Senior Program Operations Advisor, ESA at Save the Children

Principal Accountabilities

• Identify, escalate and support the management of operational issues and risks support in our programs, ensuring the delivery of high-quality programming for children, in all contexts, where necessary.
• Provide capability-strengthening, coaching and mentoring to Countries (and National Offices) where needed.
• Contribute to the roll-out of relevant Quality Standards, policies, procedures and guidance. 
• Monitor and analyze management data including the QSSA, IP Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), IPMI and/or Right First Time to inform decision-making, support implementers in identifying and auctioning improvements, and inform allocation of support.
• Establish peer relationships with country and national offices in region(s) and act upon their pain points.
• Document, communicate successes and lessons learned within the operations community.

Experience and Skills

Essential

• Substantive experience in program operations support, preferably within a humanitarian or development sector context, with in depth knowledge of the ESA region.
• They prove track record of capability strengthening, coaching, and mentoring with evidence of impact on improved performance.
• Strong skills and experience in operational data monitoring and analysis, utilizing tools such as Quality Standards Self-Assessment (QSSA), KPIs, Right First Time and IPMI to enhance decision-making and support operational improvements.
• Substantial experience advocating for operational staff, representing their views, and driving improvements in global forums, working groups, and initiatives.
• Relationship Building: Experience in building and managing effective relationships with a range of stakeholders, including senior management, country operations staff, and external partners, demonstrating a commitment to accountability and integrity.
• Collaboration: Demonstrable capability to work with country operational teams and respond to their needs, valuing varied perspectives and promoting inclusive practices.
• Risk Management: Proficient in identifying, managing, and mitigating operational risks.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly to different audiences.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to synthesize complex information, evaluate options, and develop holistic solutions.
• Problem-Solving: Creative thinking with a strong ability to address operational challenges and implement solutions.

Education and Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor's Degree: In Social Sciences, International Development, Business Administration, or a related field is essential. Relevant advanced degrees such as a Master's in related fields would be advantageous.