Head of Programmes

Job Title: Head of Programmes Department: Programme

Contract Type: Fixed Term – 12 months, Subject to extension basis performance and Funding.

Job Family: Programme

Reports to:

Director, ActionAid Arab Region

Location:

Amman with frequent travels in the region

Direct Reports:

Programme Manager (x2), PQMEAL Coordinator

Role Overview:

The Head of Programme is overall responsible for the development and implementation of ActionAid Arab Region (AAAR)programmes aligned to AAAR Strategy Paper and ActionAid International (AAI) Strategy Implementation Framework. He/she leads the programme unit and is overall responsible for grants management to ensure that all programmes are implemented according to donor and ActionAid affiliate contracts and AAAR policies & procedures.

The Head of Programme is also responsible for the fundraising for AAARs programmes, which is done in close collaboration with a range of stakeholders such as relevant AAAR staff, local partners, ActionAid affiliates, AAI fundraising team, short-term Consultant and the Regional Director of AAAR.

The Head of Programme is an integral part of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and hereby co-responsible for AAARs overall management and continued strategy development.

Accountabilities

Key Accountabilities / Responsibilities

Key Activities

Program/strategy development & fundraising

• In close collaboration with the Regional Director ensure that the AAAR Fundraising Strategy is updated and implemented.

• Lead the development of Concept Notes, programme proposals aligned with AAAR strategic priorities in close coordination with AAAR staff, local partners, and AA Affiliates.

• Maintain, develop and nurture new strategic relationships with relevant donors, ActionAid Affiliates, INGOs and other key actors.

• In close collaboration with the Regional Director ensure that the AAAR Strategy Paper is updated in alignment with regional needs and AAI strategic framework e.g., Strategic Implementation Framework (SIF) 2.

• Lead the Fund Raising Function with the related programme and Fund Raising Staff.

Grants Management

• Overall responsible for the management of grants related to AAARs programmes

• Overall responsible for compliance with donor’ contracts and AAAR policies, e.g., ensuring that Programme/project Managers are arranging grant opening meetings with key stakeholders, induction meetings with partners and relevant AAAR staff.

• Overall responsible for timely submission as per the donor grant compliance requirements and quality narrative and financial reports to AA Affiliates.

• Ensure timely communication with donors and ActionAid Affiliates who are donor stewards.

• Ensure close coordination with Head of Finance & Administration related to grant management.

Program Implementation

• Overall responsible for ensuring that planning of programme activities is done in close collaboration with local partners, technical officers and other key stakeholders.

• Overall responsible for ensuring the development of MoUs with local partners, reflecting mutually agreed roles and responsibilities related to relevant programmes.

• Overall responsible for ensuring the development of mutually agreed partner capacity support plans.

• Overall responsible for the development of a MEAL framework guiding Programme staff.

•Overall responsible for ensuring the development of MEAL plans in close coordination with Programme/project Managers, Technical Officers, MEAL Focal and local partners, e.g., baseline surveys, regular monitoring, support, and learning visits, annual partner review meetings.

• Overall responsible for ensuring that the Programme Team works in accordance with AAAR Partnership Policies and Guidelines – hence ensure a close collaboration with local partners, including coordination of technical support.

• Ensure proper systems, tools and mechanisms are in place for the effective implementation of the programmes.

• Overall responsible for timely submission of quality reports.

Programme financial management

• Overall responsible for the management of the expenditure and disbursement of resources allocated to the programme department.

• Review programme expenditures from the programme staff to ensure conformity to Financial Policies and Procedures Manual (FPPM).

• Closely monitor and advise on programme and project spending and variance report as per organizational process and procedures.

• Ensure that Programme Managers are well prepared and actively participating in Monthly Budget Holder meetings. ;

• Close collaboration with the Finance Team related to budget design processes, financial reporting and all other relevant matters.

Representation

• Represent ActionAid in meetings with Donors, Government agencies, Clusters, ActionAid programme working group.

• Attend / delegate attendance in key niche UN cluster meetings locally and nationally and strategically engage in important national and international level networks, forums and meetings.

Communication & Campaigns

• Overall responsible for the development and implementation of a Communication Plan, which ensure strategic visibility of AAAR.

• Overall responsible for the development and implementation of a Campaigns Plan, which consist of relevant campaigns ‘pieces’ from the individual Programmes and others such as the Rights for Justice.

• Ensure that both the Communication and Campaigns plan are well aligned with Programmes.

• Ensure close supervision and support to the Communication & Campaigns Coordinator.

• Ensure that AAAR pursues strategic partners in our Campaigns efforts.

Annual planning and budgeting

• Ensure that AAAR develops and submits annual plans to AAI as per the requirements.

• In close collaboration with Programme Managers and HOFA ensure the development of budgets.

• Supporting the reporting requirements as part of the ActionAid global federation Accountability and Performance framework.

Staff Management

• Directly supervise Programme/project Managers and Communication & Campaigns Coordinator.

• Ensure weekly meetings with Programme Managers and Communication & Campaigns Coordinator to coordinate efficient workflow.

• Ensure that JDs are updated according to needs in collaboration with HR focal point.

• Participate in the recruitment of relevant team members.

• Ensure the development of individual Performance Management System (KPIs) for Programme Managers and Communication & Campaigns Coordinator.

• Ensure regular annual and mid-term staff appraisals are conducted in line with the AAAR HROD policy.

• Coordinate capacity building processes for team members.

• Ensure the team has clear and meaningful understanding of the approach to achieve the intended results.

• Support and supervise the Programme Managers in their management of Technical Officers and Interns.

Others

• Ensure adherence to AAAR values, principles and Human Rights based approach.

• Ensure the compliance with AAAR policies and procedures.

• Ensure alignment with AA Humanitarian signature.

• Ensure compliance with humanitarian standards, e.g., CHS, etc

Typical People Management Responsibility

Approximate number of people managed in total 3-5 people

Matrix Manager – (projects/dotted line) NA

Team Leader Yes

What is the global remit? Operates in:

Own country No

Geographic Region Yes

Financial Management Remit

Financial (limits/mandates) Super Budget Holder for all programmes within the approved Budget.

Direct departmental budget:

Organisation-wide expenditure

Key Relationships to reach solutions

Internal (to ActionAid or team) External

SMT members, Programme managers, Technical officers;

Relevant ActionAid International Program and Policy teams

Relevant ActionAid Affiliates Partners, Media, Government, Donors and International organisations

Person Specification

Education & Certifications

• Minimum a Bachelor degree in social science, development studies, political science; Master Degree or international studies are desirable

Essential Experience

• A minimum of 5 years in leading programmes in development work and poverty alleviation programmes international experience is preferred

• Past experience of working at the Senior Management level. Past experience as HoP or similar roles is an advantage.

• Experience working in Humanitarian Contexts

• Experience in fundraising work with institutional/ government and corporate donors

• Experience of working in a multicultural context and collaborative

• Experience in leading multiple / diverse teams in diverse cultures

• ActionAid is an equal opportunities organisation, and women candidates meeting minimum essential qualification and experience are encouraged to apply.

Language proficiency

• Proficiency in English and Knowledge of Arabic will be an advantage.

Essential Knowledge

• Strategic planning and management

• Background in one of the programme areas that AAM focuses on women’s rights, governance, youth empowerment and resilience

• Human Rights Based Approach to development

• Staff and partner capacity development

• Networking and collaboration

• Corporate governance

• Programme reviews, monitoring and evaluation

• In-depth understanding of programming issues and policy work at state, national and international levels

• Understanding of gender issues in the development context and demonstrable commitment to promoting gender equality within the organisation and in programme work

Essential Skills

• People management skills

• Analytical skills

• Critical thinking

• Monitoring and evaluation

• Budgeting and finance management skills

• Programme management skills

• Donor relationship and Funding proposal development

• Good communication skills

• Networking and stakeholder management skills

This Job Description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organizational needs.

It is part of every staff member’s responsibility to contribute to AAI’s mission and comply to AAI’s values, which are: Mutual respect, Equity and justice, Honesty and transparency, Solidarity with the poor, Courage of conviction, Independence, Humility

With your CV, the motivation cover letter should be sent to: [email protected] (only received CVs on this email will be considered) please clearly indicate which position you are applying for, you will not be considered without putting this title in the subject bar. We respect all candidates, but we can only respond to shortlisted candidates.