Head of Programme

DRC has been providing relief and development services in the Horn of Africa since 1997. DRC has been active in Kenya since 2005. The Kenya Program provides services and support for refugees residing in Kenya and the refugee hosting communities. The key intervention sectors include Economic Recovery, Resilience, Protection and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peace Building. 

The DRC Kenya Program is a seeking qualified candidate for the role of Head of Programs (HOP). The prime objectives for the Head of Programs will be the overall technical and management responsibility for DRC’s programmatic work, including in protection, peacebuilding, resilience, economic recovery and promotion of durable solutions for displacement affected populations in Kenya, on the basis of humanitarian principles and human rights. Key focus area of work is to lead and manage the strategic development and implementation of the Kenya DRC programme.

About the job

Based in Nairobi with travel to field locations, the Head of Programme has the overall technical and management responsibility for DRC’s programmatic work, including in protection, peacebuilding, resilience, economic recovery and promotion of durable solutions for displacement affected populations in Kenya, on the basis of humanitarian principles and human rights. Key focus area of work is to lead and manage the strategic development and implementation of the Kenya DRC programme.

You will ensure timely delivery of planned results, within budget, oversee adherence to applicable policies, guide and manage the capacity building of DRC project staff, spearhead fundraising and business development, safeguard staff and assets, advance and coordinate DRC’s work in Kenya with internal and external stakeholders, including current and potential donors, contribute to planning, coordination and learning within DRC Kenya and the organisation as a whole. As part of the DRC Senior Management Team, the Head of Programme may have responsibilities as part of the regional initiatives in East Africa and Great Lakes region such as development or review of durable solutions strategies.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Strategic Programme Development

• In co-ordination with the protection, economic recovery, HDPB and other technical staff, lead the strategic development of DRC’s work in Kenya.
• Support the Country Director in drafting, promoting, and rolling out of all DRC-relevant strategic programme and planning documents in broad consultation with all relevant staff. These documents include the Strategic Programme Document, Results Contract, as well as strategies for all programming sectors.
• Ensure proper understanding of DRC programmatic approaches and strategies by relevant actors (i.e. staff members, partners, partner NGOs, government counterparts, and donors).
• Ensure high quality technical programme design, implementation and MEAL across all DRC Kenya operations
• As an SMT member, manage regular and critical review of the country strategic and action plans and initiate corrective actions/problem solving if and when needed. Follow-up on the Results Plan and report against its indicators.
• In close coordination with the Country Director, represent DRC in key programme relevant meetings with donors, local government authorities, partners, UN agencies and international and local NGOs and various local co-ordination forums.
• Support development and review of the country programme emergency preparedness and response plan.
• Align DRC Kenya program sectors with the DRC Global key sectors as per Country needs.

Fundraising

• Design and implement a resource mobilization strategy
• Manage and develop strong strategic business development to maintain, direct and expand DRC’s current programme portfolio in Kenya
• Position DRC Kenya for consortia opportunities, including with private sector partners

Management

• Management, operational oversight, coordination and implementation of DRC projects within the DRC Kenya programme.
• Manage the program technical team to ensure effective support to field teams in design, quality assurance, and consistent application of grant compliance standards/policies.
• Provide appropriate and timely feedback to the programmes team staff regarding their performance, including annual staff performance appraisals. Identify with staff their needs and opportunities for professional development.
• Support the development of an organizational culture that reflects DRC mandate, values, promotes accountability and high performance, encourage a team culture of learning, creativity and innovation.

Programme Quality Assurance

• Ensure high quality project implementation for DRC projects in line with agreed results, budgets, and work plans.
• Contribute to regular programme risk analysis and development of mitigation plans in consultation with Area Managers and technical staff
• Ensure cross-cutting themes e.g. AGD, Climate Change Adaptation, CHS & relevant technical standards are mainstreamed in all programs where appropriate and relevant.
• Contribute to the improvement and application of the country programme monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning system in order to facilitate continual learning and adaptive management.
• Contribute to active dissemination and communication of programme findings and research outcomes widely.
• Oversee the planning and implementation of capacity building of key staff on issues relating to programme strategies and quality.

Compliance and Grants Management

• Ensure that relevant grants management and donor regulations and requirements are adequately shared and understood by the programme and support teams by overseeing the regular conduct of grants inception meetings, follow up meetings and trainings on donor requirements.
• Plan and execute trimester and annual review sessions and oversee implementation of corrective measures.
• Support the review and timely submission of high-quality donor reports in collaboration with programmes and area teams.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect the following:

Required

• At least a Master’s degree in social sciences, development or other relevant area to the position portfolio.
• Minimum of five years’ management experience with International NGOs or operational UN agencies, including at least two years' experience of community-level programming.
• Excellent understanding of displacement issues and related international policies and standards/frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to mobilize resources and with donor relations
• Proven experience in protection, food security and livelihoods and/or related fields in a management capacity.
• Proven experience in strategic programme management, proposal writing, project cycle management including budget management, staff management, MEAL and reporting.
• Experience with requirements of key donors including USAID, FCDO, DANIDA, ECHO, EU DevCo, UNHCR, UNICEF among others. Experience with commercial contracts and/or private sector partnership an advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is required. Fluency in Swahili and Somali is an added advantage

Desirable

• Successful experience working within a complex security environment is preferred.
• Proven solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Leadership skills, including ability to build and motivate a team and willingness to deal with challenges.
• Ability to manage a large workload and multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: One year, renewable subject to performance and funding availability

Band: E Management

Designation of Duty Station: Nairobi l Unacccompanied Family Duty Station

Start date: 1 July 2022

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatraites or National staff; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies.

For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Simon Nzioka at simon.nzioka@drc.ngo. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 25 May 

The screening process for this position is on rolling basis, so early submission of applications is encouraged. DRC remains a right to close the vacancy once a suitable candidate is identified.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.