Ethiopia Senior Coordinator – Programme Implementation (SC-PI)

About the Role – Purpose:

As a member of Concern in Ethiopia’s Country Management Team (CMT), the Senior Coordinator – Programme Quality (SC-PQ) will oversee the timely and effective implementation of Concern’s programmes in Ethiopia in line with the organisation’s policies and strategies and donor rules and guidelines – ensuring quality, achievement of planned outcomes, effective participation by and accountability to target communities and other stakeholders.

 

You shall:

• Lead the implementation of significant and strategic programmes across multiple regions with the aim of achieving replication or scale up of successful approaches either by Concern and/or other actors.
• Actively support Area Coordinators, Programme/Project Managers to successfully implement other projects under their responsibility, sharing staff and other resources as necessary.
• Play a leading role in ensuring the timely, appropriate and effective implementation of humanitarian emergency responses, helping to ensure that Concern Worldwide plays a leading role in the humanitarian field in Ethiopia, supporting the government and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to the building and maintenance of strategic partnerships across civil society organisations (national NGOs, INGOs, etc.), government institutions, UN agencies, private sector and research bodies within programme implementation.
• Maintain high programme quality during implementation with an emphasis on feedback mechanisms and learning.
• Actively assist the PD and CD in building the programme profile and strong relationships with donors and other national level stakeholders and maintaining Concern’s reputation for appropriate and high-quality programming.
• As a manager, be responsible for upholding and promoting Concern’s values, demonstrating leadership on workplace equality, diversity and inclusion, and role modelling a positive safeguarding ethos.

 

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

Programme Implementation:

• Oversee the development of Detailed Implementation Plans (DIPs) and, in consultation with the PD, CD, Regional Director and other key management in Ethiopia and at global head office level, adapt these as necessary to a fast-moving context and needs.
• Manage the timely and effective implementation of projects/programmes/contracts (including support to partners as necessary) and delivery of agreed results – in line with relevant Concern policies, ensuring joint monitoring processes with communities, partners and other stakeholders and identifying opportunities for adaptation or successful approaches capable of replication. This will involve directly managing Programme Managers based in Addis Ababa (Concern’s head office in Ethiopia) and actively supporting Programme Managers based in the regions, as well as active engagement across all of Concern’s support systems (operations and finance).
• Working across Concern departments and functions, ensure timely and quality internal and external reporting in line with Concern’s procedures and donor requirements and undertake effective and prompt corrective action in terms of programme quality aspects as may be necessary.
• Ensure that core Concern polices including Concern’s “How Concern Understands Extreme Poverty” (HCUEP) and its “Approaches to Emergencies” are understood by all staff and implemented at all levels.
• Working with the Senior Coordinator – Programme Quality and other relevant managers and staff, ensure accountability, equality, systems strengthening approaches, environmental protection, DRR and integrated resilience building approaches are fully considered within programme implementation.
• Working with the Country Financial Controller and his team, ensure effective financial management of all programme interventions – development of donor budgets, regular financial forecasting and proper tracking of expenditure in compliance with Concern and donor procedures.
• Support the MEAL Coordinator in the planning and execution of assessments, baselines/endlines, reviews and evaluations.
• Contribute to the capture and dissemination of learning for adaptation of existing projects and to inform future programme development. Ensure that agreed recommendations from project/programme evaluations and reviews are implemented.
• Undertake monitoring visits to programme areas and provide feedback to programme managers, staff, and partners. Contribute to promoting joint planning, monitoring, learning reviews with partners and communities across programmes.
• With the CD and other CMT members, contribute to identifying and managing key risks during implementation – actively engaging in the areas of security management, protection & safeguarding, fraud prevention, securing funding among others.

Humanitarian Sector – Emergency Preparedness and Response:

• With a focus on appropriateness, timeliness, effectiveness and added-value partnerships, implement and periodically update Concern’s Preparing for Effective Emergency Response (PEER) Plan in Ethiopia, engaging across the organisation in Ethiopia and with Concern’s head office as necessary.
• Work with Concern teams and external stakeholders to continually monitor likely hazards that could give rise to humanitarian emergencies and prepare accordingly.
• Ensure all programme teams are fully committed to Concern’s humanitarian mandate and are prepared and trained to engage in emergency responses as and when required.

Strategic Relationships:

• As part of Concern Worldwide’s commitment to locally led programmes/projects where feasible and there is added value, lead in joint project/programme implementation with relevant national NGOs/CSOs, INGOs, government bodies, research institutions and private sector companies – in line with Concern’s Partnership Strategy in Ethiopia and global organisational policies & strategies.
• Supporting the Partnership Coordinator and her team, actively promote genuine partnership across all functions and departments involved in programme implementation and actively contribute to developing a ‘capacity sharing’ mindset and approach.
• Support the PD in engaging within the Alliance 2015 Network of INGOs in Ethiopia as necessary.
• Support the PD and Coordinator – Funding & Advocacy/Communications in the effective promotion of the work of Concern and learning with external stakeholders – government, donors, UN agencies, other NGOs, national level networks and platforms etc. This should include effective and proactive representation of Concern at relevant technical and other coordination meetings and fora.

Quality Performance and Accountability:

• With CMT colleagues, lead in the ongoing development and strengthening of accountability to communities, partners and other stakeholders, utilising the global Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS).
• With the support of the Senior Coordinator – Programme Quality, build and maintain high capacity among programme/project teams in engaging with communities (particularly marginalised groups), ensuring expertise in tools and approaches for achieving effective and inclusive participation.
• Ensure all programme implementation staff are familiar with the principles of accountability, safeguarding and Concern’s Feedback Complaints & Response Mechanism (FCRM) and ensure that information about Concern’s accountability and Code of Conduct commitments are effectively disseminated among programme participants and wider communities during implementation.
• Working with the MEAL Coordinator, ensure that an effective FCRM across all of Concern’s programmes (including those implemented by partners) is maintained and adapted as necessary – with an emphasis on the safety of complainants and people affected and strict confidentiality. Support in ensuring that all complaints received are properly handled and addressed (with all sensitive complaints transmitted to the CD) in line with Concern’s procedures.
• Contribute to learning for adaptation of existing projects and to inform future programme development.
• Undertake monitoring visits to programme areas and provide feedback to programme managers, staff, and partners. Promote joint planning, monitoring, learning reviews with partners and communities across programmes.

Leadership, Staff and Team Development:

• Overall, contribute to the building of a positive learning culture and sense of team spirit and collaboration organisationally through positive leadership with programme staff and teams.
• Working with HR and key managers, lead in staff recruitment and retention processes (capacity building, career development, etc.) in relation to direct reports and programme teams. Ensure that all programme staff receive proper induction upon joining Concern and that they understand and fully comply with Concern’s policies and procedures.
• Directly manage line reports and lead wider programme team. Develop objectives and monitor performance, holding staff accountable for meeting success criteria. Actively support staff to build on their existing capacity and develop and grow within Concern.
• Working closely with the other functions reporting to the PD, ensure that work within the programme implementation function is planned and organised in a way which will contribute to meeting the organisation’s needs in the most cost-effective manner possible; ensuring that team members are given appropriate workloads and are working efficiently.
• Actively ensure that programme implementation team members keep themselves up to date on best practice in development and humanitarian work. Facilitate technical and management capacity development for staff as needed to attain organisational objectives (training, coaching, etc.).
• Support and ensure effective collaboration and teamwork between the programme implementation function and other sections within the wider programmes function, and with other key teams in Concern: Area Coordinators and relevant regional staff, support system staff/teams (operations and finance) to achieve our common goals & objectives.
• Actively participate in the wider Country Management Team (CMT), in particular contributing perspectives on effective project/programme implementation and achieving value for money. Support the effective and proper evolution of the Ethiopia country programme’s strategy.

Code of Conduct & Associated Policies:

• Fully adhere to and actively promote Concern’s Code of Conduct & Associated Policies. Ensure that all staff and teams being managed are also aware of these and adhere fully to them. Ensure programme activities are carried out in a way that minimises the risk of abuse, harm or neglect.
• Report immediately/promptly any actual or suspected breaches of Concern’s Code of Conduct & Associated Policies to the Country Director / HR Coordinator / (or via the other communication channels outlined in Concern’s polices) and promptly follow any direction given by the CD or other properly appointed/delegated staff – before taking any action.
• With the Partnership Coordinator, ensure that all Concern’s partners either have equivalent Codes of Conduct & Associated Policies in place, or, that they sign up to those of Concern.
• Fully adhere to security protocols and procedures and ensure that all members of the programmes team also do so. Contribute to on-going security management and planning as necessary.
• Respect confidentiality and follow ethical guidelines.

General Emergency Response Commitment:

• Concern is committed to responding to emergencies efficiently and effectively in order to help affected people meet their basic needs, alleviate suffering and maintain their dignity. To this end, when emergencies strike and the Ethiopia Programme is to respond, all staff are required to actively participate in the response, regardless of location and contribute to the efforts aimed at achieving the humanitarian objective of the organization.
• All managers are required to actively participate in any emergency response as and when required.

Other:

• Undertake any other related duties as may reasonably be assigned by the Programmes Director (the line manager for this role).

Person specification:

Essential knowledge, skills and experience

• Master’s degree, or equivalent, in Development Studies, International Relations, Humanitarian Studies, Social Sciences, Business Administration, or other relevant discipline.
• 5-7 years relevant experience, with at least 3 years at middle management level with an NGO in humanitarian / development programming with specific experience in managing and implementing significant programmes/projects. Experience with an INGO is a distinct advantage.
• Demonstrated capacity to keep up to date with developments and innovations across the field of humanitarian and longer-term development.
• Proven record in high-quality project/programme implementation and reporting working across organisational functions and externally with communities, different stakeholders and partners. Experience in capacity building and quality programme design an advantage.
• Significant experience in community engagement and strong knowledge of participatory approaches.
• Good knowledge of MEAL concepts/approaches.
• Experience of and demonstrated commitment to addressing issues of inequality, in particular gender, and other cross-cutting approaches (e.g. DRR, environment, protection, etc.).
• Excellent leadership and management skills within diverse teams in a complex and fast-moving working environment. Demonstrable skills in team building, training, facilitating, coaching and mentoring skills and ability to motivate and develop the skills of others.
• Ability to work on own initiative with limited direct supervision and as part of a team. Organized, motivated and reliable. Demonstrated ability to work under pressure to strict deadlines. Flexibility, adaptability, and patience. Positive attitude and good sense of humour!
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Amharic. Solid Experience in report and proposal writing. Proven analytical ability and problem-solving skills.
• Strong financial management experience in relation to programme budgets.
• Security management skills and experience.
• Experience/Knowledge of programme participant protection and safeguarding.
• Empathy with and commitment to Concern Worldwide’s ethos and values.
• Good knowledge of computer applications i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, Email.

Competencies

Candidates are expected to demonstrate abilities in all of the following priority competency areas (the highlighted 4 competencies in bold are most critical):

Managing Yourself	Planning and decision-making
Leadership	Creativity and innovation
Communication and working with others	Influence, advocacy and networking
Delivering results	Change

 

Desirable

• Strong experience of and commitment to working in partnership with different types of organisations with an emphasis on localisation, shared values, capacity sharing, and participatory processes.
• Proven external representation, networking and advocacy skills and ability to build strong working relationships externally with key stakeholders. Excellent networking skills at regional / national level in Ethiopia.
• Experience in/knowledge of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and Feedback, Complaints & Response Mechanisms (CRMs).
• Previous experience working in one or more of the following programme sectors: health, nutrition, WASH, livelihoods, education and in emergency contexts.
• Track record in project development and proposal writing.
• Prior experience in Tigray, Amhara and Somali regions.

We encourage all eligible candidates, irrespective of gender, ethnicity or origin, disability, political beliefs, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status to apply to become a part of the organization. Concern is against all forms of discrimination and unequal power relations and is committed to promoting equality.

If this role sounds right for you, please apply with your CV and cover letter. Please be aware we may offer positions before the closing date. Concern reserves the right to interview and select the chosen candidate before closing date for receipt of applications, so early application is strongly recommended.

If you have any concerns about our recruitment process and need particular assistance – for example if you have a disability e.g. a hearing impairment – please let us know and we will do our best to respond to your needs.

Important information:

Concern has an organizational Code of Conduct with three Associated Policies: The Programme Participant Protection Policy, the Child Safeguarding Policy, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Policy accessible here. These have been developed to ensure the maximum protection of programme participants from exploitation, and to clarify the responsibilities of Concern staff, consultants, visitors to the programme and partner organizations, and the standards of behaviour expected of them. In this context, staff have a responsibility to the organization to strive for, and maintain, the highest standards in their work, in accordance with Concern’s core values and mission. Any candidate offered a job with Concern Worldwide will be expected to sign the Concern Staff Code of Conduct and Associated Policies as an appendix to their contract of employment.

By signing the Concern Code of Conduct, candidates acknowledge that they have understood the content of both the Concern Code of Conduct and the Associated Policies and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these policies. Additionally, Concern is committed to the safeguarding and protection of adults and children in our work. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work or volunteer with adults and children are recruited by us for such roles. Consequently, working or volunteering with Concern may be subject to a range of vetting checks, including criminal background checking.

During this job application, you will provide Concern with your personal data. Concern takes its responsibilities towards this personal data very seriously and is committed to complying with all relevant data protection legislation.

What we offer

• A competitive salary and benefit package
• Excellent medical benefits (100% cover including dependents)
• 20 days annual leave
• 26 weeks (paid) maternity leave, 18weeks (unpaid) parental leave.