Job description Job title Department Post holder Reporting to Responsible for Liaison with Senior Programme Manager Programme Management Team Vacant Assistant Director of Programmes Programme Manager(s), Assistant Programme Manager(s) and Programme Assistant(s) Team Leaders, Programme Managers; Technical, Business Development and Finance teams and external partners Hours 35 Type of contract Permanent Organisation Options Consultancy Services Limited was established in 1992 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marie Stopes International. We are a consultancy organisation providing technical and management expertise in the health and social sectors to governments and international development partners to transform the health of women and children. We provide information, expertise and influence to governments, health workers, NGOs and businesses to catalyse change so that health services can be accessed by the people who need them most. Main purpose of job The Senior Programme Manager is a senior member of the Programme Management Team comprising around 20 staff in Options London office. The position has responsibility for the effective and efficient management of Options long-term programmes and short-term assignments that fall within their portfolio. This includes: ensuring quality of programme implementation of at least one of Options major programmes, oversight of a portfolio of other long term programmes; maintaining and developing relations with programme funders and consortium partners. The Senior Programme Manager reports to the Assistant Director of Programmes, and is based in Options office in central London, with some overseas travel. 1
Main duties Portfolio Management Overseeing a portfolio of projects and ensuring high quality outputs from the Programme Management Team members who manage them day-to-day, the Senior Programme Manager will: Engage at a strategic level on all programmes within their portfolio, ensuring progress in conjunction with Team Leaders, Programme Managers and other Options teams Provide on-going oversight and leadership to a small team of Programme Managers and Assistant Programme Managers and be first point of contact for risk management and trouble shooting Provide oversight of the portfolio, ensuring Programme Managers provide accurate and timely external and internal reporting and analysis covering reimbursable and milestone contracts Provide oversight of relationships with clients and consortium partners on programmes within the portfolio, lead on strategic approaches, and contracting and troubleshooting matters Work closely with the Team Leaders to strategically plan the programmes and monitor overall progress, resolving issues and initiating corrective action Oversee programme evaluations and assessment of progress and results. Technical Lead Report progress of programmes at regular intervals to Options senior managers Advise on programme scope, goals and deliverables, together with the Senior Technical Lead Represent the progress of the programmes to Options senior management Ensure programme delivery is of good quality and meets both value for money and contractual objectives Form part of the programme delivery team on each programme providing strategic guidance and support Suggest improvements to activities and processes. Financial Management Oversee programme finances, including financial reporting both to the client and internally Quality assure the financial and management integrity of the portfolio Management and analysis of programme risks and issues Identify and address financial issues. Team Management Manage a team of Programme Manager(s), Assistant Programme Manager(s) and Programme Assistant(s) Manage and motivate team members in all aspects of their work and support career progression Conduct ongoing performance management of team members, including annual appraisals Lead and/or support the recruitment process for new team members. Organisation Collaborate with the Director and Assistant Directors of Programmes, the Technical, New Business and Partnerships, and Business Support teams and other senior staff Work with the Finance Team on all aspects of financial management related to overseas programmes and assignments, contributing to the monthly management accounts, annual audit process, and regular budgeting and re-forecasting Work with the New Business and Partnerships team to support the development of bids, including programme management and commercial inputs Participate in cross organisational and government groups Represent Options to partners and clients. Note: this job description reflects the present requirements of the post. As duties and responsibilities change and develop the job description will be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the job holder. 2
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Person specification Criteria Essential Desirable Qualifications Masters in relevant subject area Experience Significant and proven experience working in international development at a senior programme management level or above Extensive experience of the development and implementation of programmes within the health sector Excellent record of people management and management of teams, including distance management experience Experience of managing large, complex, multi-country, and multi-donor budgets Experience of overseeing a portfolio of programmes in multiple locations Proven experience in strategic planning, budgeting and programme control Proven experience in risk management Proven experience in change management Experience of developing and maintaining close working relationships with clients, partners and consortia Experience of contracts and contracting Experience of networking to build successful relationships with potential clients, collaborators and consultants Experience in fundraising/business development Experience working on USAID funded projects Skills and attributes Strong administration and organisational skills, good time management Excellent financial management skills Self-starter, able to work independently or as part of a team Critical thinking and problem solving skills Planning and organising Decision-making Communication skills Influencing and leading 4
Negotiation Knowledge of a spread of international donors, including DFID Extensive knowledge of the health sector, including operating within a SWAP environment Knowledge of the health sector in general, especially of reproductive health, maternal and child health sector strengthening Other requirements Commitment to equal opportunities Applicants must have the right to live and to work in the UK Ability to travel internationally for up to three weeks at a time 5