Head of Programmes

I. Information about the job position

Name of position: Head of Programmes

Expected length of employment: 6 Months with possibility of extension

Start Date: 1^st of November 2021

Type of position: Full-time

Place of employment: Erbil, Iraq (with frequent travel to project locations)

II. Organizational context

Caritas Czech Republic (CCR) is a non-profit organization that operates abroad, in the context of humanitarian aid and development cooperation. It is a respected member of the international network Caritas Internationalis. Its foreign activities focus on the health and social sectors and also on developing livelihood for the local population and education of children and adults.

CCR’s mission in Iraq was established in 2017. Since then, CCR delivered assistance to vulnerable Iraqi population in 5 difference Governorate; namely: Dohuk, Ninewa, Salah Al Din, Kirkuk and Anbar. The mission team comprises approx. 50 staff (6 expatriates and 44 national staff).

CCR is looking for an experienced Head of Programmes who will oversee projects development and implementation and contribute significantly to CCR’s Iraq portfolio management under the supervision of CCR’s Head of Mission**.** Furthermore, the Head of Programmes will actively contribute to strategy design, project development, research initiatives and stakeholders mapping.

The Head of Programmes will directly supervise the project/ programme manager(s), technical advisor(s), grants manager and MEAL Unit. He/ she will make sure that CCR is represented in country-based clusters and technical working groups.

Please check the website of CCR’s Iraq mission to find out more info: https://iraq.charita.cz/

III. Responsibilities

Programme Development and management:

1. Identify funding opportunities and assess CCR’s potential and advantages for developing competitive and quality project proposals. Share recommendations with Head of Mission for go/ no-go decision making.

2. Participate in proposal brainstorming sessions and propose distribution of tasks to ensure timely and quality completion of project proposals.

3. Lead research initiatives and utilize in-house and/ or outsourced technical capacities to shed the light on the needs of vulnerable population and propose meaningful and feasible know-how solutions.

4. Lead project planning exercise including preparing Gantt Charts, M&E Plans, Indi track tools and other operational planning tools.

5. Cooperate with Grants manager and project managers to organize project kick off meetings.

6. Oversee the implementation of CCR’s ongoing projects according to the approved project proposal focusing on quality delivery and project impacts and results.

7. Oversee the implementation of binding M&E tasks for quality assurance and lesson learned.

8. Organize reporting deadlines and assign tasks to programme and M&E staff to ensure timely and quality reporting internally (including HQ) and externally.

9. Ensures compliance with donor rules in project implementation and when drafting variants, reallocations, and project extensions.

10. Lead negotiations and propose terms for MoUs and Contracts on Cooperation (CoCs) with partners and local authorities.

11. Provide leadership and coaching to CCR’s programme, M&E and Grants staff and help in problem solving and decision making. Moreover, identify knowledge gaps and propose capacity building initiatives.

Coordination:

1. Support CCR’s Head of Mission in external communication and coordination with key stakeholders and donor representatives in Iraq.

2. Make sure that CCR is represented in relevant clusters and technical working groups.

3. Liaise regularly with donor representatives, UN and NGO community and local authorities and share updates of CCR’s Iraqi programme.

4. Regular communication with HQ-based Desk Officer and MEAL Unit for information sharing and exchange with HQ.

Financial and administrative responsibilities:

1. Ensure that financial expenditure tracking and forecasting is completed by PMs in timely and quality manner.

2. Work closely with CCR’s Head of Operations to assess the financial status of ongoing projects and mission cash flow.

3. Managing and applying CCR financial and procurement rules during the project implementation.

IV. Requirements

· Candidate must have experience in the management of humanitarian relief and development programmes internationally; previous experience in Iraq is highly desired.

· Minimum of 5 years of professional-level experience working in project/ programme management. Previous experience in livelihoods sector such as Cash for Work, Job creation, Business development is an advantage.

· Successful track record of project/ programme management of at least 2 projects with a budget over 1.5 million USD or one project over 3 million USD.

· Fluency in English is a must. Knowledge of Arabic is highly desired.

· Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility.

· Ability to operate Microsoft Word, Excel and Project Management software.

· Good organizational and analytical skills.

· Ability to work independently.

· Experience from countries with high insecurity is an asset.

V. What we offer

· Gross monthly remuneration based on experience and competencies (the monthly remuneration includes base salary, per-diem and performance-related monthly bonus of 10%);

· R&R every 12 weeks and financial contribution of USD 500;

· 25 days of paid leave, in addition to Iraqi official public holidays;

· Access to training opportunities;

· Travel health insurance;

· 2 return flights per year to home country;

· Accommodation (shared guesthouse or individual with monthly contribution from CCR);

· Pre-deployment and on-site health, psychological and security support;

· Career development in a value-driven professional organization.

· Caritas Czech Republic is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates with disability are also encouraged to apply