Islamic Relief Job Vacancy: Head of Programme, Jakarta, Aceh & NTB Provinces

JOB TITLE: Head of Programme

LOCATION : Jakarta with frequent travel to field offices in Aceh and NTB provinces.

Reporting Line: Reports directly to CD

Duration: Fixed Term

ISLAMIC RELIEF  PURPOSE:

To promote sustainable economic and social development through development programmes, helping the needy regardless of race, religion or gender.

BackgroundIR Indonesia was established in the year 2003. Since then, Islamic Relief has delivered a wide range of emergency relief, recovery and developmental activities across working areas in Aceh, Banten, NTB, Jogjakarta, West Sumatraand West Java. Islamic Relief is currently implementing a Child Welfare Programme in Aceh and longer term development programme in NTB within DRR, WASH, Sustainable Livelihoods and Child Welfare sectors. The NTB office was only re-established in February 2014. It is revealing to note that within a short period, IRI is recognized as one of the leading INGOs in Lombok with valuable and needs-based field programmes.

A five year sustainable integrated development programme has been developed to provide durable solutions for climate changes affected communities in Lombok – NTB. The proposal has been reviewed and endorsed by both; a) provincial government and IRW. Negotiations are presently on-going with a range of IR fundraising partners to support the programme.  Additionally, there is a need to develop a longer-term development programme for orphan children and their guardians / caregivers.

Position Summary
The Head of Program (HOP) is a senior manager responsible for the formulation, implementation, management, supervision and evaluation of all Islamic Relief Indonesia’s programs in accordance with the standards and procedures set out by the organization. As a member of the senior management team, the director of programs participates in strategic planning and budgeting initiatives in addition to problem solving. He/she works within the guidelines, policies and mission of the organization and will be accountable and responsible for specific projects as assigned. As an integral member of the Country Management Team (CMT), the HOP actively contributes to the management and operations of the Indonesia field office. As a senior member of the country office procurement team, the HOP manages procurement actions within the specified thresholds. The post holder also functions as the Officer In Charge in the absence of the Country Director and liaises with counterparts including government departments as directed by the CD.

Duties and responsibilities
Human resource management

• Direct, plan and coordinate the work of the program staff including supervision and evaluation, training and team building
• Organize and attend periodic  departmental meetings to maintain effective communication within the projects / programme
• Ensure IRI projects and Programme unit are adequately staffed at all times through effective HR planning.
• In consultation with the country director, assume a lead role in the selection, hiring, coaching, and discipline of the program staff

Programme formulation and fundraising

• Conduct detailed assessments and technical studies to accurately assess the needs of beneficiary population and evaluate response options;
• Responsible for the formulation of a meaningful programme and project proposals to secure donor funding in accordance with the assigned income targets;
• Conduct an extensive donor mapping and develop a fundraising strategy to leverage current and future funding opportunities for the expansion of IR programme in Indonesia;
• Liaise with donor representatives (institutional, fund raising partners, CSRs etc) at Jakarta and field level and participate in the joint field visits to raise IRI profile;
• Respond to call for proposals from various donors by submitting quality proposals, concept papers and organizational profile.
• Ensure IRI activities are relevant, needs based and reflect the

Program delivery and reporting

• Responsible for the implementation, management, supervision and evaluation of all activities of IRI program in accordance with the prescribed standards;
• Ensure that the needs of monitories, special vulnerable groups, women and children are adequately addressed in IRI projects and necessary steps have been taken to avoid exclusions;
• Ensure that all project staff demonstrate excellent comprehension of IR values and strategic objectives,  project rationale, project objectives, deliverable, implementation approach and their role in the project / programme;
• Remain up-to-date on organizational standards, procedures, policy amendments, global strategy and global programme direction set-forth by IRW so that they are duly reflected in IRI activities on ground; 
• Responsible for the supervisionof M&E functions, management of progrmme data and maintenance of data management software;
• Ensure that project activities are regularly monitored and the feedback is effectively used for decisions making and adopting timely remedial measures to overcome problems;
• Compile, maintain and report to CD on periodic basis and prepare quality donor reports as per the funding agreement;
• Analyze trends in the program, identifying issues and developing and recommending solutions to the CD and CMT;
• Monitor the progress and quality of service delivery and ensure project budgets are utilized in conformity with the approved budget plan and there is no significant variance between planned and actual spending;
• Develop, implement and evaluate recruitment strategies to expand the number of volunteers supporting IRIprogrammes in the field.
• Develop and implement convincing phase-out strategies to achieve a lasting and sustained impact on beneficiaries.

Mentoring 

• Provide guidance and technical backstopping to projects and programme staff through frequent interaction and implementation of a staff development plan
• Identify weak areas in the programme and develop strategies to overcome these weaknesses

Networking, coordination and partnerships

• Develop appropriate partnerships with specialized government departments, civil society organizations and private sector for the delivery and expansion of IRI activities;
• Establish meaningful networks and partnerships to promote the organizational interests, programmes and beneficiaries of Islamic Relief in Indonesia.
• Participate in coordination and technical working group meetings are appropriate;
• Expand the inter-faith network and other existing platforms to add value to IR programme activities in Indonesia.

Media visibility and communication

• In close coordination with the media officer, produce quality media and viability material such project briefs, visibility material, reports etc. as per the communication policy
• As guided by the CD, with direct support from the media and communication offer, develop and implement a communication plan to relay key messages to intended recipients while highlighting the contribution of IR, donors, stakeholders and partners
• As required, prepare and disseminate press releases, project updates, presentations and other communication and visibility material;
• As advised by the CD, participate in the media briefings, press conferences, radio talk shows and other communication and media events organized from time to time.

Committee Work

• The head of programme is responsible for supporting the CMT and Country Office Procurement Committee in accordance with their functions and ToRs.
• When appropriate opportunities arise, the HOP will participate in national and regional committees, meetings and workshops as requested by the CD.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• At least 6 to 8 years of direct field experience in program management and coordination.
• Familiarity with the humanitarian aid system, and ability to understand donor and governmental requirements and developmental priorities.
• Excellent communication, reporting and drafting skills.
• Ability to coordinate and manage staff and project activities.
• Proven ability to work creatively and independently both in the field and in the country office.
• Being a strong team player and adept at creating a strong team spirit.
• Ability to organize and plan effectively.
• Ability to work with culturally diverse groups of people.
• Ability to travel and work in difficult conditions and under pressure.
• Knowledge of local language and/or regional experience an asset.
• Ability to follow and enforce procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Have strong staff skills and the ability to motivate diverse teams.
• Have the problem-solving ability
• Excellent oral and written English skills.
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills, and flexibility in cultural and organizational terms
• Demonstrated aptitude for effective leadership of staff. 
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of own professional discipline.
• Thorough understanding of project management phases, techniques and tools
• Strong and tested project management skills, including sponsor and risk management. 
• Knowledge of organization's methodology and tools.

KEY COMPETENCIES
Communication Effectiveness

• Conveys goals and objectives clearly and in a compelling manner; listens effectively and clarifies information as needed; that others communicate; produces clear status reports; communicates tactfully and candidly.Ensures that project status, issues and successes are  communicated to project team, stakeholders, sponsors, and all levels of management and documented appropriately.
• Motivates project team members to action. Identifies common themes, makes inferences and draws conclusions.
• Ensures open communication on the project team.
• Addresses delicate situations and handles conflicts in such a way as to maximize opportunity and minimize exposure to risk.

Decision Making

• Understands how and when to make a choice; how and when to escalate issues to higher levels. Analyzes the risks and future impact of decisions.
• Makes decisions and takes timely independent action in pursuit of priorities.

ACCOUNTABILITY:All Islamic Relief team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field project.

If you meet the above requirements kindly send ONLY your Application letter and detailed CV including recommendations from 3 referees (one of them your immediate former employer) to: hrislamic@islamic-relief.or.id. Please put the job title and your name in subject of your email.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Closing date:  30 April 2015