Head of Programme, Niamey, Niger

Are you a dynamic seasoned humanitarian professional? NRC mission in Niger is now establishing a new full Country office and we are looking for the next Head of Programme!

Background

Niger faces three major humanitarian crises. The first humanitarian crisis is along the Malian border in Tillabéri and Tahoua, where attacks attributed to armed Islamist groups have spilled into Niger. The second crisis is due to Boko Haram insurgencies in the Lake Chad Basin which mainly affects Diffa region, the third is the presence of 35,000 refugees in Maradi region, exacerbated by increasing cross-border violence and banditry from NE Nigeria. Another situation of humanitarian interest is that Niger is a transit country for north-bound migrants and has developed into a major hub of migratory movements northwards to Algeria and Libya, as well as a country of deportation and return route. Since the passing of an anti-smuggling law in 2016, routes have multiplied and been driven underground, and have become more difficult to reach with assistance.

NRC set-up an Area Office in Niamey in 2019 covering field offices in Tillaberi and Maradi and is now establishing a full country office.

This Head of Programmes position would be to identify solid programme funding for the Niger Country Office programme to establish NRC as a quality operational humanitarian organisation.  NRC has a Sahel regional response approach, in conjunction with the solid programmatic presence in Mali and Burkina Faso. Considering the interlinked crisis dynamics and similarity in potential response strategies, it will be important to create operational synergies.

The role and responsibilities

The purpose of the Head of Programme position is to develop and ensure implementation of holistic high-quality programmes

1. Responsible for the development of the funding strategy in line with the country strategy and programme development needs.
2. Support the program teams on the development of concept notes, project proposals, and budget development for scale-up and post emergency activities ensuring plans are in line with the country strategy and NRC policies.
3. Line management for Core Competence Specialists
4. In conjunction with the Country Director, liaise with donors on new funding and operational areas of programming, and for all grant management and reporting requirements.
5. Ensure NRC’s MEAL data collection systems are in place and information is properly stored and analysed and reported (e.g. GORS).
6. Ensure the inclusion of cash-based interventions and marked based programmes in country and area-based strategies and their implementation across and within NRC’s core competencies, as relevant and appropriate
7. Provide an enabling environment for the implementation of cash-based interventions, including multi-purpose cash assistance, emergency cash responses as relevant and appropriate.
8. Compliance with and adherence to NRC policies, guidance and procedures
9. Development of Core Competency strategies that are aligned to regional and global priorities and strategies
10. Development of holistic and needs based programmes, including cash-based interventions and marked based programmes as relevant and appropriate.
11. Identify funding opportunities, develop funding strategies and forecasts
12. Grants management, BPO allocations and reporting to donors, including compliance with donor standards
13. Quality control, M&E and organizational learning
14. Promote the rights of IDPs/returnees/refugees in line with the advocacy strategy

In addition, preferable you have:

• Minimum 4 years’ experience from a senior management position in a humanitarian/ recovery context
• Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
• Core competency expertise (programmes)
• Knowledge of and experience of working in the Sahel Region
• Experience of working in a neglected or forgotten crisis (with little or no media attention)
• Documented success of achieving significant donor funding in a start-up country
• Knowledge of cash-based interventions and market-based programmes
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities
• Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile
• Fluency in French and English, both written and verbal
• Valid driver’s license

Behavioural competencies:

• Strategic thinking
• Initiating action and change
• Influencing
• Handling insecure environments

More info about this role here!

What we offer

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to join our work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility: At NRC we think outside the box. We encourage ideas and give responsibility to all employees at all levels, to help solve the complex issues that we face. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.

• 12 months contract-possible renewal
• Grade 11 on NRC salary scale
• Location: Niamey, Niger
• An opportunity to match your career to a compelling cause
• A chance to meet and work with people who are the best in their fields

Deadline to apply: 8/02/2023

To apply as an internal candidate, click on the suitcase icon “I am an employee” on the top right of the page to be redirected to NRC’s internal career site.