Sudan – Head of Programmes At COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale

COOPI is looking for a Head of Programmes in Sudan

COOPI has been operating in Sudan since 2004, providing humanitarian assistance and strengthening the resilience of populations affected by conflict, displacement, and climate-related shocks. Through an integrated, multisectoral approach, COOPI implements interventions in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL), Shelter and Non-Food Items (NFI), Protection, and Cash-Based Assistance. Its programmes target the most vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, refugees, and host communities, with particular attention to women, children, female-headed households, older persons, and persons with disabilities.

Following the outbreak of the conflict on 15 April 2023, COOPI significantly strengthened its emergency response to address the rapidly growing humanitarian needs. With its country coordination recently moved from Port Sudan to Khartoum, COOPI currently operates in North Darfur and Khartoum, providing life-saving assistance, improving access to essential services, supporting livelihood recovery, and strengthening community-based protection mechanisms.

Across its interventions, COOPI mainstreams Protection, Gender, Disability Inclusion, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Climate Adaptation, and Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP). Its approach combines immediate humanitarian assistance with early recovery and resilience-building initiatives, promoting community participation, local partnerships, and sustainable solutions.

COOPI implements its humanitarian programmes in collaboration with local and international partners, with support from institutional donors, including the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the European Union, and United Nations agencies.

Description of the role

The Programme Coordinator is responsible for the definition and quality of the programmes and the monitoring and evaluation system in the country, in compliance with the organisation’s policies and standards. S/He supports the Head of Mission in relations with donors and partners.

Responsibilities

INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS

• In coordination with the Country Coordinator, meet regularly with donors and partners consolidating COOPI’s position in the country and manage their project visits in agreement with the project leaders;
• Engage new potential donors and partners, working closely with the Head of Mission;
• Ensure participation in sectoral clusters directly or through figures;

DEVELOPMENT

• Examine the priorities and strategies of the main institutional donors and propose project proposals based on COOPI’s expertise and geographical presence;
• Coordinate the definition and implementation of the country programme strategy, with the support of the Head of Mission and sectoral experts;
• Providing guidance on the organisation’s position on the various sectors in accordance with HQ guidelines and coordinate with the Head of Mission;
• Capitalise on the sectoral experience gained in its geographical area of competence and develop standards of approaches and practices implemented in projects, within the guidelines of headquarters;

MANAGEMENT

Project Management

• Develop and draft new project proposals (ECHO, EU, AICS, UN) in cooperation with the country’s logistics and administrative function;
• Ensure the final review of all project reports (interim, quarterly and final);
• Ensure the submission of reports according to internal and external deadlines;
• Carrying out field monitoring missions in the intervention areas;
• Supporting the review and approval of MEAL plans for all projects;
• Using MEAL data to innovate and engage new donors and partners;

Human Resources Management

• Identify human resources needs within existing and/or new programmes;
• Participate in the staff selection process at the request of the Head of Mission and Headquarters for expatriate and national staff;
• Train project leaders and other programme staff on monitoring and quality aspects of activities, in coordination with the Head of Mission/Region/Headquarters;
• Evaluate staff for their part of the competence, according to COOPI procedures;

Communication Management and Fund

• Support production and distribution of communication and visibility tools for COOPI;
• Collect the necessary data and information in collaboration with field teams to deliver communication products.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL

• Master’s degree in relevant subjects (postgraduate degree required);
• At least 3 years of work experience in formulating, implementing and coordinating projects with international NGOs;
• Experience working with different donors (ECHO, EU, AICS and UN agencies);
• Good knowledge of humanitarian standards and principles;
• Excellent reporting and proposal writing skills in English and French;
• Proactive attitude in planning and coordination with agencies, institutions and points of reference;
• Results orientation and problem-solving skills;
• Strong management skills;
• Good leadership skills, aimed at team management and motivation;
• Ability to handle stressful and complex situations with a positive attitude;
• Diplomatic skills and confidentiality;
• Advanced computer skills;
• Sharing COOPI’s vision and mission.

DESIRED

• Previous work experience in the region (preferred);
• Knowledge of the Italian language will be considered a plus.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the application closing date, once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please note that only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

COOPI Cooperazione Internazionale is an Italian secular and independent humanitarian organisation fighting against all forms of poverty to improve the world. Founded in 1965, today COOPI is present in 27 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and the Middle East, with both emergency and development projects carried out by expatriate staff – an average of over 200 people per year – and national staff. The main institutional funders are the European Union – ECHO and INTPA – USAID, UN agencies, the Italian Government, local authorities and other European Governments.