Head of Programmes at Cooperazione Internazionale

Description of the role

• The Head of Programmes (HoP) is the focal point for COOPI programs in Somalia. He/she will be responsible for defining programs, drafting intermediate and final project narratives and budgets. He/she will manage the supervision, monitoring and coordination of ongoing projects and support the Head of Mission in relations with donors and partners. He/she will report directly to the Head of Mission. 

Main responsibilities
Project Development

• Lead the definition and implementation of the country program strategy, with the support of the HoM, Project Managers and MEAL team
• Review priorities and strategies of main institutional donors and propose the submission of project proposals according to COOPI’s expertise and geographical presence
• Lead the development of new project proposals (current donors include ECHO, EU, AICS, DAFT/ACNP, SDC, OCHA-SHF and various UN Agencies) 
• Review priorities and evidence from ongoing and closed grants 
• Collaborate with Country Admin and Logistics Manager for logistical and financial requirements

External coordination

• Meet regularly with donors and partners, consolidating the position of COOPI in the country
• Engage new potential donors and partners, working closely with the HoM and Project Managers
• Manage donors visits, liaising with the HoM and Project Managers
• Represent COOPI in relevant fora and ensure institutional positioning of the Organization in the Country

Monitoring & Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)

• Approve M&E plans for projects in alignment to planning documents and to Logical Frameworks
• Provide required inputs for the development of data collection tools, questionnaires, surveys, as required by the projects
• Provide quality assurance of M&E reports (e.g. surveys, Monitoring Reports, PDM)
• Use collected data/lesson learnt to enhance internal learning with the HoM and Project Managers for proposal development
• Use M&E data, innovation and evidence collected in the on-going and past projects for engaging new donors and partners
• Ensure linkages and learning among technical advisors
• Carry out field monitoring missions in the areas of interventions
• Ensure the financial monitoring of the projects and monitor the respect of COOPI’s and donor’s procedures.

 Project Reporting

• Ensure a final review of all project narrative reports (interim, quarterly and final)
• Ensure the submission of reports according to internal and external submission deadline
• Ensure that sources of verification of accomplished activities are meet quality standards and are available

Human Resources Management

• Identify HR needs in the framework of existing and/or new programmes
• Provide essential inputs to the definition of ToR and Job descriptions for programme staff members
• Participate in the recruitment process for projects staff upon request of the Head of Mission and Project Managers and HQ support the recruitment process of national staff
• Support the definition of HR plan for new approved programmes
• Provide continuous training on the job and capacity development, including mentorship and coaching, of staff assigned under the humanitarian programmes
• Provide evaluation of performance of staff members, as required by COOPI’s HR Manual.

Communication and visibility

• Support for the production and distribution of communication and visibility tools and products for COOPI in Somalia
• Gathering the necessary data and information in collaboration with the field teams to produce communication products.

 Requirements
Essentials

• University master’s degree in relevant subject (post graduate degree required)
• A minimum of 5 years of work experience in project formulation, implementation and coordination with an International NGOs
• Experience in working with different Donors (ECHO, EU, AICS, DAFT/ACNP, SDC, OCHA-SHF and various UN Agencies)
• Good knowledge of humanitarian standards and principles
• Excellent report and proposal writing skills in English
• Proactive aptitude in terms of planning and coordination with different bodies, institutions and reference points
• Target oriented and problem-solving aptitude
• Strong managerial skills
• Good leadership skills, aimed at managing and motivating a team
• Positive ability to bear stressful and complicated situations
• Diplomatic and confidentiality skills
• Advanced IT skills
• Embrace COOPI’s vision and mission.

Desired

• Previous experience in Somalia or the East Africa region is an asset
• Knowledge of Italian is a plus