Head of Programme, Afghanistan

Overview

The Head of Programme (HoP) drives the overall country strategy and coordinates the development of sector strategies in Afghanistan. The role leads on programme conceptualization, development, fundraising, donor engagement, and ensures programmatic quality.

Tasks Summary

• Lead the conceptualization and development of the country strategy and sector strategies.
• Ensure programmatic quality and effective management of grants.
• Oversee the Technical Programme Unit and Grants and MEAL teams.
• Develop standard operating procedures, technical tools, and programmatic assessments.
• Ensure adherence to programmatic quality standards, including MEAL processes and cross-cutting issues.
• Engage with partners, civil society, and the donor community.
• Provide oversight and leadership on programme design, development, and quality assurance.
• Ensure systems and tools are in place for gender equality and social inclusion sensitive programming.
• Facilitate collaboration and utilization of global and regional technical support.
• Lead the development and review of the country fundraising strategy.
• Monitor donor strategies and funding trends.
• Identify and cultivate strategic donor partnerships.
• Guide the expansion and diversification of the funding portfolio.
• Provide strategic oversight of the grants pipeline and forecasting.
• Ensure proposals are in line with the Strategic Plan and Sector Strategies.
• Ensure effective and transparent budgeting, planning, and follow-up.
• Ensure grants opening, review, and closure meetings take place.
• Ensure quality control of donor reports and authorize submissions.
• Represent DRC’s programme in Afghanistan with government, donors, and humanitarian stakeholders.
• Represent or delegate appropriate staff to represent DRC at relevant forums.
• Conduct regular stakeholder analyses.
• Engage in and lead coordination processes amongst key stakeholders.
• Review and oversee implementation of the CSO partnership strategy.
• Identify and develop partnerships with relevant and complementary partners.
• Ensure line-managed staff have clear and realistic performance-based management goals.
• Provide ongoing support and coaching to line-managed staff.
• Lead and nurture a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative team culture.
• Plan, draft, and/or review scopes of work to hire and manage technical consultants.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in programme management, leadership, and design in countries of conflict or post-conflict.
• Minimum 4 years of experience working in managing humanitarian operations in complex settings.
• Strong leadership skills and proven results related to the position’s responsibilities, including project management and people management.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in at least two core sectors relevant to DRC’s portfolio, including: Protection, Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (HDP), Economic Recovery, and Shelter, WASH and Infrastructure (SWI).
• Demonstrated comprehension of Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (HDP) is a plus.
• Prior experience in developing and conceptualizing durable solution and/or climate adaptation programming is a plus.
• Strategic thinker that is able to handle high-pressure environment and manage conflict.
• Proven ability to mentor and coach others.
• Proven experience in managing large multi-sectorial and integrated programmes.
• Proven experience in proposal development and representation.
• Experience working with donors and external relations.
• Strong on liaison and networking with national stakeholders, both on a national and local level.
• Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy.
• Capacity and willingness to be flexible and accommodating in difficult and insecure circumstances.
• Flexibility – in getting the job done.
• Respect – in regard to your colleagues and their field of expertise and work day.
• Openness and transparency – when working with national and local partners.
• A mindset of collaboration and coordination – in regard to working with related partners and institutions such as other NGOs and the UN.
• Trust building, respectful and collaborative towards beneficiaries.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Social Sciences or a relevant discipline.
• Master degree in Social Sciences or equivalent discipline is an advantage.

Other Details

Languages Required: • English (Fluent) written & spoken

Languages Preferred: • Dari/Pashto is an asset

Contract Duration: 24 Months

Work Modality:

Remuneration: Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates or Nationals.