Save the Children recruits 01 Area Manager
Area Manager
The role
To provide effective management oversight of the implementation of Save the Children’s programme plans in the area, through direct and partner led activities. The post holder will firmly institute finance, human resources and operations systems in the area of operation and will ensure effective representation of Save the Children to local authorities, INGOs and NGOS, and in other forums. The post holder will be a high performing team builder, sensitive to the cultural, political and security environment of DRC and will lead and manage staff covering operations and programmes in Child Protection, Health & Nutrition, Education, Water/Sanitation and Food Security & Livelihoods. The Area Manager is responsible for ensuring the development of all staff, and for identifying needs and resources and elaborating program recommendations, in line with Save the Children’s national and global priorities.
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
Programme Management
Manage all programmes in the designated area of DRC (both development and humanitarian), draw project implementation plans, assess progress of implementation of activities against plans on monthly basis, and document the progress and action corrective measures as and when required. Take the lead in demonstrating practices for quality program implementation;
Mount appropriate and timely responses at scale to all emergencies consistent with established benchmarks, plans and organizational policies, and in close cooperation with incoming surge teams
Oversee baseline surveys, beneficiaries’ satisfaction surveys and endline surveys, regular monitoring, review and evaluation conducted by the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Coordinator and team.
Manage partner relationships for SCI funded projects implemented in the area of responsibility;
Manage the implementation of programme and operational activities by national partners, effectively using the assistance of technical sector advisors and operational support staff, and ensuring coherence with Save the Children’s DRC country strategies;
In close coordination with the Partnership Adviser, support and advise the Country SMT in the development of strategic plans for project and organizational expansion with Congolese partners, by maintaining an overview of the external political, social, economic and humanitarian context both locally and nationally;
Ensure that partnership projects and reports are delivered according to Save the Children and donor contractual requirements, within the agreed timescale and budget;
Effectively uses support services (Logs, Admin, HR, Finance and Awards) to undertake key activities and work alongside Technical Programme Co-ordinators to ensure that all programme activities run smoothly;
Work with the Director of Operations and the Programme Development and Quality team to support the development of Save the Children’s overall programme strategy in DRC, including a master budget
Track budget spending and support the preparation of financial reports;
Ensure that all projects have clear indicators aligned with SC global standards, useful and accurate baseline data and staff friendly reporting formats;
Ensure donor reporting, evaluation (including impact evaluation), and documentation;
Ensure that country strategy and the annual country plans are implemented and reviewed in line with the regional and global strategies;
Maintain clear overview of the humanitarian, political, legal and security context and how changes and developments may affect the programme implementation and ensure this is communicated regularly to the SMT;
Ensure appropriate participation of staff in programme management and decision making, raising issues in Senior Management Meetings held at central level;
Represent Save the Children in inter agency meetings, clusters and at Governorate level meetings with government officials.
Programme Design and Development
Ensure that programmes are designed and implemented in a comprehensive manner while aligning to SCI national, regional and global priorities;
In close coordination with Project Managers, advisors and PDQ Director, improve the quality of programming that shows impact on the situation of children;
Help respond to opportunities to expand programmes/impact. Help draft/develop concept papers and proposals with staff, Programme Managers, and other Technical Advisors as requested;
Help staff build on synergies among all projects;
Support the development/evolution of existing programmes, with the aim of ensuring that staff has the capacity to support others (local partners and government counterparts) in the implementation of quality programmes that show impact;
Support staff in the preparation and implementation of advocacy plans as related to their programmes;
Ensure that programme learning is built into the programme cycle and shared with the technical advisors, implementation team and SMT.
Logistics, Supply Chain and ICT
Oversee the Logistics activities in support to all field activities
Ensure efficient application of SCI Logistics policies, procedures, tools and systems
Ensure a good planning and implementation of the procurement
Ensure quality warehousing and support distributions in the field
Ensure Logistics and ICT equipment and systems run well for an effective and efficient programme delivery: vehicle fleet, computers, office quipments, internet equipments, communication and security equipment, etc.
Administration, Awards and Finance
Take overall responsibility for managing the office, ensuring efficient application of SC’s policies, procedures and administrative systems and the application of the Management Standards of the organisation.
Working with the different thematic managers, take overall Budget holder responsibility for the management of all donor grants.
Ensure that existing Scheme of delegation, finance guidelines and related administrative procedures are adhered to and that grant finances are kept in an exemplary state.
The post holder is accountable for the donor compliance of all grants on the base and to make sure that budgets are not over- or under spent.
Security management
Ensure optimal security management procedures and practices are in place and continually monitor the security situation; adapting staff safety procedures accordingly and that appropriate and timely measure are put in place to reduce risks and threats to Save the Children staff, assets, operations and beneficiaries.
Ensure security guidelines are updated and adhered to and that all new international staff and visitors receive appropriate security briefings.
Ensure that security incidents are duly reported on information is effectively collected and exchanged with staff and other organisations,
Produce ad hoc sitreps and analyses the security and humanitarian situation.
Child Safeguarding Policy
Ensure the Save the Children’s Child Safeguarding Policy is understood by all staff and that it is integrated into all aspects of the team’s work.
Supports implementation by CSP Focal Points Persons of the various tasks linked with CSP induction, trainings and awareness raising, investigation and reporting on CSP cases and allegation.
Liaises with the national CSP Focal Point to timely review and update CSP risks and mitigation measures and to documents these.
Advocacy
In coordination with the line manager, represent Save the Children to civil society, local authorities, donors and members of the humanitarian community.
Establish and maintain contact with all key actors relevant to programme implementation (military, government, ministries, UN and NGOs) in the area and share programme successes and challenges.
HR and People Management, Mentorship, and Development
Ensure with support from the HR team and DPO, the appropriate staffing of the Area programme offices, planning and implementing specific actions to recruit, manage and motivate staff in the Area offices as per SC standards and procedures;
Manage, mentor and motivate his/herstaff to undertake his/her roles and responsibilities effectively;
Ensure that Area staffs have clearly defined objectives, understand their responsibilities and receive meaningful feedback on their performance. Ensure compliance with Performance Management systems and evaluations. Document performance that is less than satisfactory, with appropriate performance improvements/ work plans.
Incorporate staff development strategies into the team building process and ensure staff are able to perform the duties expected. Identify coaching, mentoring and other developmental opportunities.
Create and maintain a cooperative and positive working environment where national and expatriate staff has clear roles and responsibilities, participate in decision making and are supported in progressing towards their personal development objectives.
Comply with all relevant Save the Children policies and procedures with respect to health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies
Qualifications and experience
Essential:
At least 5 years/substantial experience working with a humanitarian/ development organisation, including significant experience working at field level.
University degree in related academic discipline or equivalent work experience.
Skills and experience in project/programme implementation, monitoring, review and evaluation preferably from a child rights approach in accordance with the CRC and international humanitarian rights standards.
Substantial people and programme management experience with good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate at all levels.
Solid experience in grant management, including budget holding and donor reporting.
Substantial understanding or proven experience of security management issues.
Ability to produce high quality reports in French and English.
Representational, political awareness and advocacy skills.
Ability to work with limited supervision from line manager.
Experience of working with partners and a participatory approach.
Fluency in written and spoken French and English and computer literate.
Commitment to and understanding of SCI’s aims, values and principles.
Desirable:
Experience and/or an interest in working in DRC and the Great Lakes Region.
Contract length: 2 years renewable
LOCATIONS: Kasai Oriental and Lomami Provinces – Based in Mbuji Mayi.
The Organisation
We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.
We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:
No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
Violence against children is no longer tolerated
We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.
Application Information:
Please apply using a cover letter and up-to-date CV as a single document. Please also include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations.
We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
Applicants are advised that Save the Children International does not require any payment or expense during the entire recruitment process. Any request in this direction should be immediately reported as contrary to the values and practices of our organization.
Closing date: 24 May 2019 – 23:59 UTC
Location: Mbujimati, Congo, the Democratic Republic of
Department: Programme Operations
Type: Fixed-term contract
Schedule: Full-time