Roving Senior Programme Manager

Transcription

1 Roving Senior Programme Manager

2 Introduction by Erik Harvey, Programme Support Unit Director Dear candidate, We are looking for an experienced development sector programme manager who has the passion and skills to help us deliver on our ambitious strategy through a growing portfolio of large grant funded projects. This is an exciting and dynamic time in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) development sector. For the first time we believe that it is possible that by 2030 we can achieve universal access to these basic and essential services that are a human right, and provide dignity and opportunity to contribute to lifting people out of poverty. WaterAid is a leading international development NGO and we have a bold strategy to catalyse and bring about necessary transformational changes in the countries where we work, driving progress towards sustainable WASH services for all. Our strategy focuses on building the strength of key sector institutions at national and local levels to be able to deliver these services sustainably. It requires that we work across sectors, for example with health and education, recognising that water, sanitation and hygiene are fundamental to human development. Our strategy ensures we tackle the inequities of access to these services, focusing our work to support improved WASH access by the poorest and most marginalised in society. We cannot achieve these ambitious goals alone and therefore we are building strong global and national partnerships with governments, donors, other development agencies, the private sector, academic institutions and civil society organisations and networks. Our work is growing fast in volume, impact and complexity and, at the same time, partners and supporters are demanding greater accountability and transparency, which are values and principles that WaterAid holds dear. The Roving Senior Programme Manager roles in WaterAid are designed primarily to support the effective start-up of new large grant funded projects within and across our country programmes, working closely and collaboratively with regional and support teams across other key departments. However, from time to time these roles may be required to boost capacity where we have identified gaps or areas for improvement.

3 The Programme Support Unit (PSU) works directly with the four WaterAid Regional Teams (West Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa and South Asia) to support high quality work within our country programmes. We also work closely with the Policy and Campaigns Department and the Communication and Fundraising teams, ensuring joined up approaches and messaging. Within the WaterAid International federation, the team liaises closely with other teams across the federation members (Australia, America, Canada, Sweden and Japan), drawing on our global experiences and expertise and providing cross-member support as necessary. This role will collaborate with our Institutional Fundraising and Partnerships team who are responsible for coordinating and securing large grant contracts. WaterAid is a wonderful and inspiring organisation to work for. You will be surrounded by diverse, energetic and highly committed colleagues, passionate about bringing about our ambitions for the world s poorest and most marginalised to access sustainable WASH services. I look forward to receiving your application for this exciting and influential role. Erik Harvey

4 Job Title: Roving Senior Programme Manager Role grade: 2 (or local country equivalent) Department: Programme Support Unit, International Programmes, WaterAid UK Reports to: Programme Support Unit Director or his / her delegate; and to Country Representative while on country assignment. Home location: One of our regional or country offices across West Africa, Southern Africa, East Africa, South Asia or in London (UK), this role will spend up to 80% of the time assigned to country programmes in Africa and South Asia. Manages: Relevant project team while on assignment, or as decided by country leadership Budget responsibilities: Assignment specific Contract: 2 years with possibility of extension. This is a full time post however can be filled in one of the following two ways: Full time, deployed in country up to 80% of the time Part time, 50% full time equivalent (minimum), to be deployed in country for 2-3 months at a time across the year Each posting is expected to range from a minimum of two to three months but may be extended to a maximum of six months in exceptional circumstances. Successful candidates must be able to have the flexibility to be deployed at short notice and to adapt to changing demands. Terms and conditions will be discussed as part of the selection process. Location: the postholder will need to be based in one of WaterAid s existing Countries and will be field based for up to 80% of the time. They must have the legal right to work in their preferred home base country. To apply: Please indicate your preference (full time or 0.5 full time equivalent) clearly in your application cover letter as well as your preferred base location. Clean water, decent toilets and hygiene are three essentials that help people lead dignified and healthy lives. They should be normal for everyone, but for millions of people they are not. We are determined to make sustainable clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene a normal part of everyday life for everyone, everywhere within a generation.

5 Purpose of Role The role will focus on providing targeted project management support, particularly for the detailed planning, inception and start-up phases of large projects. This requires the ability to quickly and smartly assess the needs and take over the role assigned, maintaining or setting up effective and accountable project management processes and systems in line with WaterAid s and the donors established requirements. The role will assist the relevant leadership to establish and induct the necessary competent project delivery team and establish the appropriate support relationships with other support teams. The successful incumbent will need to demonstrate their ability to adapt and fit into highly diverse teams and operating environments. From time to time, the role may be required to fill key gaps in existing large projects or to spend time supporting central or regional processes, such as evaluations, workshops or the development of core organisational standards. Key Accountabilities Lead on and act as senior project manager for the set-up and inception periods of large, complex or strategic projects across country, regional or global projects. Step in to support or lead existing projects when critical gaps in project management capacity arise. Rapidly assess the specific project inception and management needs and agree a clear, focused and appropriate programme of work for the full assignment and handover period. Ensure all work delivered is in compliance with WaterAid and donor policies, processes and quality standards and the that key mechanisms are in place for ongoing assurance. As needed, set-up required partnership and contractor relationships, contracts and plans, monitoring and support processes. Build the key internal and external relationships for effective implementation and support, coordinating closely with the relevant regional teams, the Programme Support Unit and other global teams, as necessary. Ensure effective handover / mentoring / capacity development processes as per the nature of the assignment. If called upon, support or lead the effective design of large scale, complex or strategic development projects, from a project management perspective. Provide training and set good practice on project management with wider teams during deployments as well as contribute to organisational learning on project management.

6 Under the management of the Programme Support Unit Director, provide inputs into WaterAid standards and guidance material, training packages or learning documents, based on experiences gained during assignments. Provide distance support functions when appropriate during non-assignment periods. Person Specification Essential Post-graduate degree level qualification in a relevant field or graduate degree with significant equivalent project or programme management experience. Significant experience in setting up, developing and managing large and complex development programmes for similar organisations similar to WaterAid. Strong understanding and experience of the social, political and economic issues in countries similar to those where WaterAid works. Demonstrate a basic core understanding of water, sanitation and hygiene development issues and approaches. Sound understanding of managing grant funded programmes (such as USAID, EC, DFID, foundations and others). Significant skills in the design, planning and management of complex development projects, including strong financial management skills Excellent professional and managerial judgement Excellent people and team work skills including developing and mentoring staff. A highly motivated self-starter with proven ability to work flexibly. Ability to travel significantly on assignments of two to six months (80% deployment). Excellent written and spoken English to engage effectively with and influence a variety of audiences. A high level of diplomacy and ability to flex approach to meet differing cultural contexts, whilst ensuring effective programme delivery Commitment to WaterAid s values, and a working style which reflects these. Desirable Ability to operate effectively in French, Portuguese or Spanish language would be highly desirable. Experience or understanding of working in complex matrix management structures in a global organisation. Qualification in project management, PMDPro or equivalent