DDG Head of Programme 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 longterm solutions to the problems of forced displacement.

DRC/DDG started up operations in northeastern Nigeria in July 2015, and currently have a representational office in Abuja and a base in Yola, and is in the process of setting up bases in Mubi and Maiduguri. During the first quarter of 2016, DRC/DDG will initiate a new EU-funded programme that seeks to promote stability and socio-economic recovery in Borno and Adamawa states. The programme will focus on the following four programmatic axes: socio-economic recovery; mine action, community safety; and at-risk youth.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: DDG Head of Programme

Location: Maiduguri, with frequent travel to other field locations according to the needs
Contract: One year with a possibility of extension, subject to funding.
Contract: Level A9

Background

• 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.
• Danish Demining Group (DDG) is a specialized unit within DRC which implements mine action and armed violence reduction (AVR) programmes. DDG’s mandate is ‘to create a safe environment free from armed violence and the remnants of conflict’, and DDG does this via a programmatic focus on four key sectors: Security Systems Reform, Small Arms and Light
• Weapons (SALW) management, Mine Action and Conflict Management.
• DRC/DDG has been present in Nigeria since July 2015, implementing emergency operations in order to respond to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in northeastern 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 radicalisation
  • 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 Head of Programme will have the overall responsibility of the DDG portfolio in Nigeria, which will be a balance of both mine action and AVR activities.
• DDG is in the process of starting up its programming in Nigeria, the Head of Programme will play a key role in leading DDG’s strategic engagement in Nigeria, shaping and advising on DDG programming, and ensuring programme coherence, alignment with DDG’s global mandate and objectives, and quality delivery.
• The DDG Head of Programme  will also lead the overall programme management of a two-year EU-funded stability and resilience programme to be implemented in Adamawa and Borno states.
• The DDG Head of Programme will be responsible for donor liaison and for liaison/representation with government authorities in the areas of implementation, as well as national level, in coordination with the Country Director, Safety Advisor, Head of Base (HoB) and Abuja Head of Office.
• The DDG Head of Programme has dual reporting lines, reporting to the DDG Regional Manager (based in Abidjan) and DRC/DDG’s Country Director for Nigeria. She/he works in close collaboration with DDG’s Global Specialist Leads on Mine Action and Armed Violence Reduction, Heads of Base, DRC Head of Programme, technical managers/advisors and the DRC/DDG support staff, and is a member of the Nigeria Senior Management Team (SMT).
• DDG Head of Programme will directly supervise AVR Manager, Mine Action Manager as well as Risk Education Manager

Tasks and Responsibilities
Strategic Programme development and management:

• Overall programme management responsibility for integrated DRC/DDG EU programme (livelihoods, community safety, youth engagement, mine/ERW risk education) ensuring timely and quality programme Delivery
• Plan, implement and monitor activities in regard to DDG’s activities in Nigeria.
• Co-ordinate and work with relevant state-level government authorities, local government institutions, non-governmental organisations, community-based organisations and local communities in order to ensure the smooth execution of programme activities.
• Lead DDG programme implementation and development
• Promote the integration of DRC and DDG programming in Nigeria
• Oversee the roll-out of DDG activities throughout DRC/DDG offices in northeastern Nigeria.
• Monitor and advise field staff in programme Delivery.
• Maintain working relationships with DDG’s other programmes in the wider West Africa/Sahel region to exchange experience and ideas.
• In association with DRC/DDG support staff, carry out budget monitoring on a regular basis, including compliance with minimum DRC/DDG and donor requirements and ensuring that
• Keep the CD informed at all times of programmatic updates and potential fundraising / project ideas and initiatives.

Team Management:

• Provide strong leadership to the regional programme, with oversight and management of DDG expatriate staff (in particular the DDG Mine Action Manager and the DDG AVR Manager), M&E Manager (as it relates to DDG work) and national staff executing DDG programming in Nigeria
• Provide oversight to the work of DRC Livelihood Manager, where relevant within the framework of joint programming
• Ensure the ongoing formal and informal appraisal/evaluation of staff performance, including follow up on Results Contracts and annual written appraisals of the DDG programme staff 

Security:

• In close collaboration with Safety Advisor, reporting to the DRC/DDG CD for Nigeria, ensure adherence to security procedures, ensuring a minimum of 91% MOSS compliance of all field locations, monitoring developments in the security situation, developing contingency plans etc.

Reporting:

• Ensure proper and timely financial and narrative donor reporting in compliance with internal and external reporting requirements including procurement.
• Regular reporting to DRC/DDG Regional Office and HQ as required

Fundraising and Representation:

• In coordination with the CD, act as representative for the DRC/DDG programme in Nigeria towards government authorities, donors, partners, UN agencies and international and local NGOs and various local co-ordination forums.
• In coordination with the DDG RM and CD, take lead on the process of securing funds for DDG’s activities. This includes any liaison and contact with the donor and national stakeholders.
• In consultation with the Country Director, liaison with relevant government authorities, donors, partners, UN agencies and international and local NGOs and various local co-ordination forums.
• Identifying new programming opportunities and writing concept notes and proposals
• Liaising with donor representatives in the region and in Abuja as required

Accountability:

• Guided by the DRC Programme Handbook, Operations Handbook, AVR Framework and handbooks, and DDG Mine Action SOPs, the DDG Country Manager 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.

Key Requirements

• 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.
• Experience working with donors and external relations
• Strong on liaison and networking with national stakeholders, both on a national and local level.
• Excellent in verbal and written communication skills in English (writing reports and proposals).
• Proven ability to mentor and coach others. Staff management is important in this position.
• 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.

Essential Qualifications:
In addition to the above, the following round up your interesting profile:

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

Essential 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.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

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