DanChurchAid (DCA) is currently seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Programme (HoP) to lead our country programme in Bangladesh. The main focus of this role is to oversee DCA's humanitarian response to the Rohingya refugee influx in Cox's Bazar, while also managing various gender-based violence (GBV), livelihood, and value-chain projects. The position will be based in Cox's Bazar.
About DCA:
DCA is a Danish non-governmental, non-profit organization that has been actively working in Bangladesh since the 1970s. With established offices in Dhaka and Cox's Bazar, DCA is dedicated to addressing the urgent needs of vulnerable populations, particularly in response to the Rohingya crisis. Our country programme emphasizes four key components: gender-based violence, education in emergencies, disaster risk reduction, and livelihoods.
Job Summary:
As the Head of Programme, you will work under the supervision of the Country Director (CD) and collaborate closely with the Senior Management Team (SMT) and Country Management Team (CMT). Your main responsibilities will include:
Programme Coordination: Coordinate the design and implementation of the Country Programme, ensuring alignment with program objectives and maximizing programmatic and organizational synergies. Implement quality assurance mechanisms and address identified gaps in a timely manner.
Team Management: Manage the country programme team, providing leadership and guidance to achieve programmatic goals. Conduct performance management of staff under direct line management.
Compliance and Accountability: Ensure adherence to policies and procedures, promoting a culture of transparency and accountability within the Country Programme. Oversee DCA's localisation agenda.
Strategic Development and Fundraising: Contribute to the strategic development of the organization and actively engage in fundraising activities in collaboration with the Country Director. Assume the role of Acting Country Director in their absence.
Job Responsibilities:
Personnel Management
- Supervise and manage the Programme Team through mentoring, dialogue and capacity development.
- Delegate tasks to ensure that deadlines are met, and procedures (policies, guidelines, and formats inclusive of risk management) are followed.
- Take the lead in creating a constructive working environment, proactively motivating employees.
- Plan and prioritize tasks in the team and assure balanced workloads.
- Conduct Annual Employment Development Reviews of staff under direct line management.
- Design and update job descriptions of the Programme Team and ensure that all understand their role.
- Take part in the recruitment of programme and project staff as well as the termination of contracts.
- Ensure proper induction of new employees in collaboration with Human Resources and other colleagues.
- Ensure appropriate handover during staff absence and following resignation.
- Together with the Country Director and the Head of Support Services, work towards an adequate team composition and resources to cover personnel costs in line with the Country Programme requirements.
- Contribute to employee welfare.
Senior Management and Coordination
- Actively participate in regular Senior Management Team meetings.
- Act as Acting Country Director when delegated by Country Director or authorized person in HQ.
- Contribute to defining strategic directions of the Country Programme through inputs to strategies, policies and annual planning.
- Suggest possible improvements in the effectiveness and efficiency of internal quality and control systems.
- Contribute to the organizational development, innovation, and a strategic vision of the Country Programme.
- Coordinate and collaborate with Head of Support Services and Country Director to ensure maximum synergies in the Country Programme portfolio.
Programme Management
- Ensure quality assurance of projects and programmes in accordance with DCA strategies, policies and guidelines.
- Support and supervise staff in the Country Programme in project planning, implementation and reporting.
- Ensure donor reports are prepared in time and with sufficient level of details and accuracy.
- Ensure programme/project budget expenditure is on track and regularly monitored during grants management meetings.
- Assume overall responsibility for timely implementation of the Country Programme in accordance with the DCA Programme and Project Manual (PPM).
- Regularly revise Country-level Theory of Change.
- Ensure the development of DCA technical expertise.
- Coordinate Annual Programme Reporting.
- Ensure that all programme employees have the necessary knowledge and training on PPM and relevant technical expertise.
- Provide feedback to HQ on issues related to PPM and other relevant policies.
- Ensure DCA cross-cutting commitments (Gender, Environmental Sustainability, Rights-based Approach, Religion and Development etc.) are adequately reflected in the Country Programme.
- Ensure overview and monitoring of the partners’ portfolio in line with the Country Programme Strategy, DCA cross-cutting commitments and HAP/CHS benchmarks.
- Coordinate and contribute to the development of the partner portfolio, including systematic partner capacity building.
- Ensure investment in innovative solutions to humanitarian and development aid, including but not limited to developing technical capacities in ICTs.
- Where possible, ensure appropriate linkages between humanitarian, early recovery, and development planning.
- Oversee DCA’s localization agenda
Networking and Advocacy
- Ensure DCA participation in UN sectors and other coordination mechanisms.
- Actively participate in the ACT Alliance meetings and the National/Regional ACT Forum.
- Actively coordinate with HQ on global and country-based advocacy.
- Provide input and support to the Country Director in coordination with the Danish Embassy, the Delegation of the European Commission, UN agencies and other organisations.
Fundraising
- Manage the implementation of the DCA fundraising strategy, ensure relevant background documents, presentation materials and quality concept notes/project proposals are prepared and updated regularly.
- In close cooperation with the GPRM Adviser, lead the programme team in developing innovative and relevant project concepts which respond to community needs, changing environment and donor requirements.
- Manage current donor relations, participate in donors’ meetings, and present fundraising initiatives upon agreement with the Country Director.
- Identify new potential donors and regularly arrange meetings and briefings with them to ensure DCA is visible
Requirements:
- A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in program management, preferably in humanitarian or development contexts.
- University degree or relevant work experience.
- Strong understanding of humanitarian response, particularly in refugee contexts.
- Proven experience in team management and leadership, with the ability to motivate and support staff.
- Excellent coordination and organizational skills, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Demonstrated commitment to quality assurance, accountability, and adherence to policies and procedures.
- Strong strategic thinking and fundraising skills.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Willingness to travel within the country as required.
Application Process/Notes:
- Applications should submit addressing to the Country Director, DanChurchAid (DCA) in Bangladesh. Applications would be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Only online applications including an up-to-date CV and a Cover Letter will be considered.
- Female candidates are equally encouraged to apply.
- Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
- Application deadline: 30th June 2023 till 23:59hrs.
- Expected starting date: No later than 20th August 2023.
- Contract duration: One year with the possibility of extension, subject to available funding.
- Terms and conditions: As per the DCA Handbook for International Staff.
Interviews are expected to be held 3rd week of July. However, interviews can be held on a rolling basis and DCA reserves the right to select a candidate prior to the deadline.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, abilities, or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy. DCA conducts an anti-terror check as part of the recruitment process. It is a prerequisite that you can pass this check and maintain this status throughout your employment with us. Everyone applying for a job with DCA must be ready to comply with our Code of Conduct, Staff Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment and our Child Safeguarding Policy.
How to apply
"Head of Programme (HoP) – DanChurchAid (DCA) Bangladesh I DanchurchAid" (emply.com)