International Rescue Committee Deputy Director of Programs Job in Kenya

Mar 1, 2016

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Deputy Director of Programs
 

Sector: Operations 

Location: Kenya 

Employee Type: Regular 

Employee Category: Full Time  

Background: The International Rescue Committee (IRC), one of the world’s largest humanitarian agencies, provides relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of natural disaster, oppression and violent conflict in 42 countries. 

The IRC is committed to bold leadership, innovation and creative partnerships.

 

Active in public health, education, livelihoods, women"s empowerment, youth development, and protection and promotion of rights, IRC assists people from harm to home. 

 

Since 1992, the IRC has provided life-saving services to refugees and vulnerable local communities in Kenya. Currently, the IRC works in two refugee camps, Dadaab and Kakuma, in northern Kenya. 

The IRC in Kenya serves vulnerable populations in the Turkana region and refugees in the Kakuma, Dadaab (Hagadera) camps and Nairobi.

The IRC implements programs in the areas of integrated primary health care (including nutrition and HIV/AIDS); Community health promotion, Liveihoods; protection of rights; and, Women’s Protection and Empowerment. 

In 2016, the IRC developed Strategic Action Plan (SAP) in which it will expand services to host community and refugees in Wajir and Mandera counties.

Scope of Work: The Deputy Director of Programs will play a central role contributing to the work of IRC Kenya at a challenging and exciting time.  

The DDP is a key member of the country senior management team. 

Based in Nairobi s/he will be responsible for developing the country program and coordinate the implementation of the country five year SAP. 

The DDP will enhance programming and managerial skills of key staff. 

S/he will be responsible for working with the program team to develop IRC’s capacity in the area of partnerships as well as develop new program areas for the IRC Kenya.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Development

• In charge of SAP implementation, this position will coordinate with technical staff, identify viable, active local NGO partners; develop and implement capacity-building protocols for the transfer of IRC skills and experience to local government and local NGO/CSO partners


• In coordination with the Country Director and the Program team, ensure the development of new program opportunities in line with IRC’s Mission Statement and IRC Kenya’s Strategic Plan


• Develop advocacy mechanisms and identify networks for coalition building


• Provide leadership in new program/proposal development planning.


• Ensure IRC’s five core principles (Participation, Capacity Building, Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, Partnership and Holistic Programming) are mainstreamed in all program activities: assessments, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

Programming

• Provide overall leadership and management to IRC Kenya programs, protecting and enforcing strategic program direction and growth.


• Review all programs through periodic field visits and ensure that program implementation strategies are compatible with overall program goals and objectives.


• Liaise with national and district authorities, donors, NGOs, and other operational partners in Kenya via attendance at meetings, consultations and other forums


• Participate in the development of strategic work-plans with clear objectives and achievement benchmarks, long-term and short-term priorities, implementation plans, financial projections and tools for evaluation


• Ensure program assessments are conducted timely in accordance with donor specific requirements, information is analyzed and shared with all stakeholders; and appropriate actions are effected by program technical staff in collaboration with clients, and partners


• Develop tools for the measurement of IRC Kenya program impact and involvement of client groups in program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, ensure the alignment of the IRC Kenya programs with the Program Framework and the use of established stringent monitoring and evaluation systems, and oversee the development of monitoring systems for new programs.


• In coordination with technical staff, identify viable, active local NGO partners; develop and implement capacity-building protocols for the transfer of IRC skills and experience to local government and local NGO/CSO partners

Finance / Grant Management

• Directly work with the Grants unit to ensure that donor compliance and relations are established and maintained


• Work with the program managers and the finance department to track monthly project expenditure against program budget


• Recommend grant and budget revisions in consultation with the Technical/Field Coordinators


• Assist in budget development with the field teams and program coordinators in consultation with finance and operations departments


• Coordinate and review all program donor reports and new project proposals in collaboration with the program department, technical coordinators, operations and finance departments; ensure completeness and timely submission

Operations

• Encourage constructive and productive communication between program and operations staff to guarantee timely service


• Ensure program compliance with internal control procedures


• Work with operations to ensure that new IRC initiatives are implemented and lessons learned shared.

Human Resources

• Facilitate the conceptual, managerial, organizational and technical capacities of IRC staff to effectively contribute to the achievements of the program objectives and develop within the organization.


• Directly supervise IRC Kenya program staff including technical and field coordinators and program department


• Coordinate the recruitment of all program staff; recommend promotions, disciplinary action and termination of program staff in consultation with direct supervisors, Human Resources and the Country Director.


• Oversee the Performance Management System for all program staff is followed and carried out as required

Communication, Reporting and Data Collection

• Liaise with counterparts, UN agencies and NGOs in the field to coordinate multi-sector integrated programs, standardize sector specific activities and obtain up-to-date information for program planning and implementation. 


• Ensure IRC participation in respective sector specific coordination forums and help foster exchanges of program information, best practices and training materials with partners, involved communities and various line Government ministry officials


• Keep the Country Director informed of all developments and issues through monthly reports, informal updates and written minutes documented for all external meetings


• Ensure regular communication between field program teams and program department staff.


• In coordination with the Country Director and the management team ensure effective communication mechanism is in place to facilitate access to information by all staff across board to enhance inclusive participation and empowering work environment


• In coordination with the Country Director liaise with IRC’s Technical Units (NY and UK) for technical guidance on implementation and new program design

Required Qualifications, Experience & Competencies:

• Masters degree in relevant field (Development Studies, Social Sciences, International Relations, etc)


• Five years of overseas experience (ideally in sub-Saharan Africa), preferably in relief/development work with management and supervisory responsibilities in program, administration at senior management level


• Minimum of two year of international experience in management.


• Direct experience in building the capacity of local NGOs and working with local partners with a clear understanding of civil society development.


• Experience working with and coordinating with donors including USAID (OFDA), BPRM, UNHCR, UNICEF, DFID, ECHO and EU, and knowledge of specific donor guidelines and priorities.


• Experience working and coordinating with INGOs, national NGOs and government agencies


• Knowledge and understanding of best practice monitoring and evaluation systems and procedures


• Demonstrated excellence in proposal and report development and writing


• Demonstrated excellence in human resource management, particularly in a multi-cultural environment, including techniques for staff development, training, motivation, and discipline


• Demonstrated excellence in multi-tasking, time management, and flexibility


• Demonstrated skills and experience in NGO administration, finance, and logistics systems


• Knowledge of best practices in project design, implementation and community participation techniques


• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software programs

Kenyan nationals are encouraged to apply. 

International allowances are not available for this position. 

Salary and employee benefits are compliant to the Kenyan NGO Sector.

How to Apply

CLICK HERE to apply online

IRC leading the way from harm to home.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
 

IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.