Senior Humanitarian Programme Manager/Advisor

Around the world people are fighting for their right to a decent livelihood. Oxfam Novib supports them in this. We support projects, strengthen local organizations and campaign for just policies. We do so locally and internationally because poverty and injustice are global problems and are related to unjust economic and political relationships. That is why we work together with Oxfam International.

As part of its newly established Rapid Deployment Team, Oxfam Novib is looking for aSenior Operational Manager who, together with us and many others, want to work towards creating a just world without poverty.

Senior Humanitarian Programme Manager/Advisor experienced in managing and leading humanitarian responses

Job Profile

Oxfam Novib works with other Oxfam Affiliates and with local partner organisations to be better prepared for emergency situations and to provide an appropriate (partner-led) response to those situations where needed. To support Oxfam Novib country staff and partners to realise our humanitarian ambitions and duties Oxfam Novib is establishing a Rapid Deployment Team (RDT), whose members will be deployed in countries where Oxfam Novib is working. Deployments are based on need for support to the country team and partners in their area of expertise. Apart from enhancing Oxfam’s preparedness and response work, the RDT will contribute to organisation-wide capacity, fundraising and profile development. As a senior programme manager you will be one of the RDT members (Humanitarian Support Personnel). The RDT reports to the Manager of the Humanitarian Unit at Oxfam Novib’s head office in The Hague, but during assignments in the field to the country based line manager.

You will work abroad most of the year and have to be willing to travel and/or move on short (48 hours) notice as required. This is an unaccompanied position.

Key Responsibilities

The post holder will undertake a series of assignments for which specific Terms of Reference will be negotiated and agreed with relevant parties, prior to deployment and or revised in the early stages of the deployment. 

During deployments you can be requested to take over all or part of the below activities. 
This will include:

Managing humanitarian responses (relief & rehabilitation) in large scale (category 1 and 2)  and smaller scale (category 3) disasters:

Overall Management of humanitarian programmesincluding:

• Providing strategic inputs to the Oxfam Country Leadership Team on (response) program planning and development, budgeting and fundraising;
• Providing operational leadership and steer to Oxfam Novib staff involved the  response program as appropriate;
• Support or lead the development and/or revision of response strategy;
• Providing strategic guidance to the (humanitarian) advocacy staff on the development and implementation of the advocacy strategy;
• Lead design and implementation of the response and  ensuring quality, timely and cost effective  planning and implementation of the response program;
• Lead development of proposals for back donors;
• Ensure participative and effective consultation with Oxfam’s and partners and other stakeholders;
• Ensure planning and implementation of accountability, monitoring and evaluation systems that are compliant with Oxfam and donor requirements;
• Ensure integration of cross-cutting issues in planning and implementation;
• Ensuring proper contract management;
• Recruitment of (local) staff, and management of all staff in line with Oxfam/country specific policies, ensuring that they have the necessary induction, training and support;
• Ensuring safety & security policies are in place and implemented;
• Ensure  that a communication and media policy is in place and implemented;
• Represent Oxfam or Oxfam Novib to government officials, UN agencies, other NGO staff, and donors as appropriate.

Enhancing preparedness and capacity building of Oxfam Novib and partners humanitarian capacities:

• Contribution and advice  to the development and implementation of the Oxfam humanitarian preparedness strategies ,  in-country  investment plans and contingency plans;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of humanitarian capacity assessments and capacity building of Oxfam Novib staff;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of capacity assessment and building of  partner organisations;
• Contribute to development of Oxfam Novib humanitarian and DRR/Resilience policies, profile and funding;
• Undertake research project work to document experience and build up institutional learning on aspects of emergencies , DRR and resilience;
• Participating in assessments, audits, monitoring & evaluation missions;
• Undertake public speaking and media work on emergency work as requested;
• Other suitable tasks as assigned.

Skills and Competence

• (Post) graduate degree in a relevant field (undergraduate degree plus relevant overseas experience may substitute, but qualification will not substitute for experience);
• At least 10 years of practical experience in managing emergency responses (relief & rehabilitation)  in more than one country (preferably countries where Oxfam Novib works), with a mature understanding of context, dilemmas, challenges and ways of working. A proven record of people management;
• Good analytical and planning skills. Must be inquisitive, have a keen interest in policy issues and able to see the bigger picture and able to analyze programming risks;
• Proven numeracy and financial management skills;
• Knowledge and practical experience of general humanitarian standards and principles such as Sphere Standards, HAP, the People in Aid Code and the Red Cross Code of Conduct. Understanding of main programming issues in WASH and Emergency Food Security/ Vulnerable Livelihoods and DRR;
• A good understanding of gender and diversity in humanitarian crisis contexts, and proven commitment to incorporating these concepts in your work;
• Experience in or strong affinity with working with local NGO partners and building their capacity;
• Representational skills and the proven ability to influence others, and negotiate with others, within Oxfam and the wider humanitarian sector, including institutional donors;
• Ability to take the initiative and make decisions with limited support in fast moving environments;
• Experience in external fundraising and a fair picture of the main institutional donors and their funding strategies;
• Ability to build good teams and to effectively support and empower Oxfam Novib field staff and partners in a wide variety of cultural contexts using methods such as mentoring, coaching, accompaniment, training and advice;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal and team working skills, both written and spoken.
•  Fluency in English, as well as working knowledge in French or/and Portuguese);
• Willingness to travel at short notice, often in difficult circumstances and availability to typically work between 6 weeks to 6 months in complex situations and difficult locations.

Knowledge and experience of working with disaster risk reduction, preparedness and development issues is an asset.

Location:
Most time of the year, you will be deployed in countries where Oxfam Novib is involved in humanitarian programming or preparations. Your residence (in between deployments) can be in any of the countries/cities where Oxfam Novib has an office and where an international airport is nearby (at the moment: The Hague, Nairobi, Islamabad, Niamey, Hanoi, Jerusalem, Dakar, Abuja, Kampala, Maputo and Phnom Pen.

Salary
We offer a maximum salary of € 4.969,- per month on the base of 40 hours workweek.
We offer additional benefits to compensate for the costs while travelling to the Country Offices.

Application Procedure
Are you interested? Send your application before November 29, 2012 in writing including a motivation letter and curriculum vitae and mentioning reference number 5-173 tojobs@oxfamnovib.nl, addressed to Mrs. Stijn Sas, International HR Consultant.

Further information about the job can be obtained from Hans van den Hoogen, Manager Humanitarian Unit (+31 70 3421959).