INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.
Terms of reference
Job Title: Head of Programme
Code: SR-28-9143
Duty station: KABUL with frequent visits to field locations
Starting date: 01/01/2024
Reporting to: Country director
Supervision of: Programme Managers, Grants and Reporting Manager, Medical Coordinator, Protection Coordinator
Functional Supervisor: Deputy Regional Director
Type of duty station: Non-family duty station
General context of the project
Over 40 years of conflicts and political turmoil have taken a massive cumulative toll on the people of Afghanistan. A total of 18.4 million people, almost half of the total population, have been estimated by the UN to need humanitarian assistance prior to recent events. Severe droughts are recurring in Afghanistan, currently resulting in nearly 14 million people in acute food insecurity, with over 3 million children facing severe malnourishment. The recent displacement of 550,000 people is adding to an estimated 2.9 million people who remain internally displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance, while winter months are around the corner.
INTERSOS has been working in Afghanistan since 2001, with a country office in Kabul, and field bases in Kandahar and Zabul provinces. In recent years INTERSOS has been focusing its assistance based on integrated community-based approach that includes primary health care (including sexual and reproductive health care), nutrition and protection programmes serving conflict-affected populations, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, with a special focus on socially excluded individuals, including women, children and persons living with disabilities.
With its operational approach and active engagement with the communities, INTERSOS has been enjoying strong community acceptance and operational access. All INTERSOS activities continue to be implemented in Afghanistan at present time, with no operational restrictions and with full inclusion of female staff. It is widely anticipated that Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation may deteriorate further, given that the international support to key essential and social services – food aid, health, education, and other essential services, is currently frozen. Although humanitarian aid can not replace this gap, the international assistance that prioritises urgent humanitarian needs will be essential. At the same time, unless the operational environment with all its impediments (including in relation to banking/cash transfers and counter-terrorism measures) does not improve, the response will continue to be a challenge.
General purpose of the position
The Head of Programme is responsible for the overall programme quality & strategy across the country and for providing technical input to the team within the different sectors.
S/he is also responsible for developing policies, processes and standards within the respective area of responsibility. S/he will enable and oversee the monitoring and evaluation of the activities across the country and s/he is finally responsible for the development of the portfolio, ensuring consistent donors reporting, internal and external representation. Ultimately, s/he will be active in high level and strategic decision-making, collaborating closely with the Country Director and the Head of Operations (when in organogram).
Donor focal point on programme and proposal development.
Main responsibilities and tasks
Strategy and vision
- Together with the Country Director and the Head of Operations, contribute to the development and update of the country strategy, within INTERSOS overall global strategic plan, values and principles
- Work as part of the Senior Management Team to share ideas and programme recommendations, supporting and implementing continuous improvement on activities, processes and procedures to optimise results and improve quality of delivery in line with quality standards
- Determine, set and deliver goals and objectives for the programme team in line with the mission strategic objectives
- Provide technical expertise to develop high quality programme ideas and proposals
- Ensure that programme strategies and processes are in place to meet objectives and operational needs in terms of budget, quality and delivery targets
- Develop holistic and needs-based programmes, identifying funding opportunities and strategic partnerships.
- Design and roll-out creative and innovative programming, lead assessments for rapid response or scale-up programming in existing or new areas of intervention
- Together with the Country Director and the Head of Operations, create and implement best practice programme management vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve organizational performance
- Responsible for developing policies, processes, and standards within the area of responsibility
- With/in lieu of the CD responsible for the outreach to donors and potential donors.
Programme management
- Supervise and guide the program team (Programme Managers, Grants Managers, Technical Coordinators)
- Ensure programme coordination and coherence across portfolio
- Ensure programme and project reviews are regularly and effectively conducted, monitor the delivery of programmes based on work plan
- Together with the Head of Operations, ensure adequate resources allocation are provisioned to deliver programmes.
- Develop and oversee the design of concept notes, proposals and budgets for cost-related activities in coordination with Programme Managers and Grants Manager and in line with INTERSOS and donors’ requirements
- Ensure timely communication and information flow on programme achievements to internal and external parties
- Monitor the completion of tasks and ensure good performance and record on appropriate systems
- Conduct risk assessments of processes and tasks within the area of responsibility
Accountability and quality control
- Oversee and support continuous improvement of programme quality standards
- Explore innovative solutions and think creatively to identify solutions that will maximise the impact on programme
- Oversee the development, implementation and management of key performance indicators (KPIs) within the area of concern
- Ensure the appropriate systems and procedures are established and followed, ensuring best practices in project management are developed and adopted with appropriate programme management frameworks in place
Representation and advocacy
- Together with the Country Director and Head of Operations, establish strong and efficient partnerships with organisations, donors and authorities, in line with the country strategy
- Represent INTERSOS in relevant coordination forums
- Contribute to the definition of the country advocacy strategy and represent INTERSOS within national and international media and participate in community activities as appropriate
- Upon delegation of authority, act as Country Director when needed
People management
- Lead the program team ensuring daily supervision and regular support to maximize efficient performance
- Communicate with the program team on programme status, risks and issues in an appropriate and timely manner. Ensure regular and timely communication between project team members
- Monitor the completion of tasks and ensure good performance and record on appropriate systems
- Motivate and coach the program team. Communicate key performance Indicators (KPIs) to the staffs so that they are aware of the strategic annual plan
- Consistently promote high standards through personal example and roll out through the team so that each member understands the standards and the behaviours expected
- Undertake continuous training and staffs’ development. Inspire the team and provide technical expertise
- Support the identification and deployment of the technical skill sets, resource levels and systems to deliver projects, including the engagement of external resources as required
Required profile and experience
Education
BA in relevant field, Master in Business Administration or equivalent
Professional Experience
- Essential working experience of at least five years in related activities at Senior Management level
- Desirable previous experience with NGOs
- Experience in setting up new projects and programmes and of developing and implementing departmental and organisational strategies
- Experience of planning, budgeting and executing complex strategies
- Experience in managing medical, protection and interdepartmental technical staffs
- Experience of working with diverse range of donors, EU, ECHO, BHA, FCDO, SDC, SIDA, Gulf donors and UN etc.
Professional Requirements
- Strategic vision
- Leadership, people management and development
- Planning and organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Negotiation and networking skills
- Excellent budget/financial management skills
- IT literacy (Google Suite, MS Suite, etc.)
Languages
Excellent written and spoken English
Personal requirements
- Behavioural flexibility
- Innovation and creativity
- Decision making and influence
- Communication skills written and oral
- Commitment to INTERSOS principles
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to apply following the link below:
Please note that our application process is made of 3 quick steps: register (including your name, email, password and citizenship), sign-up and apply by attaching your CV in PDF format. Through the platform, candidates will be able to track their applications’ history with INTERSOS.
Please also mention the name, position and contact details of at least three references: two line managers and one HRreferent. Family members are to be excluded.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.