Deputy Programme Manager (Technical) - Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme at British Council

The British Council, in partnership with International Alert and Social Development Direct, is the Managing Agent for the £30m+ DFID-funded Nigeria Stability & Reconciliation Programme. This new, high profile and ambitious programme aims to support Nigerian stakeholders (state and non-state) to prevent and manage conflict non-violently, reducing the negative impacts of conflict and violence on the most vulnerable. The Programme is engaging across eight states in the North East, North West, ‘Middle Belt’ and the Niger Delta, to:

• Strengthen conflict prevention and management architecture
• Address underlying drivers of conflict
• Increase effective participation by women and girls in peace building
• Strengthen conflict-sensitive approaches to policy & programming in Nigeria

We are looking for a Deputy Programme Manager to ensure that this large, complex and multifaceted programme is delivered in an integrated way, to the highest technical standards and to the satisfaction of Nigerian stakeholders and DFID.

Job Title: Deputy Programme Manager (Technical) - Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme

Location: Abuja

Purpose of job
To provide technical oversight of the DFID-funded Nigeria Stability & Reconciliation Programme (NSRP), ensuring successful delivery of the programme’s outputs.

Context and Environment
The British Council is the Managing Agent for the £20m+ DFID-funded Nigeria Stability & Reconciliation Programme.  This  high profile programme aims to support Nigerian stakeholders (state and non-state) to prevent and manage conflict non-violently, reducing the negative impacts of conflict and violence on the most vulnerable.  The Programme will engage across 8 states in the North East, North West, ‘Middle Belt’ and the Niger Delta, to:

• Strengthen conflict prevention and management architecture
• Address underlying drivers of conflict
• Increase effective participation by women and girls in peacebuilding
• Strengthen conflict-sensitive approaches to policy & programming in Nigeria

Accountabilities, responsibilities and main duties
The Deputy Programme Manager (Technical) is accountable for: (1) delivery of the Programme’s technical outputs and results to the satisfaction of DFID and the Nigerian public.

The Deputy Programme Manager (Technical) is responsible for: coordinating and line managing the output managers, M & E Manager and Media Manager; ensuring outputs of the programme are delivered timely and of the highest standard; and managing the coherence and integration of outputs and components to ensure that they contribute to the delivery of the outcomes and impact as envisaged in the programme’s theory of change.  The Deputy Programme Manager (Technical) will also be responsible for overseeing the development and monitoring of stakeholder engagement strategies.
The main duties include:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight to Output, Media and M & E Managers.
• Lead the development and revision of output and component plans, ensuring that they continue to meet stakeholder and beneficiary requirements, are realistic and achievable, technically sound, and represent the best possible value for money.
• Contribute to development and revision of programme strategies.
• Oversee the preparation of programme quarterly reports, annual reports and evaluation reports.
• Provide technical support for implementation & monitoring of all programme activities.
• Contribute to overall capacity development (skills and knowledge) of the NSRP delivery team.
• Draw together output level reporting to present programme-wide results.
• Ensure Outputs continue to relate to each other conceptually and mutually support each other, and ensure cross-cutting elements (media, gender, research) do not become stand-alone components.
• Provide technical support and training to clients and stakeholders as may be required.
• Establish, maintain and actively manage effective relationships with key stakeholders.
• Deputise for the Programme Manager as required.

Other important features or requirements of the job
The position will require extensive travel to target NSRP regions, states & LGAs, including insecure regions, subject to the prevailing travel and security policy implemented by NSRP. Unsocial and over-hours are likely to be required to meet operational requirements of the post / project.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Sector Knowledge

• Demonstrable comprehensive understanding of one or more appropriate sectors – peace & conflict prevention, security & justice, and / or governance
• Practical familiarity with political economy analysis and conflict assessment approaches
• Knowledge and practical application of conflict sensitive programming approaches

Project Management:

• Proven record of working as Component Manager and Adviser in donor-funded peace & conflict prevention, security & justice or governance programmes
• Proven expertise in the management of donor M&E and reporting frameworks
• Evidence of management of sizable programme budget

Relationship building

• Ability to identify, build and manage relationships with state and non-state actors at the highest level for strategic gain.
• Ability to actively advocate and win support behind the scenes, using diplomacy and politically awareness

Communication skills
·    Excellent communication skills, including a very good knowledge (verbal and written) of English, with advanced presentation, persuasion and negotiation skills

Qualifications

• A degree in any discipline the social sciences and humanities
• Postgraduate degree in development, conflict, international relations or related discipline

Experience

• Substantial experience in peace & conflict prevention, security & justice or governance sectors of which at least significant experience in a senior management & leadership capacity
• Significant management experience specifically in the design and implementation of complex multi-component programmes in peace & conflict prevention, security & justice or governance sectors
• Experience of living and working in conflict affected or fragile state environment

Application Closing Date
29th January, 2014

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should
Click here to apply online