Deputy Head of Programme for DDG at Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an independent, non-profit organization (NGO), founded on the basis of humanitarian principles, and human rights based approach, to secure the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), and to promote long term solutions to the problems of forced displacement.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Deputy Head of Programme for DDG

Location: Abuja, Nigeria with frequent travel throughout North Eastern Nigeria. Abuja is a family duty station.
Start date: As soon as possible
Contract length: 12months

About our programmes in Nigeria:

• DRC/DDG has been present in Nigeria since July 2015, implementing emergency operations in order to respond to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in north eastern Nigeria. In 2016/17, DDG programming will focus on the following:
• Addressing the needs of youth at affected by displacement and at risk of criminality and radicalization
• Enhancing community safety and conflict mediation capacities, and facilitating community-security provider dialogue.
• Reducing the risks associated with mines, explosive remnants of war (ERW) and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED)

The Job:

• The DDG Deputy Head of Programme will have the responsibility of the programming and implementation of DDG activities in Northeastern Nigeria. 
• The DDG Deputy Head of Programme will support the DDG Project Managers in complying with DDG quality standards, donor requirements and DRC internal regulations while ensuring the relevance of DDG operations in the context.
• The DDG Deputy Head of Programme reports to the DDG Head of Programme (HoP) for DDG Nigeria, based in Abuja.
• The DDG Deputy Head of Programme will be working in close collaboration with DDG’s Global Specialist Leads on Mine Action and Armed Violence Reduction, Heads of Base, the DRC Head of Programme, the technical managers/advisors and the DRC/DDG support staff.

Employees under the responsibility of the position:

• AVR Project Manager.
• RE Project Manager.

Tasks and Responsibilities
Strategic Programme development and management:

• Support the Project Managers in planning and monitoring their activities and implementing in accordance with DDG quality standards.
• Support the Project Managers in budget follow-up and coordinate with Finance Department adjustment measures.
• Represent DDG in coordination with the Head of Programme based in Abuja, in front of local government institutions, non-governmental organisations, community-based organisations and local communities to ensure the smooth execution of programme activities.
• Lead DDG programme implementation and development.
• Plan, prepare and facilitate the project reviews
• Oversee the roll-out of DDG activities throughout DRC/DDG offices in northeastern Nigeria.
• In association with DRC/DDG support staff, carry out budget monitoring on a regular basis, including compliance with the minimum DRC/DDG standards and donor requirements.
• Ensure the necessary systems are in place in the North-eastern programme.
• Support the DDG HoP to develop concept notes, proposal writing and answers to tenders.

Team Management:

• Provide strong leadership to the AVR Project Manager and the Risk Education Project Manager.
• Provide oversight to the work of the DRC Livelihood Manager, where relevant within the framework of joint programming.
• Support the Project Managers in drafting job descriptions and individual action plans
• Ensure the ongoing formal and informal appraisal/evaluation of staff performance.
• Implement the internal coordination mechanisms in Maiduguri 

Security:

• In close collaboration with the Safety Advisor, ensure that all DDG staff in NE Nigeria respects safety procedures.

Reporting:

• Provide the DDG HoP with draft narrative donor reporting in compliance with internal and external reporting requirements.
• Regular reporting to the DDG HoP

Information and Data Management:

• Facilitate the coordination with M&E teams for data collection and analysis
• Provide guidance to the Project Managers in developing IEC, educational contents and methodologies adapted to NE Nigeria
• Assist the MA Manager in collecting data about contamination, victims and casualties
• Develop /implement visibility plans.
• Establish monthly newsletter, projects fact sheets and other external communication tools.
• In consultation with the DDG HoP, liaise with relevant government authorities, donors, partners, UN agencies and international and local NGOs and various local co-ordination forums.
• Ensure the Mine Action Working Group Secretariat
• Support the implementation of KAP surveys, baselines and assessments. Provide analysis
• Liaising with donor representatives in the region and in Abuja as required.

Accountability:

• Guided by the DRC/DDG Programme Handbook, Operations Handbook, AVR Framework and handbooks, and the DDG Mine Action SOPs, the DDG Deputy 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.
• Act as a focal point between Support Services and the Project Team.

Required Qualification
Essential:

• Proven experience with programme management (planning, implementation and monitoring) from a complex and fragile environment, preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Proven experience working on AVR and/or Mine Action programming and implementation.
• Strong on liaison and networking with national stakeholders at local level.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (writing reports and proposals).
• Proven ability to mentor and coach others. 
• 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. 

Desirable

• Preferable an MA/MSc level in a relevant discipline from an internationally recognised university.
• 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.

Personal Competencies

• Flexibility - in getting the job done.
• Respect - in regard to your colleagues and their field of expertise and work day.
• Openness and transparency - when working with national and local partners
• A mindset of collaboration and coordination - in regard to working with related partners and institutions such as other NGOs and the UN.
• Trust building, respectful and collaborative towards beneficiaries.

All employees should master DRC's core competencies: 

• Striving for excellence: Ability to focus on reaching results while ensuring efficiency. Strive to produce accurate, thorough and professional work with optimal use of time and effort.
• Collaborating: Excellent in cooperating with and involve relevant parties, actively seeking their opinion and sharing key information with them. Support and trust others while encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Ability to take ownership and prioritize job according to DRC’s overall vision and goals. Take the initiative when confronted with a challenge or an opportunity and aim for innovative solutions.
• Communicating: Excellent in writing and speaking effectively and honestly while adjusting style and tone to the situation. Listening actively to others and involve them in the dialogue.
• Demonstrating integrity: Act in line with DRC’s vison, values and collaboration standards.  Encourage inclusion and diversity to ensure sustainable solutions. Actively involve, respect and empower stakeholders.

We Offer

• A challenging and rewarding job in one of the best NGOs in the world. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Demining Group/Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to www.drc.dk under Vacancies for more information.
• The salary level for this position is A13. DDG/DRC has a generous benefits package, including R&R, pension, and duty station allowances.

Application Closing Date
5th March, 2017.

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

Note

• Please note that applications are not to be sent to individuals within DDG.
• Applications sent directly to Yann Faivre will not be considered.
• All applicants should include a cover letter and an updated CV no longer than four pages, in English.
• Your CV should also include contact details of three professional referees.