The position is responsible for ensuring effective leadership and strategic management of program operations including planning, directing, and coordination of operations for aggregated projects comprising the entire Client’s programme. The job also provides oversight and supervision of operations according to the Client’s strategic plan, business plans, budgets, performance metrics and deliverables.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

Leadership and Strategic Management

• Provide leadership and accountability in the management of Programmes Department.
• Support development and implementation of strategic plan and business plans for Programmes function.
• Spearhead the development, implementation and periodic review of operational plans, management plans and work plans to ensure effective and quality delivery of programs.
• Lead the development of annual budgets for Programmes function and manage/monitor its utilization.
• Ensure prudent use of resources entrusted to the department.
• Provide overall technical support in management of program implementation.

Programme Management

• Provide overall leadership and oversee the implementation of program/project activities.
• Direct the entrenchment of the Client’s enterprise development training as the core business of the Client’s program.
• Spearhead the effective and efficient implementation and management of the micro credit component and portfolio growth and quality.
• Build capacity for Operations teams towards achievement of set performance parameters.
• Spearhead innovations and creativity of new products and services that promote the Client’s competitiveness in community development.
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of periodic and ad-hoc reports (monthly/quarterly/semi-annual and annual) to management and donors as per established schedules.
• Ensure existence of policies and systems that support effective implementation of program/project activities.
• Keep abreast with changes and developments (shifting specialist knowledge, technological, and paradigm shifts – methodological or developmental) that relate to program work and apply what is relevant to enhance program initiatives.
• Ensure understanding, interpretation and implementation of government policies and regulations that are applicable to respective program thematic areas.
• Ensure compliance with terms and conditions of any agreements and contracts entered into with donors and partners.

Financial Management, Grant Management and Reporting

• Responsible as the budget holder for the financial performance of Programmes function and ensure development of annual budgets and management of monthly budget execution, monitoring, control and reporting.
• Ensure effective management of funds as per agreements and requirements with donor agencies and in adherence to internal policies and procedures.
• Work closely with Chief Finance Officer to ensure timely grant reporting as prescribed.
• Keep track on program/project spend (including burn rate) and advise on monthly and quarterly status to senior management team and Programmes staff accordingly.

Resource Mobilization and Proposal Development

• Look out for and advise the Resource Mobilization Department on any opportunities that can be pursued consistent with the Client’s vision, mission, strategy, and business orientation.
• Support the development of strategies for funding and resource mobilization to advance program components, projects and activities.
• Recommend and also develop new and innovative project ideas, strategic opportunities and products leading to the development of funding proposals and resource mobilization.
• Keep abreast with donor priorities and proactively scout for new funding avenues; identity opportunities, contribute to the development of concept papers, preparation, technical review and submission of proposals in liaison with other appropriate units.
• Provide technical input into for concepts and proposals that would build a pipeline for organizations advancement.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain, for programming success, productive and mutually beneficial relationships with key stakeholders including staff, representatives of donor and programme financing agencies, partners, corporate institutions, foundations, professional organizations, service providers, collaborators, peer organizations, government departments and agencies and other stakeholders etc.
• Represent the Client in relevant forums and promote the organization’s work.
• Serve as focal person and manage relationship with specific donors and partners as assigned from time to time.
• Develop and maintain a network of peers and professional contacts for exchange of ideas and information.
• Support initiatives to ensure the organization maintains positive strong visibility, good public relations, and strong public image.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure all programs and projects are designed and implemented to the highest standards in line with the organization’s values, strategy, guidelines and protocols.
• Facilitate the development, implementation and periodic reviews of program standard operating procedures for all program areas and activities (e.g. program policy and procedures documents).
• Ensure compliance with quality standards by all staff in the Programmes Department.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

• Support the development of an effective utilization of monitoring and evaluation frameworks and apply it to regularly assess progress and performance of Operations to acceptable performance standards.
• Monitor program activities through regular consultations, contacts, field visits, coaching and mentorship of program staff.
• Promote adoption and use of monitoring systems in tracking and reporting on activities and results realized in the implementation of projects.
• Support period review of performance metrics with the M&E team and adopt use of data for making decisions that promote high quality delivery by the project.
• Ensure documentation and dissemination of appropriate case studies, experiences, lessons and best practices.
• Ensure sharing of learning and experience with the team, across the organization and with like-minded/peer organizations.
• Identify opportunities and mechanisms for improvement of Programmes department based on monitoring and evaluation findings and recommendations.

Management of Staff

• Undertake annual planning for staffing requirements for the department and support the recruitment and selection processes.
• Ensure effective supervision of staff in the function including coaching and mentoring, development and training, performance management, and timely handling of grievances and disciplinary issues.
• Proactively employ practices that lead to staff motivation and retention, and provide for succession plans.
• Proactively mentor and support team members as a way of building a pipeline of talent in the organization.
• Ensure annual appraisal for staff in the department.
• Undertake any other assignment as may be directed by the Supervisor from time to time.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

(The knowledge, skills and abilities may be acquired through a combination of formal schooling, self-education, prior experience, or on-the-job training)

Level of Education/Academic Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in any of the following areas: Business Administration/Management, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Project Management or any related discipline.

Specialized Training/Professional Qualifications

• Post-graduate diploma in any of the following areas: project management, monitoring and evaluation, development studies, or any related field.
• Training in leadership and management.
• Training in fundraising and resource mobilization

Competencies/Abilities/Skills Required

• Demonstrated strong team leadership, strategic and business management abilities.
• Experience in program management; project designing, implementation, monitoring, evaluations,
• Practical knowledge in community based development, enterprise development, market systems development and understanding of international development cooperation.
• Strong and demonstrated capacity to negotiate and engage with donors for development support and design.
• Good knowledge in financial and resource management including budget preparation and monitoring.
• Strong oral and written communication, presentation and report preparation skills.
• Strong interpersonal, collaborative and public relations skills.
• Strong performance drive and initiative, dynamic thinking, and result oriented.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent technological orientation and change management abilities.
• Good knowledge of the dynamics of the areas where project activities are implemented.
• Ability to interact with the communities, leaders and stakeholders where project activities are implemented.

Relevant Work Experience

• At least 10 years’ progressive experience in a similar organization, industry or sector.
• 7 years or more experience in a senior management position preferably in program operations management in a medium sized organization.