Deputy Country Director

Location

Starting Date & Initial Contract Details

March 2020. Full time, 12 months.

Role Overview

Manage the development and oversee the implementation and development of the programme functions to facilitate the implementation of the country strategy. Providing leadership, strategic direction, management and evaluation of all aspects of the programme, the Deputy Country Director also plays a key role in external representation, legal compliance, grant management, programme coordination and team leadership.

Project Overview

Madagascar is counted as the country with the second or third highest chronic malnutrition rate worldwide and Southern Madagascar is experiencing the worst drought and food security crisis recorded since 1981. Also, Madagascar is one of the most prone countries to Cyclones, hence, working on disaster preparedness is critical. Medair has been present in Madagascar since 2002 and currently runs WASH, Nutrition, DRR and ERT projects in different parts of the country.

Our Culture

Key Activity Areas

Programme Design & Management

• Contribute to the development of the country programme strategy, in coordination with sub-offices and other key leads for strategy. Lead the design and development of new projects in collaboration with the country team.
• Oversee programme implementation in consultation with the relevant senior field managers and in accordance with the project proposals, ensure objectives are met within the required time frames and budgets.
• Manage a comprehensive activity plan for the programme, including resource needs analysis, covering the time frames of the project proposals. Facilitate cross cutting communications with all country teams.
• In collaboration with the Finance and HR Manager, Logs Manager and support field managers in all aspects of finance, administrative, human resource and logistics management, ensuring knowledge of and adherence to applicable operational systems, donor requirements and country programme strategy.
• Prepare and implement policies, procedures and guidelines, and with the relevant field managers and GSO staff, so as to enhance the smooth running of the programmes through standardised procedures and support.
• In collaboration with the CD/HCP ensure the timely submission of high-quality concept papers and proposals.
• Support Project Coordinators as needed to ensure effective implementation of Medair’s projects in Madagascar
• Ensure regular project monitoring and evaluation against project objectives takes place. Ensure the CD and other relevant staff are kept informed of progress and grant spending, and that corrective measures are taken.
• Prepare and implement procedures and guidelines, as appropriate and with the relevant Sector Advisors, field project coordinators and GSO staff, so as to enhance the smooth running of the programmes.
• Represent Medair at relevant national and local meetings with coordination bodies, government officials, other NGOs, etc., reporting back as applicable to Country Director.
• In-country focal point for cash programming, conflict sensitive programming, and gender/ protection mainstreaming. Support the field teams with training materials, technical advice and support in these areas.

Staff Management

• Line manage designated staff, including delegation of tasks, setting objectives and follow up with staff.
• Facilitate regular communication between departments and, through a consultative leadership style and a transparent, honest and supportive communication structure, develop and build an effective team.
• Reflect the vision and live the values of Medair at all times and especially when interacting with team members, beneficiaries, and external contacts. Provide team members with leadership, advice and support.
• Develop direct reports to improve their knowledge, competence and performance.

Security Management

• Assist the Country Director in managing security incidents. Lead the Security Management Team in the Country Directors’ absence. Assist the County Director in enforcing and updating local security guidelines and manuals.

Communication

• Develop and maintain a transparent, honest and supportive communication structure with colleagues to ensure they are kept informed of programme related activities and requirements.
• Assist in linking field locations together and promote the sharing of information and lessons learned across programme locations. Develop and maintain positive relationships with programme stakeholders, representing Medair and ensuring good co-operation and partnerships.
• Act as focal point for AAP, ensuring that structures and response mechanisms are established and in use. Create training materials and disseminate to field staff. In consultation with the Project Coordinators, develop monthly sitrep templates for each project and ensure that these are being submitted monthly and shared with the CD.

Quality Management

• During field visits assess and provide feedback on the quality of the programme activities and interventions.
• Ensure frequent and appropriate monitoring and evaluation of programme activities and s outputs is taking place. In collaboration with relevant M&E and technical advisors, follow-up to see that corrective actions are implemented. In collaboration with the Finance and HR manager and Logs Manager, review, develop and implement systems to improve transparency and to detect and ultimately prevent loss or fraud.
• Ensure country programmes are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with Medair, donor, country and international standards e.g. Sphere and CHS standards, WHO, etc.

Team Spiritual Life

• Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, and external contacts.
• Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based team settings. Fully contribute to the rich spiritual life of your team, including team devotions, prayers, and words of encouragement.
• Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international prayer network.

This job description covers the main tasks that are anticipated. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant subject such as Management/Development Studies/Business Administration or in a relevant technical subject – preferably public health related.
• Strong working knowledge of English and French (spoken and written).

What is the ROC and why is it required?

Experience

• 1-2 years of experience in a senior leadership position. Experience in the implementation of aid projects.
• A solid comprehension of MEAL approaches and processes.
• Proven record of successful proposals and experience in donor reporting. Coaching and training experience.

All new deploying international staff to Medair’s country programmes (and other roles which require field travel) should be fully vaccinated with a WHO-approved COVID vaccine, supported with a COVID vaccination certificate as evidence.