Jordan: Senior Program Manager

Organization: American Refugee Committee International Country: Jordan Closing date: 15 Jul 2013 POSITION TITLE: Senior Program Manager DEPARTMENT OR COUNTRY PROGRAM: Jordan/Syria RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of International Programs STATUS: Full Time 3 months SUPERVISORY CAPACITY: Technical/Operations teams DEPARTMENT/COUNTRY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION/MISSION The overall goal of the project is to improve living conditions for Syrian IDPs, refugees and host families through improvements in access to social services, providing shelter assistance and by strengthening alternative education support to Syrian and host children and youth. PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION ARC is looking for an experienced, result driven, innovative and highly conscientious individual to manage and coordinate ARC’s program in Jordan. Based in Jordan, the Senior Program Manager (SPM) will work closely with local partners, provide leadership to improve the quality of programming, and contribute to expand and diversify ARC’s mission and activities in Jordan through strategic and innovative program development. The SPM will be directly responsible for the overall management and coordination of the various components of the ARC Jordan/Syria Program. The SPM will work closely with partner counterparts who are responsible for the day-to-day management of their respective sectors and programs. This is an initial 3-month appointment with a possible extension to 12 months, subject to grant/funding availability. MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Program Management •Lead the development of clear objectives and achievement benchmarks for all program activities. •Compile an overall program workplan and ensure that ARC components evolve according to agreed schedules with local partners. •Closely monitor program implementation and budget utilization and ensure that program and spending targets are met, working with partners on monthly spending plans based on budget vs. actual analyses. •Monitor compliance with donor regulations and ARC policies, in the course of program implementation and build capacity of staff and partners in this area as needed. •Ensure regular communication between ARC, partners and the technical support units, especially with regards to follow-up on procurement requisitions. •Ensure timely production of high quality donor reports. •In coordination with the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and Sector Managers develop program indicators and monitoring protocols. •Closely monitor security and safety situation and in direct coordination with Director of Security develop and maintain standard operating procedures and protocols Program Development •In collaboration with partners and HQ staff, carry out rapid assessments in urban or camp settings. •Provide leadership in program design and in shaping the strategic direction of the program. •Lead the development of new sector activities and support the enhancement and expansion of existing sectors. •Lead the development of quality program and cost proposals, ensuring donor and HQ requirements are fully met. •Ensure high quality representation of ARC in meetings with other INGOs, donors, Government agencies, and other interagency groups. •Play a leadership role in developing collaborative relationships with other organizations. •Contribute to production of communication opportunities and tools to increase visibility of ARC and partners among donors, government counterparts, partner organizations, ARC-HQ and other audiences as appropriate. Personnel Management •Oversee ARCs portfolio in the region and mobilize necessary support for them in coordination with program support departments. •Supervise any program staff directly reporting to the position and ensure performance management tools and process are implemented. •Identify and advocate for capacity building opportunities for program staff and/or partners. •Support the recruitment of new program staff as and when required. EDUCATION, TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED •5 years of overseas experience, in programs in complex emergency or post-conflict settings with management and supervisory responsibilities in program administration at senior management level required. •Masters degree in relevant field preferred (Development Studies, Social Sciences, International Relations, Public Health, etc). •Sector specific experience desirable (camp management, WASH, protection, health). •Knowledge and understanding of best practice monitoring and evaluation systems •Experience with working with urban refugees/IDPs. •Good analytical, budgeting and writing skills •Good skills in integrated multi-sector programming. •Experience with coordinating with donors including USAID (OFDA), UNICEF, UNDP/CHF and with INGOs, national NGOs and government agencies. KEY BEHAVIORS & ABILITIES •Fluency in English required and Arabic preferred •Demonstrated skills and experience in INGO administration, finance, and logistics systems. •Good understanding of donor (including UN and USAID) regulations and policies. •Good understanding of grant management practices. •Knowledge of best practices in project design, qualitative and quantitative assessments in community settings. •Working and living with multi-national staff. •Respect for other staff and the local culture •Extremely flexible with the ability to cope with stressful situations. •Willingness to travel and live in remote and security difficult situations.