Head of Ninewa Program

Malteser International is working in Iraq since 2014, mainly through local partner organisations. Malteser International recently started a large-scale multi-sectoral program to encourage the return and sustainable integration of IDPs and refugees to the Ninewa Plains. While the first phase of the program has a strong focus on the repair and reconstruction of damaged houses, the next 2 years will include interventions in livelihood and economic development, education, social cohesion, peacebuilding and dialogue of religions.





In order to ensure a solid management and implementation of the integrated Ninewa returnee program, to engage with relevant stakeholders and to support our partner organizations, Malteser International is looking for a motivated Erbil based Head of Ninewa Program

Based in Erbil, Iraq as the Head of the Program you will be responsible for overseeing and managing the implementation of the whole Ninewa returnee program at a local level. You will closely coordinate and cooperate with the MI country coordinator, local partners as well as with the HQ team for the implementation, development and improvement of the Ninewa returnee program. You will supervise a team of 10+ staff and provide support and advice to the partner organization in the planning, implementation and monitoring of the different components. You will ensure and maintain compliance with Malteser International (MI) and donor procedures, standards as well as rules & regulations.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the MI Country Coordinator to ensure that the Ninewa returnee program is well aligned to the existing country portfolio
• Ensure the achievement of the qualitative and quantitative goals of the Ninewa returnee program.
• Lead a local team for the Ninewa returnee program, to engage with program partners, monitor implementation and strengthen local partners’ capacity
• Establish clear individual performance objectives, goals and timelines for the team members. Provide timely guidance to enable the team to perform their duties responsibly and efficiently. Plan and ensure timely performance management and assessment of this team
• Establish work plans with the program team and partners, and set priorities and targets. Monitor work progress and ensure results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards.
• Approve and monitor disbursement of funds and ensure that activities are within established program work plans and budget allotments
• Coordinate closely with national, local and international actors and participate actively in technical sectors and working groups; represent MI in the program-related meetings at all levels in a professional manner
• Ensure good communication – and where appropriate collaboration - with all relevant actors including UN agencies, other international and humanitarian organizations, churches, civil society partners, local and regional authorities, donors etc.
• Support MI Country Coordinator in overall joint planning and design of current and future Iraq project activities – and lead specifically related to the Ninewa returnee program - including preparation of proposals, logframes and budgets, and donor reporting
• Undertake field visits and surveys to monitor and evaluate program implementation, and identify alternative courses of action to accelerate/improve program delivery
• Participate in establishing effective monitoring, information and reporting systems, and in the development of strategies to support advocacy and community participation
• Oversee the theoretical and on-the-job training and coaching to the partner organisations in project cycle management, application of humanitarian standards and principles and establishment of a functional internal control framework to meet requirements of the donor and principles of transparency and accountability
• Support the partner organisations in the evaluation of the ongoing projects and the assessment and planning of future interventions

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years international experience in a senior management position in humanitarian assistance and/or development programs
• Proven experience in conflict sensitive programming and implementation
• Proven field experience and experience in working with international donors
• In-depth knowledge of international standards for humanitarian / development programs
• Strong program management skills and experience including program proposal development, logical framework, monitoring and report writing
• Proven communication and leadership skills including the ability to effectively motivate people and to diplomatically manage the relationship with local partners, different authorities and donors
• Technical skills and experience in shelter & housing reconstruction, livelihood & economic development or social cohesion & peacebuilding are strong assets
• Academic degree in a related field
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) required
• Language skills in German or Arabic would be a strong asset

Conditions:

• Starting date: as soon as possible
• Duty station:  Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
• Duration of contract: 2 Years (extension possible, subject to additional donor funding approvals)
• Salary according to qualification and experience, insurance package, accommodation in team house (if desired),  one flight home/year
• Please note that this is an unaccompanied position
• Kindly note that this is a non-family duty Station