Regional Programme Manager – WISE Youth Empowerment Programme at SOS Children's Villages

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Management of the WISE Youth Empowerment Programme; programme development, implementation, and reporting.

• Participate in a 1-week programme formulation workshop in Nairobi (March 2023) with key programme stakeholders.
• Support in the drafting of the detailed programme proposal (including programme tools) and preparation for programme launch.
• Lead in the management of a small programme team working in the ESAF Regional Office and support programme implementation once the programme in launched.
• Support in staffing the WISE programme in the implementing countries, including supporting in the creation of job descriptions, the development of training and onboarding plans for new programme staff.
• Convene and chair regular (e.g. monthly, quarterly) program meetings to share program updates, disseminate minutes, and follow up on action points.
• Support implementing countries in the implementation of the programme and use of programme management documents and tools such as implementation timelines, workplans, performance measurement framework, budget, risk monitoring framework, etc.
• Ensure the preparation of detailed annual implementation plans by the programme teams (at the regional office level and in implementing countries)
• Ensure proper communication flow between the implementing countries, the SOS CVI office for ESAF, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and SOS CV Canada.
• ‘Flag’ any issues of concern arising from the monitoring of the programme activities and develop and follow-up on steering measures if necessary.
• Advise and review implementing countries’ reporting to ensure quality narrative reports and ensure reporting is submitted as per donor requirements.
• Validate financial reports prepared by the country teams to ensure quality and compliance with contractual requirements and SOS Children’s Villages policies and procedures.
• Conduct periodic visits to programme locations to validate progress reports, identify problems, and issues to address and make recommendations for improvement.
• Ensure organizational safeguarding, gender and environmental policies are promoted and applied across the programme.
• Represent the WISE Youth Empowerment Programme in external forums, events and networks as requested.
• Support the knowledge management component; develop knowledge management guideline together with implementing partners and ensure all files (electronic and paper) are complete, numbered and filed (implementation plans, narrative and financial reports, workshop documentation, audit and evaluations, donor communication & approvals, etc.).
• Link with programme development in ESAF region.
• In collaboration with the WISE Regional M&E officer and WISE Regional Finance officer, lead day-to-day aspects of donor reporting processes to ensure the timely submission of high-quality implementation plans, narrative and financial reports.

Knowledge, Experience, Competencies And Skills

• 7+ years of relevant work experience in a programme-management role, preferably within a non-governmental organization.
• A degree/diploma in education, programme management, international or community development, business, or international studies
• Experience developing and/or implementing child and youth-focused programmes
• Demonstrated knowledge of working with teams across the African continent
• Experience working on a multi-partner programme
• Valid passport and ability to travel internationally (up to 15% of the year)
• Available for travel in Nairobi in early March 2023
• Capacity to represent SOS CV and showcase the programme at various events, including donor events
• Fair knowledge of RBM and its implementation is essential
• Solid knowledge and understanding of safeguarding standards, best practices and current thinking/trends concerning working effectively with children and young people.
• Perform all assigned child-safeguarding duties in a manner that reflects the highest professional standards
• Excellent English verbal and writing skills
• Highly collaborative approach to work, and service driven working style
• A passion for, and knowledge of, child-focused international development
• Demonstrated leadership with the ability to work well with external partners
• Self-starter and able to work independently
• Outgoing and confident, with above average communication skills