Director of Program Development and Impact

DEPARTMENT/COUNTRY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION/MISSION

We like to think we’re different – or at least getting there.

The American Refugee Committee is all about people – the refugees we serve and the donors who make our work possible. In our eyes, they’re equal, and we work to give them both a voice.

We don’t bring the solutions. People suffering through the most difficult times of their lives know better than anyone what they need. We work with them and our donors to make it happen.

We’re looking for an exceptional manager, innovator and creative thinker to help shape our programs, ensure they achieve meaningful results and tell the story of how they impact the lives of people in dire circumstances. The team delivers high-quality programs with lasting impact through innovative program design and rigorous attention to outcomes, while always collaborating with the people we serve.

Experience is needed – and appreciated. But it’s not just about putting your experience to work. It’s about taking your experience and using it in a new and unique way. It’s about lending your voice and shaping the future of ARC.

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION

ARC’s Program Development and Technical Teams serve displaced people by strengthening program impact and by spearheading grant fundraising efforts consistent with ARC’s program framework.

The Director of Program Development and Impact leads ARC’s efforts to innovate in its programs around the world and to grow and diversify its revenue streams. Responsibilities include designing technically sound programs in various sectors and collaborating closely with ARC country teams and external partners to initiate and execute grants development strategies and approaches. The Director is part of ARC’s Senior Management Team and is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota with regular travel to Washington DC and country offices.

Beyond filling the duties of the job, the Director also needs to have a clear vision – and a desire to move the organization forward. Here at ARC, you won’t find a lot of red tape. Have a great idea? We’ll let you run with it. Feel free to color outside the lines. In fact, it’s encouraged.

MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES % OF TIME

Management and Representation 15% • Lead and manage the Program Development unit and Technical teams in health, protection, shelter, WASH, livelihoods, and monitoring & evaluation. • Represent ARC with donors, governments, NGOs and at relevant fora to forward the organization’s fundraising goals and advocate for displaced people. • Oversee strategy and budget development, process improvement and team building for program development and technical teams. • Provide mentoring, coaching and role-modeling for international and national counter-parts. • Communicate program results effectively to key audiences inside and outside of ARC. • Strengthen ARC’s leadership, influence, and visibility in humanitarian networks and policy debates, contributing to publications and expanding presentations in humanitarian fora.

Program Quality and Innovation 35% • Oversee program research and identify funding opportunities in collaboration with the country teams and the Emergency Response team, including donor solicitations. • Support country teams to develop and carry out in-country needs assessments appropriate to the local context. • Manage data collection, analysis and dissemination to support innovative design of programs that address real needs of the human beings affected by displacement. • Build the capacity of country and headquarters teams in program design and effective delivery of technical interventions. • Ensure that ARC programs have the necessary tools, resources, information, and assistance to deliver services that meet or exceed internationally accepted standards and protocols. • Support country teams to develop and implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation. • Provide practical guidance in technical methodologies, support learning from success and failure, and facilitate the development of proactive communities of practice. • Work with country programs and Program Management team to ensure desired outcomes are achieved and donor reports are clear, accurate and timely.

Proposal Development 50% • Collaborate with country programs and other International Programs teams to identify new program and funding opportunities and to facilitate partnerships with other organizations. • Guide country leaders in designing programs, engaging donors and developing grants business plans. • Manage proposal development process that is innovative, conforms to donor guidelines, ARC’s program framework and capabilities, and produces achievable grant agreements. • Diversify funding and develop key contacts with USAID and other major public donors and foundations. • Build and further strengthen external relationships and foster a proactive approach to new funding opportunities. • Build capacity of headquarters and country teams to write successful proposals, providing training and coaching to increase the confidence and skills of staff.

EDUCATION, TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• Masters degree in relevant field. • Minimum of 8 years of international management experience, with deep knowledge of the principal players, issues, policies and trends in the international humanitarian arena. • Ability to manage a diverse team effectively, balance the interests of different stakeholders and provide excellent leadership by maintaining a constructive work environment and setting a positive example.
• Experience working in conflict, post-conflict and/or development settings; familiarity with situations of displacement a distinct advantage. • Demonstrated entrepreneurial program development; familiarity of specific program sectors a plus.
• Demonstrated capacity to secure program funding from private and public sources. • Solid experience working with major donors such as USAID and UNHCR. Experience with the Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance and the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration highly desired.

KEY BEHAVIORS & ABILITIES

• Commitment to personally champion ARC’s program vision and mission and inspire others to do the same. • Excellent written and verbal communication, including effective presentation and facilitation skills. • Strong leadership and management skills including strategy formation, process improvement and team building. • Strong research and analytical skills. • Exceptional leadership skills and ability to coach and mentor others. • Proven strategic thinking, process management and problem solving skills. • Collaborative, results-oriented management style. • Initiative, resourcefulness and innovation. • Availability for frequent international and domestic travel, sometimes at short notice.

How to apply:

For full job description and to apply online, visit our Careers page at http://www.arcrelief.org. All positions are open until filled.