme overseeing the Mine Action and Armed Violence Reduction activities of the DDG programme in Nigeria focusing in the North-east region.

About the job

• The Danish Demining Group (DDG) Head of Programme (HoP) is responsible for overseeing the Mine Action and Armed Violence Reduction activities of the DDG programme in Nigeria, with a focus on building national capacity as well as on growing the resources and scope of the programme.
• The DDG HoP will have the overall responsibility of the DDG portfolio in Nigeria and is a member of the Nigeria Senior Management Team (SMT).

Main Duties and Responsibilities Strategic Programme development and management:

• Plan, implement and monitor DDG’s activities in Nigeria.
• Co-ordinate and work with relevant state-level government authorities, local government institutions, non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations and local communities in order to ensure the smooth execution of programme activities.
• Monitor and advise field staff in programme delivery.
• Maintain working relationships with DDG’s other programmes in the wider West Africa/Sahel region to exchange experience and ideas.
• Manage and monitor the DDG budgets closely and report to the Country Director (CD), Head of Support Services (HoSS) and DDG Headquarters of any discrepancies or issues as appropriate.
• Keep the CD informed at all times of programmatic updates and potential fundraising / project ideas and initiatives.
• Ensure the necessary systems are in place.
• Lead DDG programme implementation and development
• Promote the integration of DRC and DDG programming in Nigeria.
• Oversee the roll-out of DDG activities throughout DRC offices in northeastern Nigeria.

Team Management:

• Provide strong leadership to the programme, with oversight and management of DRC DDG expatriate staff (in particular the Community Liaison Mine Action Manager, DDG AVR Manager, DDG Technical field manager (TFM)), M&E Manager (as it relates to DDG work) and national staff executing DDG components of DRC programming in Nigeria .
• Ensure the ongoing formal and informal appraisal/evaluation of staff performance, including follow up on Results Contracts and annual written appraisals of the DDG programme staff.

Security:

• In close collaboration with the Safety Advisor reporting to the DRC CD for Nigeria, ensure adherence to security procedures, ensuring a minimum of 91% MOSS compliance of all field locations, monitoring developments in the security situation, developing contingency plans, etc.

Reporting:

• Ensure proper and timely financial and narrative donor reporting in compliance with internal and external reporting requirements including procurement.
• Regular reporting to DRC CD Nigeria and other colleagues at the RO & HQ level as required and agreed.

Fundraising and Representation:

• Under the DRC Nigeria CD lead, act as representative for the DDG programmes in Nigeria towards government authorities, donors, partners, UN agencies and international and local NGOs and various local co-ordination forums.
• Under the DRC Nigeria CD lead and in coordination with the DRC Nigeria SMT take the lead on the process of securing funds for DDG’s activities. This includes any liaison and contact with the donor and national stakeholders.
• Under the DRC Nigeria CD leadership, liaison with relevant government authorities, donors, partners, UN agencies and international and local NGOs and various local co-ordination forums.
• Identify new programming opportunities and write concept notes and proposals
• Liaise with donor representatives in the region and in Abuja as required

Accountability:

• Guided by the DRC Programme Handbook, Operations Handbook, AVR Framework and handbooks, and DDG Mine Action SOPs, the DDG Head of Programme must continuously monitor and develop relevant accountability initiatives in the field as well as strengthening the effort to document the impact of DRC/DDG’s activities.
• Ensure compliance with the guidelines, policies, procedures and values of DRC/DDG.

About You Required:

• Proven experience working on Mine Action and AVR programming and implementation.
• Proven minimum 5 years of experience with programme management (planning, implementation and monitoring) from a complex and fragile environment, preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Proven ability to mentor and coach others. Staff management is important in this position.
• Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy.
• The capacity and willingness to be flexible and accommodating in difficult and insecure circumstances.
• Knowledge of Explosive Ordnance Disposal and happy to work with the Nigerian Police force.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (writing reports and proposals).
• Experience managing a large technical training program preferably for the security forces
• Experience working with donors and external relations
• Strong on liaison and networking with national stakeholders, both on a national and local level.

Desirable:

• Preferable experience working with national partners and capacity building projects.
• Prior M&E experience and the capability of working with data collection, analysis and report writing is an advantage.
• Knowledge of local languages (i.e. Hausa, Kanuri, etc.) is an asset

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ 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 uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We Offer

• Contract length: 12 Months with posibility of extension.
• Band: M.E
• Designation of Duty Station: Non-Family Duty Station.
• Start date: 03 August 2020
• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies.

How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply Note

• All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
• For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo

Borno State, Maiduguri