Role Overview
The Deputy Director for Programs, Global Surge (DDP) provides leadership, decision-making, and coordination on programmatic issues, including the development of quality proposals and overseeing the effective implementation of IRC’s programs. The ideal candidate should be able to motivate and lead a diverse team, as well as effectively manage programs, partnerships, and budgets.
The position reports to the Country Director (CD) and is an active member of the Country Management Team. The DDP directly supervises Technical Coordinators, the Senior Program Coordinator for protection sectors, and the Senior Coordinator for Grants & Accountability. You will have close working relationships with the Deputy Regional Director and other members of the regional support team, along with Technical Advisors who support the country program.
Major Responsibilities
Strategy, Planning, and Business Development
- Together with the CD, lead in the development and implementation of the IRC Strategy Action Plan (SAP).
- Ensure programming is aligned with SAP priorities and IRC’s Outcome Strategies, including program planning, project design, and communications with staff.
Program Development and Fundraising
- In coordination with the Grants lead and the CD, actively design and implement the Country BD Plan, incorporating donor mapping and communication plans.
- Support the Grants lead and MEAL lead in ensuring high-quality and needs-based project proposals are developed in compliance with regulations and within the parameters of the SAP.
- Ensure program teams adhere to internal schedules for delivering their contributions for concept notes, proposals, and donor reports. Ensure program inputs are in the required format and to the desired quality.
- Ensure IRC’s dedication to gender equality is factored into program design and implementation.
Program Implementation
- Ensure the systematic review and updating of the Systems Stakeholder Analysis, and use this information to inform partner selection.
- Maintain a sound understanding of the implementation progress of IRC programs.
- Chair data-driven project cycle meetings, including monitoring spending. When required, coordinate corrective measures to ensure projects finish on time and on target, ensuring timely follow-up on any agreed actions.
- Support Technical Coordinators to ensure that project delivery is guided by structured work plans and approved monitoring plans based on project proposals.
- Ensure program teams develop, implement, and revise as required, detailed Procurement Plans and Staffing Plans in cooperation with Field Management Teams and Operations functions.
- Provide the CD with accurate and up-to-date advice on developments and opportunities in program implementation, together with any necessary recommendations for course correction.
- Support the MEAL lead to deliver on MEAL strategy priorities.
- Ensure use of information collected through MEAL and client feedback mechanisms to inform all stages of the project life cycle.
- Ensure that program teams are submitting timely and high-quality reporting to the grants team, per IRC and donor guidelines.
- Monitor program delivery through regular field visits and review sessions. Ensure senior program staff are frequently visiting project sites to monitor implementation.
- Be responsible for emergency preparedness, alongside other functional leads, to enable quick emergency response when necessary.
Staff Leadership and Development
- Ensure implementation of People & Culture policies and procedures at all times in the management of the team.
- Provide supportive mentorship, leadership, and clear performance objectives to team members.
- Ensure that regular and quality staff performance discussions and evaluations are conducted for all program staff.
- Set regular meetings with staff members to prioritize information-sharing and team-building.
- Ensure that all reports agree on and support the achievement of development goals for their teams.
Representation and Coordination
- Actively, systematically, and regularly connect with various partners in the country.
- Ensure that IRC's interventions are planned and coordinated within the broader humanitarian effort.
- Ensure representation of IRC at sector coordination groups, including the clusters.
- Help maintain a positive relationship with donors and government counterparts.
Partner Management
- Support the Country Program in achieving its commitments to expand local partnerships.
- Develop and maintain effective partner working relationships.
- Ensure regular technical program support and share capacity with partners, in accordance with partnership agreements.
