Head of Programmes

Location: DRC, Bukavu, with frequent travels to the field (S Kivu, Maniema provinces)

Starting date: ASAP

Duration: 12 months with possibility of extension

People in Need (PIN)is an international, non-profit organization providing humanitarian and development assistance in over 20 countries worldwide. PIN draws on extensive past experiences and lessons learned across development, emergency and post emergency contexts to design, implement and monitor quality programming. Active in DR Congo since 2008, PIN DRC is considered one of the main actors in the nutrition sector in South Kivu province. PIN DRC focuses our work on three thematic areas Community Resilience & Sustainability, Response to humanitarian crises, Good Governance & Civil Society. Key current and past donors include UNDP - Pooled Fund, UNICEF, FAO, ECHO.

Under the direct supervision of the Country Director, the Head of Programmes (HoP) supervises all programmes, with the specific responsibility for timely and efficient programme implementation, and the quality of projects. By supervising the implementation of results-based Monitoring and Evaluation systems, the Head of Programmes also guides the programme strategy and development of future programmes. Together with the Country Director, the Head of Programmes represents PIN to donors and partners, ensuring that PIN is recognised for its field experience. Furthermore, the Head of Programmes engages in medium and long-term planning and strategy activities, including formulation of new proposals, and ensures continuous quality improvement of programmes and contributes to a positive working environment for programme staff.

The Head of Programmes reports directly to the Country Director, who provides direction and general supervision. HoP serves as a line manager for Project Managers and Technical Advisors (M&E), and works closely with heads of support departments.

In coordination with the Country Director attends meetings with donors, government partners, regional and local authorities; other agencies, clusters, coordination bodies etc.

• Assist the Country Director in the management of the country programme
• Lead the programme side of the development and roll-out of the Country Strategic Plan
• Ensure that the overall programme is designed, managed and implemented in conformity to People in Need’s policies, strategy and guidelines
• Participate in senior management meetings and strategic decision making

• Ensure effective operational management of PIN’s programme through line management of Project/Programme Managers and M&E Department
• Ensure cross-cutting themes are mainstreamed, and the programmes strategic plans are followed
• Ensure timely and high quality reporting to donors and HQ
• Make sure that project developed meets high standards in terms of design, implementation and M&E through proper Project Cycle Management
• Undertake monitoring visits to programme areas and provide feedback to managers and staff
• Prepare programme budgets collaboratively with programme and finance staff
• Track programme expenditure through programme review meetings using financial expenditure reports prepared by the finance department.
• Track programme status through internally developed M&E systems, through regular review meetings
• Actively participate at regular skypes with TAs and DO on programmatic discussions

• Offer critical advice on program trajectories and direction for future development in line with program strategies; review and update program strategies as necessary
• Actively contribute to development of new proposals, within existing PIN programs and in line with PIN country strategy and PIN Relief and Development Department strategy
• Network among donors and key stakeholders to actively seek funding opportunities, help increase the quality of proposals, understand donor priorities and ensure coordination

• In consultation with the Country Director, plan HR needs, identify capacity building needs for senior staff and ensure sufficient human resources for the projects to meet its objectives
• Ensure that PIN retains its capacity to respond to emergencies within its programme areas and is responsible for managing any small-scale emergency responses within the programme areas.
• Review project staff periodic evaluation to ensure coherence among teams.

• Abide by PIN security rules and help facilitate smooth cooperation between projects and PIN Security Officer and or CD
• Compliance with all security and safety rules and regulations set-up in the SOP
• Application of the security rules in the field and ensuring humanitarian access through negotiations with all relevant stakeholders based on agreement with the Country Director

• Ensure that PIN is well represented and visible in the donor community, among key partners, and within coordination fora, delegating as appropriate to programme staff
• Help PIN maintain its position within existing sectors and with its existing strengths especially with regards to field presence and regional expertise
• Engage in advocacy and policy dialogues where appropriate, ensuring PIN represents the needs of its beneficiaries and based on its field experience in order to campaign for needed policies and donor commitments
• Supervise project staff attending and participating in cluster, focusing on cluster in which PIN is co-lead.
• Maintain open dialogue with regional and local government
• Liaise with HQ (esp. with Desk Officer on programmatic issues)

• Ensure that all programmes properly retain programme learning for future projects, and that all information is properly documented
• Ensure that all official programme documentation is properly stored and available for the future