Job Title: Deputy Director for Programs

Location: Hassakeh 

Line Manager: Assistant Country Director for Programs

Position Summary

The Deputy Director of Programs is a senior and strategic role within the organization’s Syria Program department. Reporting to the Assistant Country Director for Programs, the post holder will hold oversight of the program portfolio for Northeast Syria – ensuring that projects and grants are delivered on time and to quality standards. The position is required to collaborate with the Head of Business Development and Program Development Manager to develop programming that is needs and evidence-based, innovative and integrated in line with the Program strategy. The role is also responsible for line management and performance management of the Sector Program Managers in NES – fostering collaboration and high performing, agile, program teams that can learn and adapt. This position will be based in the organization’s office in Hassakeh, with the expectation of frequent travel to project locations. 

They will be responsible for the Program department engagements between units, with the MEAL unit, and with Program Support functions. The DDP will be part of the Senior Management Team and is expected to contribute to the overall strategic direction and operational functionality of the country office – ensuring that the organization in Northeast Syria is representative, collaborative, fit-for-purpose, streamlined, cost-efficient, and positioned for the future of the response.

• Ensure strong oversight of NES-based programming, including achievement of project outcomes, outputs, and reach in line with contracted obligations.
• Ensure appropriate and efficient utilization of NES-based project budgets, and budget follow-up with Program Managers and relevant teams. 
• Review prepared programmatic reports for NES-based programming, liaising with Program Development Manager for timely inputs and quality reports.
• Foster integrated multi-sector programming in NES by facilitating joint planning from sectoral program managers.
• Ensure timely notification of programmatic challenges to the ACD-P for NES-based programs.
• Ensure knowledge sharing among NES-based program teams. 
• Contribute towards the development and review of NES emergency preparedness and response planning.
• Fulfill Acting duties as necessary in the absence of the ACD-P.
• Ensure that MEAL systems and processes are being followed in programs and ensure strong collaboration with MEAL.
• In collaboration with the ACD P, contribute to the in development of the NES Program Strategy
• Support the ACD-P with NES-based fundraising efforts, including representation with donors in the absence of the ACD-P, for NES-based programming.
• Oversee the development of NES-based proposals and contribute towards the development of needs-based program design, in line with established program strategy. This includes fostering collaborative partnerships within program design.
• Contribute towards advocacy messaging for NES-focused issues and communications as requested by the ACD-P and liaise with relevant Advocacy focal points for the Syria response
• Provide support to the ACD-P in determining appropriate operating and staffing models and adjustments necessary for NES.
• Facilitate the implementation of Safer Programming in collaboration with appointed technical program focal point. 
• Lead the implementation of program quality review and action plan as mandated by our Regional Management Unit, ensuring technical guidance and alignment with the organization’s global best practice. 
• Collaborate with MEAL unit to ensure that lessons learnt and best practice is captured and there is strong knowledge management within the country office. This would require ensuring that the organization’s adaptive management framework is implemented, to ensure a structured process for reflecting these in new proposals.
• Represent the organization with external stakeholders (donors, NES-based actors etc.) as requested/in the absence of the ACD-P.
• Ensure strong inter-departmental coordination between the NES Program teams and Program Support departments.
• Ensure timely reporting on NES-based programs to donors and the organization global platforms. 
• Represent the organization in internal working groups and the organization regional and global exchange as requested.
• Provide inputs regarding NES program team structure. 
• Performance management of direct reports (NES PMs) in line with the organization performance management approach, procedures and tools as contribute to the professional development of team members.
• Provide day-to-day management of NES-based Program Managers and program teams, including coordination of regular team meetings, and fostering strong communication.
• Ensure NES partners capacity strengthening plan is prioritized and implemented based on the specific roles and responsibilities assigned to Program team under supervision.
• Foster NES-based inter-department coordination, and strong staff representation.
• Any other duties as directed by line manager.

Required:

• Degree in a related field.
• 7 years of work experience in the sector of humanitarian and development program delivery, of which at least 5 years of program management and line management experience.
• Ability to respond to multiple priorities in a timely manner, producing high-quality outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering international donor related programming
• Significant experience in emergency and development programming with knowledge of donor programming procedures and regulations
• Professional competency in Microsoft Office Package 
• Capacity to write concise and quality reports
• Excellent English and Arabic language skills (written and spoken)
• Strong knowledge of program cycle management and overall budget management
• Strong leadership and management skills with the capacity to manage a diverse team and support growth.

Desired:

• Higher level degree is an additional advantage.

• Experience in a similar role will be an added advantage.

• Experience in line managing Program Managers will be an added advantage.

Safeguarding Commitments

The organization has a zero-tolerance approach toward sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, and child abuse. We will carefully examine allegations and investigate, and take appropriate disciplinary action where this is needed, taking into consideration the rights and interests of the survivor, consistent with the organization’s survivor-centered approach. We make very clear that sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, and child abuse in any form, perpetrated by our staff, partners or other related personnel, towards anyone, will not be tolerated.

Gender Equality Commitments  

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, handicap, disability, or marital status.