ASSISTANT COUNTRY DIRECTOR PROGRAMMES SIERRA LEONE
ob Location: Freetown
Responsible to: Country Director
Start Date Required: 15 November 2011
Contract Length: 1 year
General Description of GOAL’s work in Sierra Leone
GOAL has been working in Sierra Leone since 1999, and is currently implementing Integrated Child and Youth Welfare Programmes and Urban WASH/Health/nutrition programmes in Freetown and a WASH programme in Kenema.
GOAL Sierra Leone’s Disadvantaged Children and Youths’ Programme began in 1999 to address the needs and rights of street children and young commercial sex workers in Freetown. The aim was to meet their basic needs of shelter, food and non-formal education, as well as providing alternative life choices.
Since 2003, the programme has increasingly focused on the whole community to prevent children in difficult circumstances from ending up on the street. The programme works very closely with surrounding communities through partnership with Child Welfare Committees (CWCs).
In 2008/2009, the programme was re-launched as the Integrated Child and Youth Welfare Programme (ICYWP), which includes DCYP activities but also integrates health promotion and curative care, HIV/AIDS awareness, a nutrition component (recently supported by UNICEF) and support to CBO partners. GOAL also has a large Urban WASH project in the city, part of the Urban WASH NGO Consortium, funded by DFID. GOAL is continuing to expand activities into more slum and marginal communities across the city.
In Kenema, GOAL implements a WASH project, funded by UNICEF, uses the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach to promote sustainable sanitation solutions for rural communities and also delivers School Sanitation and Hygiene Education through local partners.
Overall Objective of the Position:
The Assistant Country Director Programmes will be the main focal point for programme strategy, planning and reporting and along with the CD will have responsibility for ensuring that programme objectives are met and quality and consistency maintained. The position involves working closely with the respective programme managers, M&E Advisor and Programme Support Officer and in cooperation with national and international staff. The objective is to develop and ensure the implementation of relevant, innovative and sustainable programmes, in line with GOAL’s organizational strategic plan.
Key Duties:
Programme Development:
1. To support finalization, the roll out and implementation of the next strategic plan for GOAL Sierra Leone programmes, taking account of changes in context and environment; and ensuring programmes support Government plans including PRSP 2 objectives and MDGs.
2. In collaboration with Programme Managers, develop operational plans to support roll out of programmes by objectives and provide oversight to ensure that all programme planning, implementation and funding reflects the ‘big picture’ in accordance with integrated programming aims.
3. Along with the CD, ensure the future development of programmes in the GOAL Sierra Leone areas of expertise including: vulnerable children and youth programming, nutrition, and WASH. This will involve close cooperation with donors, as well as GOAL HQ and staff on the ground in order to further develop existing programmes, identify related areas for new programme development and oversee the development of new proposals (see below).
4. To ensure that GOAL’s partnership strategy is implemented in each project area, providing consistent support and guidance to Programme Managers
5. To utilize GOAL’s partnership strategy and toolkit, including: indicators for partner selection; capacity and skills audit tools to assess partner service provision; capacity development strategy to improve the capacity of partners to provide quality services; and, M&E tools to review partner achievements.
6. In conjunction with the M&E Advisor, to ensure that all projects follow monitoring and evaluation guidelines, and are regularly collecting and assessing project M&E data to allow for evidence-based decision-making. For projects seeking behaviour change, ensure approaches and IEC materials focus on behaviour change communication rather than awareness raising, and are reviewed for effectiveness and quality.
7. To be the focal point for programme policy development in Sierra Leone and ensure that all programming adheres to best practice principles of participation from programme design, through implementation and M&E.
8. To provide recommendations to the CD and GOAL Dublin on the technical support required for GSL programmes, like additional training, technical staff or technical team support visit.
9. To ensure GOAL has strong institutional capacity through the development and implementation of a competency based capacity building strategy using on-the job training and mentoring according to individual training skills and needs and the requirements of the job
10. Along with the CD to provide input and analysis to HQ of political, economic and security developments that might be relevant to the development of GOAL’s global strategy and programming.
11. To ensure that all GOAL programmes adhere to best practice principles; reflect participatory methodology, particularly for children and women; ensure the representation of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups; and reflects evidence based programming and innovations.
12. To provide oversight to the transition of GOAL’s current DCYP to an independent national NGO through guiding strategy and ensuring DCYP has adequate capacity in all areas to function as an effective local NGO. To monitor funding implications for both GOAL and DCYP regarding current and future proposals, that incorporate services provided by DCYP, and ensure compliance with donor requirements is reflected in the transition strategy.
Programme Management:
1. To supervise the work of three Programme Managers (Integrated Child and Youth Welfare Programme, Health, and Non-Communicable Diseases), the Urban WASH Technical Advisor, the M&E Advisor and the Programme Support Officer through Management By Objectives and regularly documented meetings, as well as undertake regular site visits, report reviews, and use of other appropriate management tools.
2. To support the Programme Managers when needed with programme issues including new project design, staff management, partnership issues, and government and donor relations.
3. To oversee the development and implementation of individual competency development plans for key programme staff as part of GOAL’s institutional capacity building strategy.
4. To continuously review strategic fit of programmes with GOAL’s development plan, as well as changes in the local environment and/or stakeholders
5. To review and approve all legitimate programme costs within GOAL’s limits for ACD
6. To support Programme Managers in budget development and quarterly reforecasting
7. To assist in further developing mechanisms for the Programme Managers to monitor and review project progress to date in a participatory manner, and ensure findings feed into programme evolution.
8. To support Programme Managers in ensuring programmes are integrated together where appropriate
9. To ensure the mainstreaming of gender, HIV/AIDs & child protection across all programming areas
Relationship Management:
1. To oversee a close working relationship with GOAL’s partners to ensure their support and buy-in
2. In collaboration with the CD, ensure stakeholders are kept abreast of all new programme developments creating a platform for developing future projects
3. To identify and develop relationships with key local and international partners involved in GOAL’s programme areas.
Report Writing and Proposal Development:
1. Along with the M&E Advisor to support the development and implementation of a simple M&E system that ensures relevant project data that ensures decision-making is
2. Along with the Programme Support Officer ensure reports are written clearly, in keeping with donor requirement and, in a timely fashion. Reports should clearly reflect progress against plans, utilizing M&E data collected.
3. To work in close collaboration with the Programme Support Officer, Programme Managers and partners to develop proposals, budgets and logical frameworks. On the job capacity building of Programme Managers/technical staff should be provided in this process.
4. Along with the Financial Controller and Programme Managers, prepare annual budgets and funding proposals and coordinate monitoring of project expenditure and quarterly reforecasting, ensuring staff and resources are maximized through integrated programming
General:
1. To communicate daily with staff to ensure the smooth running of the programme
2. To coordinate regularly with all appropriate government and UN authorities, ensure compliance with guidelines and reporting requirements and attend all meetings, as required and agreed with the CD.
3. Along with the CD, to coordinate with other organisations working in the same sectors as GOAL Sierra Leone and to promote information sharing and co-operation as applicable
4. To co-operate with other members of the GOAL team and develop good working relationships with international and national staff, project counterparts and volunteers
5. To represent GOAL at meetings, seminars, and other events, acting as spokesperson as appropriate.
6. To serve as Acting Country Director when the Country Director is away
7. Other appropriate tasks as assigned by the Country Director
Criteria:
• Master’s degree in Development Studies or other relevant discipline
• At least five years’ practical experience working overseas in developing countries, including experience in an African context or conflict and/or long term complex development situations, ideally in an urban setting
• Demonstrated analytical and conceptual skills to plan projects, timetable activities, and oversee staff work
• Experience in strategic planning and managing of development programmes
• Experience in budget formation and management
• Experience in proposal formation and donor liaison
• Track record of working with development partners in preparation & implementation of complex programmes
• Strong writing skills in English, including previous proposal and report writing experience
• Experience of staff management, on the job staff training and systems development
• Familiarity with key international human rights laws and conventions including the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child, and international labour laws and conventions
• Outgoing personality with excellent communications, networking and training skills
• Good team player, flexible and capable of working with and supervising a multinational country team
• Good computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
This Job Description only serves as a guide for the position available. GOAL reserves the right to change this document. This is an unaccompanied position. Interviews will be held in Dublin. Unfortunately GOAL cannot contribute to financial costs incurred when attending interview.
Note: GOAL is an equal opportunities employer.
If you would like to apply for the above position, please send your CV and covering letter to applications@goal.ie, ensuring that the job title and location of the role are clearly stated in the subject line of your email. Thank you.
Responsible to: Country Director
Start Date Required: 15 November 2011
Contract Length: 1 year
General Description of GOAL’s work in Sierra Leone
GOAL has been working in Sierra Leone since 1999, and is currently implementing Integrated Child and Youth Welfare Programmes and Urban WASH/Health/nutrition programmes in Freetown and a WASH programme in Kenema.
GOAL Sierra Leone’s Disadvantaged Children and Youths’ Programme began in 1999 to address the needs and rights of street children and young commercial sex workers in Freetown. The aim was to meet their basic needs of shelter, food and non-formal education, as well as providing alternative life choices.
Since 2003, the programme has increasingly focused on the whole community to prevent children in difficult circumstances from ending up on the street. The programme works very closely with surrounding communities through partnership with Child Welfare Committees (CWCs).
In 2008/2009, the programme was re-launched as the Integrated Child and Youth Welfare Programme (ICYWP), which includes DCYP activities but also integrates health promotion and curative care, HIV/AIDS awareness, a nutrition component (recently supported by UNICEF) and support to CBO partners. GOAL also has a large Urban WASH project in the city, part of the Urban WASH NGO Consortium, funded by DFID. GOAL is continuing to expand activities into more slum and marginal communities across the city.
In Kenema, GOAL implements a WASH project, funded by UNICEF, uses the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach to promote sustainable sanitation solutions for rural communities and also delivers School Sanitation and Hygiene Education through local partners.
Overall Objective of the Position:
The Assistant Country Director Programmes will be the main focal point for programme strategy, planning and reporting and along with the CD will have responsibility for ensuring that programme objectives are met and quality and consistency maintained. The position involves working closely with the respective programme managers, M&E Advisor and Programme Support Officer and in cooperation with national and international staff. The objective is to develop and ensure the implementation of relevant, innovative and sustainable programmes, in line with GOAL’s organizational strategic plan.
Key Duties:
Programme Development:
1. To support finalization, the roll out and implementation of the next strategic plan for GOAL Sierra Leone programmes, taking account of changes in context and environment; and ensuring programmes support Government plans including PRSP 2 objectives and MDGs.
2. In collaboration with Programme Managers, develop operational plans to support roll out of programmes by objectives and provide oversight to ensure that all programme planning, implementation and funding reflects the ‘big picture’ in accordance with integrated programming aims.
3. Along with the CD, ensure the future development of programmes in the GOAL Sierra Leone areas of expertise including: vulnerable children and youth programming, nutrition, and WASH. This will involve close cooperation with donors, as well as GOAL HQ and staff on the ground in order to further develop existing programmes, identify related areas for new programme development and oversee the development of new proposals (see below).
4. To ensure that GOAL’s partnership strategy is implemented in each project area, providing consistent support and guidance to Programme Managers
5. To utilize GOAL’s partnership strategy and toolkit, including: indicators for partner selection; capacity and skills audit tools to assess partner service provision; capacity development strategy to improve the capacity of partners to provide quality services; and, M&E tools to review partner achievements.
6. In conjunction with the M&E Advisor, to ensure that all projects follow monitoring and evaluation guidelines, and are regularly collecting and assessing project M&E data to allow for evidence-based decision-making. For projects seeking behaviour change, ensure approaches and IEC materials focus on behaviour change communication rather than awareness raising, and are reviewed for effectiveness and quality.
7. To be the focal point for programme policy development in Sierra Leone and ensure that all programming adheres to best practice principles of participation from programme design, through implementation and M&E.
8. To provide recommendations to the CD and GOAL Dublin on the technical support required for GSL programmes, like additional training, technical staff or technical team support visit.
9. To ensure GOAL has strong institutional capacity through the development and implementation of a competency based capacity building strategy using on-the job training and mentoring according to individual training skills and needs and the requirements of the job
10. Along with the CD to provide input and analysis to HQ of political, economic and security developments that might be relevant to the development of GOAL’s global strategy and programming.
11. To ensure that all GOAL programmes adhere to best practice principles; reflect participatory methodology, particularly for children and women; ensure the representation of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups; and reflects evidence based programming and innovations.
12. To provide oversight to the transition of GOAL’s current DCYP to an independent national NGO through guiding strategy and ensuring DCYP has adequate capacity in all areas to function as an effective local NGO. To monitor funding implications for both GOAL and DCYP regarding current and future proposals, that incorporate services provided by DCYP, and ensure compliance with donor requirements is reflected in the transition strategy.
Programme Management:
1. To supervise the work of three Programme Managers (Integrated Child and Youth Welfare Programme, Health, and Non-Communicable Diseases), the Urban WASH Technical Advisor, the M&E Advisor and the Programme Support Officer through Management By Objectives and regularly documented meetings, as well as undertake regular site visits, report reviews, and use of other appropriate management tools.
2. To support the Programme Managers when needed with programme issues including new project design, staff management, partnership issues, and government and donor relations.
3. To oversee the development and implementation of individual competency development plans for key programme staff as part of GOAL’s institutional capacity building strategy.
4. To continuously review strategic fit of programmes with GOAL’s development plan, as well as changes in the local environment and/or stakeholders
5. To review and approve all legitimate programme costs within GOAL’s limits for ACD
6. To support Programme Managers in budget development and quarterly reforecasting
7. To assist in further developing mechanisms for the Programme Managers to monitor and review project progress to date in a participatory manner, and ensure findings feed into programme evolution.
8. To support Programme Managers in ensuring programmes are integrated together where appropriate
9. To ensure the mainstreaming of gender, HIV/AIDs & child protection across all programming areas
Relationship Management:
1. To oversee a close working relationship with GOAL’s partners to ensure their support and buy-in
2. In collaboration with the CD, ensure stakeholders are kept abreast of all new programme developments creating a platform for developing future projects
3. To identify and develop relationships with key local and international partners involved in GOAL’s programme areas.
Report Writing and Proposal Development:
1. Along with the M&E Advisor to support the development and implementation of a simple M&E system that ensures relevant project data that ensures decision-making is
2. Along with the Programme Support Officer ensure reports are written clearly, in keeping with donor requirement and, in a timely fashion. Reports should clearly reflect progress against plans, utilizing M&E data collected.
3. To work in close collaboration with the Programme Support Officer, Programme Managers and partners to develop proposals, budgets and logical frameworks. On the job capacity building of Programme Managers/technical staff should be provided in this process.
4. Along with the Financial Controller and Programme Managers, prepare annual budgets and funding proposals and coordinate monitoring of project expenditure and quarterly reforecasting, ensuring staff and resources are maximized through integrated programming
General:
1. To communicate daily with staff to ensure the smooth running of the programme
2. To coordinate regularly with all appropriate government and UN authorities, ensure compliance with guidelines and reporting requirements and attend all meetings, as required and agreed with the CD.
3. Along with the CD, to coordinate with other organisations working in the same sectors as GOAL Sierra Leone and to promote information sharing and co-operation as applicable
4. To co-operate with other members of the GOAL team and develop good working relationships with international and national staff, project counterparts and volunteers
5. To represent GOAL at meetings, seminars, and other events, acting as spokesperson as appropriate.
6. To serve as Acting Country Director when the Country Director is away
7. Other appropriate tasks as assigned by the Country Director
Criteria:
• Master’s degree in Development Studies or other relevant discipline
• At least five years’ practical experience working overseas in developing countries, including experience in an African context or conflict and/or long term complex development situations, ideally in an urban setting
• Demonstrated analytical and conceptual skills to plan projects, timetable activities, and oversee staff work
• Experience in strategic planning and managing of development programmes
• Experience in budget formation and management
• Experience in proposal formation and donor liaison
• Track record of working with development partners in preparation & implementation of complex programmes
• Strong writing skills in English, including previous proposal and report writing experience
• Experience of staff management, on the job staff training and systems development
• Familiarity with key international human rights laws and conventions including the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child, and international labour laws and conventions
• Outgoing personality with excellent communications, networking and training skills
• Good team player, flexible and capable of working with and supervising a multinational country team
• Good computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
This Job Description only serves as a guide for the position available. GOAL reserves the right to change this document. This is an unaccompanied position. Interviews will be held in Dublin. Unfortunately GOAL cannot contribute to financial costs incurred when attending interview.
Note: GOAL is an equal opportunities employer.
If you would like to apply for the above position, please send your CV and covering letter to applications@goal.ie, ensuring that the job title and location of the role are clearly stated in the subject line of your email. Thank you.
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