area programme manager (for Filipino nationals only)Islamic Relief

BASE LOCATION: Cotabato City
JOB PURPOSE:
To provide supervision over financial functions at the field level and assist with administrative functions. Effectively manage all day-to-day financial matters ensuring reporting and compliance with donors and Islamic Relief financial guidelines.
REPORTING TO: Country Director (Country Office)
STAFF REPORTING: Project Managers, Project Officers
BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITY: Level 1 Approver
I. RATIONALE
Islamic Relief Worldwide is a leading international NGO with the goal of creating a caring world for the world's poor and vulnerable people. Established in 1984, Islamic Relief Worldwide is headquartered in the United Kingdom (UK) and is working in over 30 countries around the world, providing humanitarian aid during emergencies and working for the longer-term development of world's poorest people.
Islamic Relief Philippines started operations in the Philippines immediately after Typhoon Yolanda struck in November 2103 and has since provided relief and recovery assistance to thousands of disaster survivors in Northern Cebu, Leyte and the Camotes Islands.
Islamic Relief Philippines currently implements development programs in Maguindanao and North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, and Marawi City for projects on Peacebuilding, Livelihoods and DRR.
To provide strategic direction of IR Philippines programs in the areas ofMaguindanao and Nort Cotabato, IR Philippines is designating an Area Program Manager to provide overall management and supervision of all IR programs/projects in the assigned area.
II. SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES
This position holds responsibility for the high quality and effective delivery of multi-sector programming.
Through the direct management and supervision of teams of field staff, including technical staff where required, the Area Program Manager is responsible for ensuring IR projects are accessible to all affected communities, regardless of religion, ethnicity, age, or gender, with the priority of reaching the most vulnerable individuals and families. This role requires the identification, planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting on IR field activities according to the policies and procedures of both the organization and international donors.
The Area Program Manager will also be responsible for representing the organisation to a range of external actors, including beneficiaries and other key stakeholders, such as: local/provincial/national governmental authorities, UN agencies, Local organizations, international and national NGOs, and the private sector.
Whilst ensuring IR in-country strategy is achieved at field level, the Area Program Manager will report directly to IR Country Director and be responsible for the delivery of projects in compliance with HAP and Sphere guidelines.
III. JOB SUMMARY
The Area Program Manager will be responsible for the implementation of IR field projects in a given geographic area (Maguindano, North Cotabato, or as defined). The post shall likewise support and lead in the conceptualization, development and implementation of future IR development programs in the assigned area.
The holder of this role should be able to display excellent multitasking and personnel management, and demonstrate knowledge of and/or experience working in a range of sectors including, Shelter, WASH, Livelihoods, DRR and Education.
IV. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Summary of key duties and responsibilities:
Support implementation of the IRW country programme in the assigned geographic area;
Ensure linkage of IRW programme with Government and other agency programmes;
Support in building strategic partnerships with the Government and other agencies;
Support in capacity development of IRW and staff
1. Operational and Management Support:
Supporting management in the implementation of the IRW Programme in the assigned area with focus on quality control
Direct management and mentoring of field staff, ensuring compliance with the project's requirements and IR policies and procedures
Work closely with Logistics and Finance departments to facilitate operational support for project implementation and to ensure effective financial and budgetary control of the project.
Design, formulate & implement programs, translating IRW's priorities into local interventions;
Devise participation strategies that involves the community, local NGOs/CBOs and local administration;
Coordinate program implementation with government and other agencies and monitor project progress, delivery and results;
Conduct and monitor risk analysis, including the development of security planning in collaboration with Programme Manager.
Financial monitoring and identification of operational and financial problems and development of solutions;
Identify and promote linkages of IRW programmes with other initiatives and overall government programme in assigned area;
Support the CO in identifying opportunities for joint project/programme development with other Programme Units and/or other agencies
Provide technical guidance to IRW project personnel for effective day-to-day program implementation
Any other assignment given by IR Programme Manager.
2. Communication and Liaison
Develop strategic partnerships to support implementation and for resource mobilization
Support in developing strategic partnerships with various government agencies and other organizations to ensure effective management and implementation of IRW programs
Support preparation of funding proposals and briefing documents for donors and other agencies, organize donor and partner briefings for resource mobilization
Comply with donor reporting requirements, assist in report preparation, both narrative and financial aspects
Represent IRW in networks/clusters in assigned area or where required at provincial and/or national level
Ensure IRW visibility in project areas and reporting on project delivery within the humanitarian response and any appropriate local community networks.
Coordinate with the Government counterparts and various stakeholders for effective coordination and policy dialogue in the field
3. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning
Provide quality management services and facilitate Knowledge Building and Management
Monitor project progress and ensure timely programme delivery
Identify and document programme best practices and lessons learned. Disseminate and mainstream resultant learnings into IRW's broader corporate knowledge network
Organize training for staff and key stakeholders on relevant topics and issues
Conduct needs assessments; targeting multi-sector needs to inform program development and implementation
Lead continuous monitoring of project delivery, submission of progress reports, and periodic reviews of project implementation; reporting on any additional and/or changing needs of the affected population.
V. ACCOUNTABILITIES
Successful delivery of project outputs.
Ensure the wellbeing of IR field staff.
Work independently on tasks related to project planning and implementation with periodic reporting and direction from supervisor.
Make decisions on project implementation and its daily management responsibly based on available resources, skills and knowledge of staff and access to affected communities.
Ensure implementation of locally appropriate and feasible projects in close consultation with local authorities and communities.
Proper management of financial resources, equipment and project utilities.
Work in adherence to IR's policies and procedures.
VI. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES:
Education
A university degree in DRR, Community Development, Development Management or a related field is required
Knowledge and Experience
Knowledge of community based approaches in recovery and development settings.
Knowledge of humanitarian standards (i.e. SPHERE, HAP, Do No Harm)
Experience in emergency response operations is desirable.
Experience managing teams of national staff.
Competency with the analysis of complex information, and developing clear, informed recommendations or decisions.
Ability to plan, coordinate and implement relief operations to a high standard of quality and efficiency.
Able to use participatory methodology throughout all stages of the Project Cycle.
VII. LANGUAGE
Fluency in Maguindanao and Bisaya local dialect is essential.
Fluency in English (written and spoken) is essential.
VIII. IT SKILLS
Good IT skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Word and Excel is essential.
IX. GENERAL SKILLS
Willing to adapt to IRW's norms and values without compromising personal beliefs and principles.
Excellent communication skills - able to communicate and report effectively, both orally and in writing.
Willing and able to bear high levels of responsibility by making timely decisions and being accountable.
Sound knowledge and commitment to participatory approaches when working with communities.
Willing to learn local mechanisms, culture and the humanitarian and development issues of the region.
Communicates honestly, openly, and consistently. Shares information appropriately and who ensures that views of all members of the team are freely expressed
Encourages a positive rather than negative viewpoint.
Able to build productive working relationships with external stakeholders, staff and development partners based on respect and good rapport.
Good numeracy skills with knowledge of budgeting and cost estimating are desirable.
Good interpersonal skills and the ability to build working relationships quickly and to work sensitively with people from various cultural and social backgrounds.
Able to form creative solutions in problem solving, strategic planning capabilities and strong supervisory skills.
DISPOSITION
Should be prepared mentally to do extensive field visits to other locations within the Philippines.
Able to display strong leadership and problem solving skills
Encourage and motivate team members.
Able to work flexible hours to carry out task completion.
Flexible & patient.
Ability to work on your own initiative as well as a part of a team.
It is essential that the post holder shows a good understanding of humanitarian principles and sympathy with Islamic Relief's values, as well as a commitment to Islamic Relief's vision and mission.
ReliefWeb

Cotabato City, Maguindanao
Permanent
Full-time