Area Programme Manager

Overall purpose of the role:

Under the supervision of DRC Area Manager, the Area Programme Manager (APM) is responsible for the project and project cycle management as well as overall execution of DRC Programme activities in the central region based on approved funding for areas of operations, maintaining of quality and implementation standards and in compliance with DRC and Donor guidelines.  

The Area Programme Manager oversees teams with staff in different programmatic sectors including Livelihoods/Economic Recovery, Protection, Emergency & Mine Risk Education-MRE and guides them to implement Programme activities in the field in line with DRC and Donor guidelines and regulations. The position will have regular communication and liaison with DRC Technical Coordinators (based in DRC country office  Afghanistan)  for quality assurance and technical inputs,    The Area Programme Manager specifically:

• Works in close cooperation with Area-based Team Leaders and Country Office-based Technical Coordinators in developing context specific programmatic strategies and designs.
• Is responsible for overall project cycle management working closely with Team Leaders to ensure timely, high quality implementation, troubleshooting issues and ensuring that the projects deliver against targets, including proactive budget review and financial management.
• Facilitates Programme development in the area and provide inputs for proposal developments in line with DRC sector/ area/and country strategies.
• APM is the main focal point for program stakeholders (internal and external) in all programmatic sectors that Area Office implements.
• APM ensures appropriate sectoral technical expertise are available to the staff in the area office through facilitation with DRC country office technical teams.
• Ensures compliance with DRC Operations Handbook and guidelines within the area office.                
• Ensures compliance with Donor guidelines and contractual commitments and requirements. .

Responsibilities:

Programme / Project Management, working in close coordination with Team Leaders:

• The APM  is over all responsible for management and implementation of DRC programs  and Supporting  Team Leaders (and lead where necessary) to carry out detailed project cycle management for all projects, to coordinate, plan and monitor timely and high quality implementation of project activities, identifying variances to plans, and applying corrective measures and actions where needed.

• Review and approve project / Programme expenditures based on approved and delegated authorization for APM under DRC`s delegation system,  
• Develop and regularly update Budget Forecasts for individual Projects and Review project Budget Follow Up (BFU) reports and highlight discrepancies, where correction is required.
• Proactively identify if projects require budget modifications through regular, monthly, budget reviews.
• Support Team Leaders (and lead where necessary) to coordinate collection of data and development of concept notes and project proposals.
• Support Team Leaders (and lead where necessary) in conducting on-going needs assessment in the area feeding into Programme development and design of new projects.
• Contribute to development and implementation of the area Programme strategy in line with overall DRC country strategy.
• Ensure high quality of the sector-specific interventions, and take steps towards increasing coherence and interlinkages among all projects, strengthening programmatic approach to the area strategy.
• Support the development and roll-out of project-related operational tools and training modules in close cooperation with MEAL and sector-specific Technical Coordinators.
• Identify means of enhancing strengths and opportunities, addressing weaknesses and threats and formulate actionable recommendations related to implementation and project cycle management.
• Carry out any other duties as assigned by the supervisor to facilitate the DRC strategy.

External representation

• In close coordination with Area Manager, represent DRC in external meetings and actively participate in sectoral and other relevant cluster / working groups contributing to advocacy about area-specific needs and DRC response strategy.

• Support close coordination with relevant stakeholders related to DRC programming (e.g. donors, Government counterparts and other coordination mechanisms).

Administration

• Support Team Leaders and lead where necessary to ensure Programme documents are complete, up to date, and stored appropriately.

Monitoring, accountability and reporting

• Work closely with MEAL colleagues to ensure appropriate monitoring of implementation in accordance with MEAL plans and donor guidelines.
• Lead / Coordinate inputs to any reports required at project or Programme level – internal and external.
• Ensure appropriate filing of documentation by project staff is in place for audit purposes.
• In line with DRC operations handbook, continuously monitor and ensure effective upwards and downwards accountability mechanisms are put in place within each project implemented in the area.
• Oversee continuous knowledge sharing across teams contributing to development of technical competencies in the area team.
• Oversee and coordinate the process of narrative and financial reports development, while ensuring compliance with internal and external reporting requirements.
• Compile and quality check regular Programme progress reports to be shared internally and externally as needed.
• Ensure that referred feedback from Area office and country office are responded upon in a timely manner.

Staff management

• Assume leadership of staff and programme, in close liaison with Area Manager, to ensure high quality and timely delivery.
• Hold regular meetings with Programme team, do effective delegation of tasks and responsibilities.
• Supervise Programme team members and influence them to take positive action and assume responsibility and accountability for their assigned work.
• Provide staff with direction in the field and provide technical support where needed.
• Ensure staff capacity building and capacity development in all areas of the program.
• Ensure appropriate and timely performance management of staff based on DRC HR guidelines.
• Provide direct line management to staff, coaching and capacity development.
• Support recruitment and talent management processes within the area Programme team.                                    
• Ensure compliance with DRC Code of Conduct and other accountability mechanisms by yourself and your direct reports.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Relevant university degree (e.g. political science, international development, management of humanitarian aid, economics, etc.)
• Good  management and leadership skills
• Essential knowledge of IDPs/returnees populations.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks; proven self-initiative and problem solving abilities
• At least 5 years of proven experience in international NGO with the focus on Programme development and implementation.
• Experience in providing support to displaced, conflict-affected and other vulnerable communities, including emergency and development interventions is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in project cycle management and management of projects and programmers.
• Demonstrated experience in representation.
• Proven knowledge and application of gender, age and disability mainstreaming strategies.
• Proven leadership skills and a competence in people management, including multi-cultural teams.
• High professional proficiency in English / Dari / Pashto.
• Good writing and reporting skills for external audiences (including governments and donors).
• Experience in working with donors such as Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, European Union (Europe aid and ECHO), DANIDA, AHF, UNOPS and various UN agencies.

CONDITIONS:
Availability: As soon as possible
Duty station: Kabul, Afghanistan
We offer:
• DRC will offer the successful applicant a one-year contract (extendable)
• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with DRC Salary Scale

Application process:
Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the apply button. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CVs without applications will not be considered.
Applications close on 9th of August 2020. However, please note due to the urgency of this position, shortlisting process will be ongoing. Should we find qualified candidates prior to expiry of this advert, interviews will be held immediately.