Head of Program Management Unit at Danish Refugee Council

The Head of Program Management Unit refers to and works in close collaboration with the Country Directors of each of the implementing agencies but will report directly to the Country Director of DRC Kenya? Specific responsibilities include:

• Provide overall leadership and management, and general technical direction, for the design and implementation of project activities, in close coordination with consortium agency technical staff
• Responsible for, delivery, and progress against agreed targets of the project across all implementing agencies
• Responsible for managing the timely and quality completion of all program technical administrative financial deliverables and reports in accordance with EU guidelines and DRC rules
• Ensure a shared project vision and an adaptive ‘theory of change’ (based on continuous learning from the programme) amongst staff and across all implementing agencies
• Serve as the principal liaison with and build effective working relationships with the EU, PACT, IGAD, FAO and government counterparts, local partners, communities and other relevant stakeholders
• Oversee the establishment of effective project reporting, monitoring evaluation and learning, financial management, and personnel and procurement mechanisms
• Integrate strong visibility for EUTF into program outcomes
• Develop partnerships in the humanitarian and development community and coordinate with authorities at Country and County/district Government levels.
• Plan and lead quarterly consortium Project Steering Committee meetings and Technical Working Group meetings, and oversee implementation of corrective measure.
• Promote sustainability of project activities with effective networking, linkages to other programmes, capacity building of key project staff, and strengthening community-based organizations and mechanisms
• Manage a team of PMU staff, including participating in the hiring, professional development and evaluation process, ensuring achievement of project results by setting specific goals and providing continuous performance feedback.

Qualifications for the Head of Program Management Unit Job

• Relevant university degree (Master or Post graduate), in Social Sciences, International Development, International Relations, Law or other relevant field.
• Minimum of 10 years’ of professional experience relevant for the successful implementation of cross-border programs
• Experience in managing complex activities involving coordination with multiple project partners
• Proven experience in program design and management, including budget expenditure, proposal writing, staff management, and monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
• Proven experience in Livelihoods, Resilience, Natural Resource Management and/or related fields in a management capacity.
• Demonstrated track record of strong donor relationships, specifically EU
• Experience living and/or working in East Africa and/or in fragile environments preferred
• Communication Skills: Excellent writing and verbal skills in English.
• Adaptability and flexibility: Ability to manage a large workload and multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Work style: Highly organized team player, pro-active and with demonstrated strong personal initiative and decision making ability. Proven solid analytical and problem solving skills.
• Leadership skills, including ability to build and motivate a team and willingness to deal with challenges.
• Political and cultural sensitivity, including ability to adapt well to local cultures.
• Striving for excellence: focus on reaching results in a fast paced environment
• Collaborating: lead initiatives and processes by involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: take ownership and initiative while setting high standards
• Communicating: listen to other stakeholders and staff; and you communicate concisely and persuasively
• Demonstrating integrity: act in line with DRC’s vision and values.
• Demonstrated successful experience working within a complex security environment is preferred.