Deputy Director of Programs

BACKGROUND:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the world’s leading agencies working in post-conflict and development contexts, supporting communities in over 40 fragile, failed and developing states. In this capacity, we work to restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted or affected by conflict and natural disasters. The IRC began working in Myanmar in May 2008 with emergency response and early recovery interventions for communities affected by Cyclone Nargis. Since then, the IRC has broadened its portfolio with health, protection, and livelihoods programs aiming to employ a holistic approach to meeting the needs of crisis affected and vulnerable communities to survive, recover, and gain control of their futures. In conjunction with humanitarian programs and longer-term programs working in system strengthening and participatory community-driven development, the IRC works in emergency preparedness and response, supporting its staff and its partners to become more resilient and responsive to shocks and respond quickly when they occur. The IRC currently works in Rakhine, Chin, Kachin, Northern Shan, Kayah and Kayin States and implements an annual portfolio of over $14 million.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The IRC is seeking a dynamic, analytical, and highly motivated individual for the position of Deputy Director for Programs (DDP) in Myanmar. A member of the Senior Management Team, the DDP helps advance the realization of IRC’s program strategy through management support for the technical program leads, and close collaboration with operations departments to ensure more effective and well-coordinated program delivery. The DDP also oversees the Grants Unit and M&E team, and works closely with IRC’s Asia Regional Unit, Technical Units and Headquarter staff based in London, Bangkok, New York and Nairobi. The DDP reports to the Country Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning and Program Development

• Oversee the implementation and revisions of the Country Strategic Action Plan (SAP); serve as the focal point person for the SAP Monitoring and Reporting Protocol and SAP Implementation Committee.

• Support the country program technical leads to design new programs that grow IRC’s overall portfolio in line with strategic objectives and targets, and facilitate effective collaboration across program, grants and finance teams to develop new proposals in line with IRC and donor requirements.

• Maintain relationships with implementing partners, donors and counterparts in the NGO community to develop opportunities for collaboration.

Program Implementation and Coordination

• Support effective management of program implementation by working with staff to develop structured work plans, spending plans, monitoring plans and regular field support visits; ensure that risks limiting achievement of objectives are identified and rapidly addressed.

• Spearhead the institutionalization of regular project meetings (budget reviews, opening and closing meetings, learning meetings) to enhance project management and timely delivery of programs.

• Foster coordination across program sectors and departments, and work with the Deputy Director for Operations and finance departments to solve problems and support strong and effective cross-department collaboration.

• Provide the Country Director with accurate and up to date advice on developments and opportunities in program and project implementation together with any necessary recommendations for action.

• Review reporting produced by the Grants Unit to ensure high quality and accurate reporting for submission to donors, per IRC and donor guidelines.

• Maintain regular communication and collaboration with the HQ-based technical advisors to mobilize technical support for high quality programming in line with best practice.

Staff Management

• Provide leadership and supportive management to the programs department, including stewardship of resources and performance management.

• Monitor and evaluate staff progress toward assigned tasks and agreed objectives and provide appropriate and timely feedback.

• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, nurturing a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.

• Support the identification of promising staff within the country program and contribute to capacity and career development and retention plans.

• Model and encourage active practice of the principles of the “IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct,” and be a champion for gender equality.

• Work with the Country Director, Deputy Director of Operations, Deputy Director of Finance and Human Resources Coordinator to review/revise and develop appropriate policies and address issues.

Representation

• Actively, systematically and regularly communicate with IRC’s partners in country.

• Maintain a sound understanding of programs to be able to represent the IRC and the IRC’s interests with partners, government, donors and clients.

• Promote IRC Myanmar’s vision and mission amongst all staff.

• Serve as an active member of the Senior Management Team and deputize for the Country Director as necessary.

• Coordinate donor visits, and support field staff in preparing and conducting these visits as necessary.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., international development, social science, non-profit management, etc.).

• Excellent professional track record with 5-6 years of humanitarian experience including proven program leadership responsibilities; knowledge of key IRC program sectors (protection, health, livelihoods) is a strong advantage.

• Proven ability to think strategically, prioritize and meet deadlines in a complex and challenging environment; strong analytical capacity and ability to adapt to change and manage competing priorities.

• Excellent leadership, people management, interpersonal and negotiation skills and a demonstrated ability to develop harmonious teams in a culturally diverse context; experience managing complex teams and working collaboratively with programs and operational departments.

• Demonstrated experience in program design, preparation of logical frameworks, budgets and grant management; experience with USAID, BPRM, UN donors, ECHO/EC, DFID, DFAT, and private funding sources.

• Fluent English language ability and excellent English writing skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The DDP position is based in Yangon, Myanmar with frequent travel (approximately 30%) required to project field site locations in rural areas of the country and approximately 1 -2 international trips per year. This is an accompanied post.

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