Area Manager / Programme Manager 11 views0 applications

Job Title: Area Manager / Programme Manager

Location: Kauda, South Kordofan, Sudan

Trócaire works in partnership with local organisations in developing countries, and with people in Ireland, to tackle the root causes of poverty and injustice. Together, we create positive and lasting change. Trócaire works in up to 20 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. We have 5 Goals: Defend Human Rights; Achieve Climate & Environmental Justice; Ensure Women & Girls’ Protection, Voice & Influence; and Mobilise the Public on the island of Ireland to achieve Global Justice. Our work is rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and in our values of Solidarity, Courage, Participation, Perseverance and Accountability.

Since 2011, Trócaire has been supporting civil society organisations in the South Kordofan region, specifically in the Nuba Mountains. Since then, Trócaire Sudan has been addressing a prolonged crisis in health and nutrition, food security and livelihoods, Multi-Purpose Cash, EPI, and WaSH interventions throughout the region. As of 2023, the programme has expanded to Blue Nile State and is currently executing the Extended Immunisation Program. Trócaire is currently working with four local partners in the sectors of Health and Nutrition, Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL), Multi-Purpose Cash, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH), as well as Peacebuilding and Protection. In this context, Trócaire promotes the Localisation agenda and the Nexus approach, which integrates humanitarian efforts with resilience, development and peacebuilding activities.

This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with the growing Trócaire team to lead, coordinate, and develop a diverse portfolio of humanitarian and resilience-building programs, emphasising Health and Nutrition, Food Security and Livelihood, WaSH, Peace Building, and Protection initiatives in South Kordofan and Blue Nile States, Sudan. The position is located in Kauda, in the Nuba Mountains South Kordofan. The candidate will serve as an Area Manager with a strong programmatic focus, joining the Country Management Team (CMT) and assuming responsibility for the implementation of our existing interventions while advancing the direction of our integrated programme.

Reporting to the Country Director, the Area Manager / Programme Manager will take overall responsibility for the day to day office management and oversee delivery of Trócaire’s humanitarian and long-term development programmes in South Kordofan and Blue Nile States, Sudan. S/he will lead, support and develop an experienced, committed and hardworking team line managing directly two Technical Coordinators (Health/Nutrition & FSL) and the MEAL Coordinator.

As a member of the CMT, the Area Manager/Programme Manager will contribute to the strategic direction and management of the overall country programme with specific responsibility for ensuring and driving programme quality and the delivery of results in relation to Trócaire’s country strategic plan and organisational priorities.

This is a two-year Fixed Term Contract, subject to renewal, based in Kauda, Nuba Mountains, South Kordofan, which entails regular travel to programme locations and Nairobi. For the individual possessing the necessary experience and passion for the position, Trócaire presents an attractive compensation package that includes salary and benefits. This position is unaccompanied.

Safeguarding Programme Participants Policy:

Trócaire is committed to safeguarding people within our programmes from exploitation and abuse and has specific policies on this commitment (including a Global Code of Conduct) which outlines the expected behaviour and the responsibility of all staff, consultants and other organisational representatives.

Any candidate offered a job with Trócaire will be expected to sign Trócaire’s Safeguarding Policies and Global Code of Conduct as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents. All offers of employment will be subject to pre-employment checks including satisfactory references and appropriate screening (e.g. police/garda vetting, counter terrorism and anti-trafficking).

Trócaire also participates in the InterAgency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and all employees will be subject to this as part of contract of employment.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership, and Programme Development and Management

• Assume responsibility and overall day to day management and running of the Trócaire office in Kauda.
• Assume strategic leadership and overall management oversight of Trócaire’s programmes in South Kordofan, including planning, design, delivery, compliance, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, financial management, strategy development, institutional funding, internal head office coordination and communication, and external representation.
• Work in close collaboration with CD, to define a theory of change and future strategic direction for the Trócaire South Kordofan and Blue Nile programme in key sectors ( Health and Nutrition, Food Security and Livelihood, WaSH, and Protection and Social cohesion), and partnerships and programme approaches.
• Ensure that Trócaire has clearly identified niches, which our added value contributes to our partners’ work, and that decisions are informed by sound analysis.
• Ensure adherence to the humanitarian principles and compliance with all other relevant policies and procedures of Trócaire, donors and the local authorities of South Kordofan, Blue Nile, and Government of Sudan.
• Manage and deepen the current portfolio of thematic programmes under Health and Nutrition, Food Security and Livelihood, WaSH, and Protection and Social Cohesion in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, ensuring that the work responds to the local context, and contributes the theory of change in line with the Trócaire Sudan Country Strategic Plan.
• Ensure that different thematic areas of work are mutually reinforcing and contribute collectively to achieving country-level outcomes in line with an integrated programming approach.
• Maintain oversight and balance between long-term development programming, and humanitarian response programming, guaranteeing each aspect of programming adequately resourced and receives adequate and timely attention given current and projected circumstances.
• Identify learning priorities within each programme and facilitate the sharing of this learning with partners, across programmes, and externally as appropriate.
• Work with the CD, Finance & Operation Manager, and the Business Development and Grants Manager (BDGM) in Nairobi and the funding units in HQs to secure Institutional Income and guarantee all programmes meet the donor’s requirements. Ensure that relevant support is given to Programme staff and partners as needed to meet these requirements.
• Conduct regular Programme Management Meetings with all relevant South Kordofan based Trócaire staff; coordinate with the CD to conduct joint country level technical programme meetings for learning and experience sharing and oversee and coordinate Trócaire staff participation in external networks, e.g., clusters.

Finance, Administrative and Systems Management

• As a member of the CMT, support the CD and Finance & Operations Manager to develop annual country budgets and participate in regular budget reviews and revisions.
• Ensure that finance/programme officers are familiar with internal, and where relevant external (e.g. donor), financial management guidelines and policies, including fraud policies, and that these are adhered to.
• Support the CD to implement and review an Institutional Funding and Donor Engagement Strategy for Trócaire in coordination with the BDGM.
• Support the CD in identifying possible funding opportunities in-country in coordination with the BDGM.
• Organise and maintain regular team meetings together with the finance and programme teams to ensure oversight of programme budgets and review and monitor expenditure of all programme partners in close coordination with the Finance & Operation Manager, relevant Programme Accountants, Programme staff, and the BDGM.
• Provide the necessary support to the finance team/ programme officers and coordinators to take appropriate actions if problems with financial management or organisational governance are identified.
• Maintain responsibility for organisational systems adoption, utilisation, and compliance; ensure all programme, project, partners and all other relevant and/or necessary information is recorded and stored in Salesforce and Box.
• Responsible for and ensure financial management of projects, programmes, and ancillary funds/costs on Agresso, ensuring all information is managed correctly on Agresso, Salesforce and Box.

Programme Implementation and Monitoring

• Ensure that all programmes are implemented within a clear M&E framework that includes regular (field) monitoring by the Programme Coordinator and -Officers, supported by technical advice from the MEAL Coordinator.
• Monitor the standardised reporting system for all programme partners in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, in line with organisational policy and any institutional funding requirements inclusive of grants and contracts.
• Support the CD in the development of the annual Country Report.
• Work with the Finance & Operation Manager and relevant Programme Accountants and coordinators to proactively manage the programme budget.
• Lead and support the Health and Nutrition Coordinator,FSL Coordinator and MEAL coordinator in the implementation of Trócaire Crisis response strategy, and continually monitor the humanitarian and projected situation of affected communities in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, Sudan.
• Ensure the outlining of a strategy and mobilising of response to sudden-onset emergencies, as required.
• Actively engage and participate on CMT meetings and ensure the CMT and Country Director are well informed on issues related to humanitarian response and long-term development programming in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, Sudan.

Specific to Programme Evaluation:

• Ensure that all programmes are evaluated according to Trócaire’s evaluation policy and that learning from evaluations is incorporated into new programme design.
  • Promote evaluation methodologies that foster internalisation of learning, and where possible promote elements of peer review and evaluation including with Partners.
  • Together with Programme staff, identify and encourage participation at relevant thematic working groups, networks and learning forums at national (and possibly international) level in order to improve programme and advocacy impact.

Human Resource Management

• Line manages team members in line with organisational performance management frameworks, ensuring that all are clear on the change to which they are contributing and, on their roles, and responsibilities.
• Support, mentor, and coach the team members as part of their professional development and to help them to be highly effective in their work.
• Establish a team approach to programming, ensuring that programme staff work together to share learning and exchange skills.
• Ensure regular team meetings for information exchange and strategic discussions and facilitate the rolling out of organisational programme processes and policies within the country team.

Support Finance and Operation Manager, Technical Coordinators, BDGM on the recruitment process for Sudan based staff.

Partner Relationships and Support

• Ensure that the Partnership Policy guides Trócaire’s engagement with partners in Sudan and that all Programme staff are familiar with and implement the policy.
• Work closely with Trócaire’s Localisation Hub and co-ordinate with the Programme staff to develop a Partner Capacity Strengthening Programme with and for all partners in Sudan. This should be developed using the Trócaire Partner Capacity Strengthening Framework and should have a corresponding monitoring and review element for each partner.
• Provide the necessary support to Programme Staff to ensure that all necessary capacity assessments are carried out and analysed prior to entering into any new partnerships.
• In close coordination with the CD liaise with other Caritas/CIDSE/other like-minded agencies where appropriate, to avoid any duplication, reduce transaction costs for partners and collaborate on capacity building, programming or advocacy initiatives.

Policy, Advocacy and Communications

• Support the CD and the Programme staffs to proactively drive an evidence-based advocacy agenda, informed by a contextually relevant power and stakeholder analysis, as well as a thorough risk analysis regarding sensitive messaging.
• Support programme staff to embed advocacy within programme strategies and oversee country level advocacy initiatives led by Trócaire which complements desired outcomes of programme strategies.
• Support the team to ensure Trócaire communications channels (online, offline) are being used to promote/highlight Trócaire’s work in the Sudan.
• Support the CD and Programme staffs to respond to organisational needs for materials, or to facilitate and host visits, related to organisational level policy, advocacy, campaigns, development education, fundraising and communications.

Risk Management

• Together with the CD and the Finance & Operations Manager, ensure that safety and security policies and procedures including the Security Management Plan, related SOPs and visitor briefs are regularly reviewed and updated and that staff, visitors, and other parties affiliated with Trocaire adhere to such policies and procedures.
• Take responsibility for Risk Management at a programme level, ensuring that PMs and POs have the capacity to analyse and respond to risk at project and programme levels and that programme level risks are captured and managed as part of a country risk management strategy.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Represent Trócaire at relevant external fora and ensure quality visibility and coordination with other relevant stakeholders.
  • Fulfil other reasonable duties and responsibilities, as requested by the Country Director, including deputising for the CD when necessary or appropriate.

Behavioural Competencies in Line with Trócaire’s Competency Framework

• Leading: Reflecting our values of Participation & Accountability, acts to inspire and lead others to achieve their potential, demonstrating Trócaire’s values with integrity in order to achieve our organisation’s objectives.
• Communicating: Reflecting our value of Participation, being one organisation, communicating clearly and transparently across, teams, units, divisions, locations and other external organisations. Getting our message across with impact.
• Collaborating: Reflecting our values of Participation & Solidarity, partnering effectively as One Trócaire organisation and, in solidarity, maintains positive relationships built on trust and respect.
• Stewardship of Resources: Reflecting our value of Accountability and decision-making around the best use of resources. Using our resources transparently, sustainably, ethically, fairly & with integrity; acknowledging Trócaire’s reputation in the use of resources.
• Delivering Results: Reflecting our values of Accountability & Perseverance, getting a quality job done through effective performance, planning and decision-making.
• Continual Improvement & Learning: Reflecting our values of Participation & Courage, constantly looking to learn and develop self, employees, and partners to better fulfil Trócaire’s’ mission.
• Flexibility & Change: Reflecting our values of Participation & Courage, adapts positively to change and to different ways of doing things; manages or takes part in change processes in a way that is appropriate to role in the organisation.

Person Specification – Essential Requirements

(E) Qualification

• Third level qualification in Development, Humanitarian or related field of study.
• Master’s or other post-graduate qualification in a relevant area, or significant experience beyond that outlined below.

(E) Experience

• At least eight years of demonstrable experience in the management of integrated health and Nutrition programme, and humanitarian and development programmes of substantial scale, including in international settings.
• At least five years’ experience of leading, managing or supporting teams in a multi-cultural environment.
• Strong team-working skills and experience and playing a leadership role in ensuring cohesiveness, inclusion, and development of staff at all levels.
• Thorough understanding of safeguarding and accountability considerations in development work.
• In-depth understanding of programming in a partnership model, working in a partnership-based NGO.
• Sound and up to date knowledge of development concepts, methodologies, and techniques, including results-based management, rights-based approach, resilience, and participatory methodologies.
• Demonstrable experience of promoting gender equity through programming and within an international organisation.
• Demonstrable experience of working to attract institutional donor funding and of managing large and complex donor grants and contracts.
• Experience of working with management information systems.

(E) Skills

• Excellent leadership skills;
• Ability to motivate staff to align behind a shared vision and objectives;
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and to develop and implement a clear country level strategy in the context of organisational strategy;
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-cultural teams of national and international staff well, and to implement performance management effectively;
• Ability to coach and help others develop in their professional lives;
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills and demonstrated ability in using these with internal stakeholders (Trócaire staff in different locations) and external stakeholders (partners, Church, donors, host government etc.);
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and financial systems on a significant scale, in development and humanitarian contexts;
• Highly organised, with excellent planning, prioritisation and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills;
• Competent in Microsoft packages (Word, Excel);
• Fluency (written and spoken) in English; Arabic desirable.

(E) Qualities

• Understanding of, an empathy with, the role of the Catholic Church in development;
• A strong commitment to the work of justice and an empathy with the ethos and work of Trócaire.

(E) Other

• Ability and willingness to travel within country and internationally including travel to HQ in Ireland.