CARE AID is an independent humanitarian non-governmental, nonprofit organization founded in 2019, but officially CAC registered in 2021 in Maiduguri Borno state, Nigeria. Care Aid mission is to respond to humanitarian crises and build resilience, promote inclusive and sustainable growth, co-construct effective governance and support the building of civil society by investing in people and their potential.
CARE AID is committed to providing humanitarian relief to people in urgent need and protect their dignity while co-creating inclusive longerterm opportunities for sustainable growth through the clusters; CCCM/Shelter/NFI, Protection, GBV, Livelihood, Wash and peace building.
We are recruiting internally and externally for the position below:
Head of Programs, Nigeria.
Job Responsibilities:
• The HoP will provide leadership and strategic direction for the design of projects strategic frameworks and plans, including the development of resource mobilization strategies to optimize the impact of large and complex programming interventions in line with regional and agency strategic priorities. Represent and promote Care Aid.
• Lead high-quality project design with innovative approaches that incorporate project management standards and MEAL methods, appropriate to the scope, context, and technical requirements of large and complex projects. Contribute to the complete rollout and consistent usage of project management standards. Lead planning of activities across projects from different sectors to ensure integration and efficiency in implementation.
• Effectively manage senior programming talent. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching and mentoring for Program Managers, Communications staff, Business Development Specialist, and the sub-Regional Head of Programs. Strategically tailor individual development plans and complete performance assessments for direct reports. Contribute to developing staffing plans for large and complex projects and to the recruitment process of senior project staff.
• Create and maintain proper conditions for learning. Establish a safe environment for sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to deficiencies. Promote accountability, learning and knowledge management overseeing application of the MEAL standards and policies, as well as cross-sectoral and cross-department learning.
• Coordinate with field managers and other Management Quality staff to ensure appropriate project budgeting and efficient use and stewardship of project materials and financial resources.
• Lead the identification, assessment and strengthening of appropriate partnerships and the appropriate application of partnership principles, tools and approaches.
• Ensure technical assistance and capacity strengthening for project teams and partners in project management and related to MEAL and operational activities. Identify training opportunities, develop training curricula, and deliver trainings.
Competencies
Professionalism:
• Knowledge of wide range of humanitarian assistance, emergency relief and related human rights issues. Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity, to include ability to analyze and articulate the humanitarian dimension of complex issues that require a coordinated response.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex issues/problems. Knowledge of region or country of assignment, including the political, economic and social dimensions.
• Ability to negotiate and to influence others to reach agreement.
• Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment ( e.g. civil strife, natural disasters and human misery).
• Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian affairs.
• Demonstrated ability to complete in-depth studies and to formulate conclusions/recommendations.
• Ability to relate humanitarian affairs issues and perspectives, including gender issues, to political, economic, social and human rights programmes in affected LGAs.
• Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Teamwork:
• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others.
• Places team and Care Aid agenda before personal agenda.
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position.
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Planning and Organizing:
• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required.
• Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work.
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary.
• Uses time efficiently.
Accountability:
• Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards.
• Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.
• Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments.
• Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Background, Experience & Requirements:
Education and Experience:
• Master’s Degree in International Development, International Relations or relevant field.
• Minimum of 7 years work experience in a program management position with progressive responsibilities for an international NGO, including at least 3 years successful performance in a Head of Programming position.
• Strong experience in project grants management for large and complex projects, including project design, budget preparation, expenditure tracking, monitoring and evaluation, reporting, etc., for projects funded by multiple public donors.
• Substantial experience with successful business development activities capturing significant public and private donor funding, including proposal coordination, proposal writing, and agreement negotiation.
• Excellent spoken and written English skills. Ability to effectively represent Care Aid in a variety of public and private forums.
• Experience engaging partners and strengthening partnerships.
• Staff management experience and competencies that are conducive to fostering an open learning environment. Experience coaching and mentoring senior program staff.
• Experience and abilities in capacity strengthening – developing curricula and facilitating trainings.
• Experience using MS Office packages (Excel, Word and Power Point), Web Conferencing Applications, information and budget management systems, and knowledge sharing networks.
Personal Skills:
• Excellent strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Strong relationship management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in applying tailored approaches to each relationship.
• Team leadership abilities with diverse/multi-disciplinary teams. Coaching/mentoring skills
• Presentation and facilitation skills
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions oriented and results-oriented.
How to Apply:
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover Letter in one single pdf attachment via email to: [email protected] using the Job Title and Location in the subject line. E.g “Head of Program – Nigeria”.
Application Closing Date: 28th July, 2021
Note:
• Applicants are advised that Care Aid does not require any payment or expense during the entire recruitment process. Any request in this direction should be immediately reported as it is contrary to the values and practices of our organization.
• Due to the volume of applications received, Care Aid may not provide feedback to all applicants. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as applications will be reviewed as received.
• The position is required as soon as possible, Care Aid reserves the right to select a candidate and finalize the recruitment before the closing date, if considered necessary.
