Program Specialist

Responsibilities

Program management and coordination

• Establish and implement systems to ensure program implementation is on time, on target and within budget using effective program monitoring processes.
• Lead and oversee the process with the Finance and MEAL teams for partner submissions and consolidation of budgets, results frameworks and workplans across all
  

Consortium programs.

• Work with Consortium partners and PMU to develop and monitor Consortium and programmatic workplans to ensure implementation and plans are on track.
• Work with Consortium partners to review and reflect on implementation and progress, and lead adjustments to program design and activities as required to improve quality of programming and meet donor requirements.
• Lead the partners Member Representative group for communication and coordination on programmatic issues and grant management.
• Secure technical expertise required to provide cross-Consortium guidance and strengthen program quality.
• For new grants, lead the inception phase to ensure deliverables are met, and systems and processes are developed with partners for regular oversight and communication with the PMU.
  

Donor liaison and reporting

• Coordinate the preparation of donor reporting and ensure systems are in place, being reviewed and fine-tuned to facilitate quality reporting.
• Coordinate and work with PMU colleagues and Consortium partners to complete reporting requirements within submission deadlines for Consortium grants (including editing, reviewing and drafting report submissions).
• Respond to donor requests, and work with Grant Holders to provide information as required by donors
• Support the MEAL team to manage assessments and studies as necessary (e.g. Baseline studies, Evaluations, impact studies, learning papers, etc.)
  

Lead proposal development processes

• Working with the Consortium Director, coordinate the PMU and partners on development and drafting of concept notes and proposals for new and current donors.
• Provide oversight for design of new programs, ensuring alignment to the Consortium Theory of Change and strategy.
  

Oversight of M&E and Program Quality functions

• Management of M&E and Program Quality team.
• Support with the coordination and preparation of information, presentations, documentations, etc. for internal and external representation purposes, coordination meetings, and other events.
• Support the MEAL team and partners in identifying and undertaking research initiatives to advance learning and strengthen impact of the Consortium’s programming.
• Any other tasks as assigned by the manager
  

Qualifications

• BA/BSc in international relations, development, economics, policy, or related degrees (or equivalent combination of education and work experience).
• At least 8 years’ experience in multi-sectoral program management in the humanitarian / international development sector with INGOs;
• Experience coordinating in consortia or working with multiple partners;
• High level of organization and prioritization skills – able to handle and achieve multiple deadlines and tasks simultaneously;
• Excellent writing and speaking standards in English; donor reporting and funding proposal writing experience essential (preferably with FCDO and other donors);
• Effective verbal and written communication;
• Proficient in using workplans and Gantt charts for oversight and ensuring programs and team deliverables are achieved;
• Results and output focused;
• Ability to work well with diverse teams, build trust and respect among colleagues;
• Ability to make decisions and take accountability for decisions;
• Team player, willing to ‘get stuck in’ on whatever tasks are required.