Deputy Programme Director

The Opportunity

The Deputy Director of Programme Operations is responsible for the direct management of the Yemen program field teams and for ensuring the delivery of appropriate and responsive programmes. This role will ensure that programmes are implemented on time, on budget and in line with the relevant quality standards. They will bring together oversight of complex multi-field grants and ensure challenges are identified and addressed in good time. They will contribute to the revision of contingency plans and ensure realisation of the related action plan at field level. The DDPO will provide capacity building support to the Field Managers, and will help drive wider capacity building and succession planning initiatives. The post holder will ensure effective systems are in place at field level to deliver on programmes, liaising with relevant Department Heads to ensure synergies across Field level and Head Office level processes.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY
Programme Management & delivery:
Responsible for coordination of programme implementation both direct and indirect for delivery of high quality programming on time, and on budget, in line with the objectives of the response strategy and in accordance with donor requirements
* Establish robust programme management systems and standardised ways of working, including through capacity building of Field Managers and Programme Managers in work-planning and programme management
* Ensure adherence and appropriate responsibility for grants as per the Scheme of Delegation: manage and support budget holders for individual projects and grants, ensuring effective budget management, for example through monthly budget reviews at field level
* Ensure that key project documents are in place at project kick-off (in accordance with PMM templates), including procurement and HR planning, implementation plans, phased budgets, and ensure the regular review of the same
* Support the implementation of MEAL protocols in line with best practices
* Trouble-shoot issues affecting programme delivery at field level, drawing on support from relevant departments within the Head Office
* Responsible for early communication to DPO and Awards Director for any project amendments, extensions etc. and participation in the development of these requests to the donor(s)
* Work with field teams to identify and communicate to DPO/PDQ team any gaps in service provision/unmet beneficiary needs in current areas of implementation or more broadly
* Work with field teams and Partnership Advisor to review project partnerships, including partner-led implementation progress
* In close coordination with relevant departments, participate in the programme proposal process and participate in designing, innovative and high quality programmes to serve difficult to reach children (feasibility, consolidation, methodology, implementation)
* Require Field Managers to prepare timely and high quality progress reports, programme reports, and donor reports in a manner to allow review and consolidation efficiently.

Staff Management, Mentorship, and Development – Programme Operations:
* Work with Field Managers and HR to identify positions and staff suitable for succession planning/nationalisation and support capacity building initiatives
* Ensure appropriate staffing within field teams
* Ensure that all staff understand and are able to perform their role
* Manage Field Managers; define expectations, provide leadership and technical support as needed, and evaluate direct reports regularly
* Provide direct coaching/mentoring to Field Managers and other staff as required
* Work with field managers and HR to ensure that effective performance management systems are in place.

Emergency preparedness:
* Contribute to the review of contingency planning
* Follow up with field teams to ensure contingency plan actions are undertaken, including:
o Working with DPO and logistics to ensure contingency supplies are in place
o Work with Field Teams to identify personnel for emergency response deployments
* Provide surge support for direct implementation in the event of an emergency.

Systems strengthening:

* Ensure that systems and procedures are adopted and implemented that satisfy Save the Children and donor compliance requirements
* Work with other department leads on the roll out of policies and systems at field level, ensuring ‘join-up’ and synergy with Head Office processes
* Address any gaps in support service capacity or systems, as identified at field level, with relevant department leads.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

* Substantial management experience in an NGO environment, including significant field operations experience in both emergency and development programmes
* Master degree in development or other social sciences or equivalent.
* Robust experience of NGO emergency programme cycle management, and with experience of working within a complex and matrix organisation structure
* ECHO, DFID and OFDA funding programme management experience required
* Experience in international humanitarian systems, institutions and donors, and of procedures, accountability frameworks and best practices in emergency management
* Familiar with effective financial and budgetary control and managing grants from major institutional donors
* Solid project management skills related to organisational development projects and international, cross-functional teams with a proven history of delivering results
* Ability to analyse information, evaluate options and to think and plan strategically
* An in-depth understanding of national and international children in crisis issues
* Previous experience of managing and developing a team and the ability to lead, motivate and develop others
* Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
* Ability and willingness to change work practices and hours, and work with incoming teams in the event of major emergencies
* Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children’s aims, values and principles including rights-based approaches

Desirable:
* A very good understanding of at least 2 of the sectoral programmes and a working knowledge of the programme priorities of the response which include Education, Child Protection, Nutrition.

The Organisation
We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:
* No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
* All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
* Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.
Application Information:
Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application, and include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations. A copy of the full role profile can be found at www.savethechildren.net/careers/apply

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.