Jobs at Save the Children Abuja for Programme Manager


Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in over 120 countries around the world. Recognized for our commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration, our work takes us into the heart of communities, where we help
children and families help themselves. We work with other organizations, governments, non-profits and a variety of local partners while maintaining our own independence without political agenda or religious orientation. Save the Children's mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

Save the Children is looking for experienced development professionals to work within the Nigeria Country Programme. These roles will be critical for the delivery of results for children expected by this programme.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Programme Manager

Job ID: #949171
Location: Abuja

Role Purpose

  • The job holder will be responsible for the effective implementation of the various components of the Dutch Joint Humanitarian Response Programme and ensure effective coordination among the implementing members and local partners in Nigeria and the donor in the Netherlands.
Scope of Role
  • Reports to: Director of Programme Operations (DPO), with technical reporting line to the Response Manager in Netherlands
Dimensions:
  • Save the Children International is the lead agency of the Dutch Joint Humanitarian Response for Nigeria.
  • The consortium is an initiative of 11 INGO's funded by the Netherlands Ministry for Foreign Affairs and include; CARE, Cordaid, Dorcas, HealthNet-TPO, ICCO & Kerk in Actie, OXFAM-Novib, PLAN, Stichting Vluchteling, World Vision, ZOA and Save the Children
  • This initiative aims to contribute to more effective delivery of humanitarian aid by Dutch government and humanitarian organisations.
  • The projects are implemented in the Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL), Health, Non-food Items and Emergency Shelter (NFI), Nutrition, (Child) Protection and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sectors.
  • The identified results and locations fall largely within the strategic framework and objectives of the UNOCHA Crisis Response Plan as revised by June 2014.
  • The Programme Manager role will be the overall lead for the consortium to ensure effective programme implementation, monitoring, reporting, learning and innovation, coordination and donor liaison.
  • By implementing their own projects whilst collaborating under the umbrella of the joint response, the participating agencies aim to provide added value for several actors in the Netherlands and South Sudan.
  • The value added ranges from efficiency gains for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by funding humanitarian response through one humanitarian lead agency; to improved learning and innovation by humanitarian agencies through exchanging resources and methodologies.
Key Area of Accountability
Programme Coordination and Quality:
  • Facilitate and advise implementing partners on reporting tools and adherence with MoU requirements and strategies (Ensure timely and quality reporting to the lead agency in the Netherlands for review and ultimate donor submission.
  • Coordinate the implementing partners Meal, knowledge and best practise sharing among member organizations to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the project.
  • Facilitate and lead the process of programme review and revision at country level in line with guidelines provided by the Lead in the Netherlands.
  • Ensure that effective information sharing mechanisms are established and maintained among all member organizations and partners in the country, and the Lead NL.
  • Provide technical assistance to member organizations in the development and implementation of the individual member and consolidated country strategies aimed at enhancing efficiency.
  • Promote harmonisation & complementarity amongst members, stimulating efficient use and sharing of resources, capacity and expertise aimed at achieving maximum impact of the joint response.
  • Ensure effective coordination of the joint response with INGO, UN, Diplomatic and Cluster coordination mechanisms.
Learning, Reporting and Communication:
  • Ensure timely technical and financial reporting, review and provide feedback on compliance, progress, quality and completeness to members.
  • Promote and support members in generating Added Value, eg visibility, efficiency and effectivity, while programming under the Joint Response.
  • Consolidate and submit monthly, quarterly, bi-annual and annual reports to lead agency in the NL
  • Promote learning among members and organize learning events, plan and facilitate monitoring/support visits by SSJR Manager - Netherlands and the donor
 Accountability and Compliance:
  • In coordination with NL lead coordinator ensure that guidance on budget realignment and programme revisions are shared with all members in country.
  • Provide assistance and support to country members on programme and budget revisions if and when needed.
  • Consolidate country proposal for realignment (if applicable) and submit to Lead NL and SCI SS approval process and procedures.
  • Convene regular country meetings (consisting of the Country Directors/designates) and advice and report on implementation progress, challenges and issues arising that require management attention.
  • Ensure compliance with MoU and Donor requirements.
  • Collect, review and analyze the individual members’ proposed revisions and ensure that they are in line with the guidance on realignment.
Skills and Behaviours (our Values in Practice)
Accountability:
  • Holds self accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values
  • Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities - giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved
Ambition:
  • Sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves (and their team), takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages others to do the same
  • Widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others
  • Future orientated, thinks strategically
Collaboration:
  • Builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, members and external partners and supporters
  • Values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength
  • Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to
Creativity:
  • Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions
  • Willing to take disciplined risks
Integrity:
  • Honest, encourages openness and transparency
Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
  • A self-starter with a minimum of Master’s degree in Social Sciences or relevant discipline
  • At least five years’ experience working experience in a senior management position within an emergency context,
  • Experience in more than one of the core sectors (Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL), Health, Non-food Items and Emergency Shelter (NFI), Nutrition, (Child) Protection and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
  • Ability to analyze information, evaluate options and to think and plan strategically
  • An in-depth understanding of national and international development issues in particular in relation to children
  • Previous experience of managing and developing a team and the ability to lead, motivate and develop others
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
  • Fluency in written and spoken English.
  • Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children's aims, values and principles including rights-based approaches
  • Robust implementation and NGO emergency program cycle management experience, and with experience of working within a complex and matrix organisation structure
  • Significant knowledge of international humanitarian systems, institutions and donors, and of procedures, accountability frameworks and best practices in emergency management
  • Substantial experience and knowledge of effective financial and budgetary control and securing and managing grants from major institutional donors
  • Solid project management skills related to organisational development projects and international, cross-functional teams with a proven history of delivering results
Desirable:
  • Previous experience in Nigeria
  • Experience in managing a consortium portfolio.
  • Spoken Dutch is an added value.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should kindly send their C.V's and covering letter on or before the Closing date explaining why you are suitable to: [email protected] State position clearly in the subject field as applications without appropriate subject will be disqualified. Also, applications received after the Closing date will not be considered.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Application Deadline  3rd May, 2015.