JOB DESCRIPTION: INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES COORDINATOR

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1 JOB DESCRIPTION: INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES COORDINATOR BASE LOCATION: Islamic Relief UK, London REPORTING TO: Senior International Programmes Coordinator LINE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES: Supervision and guidance of volunteers and interns (if, and, when needed) Islamic Relief: Islamic Relief is an international non-governmental organisation (INGO) founded in the UK in 1984 by a group of medical doctors and activists. Established in response to the widespread famine in Africa, Islamic Relief has grown to become one of the world s largest Muslim INGO with a presence in over 40 countries worldwide. Since 1984, Islamic Relief has saved and transformed the lives of over 110 million people. By responding to disasters, rebuilding lives and preparing people in case disaster strikes we save lives before they are lost. In addition to providing disaster and emergency response, we also promote sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities regardless of race, religion or gender. Islamic Relief is a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and an implementing partner for DFID, ECHO, the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNHCR. Purpose of division (IRUK) Islamic Relief UK (IRUK) is a Strategic Business Unit (SBU) that is a part of Islamic Relief Worldwide. IRUK s focus is strengthening effective funding, mobilising for change through advocacy and awareness-raising, and strengthening programme development and delivery. IRUK works with various partners and institutions from governments, non-governmental organisations and local authorities to grassroots communities. Purpose of department (Programmes) The department designs, leads and oversees the UK s international and UK programme function. It provides strategic guidance and support to achieve overall programming objectives and strengthens relations with the wider humanitarian and development community in the UK. Equally important, the department communicates and cooperates between different stakeholders in the IR family to ensure maximum impact of the organisation s work at a global level. Job purpose To coordinate the international programme remit for key countries, in conjunction with one other International Programme Coordinator and under the guidance of the Senior International Programme Coordinator and Head of Programmes. This involves working closely with key stakeholders to ensure delivery, implementation and monitoring of IRUK funded programmes and the provision of specialist programme guidance internally to different departments and externally to the donor community.

2 Key working relationships: Head of Programmes, IRUK Senior International Programme Coordinator, IRUK International Programme Coordinator, IRUK (counterpart for alternative countries) International Programmes Division (IPD) at IRW: o Heads of Regions o Regional Desk Coordinators o Programme Funding and Partnerships Division o Humanitarian Department IRUK s communication, fundraising and supporter care departments Funders/donors: DfID and DEC amongst others Organisational bodies such as Muslim Charities Forum and Humanitarian Forum Key stakeholders in IR family such as partner offices Scope of the role The International Programmes Coordinator will co-ordinate IRUK s international programme portfolio. This involves monitoring the project cycle in co-operation with IPD colleagues and the critical appraisal of proposals, budgets and reports. Funding recommendations are made to the Senior International Programmes Coordinator in-line with the departmental strategy. The role also includes capacity strengthening of Communications, Fundraising and Supporter Care teams, responding to their requests, as well as guiding and shaping messaging. This function is also extended to the donor community. Key accountabilities The job holder is accountable for fulfilling his or her roles and responsibilities in line with Islamic values and principles of fairness, humanity, honesty, respect and fair treatment of his/her colleagues and staff. The role holder will be accountable for the following responsibilities: Supporting organisational efforts to fundraise from general, corporate and institutional donors: In consultation with the Senior International Programmes Coordinator, provide programme guidance into campaign planning groups and to potential donors, both internal and external to the organisation Research, develop and draft funding applications for corporate, institutional, Trust and other donors Furnish Communications, Fundraising and Supporter Care Teams with project reports and updates for donor publications the post-holder will contribute to the editorial process Build colleagues capacity and deliver workshops in disaster response, sustainable development and other cross cutting issues

3 Providing programme advice, data and information to colleagues: Guide on suitability of project proposals from a technical, financial and strategic view point to Analyse and highlight key outcomes and successes in project reports and share with Communications, Fundraising and Supporter Care Teams Provide information and guide on all other specialist programmes-related issues including sector minimum standards and security. Source data and information from IPD to develop updates, as requested, on existing projects funded either generally or by individual donors Monitor projects through IPD and field offices and ensure alignment to agreed standards: Maintain an up to date overview of operational matters across designated regions and country programmes with an in-depth knowledge of projects funded and their progress Follow up due reports, ensure submission is on time and in correct format Critically appraise interim and final project reports ensuring compliance with IR and international quality standards and reporting any deviations to IPD and other relevant stakeholders Appraise and respond to requests from IPD for financial and material changes to project Undertake monitoring and evaluation field visits to country offices and programmes to assess whether IRUK projects are implemented as proposed, contracted and to agreed IR and international quality standards Establish, implement and maintain a donor accountability framework: Maintain accurate records on projects in their portfolio. Agrees and monitors agreed project management schedule, including reports, such as quality and timeliness and ensures all are met Contribute to the development of country, regional and global programmes strategy and policy within fora such as the global programmes working group Actively work to maintain and develop specialist knowledge and skills pertaining to this position: Attend public lectures, seminars and training courses to develop specialist and technical knowledge and skills Actively engage and network with the wider humanitarian and development community and specifically by attending, participating and learning from conferences and other public forums Representation of IRUK SBU interests: Represent Islamic Relief in the media and undertake interviews whenever required Represent IRUK and meaningfully engage with institutional donor agencies, governmental ministers, umbrella organisations, networks and other key stakeholders Carry out any other duties that are in line with the job purpose as requested

4 Person Specification It is essential that the post holder shows a good understanding and sympathy with Islamic values and principles as well as commitment to the Islamic Relief vision, mission and core values. Essential Criteria: Education/Training: Educated to degree level or equivalent Good standard of literacy and numeracy Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: An in-depth understanding of international development issues IT literate with a working knowledge of Microsoft applications Knowledge of Project Cycle Management Effective budgetary control and grant management skills including some experience with institutional donors Ability to critically appraise project proposals and reports Ability to appraise and assess complex financial data and spreadsheets Strong relationship management skills, builds trust and productive relationships with others, internally and externally Problem solving skills Excellent written and spoken English Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with people within a multicultural environment including the ability to listen, sensitively to others views and perspectives Ability to work in a tactful/diplomatic manner Experience: Experience in development/humanitarian areas Demonstrable experience of working within a programming department of an international NGO Proven experience of humanitarian emergencies and the role fundraising plays Experience working on issues of sustainability in a development context, with knowledge of participatory approaches Experience of and commitment to a participatory, supportive and open environment to ensure learning and development Experience of working closely with colleagues overseas Personal Criteria: Has a positive demeanour and disposition, and able to overcome setbacks by motivating self and others Good team working and prioritisation skills, with the ability to work with different and sometimes conflicting agendas Culturally sensitive Desire for ongoing learning and development Willingness to travel at very short notice Willingness to work unsociable hours as needs arise

5 Desirable: ISLAMIC RELIEF Field work experience with an international NGO in a developing country Willingness to join IRW surge team