Assistant Programme Director FSNL (Food Security, Nutrition & Livelihoods)

GOAL

General Description of GOAL Syria’s response

GOAL is an international emergency and development NGO dedicated to alleviating the suffering of the poorest and most vulnerable. GOAL was established in 1977 and is currently operational in 13 countries world-wide. GOAL began operations within Northern Syria in 2012 responding to the acute needs of conflict affected communities with a support structure based in Turkey. GOAL has offices in Ankara, Hatay, and Gaziantep, Turkey and Amman, Jordan which support both the cross border and Turkey programming.

The scale and severity of humanitarian needs in Syria remains extensive. Household needs are persistent due to the protracted conflict, waves of displacement, and an erosion of household’s coping strategies. Conditions are expected to remain unstable and bring additional challenges to struggling communities, combined with the potential detrimental effects of COVID-19. GOAL’s work in Northern Syria is primarily in Idleb and Northern Aleppo Governorates. The program has a heavy focus on Food Security, WASH, Livelihoods and Emergency response with a growing reliance on cash and voucher modalities. GOAL is the largest NGO provider of CVA assistance in North-West Syria. GOAL implements directly, with over 600 staff based in Syria working out of field offices in Idleb and Northern Aleppo, as well as implementing in adjacent geographical locations through Syrian NGO partners. GOAL’s CVA (Cash & Voucher Assistance) response in Syria primarily consists of MPCA (Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance) and vouchers. GOAL is delivering a value voucher-based response to approximately 35,000 households a month under the RESTORE Program. Currently, GOAL is transitioning to e-vouchers.

Overview of the role

Reporting to the Syria Programme Director (SPD), the Assistant Programme Director (APD) for Food Security, Nutrition & Livelihoods (FSNL) will assume a dynamic operational and strategic leadership role within the GOAL Syria Programme Department responsible for the implementation of GOAL’s Northwest Syria FSNL programme ensuring its technical and financial integrity. The role will also encompass high-level relationship building and liaison with donors and GOAL partners as well as supporting the SPD to ensure that GOAL Syria is well positioned with donors, and strategic partners with respect to its current and future programmes.

The ADP will manage the Food Security, CVA & market, nutrition, livelihoods, and SME Programme Coordinators providing direct line management to staff in Turkey and Jordan.

The APD-FSNL will be part of the GOAL Syria Programme Leadership Team working closely and in coordination with the SPD, Deputy Programme Director (DPD)– Quality and Technical, ADP EWS (Emergency WASH Shelter) and Senior Grants Coordinator to support the timely and quality implementation of GOAL’s programme portfolio and the development of future programming as part of GOAL Syria’s FSNL humanitarian response.

Main responsibilities:

Job Responsibility #1: Strategic Leadership, Quality & Management**

% of Time: 40

Program Oversight and Quality

  • Ensure the successful, timely and quality implementation of GOAL’s FSNL programme and associated programme deliverables.
  • Plan, direct and coordinate technical and operational Livelihoods, SME, Nutrition, CVA and Food Security activities to ensure that project goals and objectives are accomplished with prescribed timeframes and funding parameters.
  • Oversee day-to-day implementation working closely with and across the senior programme management team to ensure adherence to donor requirements as well as Financial, HR, Procurement, Logs and IT policies and procedures. Provide direct support to Livelihoods, Nutrition, CVA and Food Security Coordinators on program implementation planning and monitoring (procurement planning, budget design, forecast and follow-up, donor reports, technical reports, etc.)
  • Provide overall guidance and direction to the FSNL program team on achieving agreed targets and strategic objectives for the FSNL department. Lead the program team in the adherence to the work plans, accomplishment of targets and determination of factors affecting program implementation as well as planning and execution of action to mitigate the negative impact.
  • Lead coordination of GOAL Syria annual vulnerability targeting criteria revision process.
  • Ensure grant-specific program management tools are maintained by Programme Coordinators, namely but not restricted to sector work plans, procurement plans, HR plans and pipelines in consultation with other relevant Programme Coordinators, Technical Leads, Systems and Finance.
  • Regularly review programme SOPs and procedures and support their development through the Programme Coordinators in line with best practice and beneficiary needs.
  • Ensure FSNL Programme Coordinators are supported to routinely liaise with key departments including finance/administration, procurement, and human resource departments to ensure adequate support for the implementation of programme activities. Specifically, to ensure GOAL Syria programme has:
  • the appropriate staffing and resources required for effective and efficient programme delivery,
  • quality and timely supply chain management and delivery of project commodities and equipment.
  • Ensure harmonization and coherence of early recovery and FSNL approaches and activities across all programming with the development of project implementation plans and regular follow-up. Promote an integrated approach among the WASH, Emergency, Shelter and FSNL sectors wherever feasible and justified.
  • In collaboration with GOAL Accountability, Compliance, and Investigations teams, ensure the development, support, and implementation of proper systems to reduce the risk of corruption and conflict of interest by program staff and local authorities; and increase accountability and transparency of GOAL Syria operations. Participate in the Serious Complaints Committee meetings as required.
  • In collaboration with the GOAL Syria GESI advisor, support and facilitate operational mainstreaming of, gender, inclusion, and safe programming aspects in FSNL project implementation.
  • Work closely with the DDP-Quality and Technical, Senior Programme Quality Coordinator, Accountability Coordinator and GOAL Syria’s Gender Equity & Social Inclusion Advisor to ensure that GOAL Syria’s programme portfolio is Safe, Accountable, Gender-responsive, and Socially Inclusive.
  • Promote synergies and collaboration between and within sectors in programme implementation and collaboration between Programme and Programme quality teams, including strategic inputs to assure effective programme quality oversight.
  • Work with programme team to problem solve issues raised by Grants team, Technical Leads and/or SPD which may negatively affect program implementation.
  • Contribute to the identification and evaluation of risks associated with GOAL Syria program activities and support the development of mitigation plans in consultation with Area Management Teams.

Strategic Programme Design and New Business Development

  • Develop strategic positioning for the GOAL Syria FSNL department as part of the Annual Country Planning Strategy and Annual Country Funding Strategy processes, and as needed, in close consultation with FSNL and Emergency, WASH & Shelter programme teams and other technical departments.
  • Lead as required and support SPD in development of sector specific exit strategies and integration of an early recovery and resilience lens in GOAL Syria FSNL programme design and implementation.
  • Assess on a regular basis geographical area of interest and/or existing areas in NWS according to NWS FSNL needs and the GOAL Syria country and funding strategic plans. Identify, propose, and develop new innovative program orientations, strategies, and activities. Contribute to the strategic direction of GOAL Syria’s programme portfolio supporting programme design processes, proposal, and budget development.
  • Support new FSNL proposal and concept note development to ensure high quality technical submissions and donor reporting across all FSNL program activities and GOAL and donor standards.
  • Contribute and support the SPD in the development of GOAL Syria country and funding strategic plans.

Monitoring & Evaluation

  • Through GOAL Syria’s programmatic footprint, ensure the regular analysis and reporting of NWS FSNL needs, malnutrition causal factors and linkages at GOAL Syria country level through regular high quality field assessments, participation in coordination forums, regular consultation with stakeholders and collection of secondary data.
  • Lead and coordinate GOAL Syria NWS Food Security Assessments in close coordination and collaboration with Programme Quality department.
  • In collaboration with the Programme Quality Department, support the appropriate development, and implementation of high-quality technical monitoring systems (including CARI), indicators and supporting tools to monitor needs as well as the impact and outcome of FSNL programmes; ensure their harmonization across bases and build capacity of field teams on their implementation and regular timely use.
  • Support internal and external evaluations and third-party monitoring of current and previous FSNL, programmes in the operational area in a manner that facilitates organizational learning. Support contract management of external consultancies specific to FSNL as required in coordination with PQ department.
  • Support the Programme Quality Department to ensure close monitoring and documentation of program implementation against indicators and objectives.

Knowledge Management and Learning

  • Promote and support a dynamic learning environment across programme sectors and GOAL partners that facilitates two-way learning with various stakeholders.
  • Lead FSNL Programme Coordinators on the development of an annual FSNL Learning Agenda in partnership with the PQ department. Participate with the PQ department in the design and implementation of operational research initiatives to support programmatic learning across FSNL sectors.
  • Support and collaborate with GOAL Syria Cash and Market Advisor in the rollout and implementation of GOAL Global CVA strategy.
  • Collaborate with the Programme Quality Department to ensure that programmatic achievements and best practices are captured and disseminated internally and externally. Participate in GOAL Syria and partner programme Learning and Reflection Review workshops to capture learnings and strengthen GOAL Syria’s adaptive management approach supporting programme design and quality improvements
  • Support learning and application of innovative approaches in FSNL programming in collaboration with other GOAL technical departments, partners, and peer organisations.
  • Ensure documentation and capitalization of lessons learnt and good practices; and contribute to the preparation of publications, where applicable.
  • Work in close relation with FSNL technical counterparts at GOAL HQ and ensure GOAL Syria participation in HQ technical network and working groups.

Budget Oversight & Programme Compliance

  • Oversee and lead decision making around donor budget management, monitor burn rates versus implementation progress across FSNL activities; facilitate budget allocations in consultation with SPD, and with guidance from technical leads. Lead budget and staffing list modification processes when required.
  • Ensure FSNL Programme Coordinators supervise and approve budgets in terms of expenses, projections, under and overspends, and timely allocations, and adopt early measures to address potential diversion from planned spending.
  • In collaboration with Finance and Grant Management, oversee all FSNL program funds in-line with GOAL Syria regulations and donor compliance.
  • Work closely with the Grants Management, Partnership & Compliance Teams to ensure donor compliance for GOAL Syria FSNL programmes and partnerships.
  • Ensure compliance with BHA, OCHA, ECHO regulations and procedures, including compliance with GOAL’s internal policies and guidelines.

Reporting

  • Ensure Grants Management, and Partnership Unit are supported in preparation and submission of technical and program reports as per grant agreements.
  • Ensure the production of high-quality FSNL donor reports.

Job Responsibility #2: Lead, Mentor, and Manage FSNL Programme Staff**

% of Time: 25

  • Directly line manage Food Security Coordinator, Livelihoods Coordinator, Nutrition Coordinator, SME coordinator and CVA Coordinator providing guidance and direction on implantation plans, workload management. priority setting, and task management.
  • Support direct reports’ performance, growth and learning through regular feedback, coaching, and mentoring, as well as mid-term and annual performance appraisals.
  • Identify capacity strengthening needs among GOAL Syria FSNL programme team, and with the Partnership Unit, support identification of capacity strengthening needs among GOAL partners supporting the delivery of training and mentoring as required.
  • Together with SPD identify personal professional development capacity gaps and address through training and other knowledge building resources.
  • Oversee the recruitment and orientation for new direct reports and support FSNL Programme Coordinators in the recruitment and onboarding of their project staff.

Job Responsibility 3#: Partnership**

% of Time: 15

  • Facilitate and support the establishment of links with various FSNL actors working in the same NWS operational areas and propose partnerships where relevant and appropriate
  • Collaborate with the Partnership Unit in defining GOAL Syria’s FSNL new partner and localisation strategy in the context of GOAL Syria’s FSNL programming. Contribute to and participate in new partner mapping and selection processes as required.
  • Provide oversight on strategic programming issues, promoting alignment between GOAL FSNL strategic positioning and partners in programme design, methodologies, founded on core humanitarian principles and standards.

Job Responsibility 4#: Representation, Donors Engagement and Networking**

% of Time: 15

  • Ensure active presence and participation in inter-agency FSNL thematic meetings, clusters, and technical working groups to identify areas for coordination and collaboration. Ensure staff representing GOAL are positively contributing to coordination, representation, and information sharing.
  • Attend meetings with organizations, donors and stakeholders as required and assigned by the SPD.
  • Establish and maintain active working relationships with GOAL Syria donors ensuring and facilitating regular program information exchange and sharing of context and program related analysis; support effective advocacy to respond to identified humanitarian needs.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with potential donors, conveying information about GOAL’s current programming as well as strategic directions as well as actively engaging with them on possible strategic programmatic ideas and concepts.
  • Maintain effective communication and updating on program activities with SPD, DDP, CD and HQ as requested.
  • Elevate strategic themes, such as localization, and resilient food security and nutrition in protracted crises, to external audiences in alignment with GOAL Syria strategic programme objectives.
  • Nurture and maintain robust relationships across GOAL Syria’s donor base as required.
  • Represent GOAL Syria FSNL programmes, technical approaches, and strategy to BHA, other donors, and GOAL FSNL implementing partners.

Job Responsibility 5#: Contribute to strategic country level processes and initiatives:**

% of Time: 5

  • Support an organisational culture that reflects GOAL’s mandate, values, promotes accountability and high performance, encourage a team culture of learning, and innovation.
  • The office holder may be requested to support the SPD as required regarding:
    • Departmental management and leadership, and the streamlining and implementation of Programme departmental processes and procedures.
    • Delegate for the SPD during times of their absence from the office.

Requirements: Technical & Functional skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields in International Development, Agriculture, Public Health, or related field.
  • Minimum of 7 years’ total humanitarian emergency experience in fragile or challenging and complex contexts
  • Minimum 5 years Field-based NGO technical experience in Food Security, Nutrition, or Livelihoods
  • Minimum of 3 years of management responsibility of overseeing comprehensive and integrated food security programs
  • Experience in designing and implementing all types of food assistance program;
  • A proven strong multi-purpose cash-based programming background.
  • Demonstrated ability in project management, donor/relationship management, donor compliance and requirements, budget management, financial analysis, and coordinating processes across stakeholders, supporting projects in fragile countries and/or with USAID funding
  • Experience managing USAID/Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance and/or Bureau of Resilience and Food Security-funded programs,, and knowledge of USAID technical and operational requirements.
  • Sound knowledge of humanitarian international standards, policies and procedures including the Red Cross and Red Crescent Code of Conduct, HAP-I Standard, ECB Good Enough Guide, Sphere Standard, Core Humanitarian Standards, donor requirements and Accountability to Affected Populations framework.
  • Strong computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Power Point)
  • Strong English communication skills (both oral and written).

Strongly Preferred

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields in International Development, Agriculture, Public Health, or related field.
  • Candidate with experience using market-based modalities in emergency/early recovery contexts
  • Strong knowledge in integrated resilience programming where food assistance (in-kind or cash) is used as a resource for improved livelihood outcomes.
  • Experience in providing input to strategic and operational plans and organizing resources to achieve results
  • Commitment to and proven record in managing accountable, transparent, and inclusive programming in complex contexts.
  • Demonstrated organizational, time management, and analytical skills
  • Fluency in Arabic (verbal and written)

Requirements: GOAL Competencies

  • Communication: Skilled communicator and ability to work effectively across multiple cultures, including remotely.
  • Adaptability and flexibility: Ability to manage a large workload and multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines, and to continually reprioritise multiple tasks as a result of new information.
  • Work style: Highly organized team player, pro-active and with demonstrated strong personal initiative and interpersonal skills.
  • Travel: Ability and willingness to travel to Turkey and regionally when required.

Interested? Then apply for this position via clicking on the “apply now” button and fill out the application form. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Application deadline is 25 April 2022.

Please note that GOAL does not charge a fee of any kind or any other financial obligation at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training, induction) or other fees, or request information on applicants’ bank accounts. GOAL does not work with intermediary institutions and individuals or employment agencies during the recruitment process. If any fee or payment requested from you at the application or any stage of the recruitment process, please inform [email protected] with the details immediately.

GOAL’ün, işe alım sürecinin (başvuru, başvuruların işlenmesi, mülakat, eğitim, oryantasyon) hiç bir aşamasında hiç bir şekilde ücret talep etmediğini, başvuru sahibine herhangi bir finansal yükümlülük yüklemediğini ya da başvuru sahibine ait banka bilgilerini talep etmediğini unutmayınız. GOAL işe alım süreci boyunca hiç bir aracı kurum ya da kuruluş yahut istihdam bürosuyla çalışmamaktadır. Eğer başvuru sırasında ya da işe alım sürecinin herhangi bir aşamasında sizden herhangi bir ücret ya da ödeme talep edilirse lütfen derhal [email protected] adresine detayları da içeren bir e-posta gönderiniz.

General terms and conditions

Safeguarding

Children and vulnerable adults a must be safeguarded to the maximum possible extent from deliberate or inadvertent actions and failings that place them at risk of abuse, sexual exploitation, injury and any other harm. One of the ways that GOAL shows this on-going commitment to safeguarding is to include rigorous background and reference checks in the selection process for all candidates.

Accountability within GOAL

Alongside our safeguarding policy, GOAL is an equal opportunities employer and has a set of integrity policies. Any candidate offered a job with GOAL will be expected to adhere to the following key areas of accountability:

  • Comply with GOAL’s policies and procedures with respect to safeguarding, Code of Conduct, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality, do no harm principles and unacceptable behaviour protocols.
  • Report any concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult or any wrongdoings within our programming area.
  • Report any concerns about inappropriate behaviour of a GOAL staff or partner.

This Job Description only serves as a guide for the position available. GOAL reserves the right to change this document. Any published closing dates are estimated. Due to the nature of GOAL’s work we aim to fill vacancies as quickly as possible. This means that we will close adverts as soon as we have found the right candidate and this may be before the published closing date. We would therefore advise interested applicants to submit an application as early as possible.

Thank you.

How to apply

Interested? Then apply for this position via clicking on the “apply now” button and fill out the application form. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Application deadline is 25 April 2022.