Programme Development and Quality Manager

Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfilment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profitmaking, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Overview

The Programme Development & Quality Manager (PDQM) is a management position supporting country leads to ensure the country’s strategy and program design are based on evidence and implemented according to the organization’s quality standards. The PDQM is responsible for leadership and management of the Programme Quality department, which consists of Grants Management, MEAL, information management, and Partnerships, and contributes to and ensures the operationalization of the fundraising and partnership strategy. This position also provides coordination and technical support to the Head of Programs (HoP) in donor relations and engagement as needed and coordination with the Regional Office (RO) and relevant HQ counterparts.

The PDQM is based in Bogotá – but is expected to travel frequently to Area Offices and field locations where DRC has a presence- La Guajira, Atlántico, Bolivar, Norte de Santander, Nariño, Caquetá and Bogota/Cundinamarca.

The main responsibilities and tasks of the Programme Development and Quality Manager:

Programme planning and overall quality

• Work closely with the HoP and Technical Coordinators to design competitive final proposals responsive to donor guidelines and requirements.
• Coordinate with the relevant departments for submission of quality proposals, revisions and reports; providing technical oversight on strategic considerations and program activities so as to ensure accurate, coherent and timely reporting.
• Technically support Grants management teams in the management of grants and awards
• Support the country and sub-offices to ensure the inclusion of DRC programmatic standards and policies in the program development process.
• Work with the Regional Business Development Coordinator in reviewing and monitoring calls for proposals, predicting or preventing bottlenecks in the proposal development process and securing the necessary information in advance of strategic opportunities.
• Support the HoP in ensuring the operationalization of the country fundraising and partnership strategies.
• Ensure lessons learned and data analysis from MEAL contributes to the development of high-quality, innovative programs based on evidence and in coordination with relevant technical coordinators and specialists.
• Ensure monthly grants meetings with all relevant departments contribute to the review of overall progress, quality, consolidated spending, implementation, procurement, and staffing plans for each project and flag up discrepancies to the teams and HoP;
• Lead on needs assessments, identification of programme data products and analysis products to support annual strategy review and project/programme development and planning

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) and Information Management (IM)

• Oversee the MEAL-IM unit to ensure that the MEAL framework and plans are available for all grants and that a system is in place, including the capacity of staff to gather, analyze, and report on M&E indicators.
• Support the development and operationalization of the MEAL-IM strategy, focusing on evidence generation and analysis for program development and advocacy purposes
• Contribute to creating and maintaining an environment for learning where ideas, solutions, challenges and learning are shared and adopted in programme design and implementation as part of the MEAL policy and implementation strategy
• Ensure learning from the country programme is documented/captured, consolidated and disseminated, contributing to knowledge building and sharing and to influence policies and programme planning
• Advise on right-sizing of the MEAL structure
• Support in the updating of CHS reviews, and make recommendations for improvements whilst supporting the focal point for rolling out the recommendations across all departments
• Support the MEAL-IM unit in ensuring tools, processes and systems are in place for DRC to improve communication and accountability to beneficiaries
• Oversee the development, evolution, and scalability of the IM system, ensuring interoperability with relevant partner systems.
• Develop the strategy for and manage the implementation of data management/protection and IM policies, systems, and processes.

Partnerships

• Support the HoP in the development and rollout of the partnership/localization strategy
• Oversee the development/adaptation of partnership management tools, guidelines, and other resources as needed to effectively management partnerships
• Improve partnership practices by periodically assessing DRC Colombia partnership management approach taking into account both DRC and partners’ perspectives, capture lessons learned and best practices, and make recommendations for improvement.
• Responsible for ensuring partnership assessments and ensuring technical coordinators/support units are aware of tools and processes
• Oversee the implementation of planned capacity-building activities for partners in coordination with relevant DRC departments and measure changes in partners’ capacity levels through objectively verifiable indicators.
• Ensure SGAs are drafted, monitored, and followed up on a regular basis
• Directly conduct capacity-building activities for partners, including training workshops and one-on-one mentoring of key partner staff on donor rules and regulations, reporting, program development, grants management, and other relevant areas as needed.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with local partners and DRC colleagues in order to maintain trust in DRC’s professional standard and quality of work among all stakeholders

People Management

• Directly line manage the MEAL-IM, Grants and Partnership units/staff
• Support the recruitment of MEAL, IM, Grants, and Partnership management staff as required and support their professional development of programme staff

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• Master’s degree in political science, international development, economics or other relevant field.
• At least five years of professional experience in humanitarian emergency contexts with PDQ responsibilities, preferable to have at least two years of experience at senior management level.
• At least two years’ experience with people management
• Knowledge and experience working protection, Economic Recovery, Emergency, Shelter and/or Mine Action is an asset.
• Proven knowledge of MEAL systems and procedures; experience with planning and rolling out program evaluations.
• Proven ability to lead a high-performing and diverse team, manage performance, foster a positive working environment, and manage issues sensitively and diplomatically.
• Strong experience in program quality, MEAL, program development and proven fundraising abilities with key donors (UNHCR, ECHO, OFDA/BHA, DANIDA, PM/WRA and USAID Contracts)
• Good understanding of displacement/refugee/migration issues and related international standards/frameworks.
• Excellent understanding of the principles of budgeting, financial and contract management.
• Full professional proficiency in English and Spanish with the capacity to produce well-written products for formal reporting and communication.

Education:

Relevant University Degree, Masters or post-graduate in international relations, Humanitarian Programs Management, political science, international development and/or similar field

Languages:

• Fluent in English
• Fluent in Spanish

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of
• Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 6 months

Band: F

Type of Contract: Expatriate contract

Designation of Duty Station: Bogotá – family Duty Station

Start date: 1st August 2024

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies.

Application Process

Are you interested? Then apply for this position online**: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies.** All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages).

DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, sex, colour, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability.

DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process.

However, all applicants shall take into consideration that DRC cannot offer an international work contract to a citizen of the country of assignment (in this specific case: Colombia)

Applications close on the17th of july 2024 at midnight (GMT-time).Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.