Job Description

CHANGES Consortium Director – Somalia -open to nationals only

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ROLE PURPOSE:

The CHANGES consortium director will be leading a consortium led by Save the Children, in partnership with International Rescue Committee (IRC) and CARE International, is implementing an empowerment programme in Somalia/Somaliland, to achieve sustainable transformation towards greater social and economic empowerment for women and girls. The programme challenges gender discriminatory social norms at the structural, cultural and economic level. The Consortium Director is responsible for effective and high-quality coordination and management of the programme funded by various donors. The grant is implemented across all states in Somalia and in Somaliland.  The name of the grant is Challenging Harmful Attitudes and Norms for Gender Equality and Empowerment in Somalia (CHANGES).

The responsibilities of the role include supporting the Consortium partners’ efficient planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring and reporting. The Consortium Director will lead the implementation of a harmonised package of field-tested, evidence-based models and approaches, which are aimed at advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, with a focus on addressing the discriminatory social norms and practices that perpetuate and validate gender-based violence (CEFM and FGM/C in particular)

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the project and enhanced local ownership and localisation, the Consortium is working with a range of local NGOs who are intrinsic to the implementation of activities across the output areas of the project.

Although the Consortium Director is directly contracted by Save the Children (as the consortium lead), s/he plays a neutral function that will serve all the members of the Consortium. The Consortium Director also manages donor relations and has bi-lateral meetings with the donors as needed, representing all the consortium partners, to discuss any programmatic issues.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Reports to: The Consortium Director will report to Save the Children’s Program Operations Director for Programme Operations and s/he will work under the overall guidance of the Steering Committee.

Staff reporting to this post:  One National Program Manager and one MEAL Manager and has technical line management with 3 Area level project staffs and a Finance Manager. 

TITLE:  CHANGES Consortium Director

Challenging Harmful Attitudes and Norms for Gender Equality and Empowerment in Somalia (CHANGES)

TEAM/PROGRAMME: Consortium Management Team

LOCATION:

Hargeisa/Garowe/Mogadishu

GRADE:   Executive

CONTRACT LENGTH:2 years

CHILD SAFEGUARDING:

Level 3:  the role holder will have contact with children and/or young people either frequently (e.g. once a week or more) or intensively (e.g. four days in one month or more or overnight) because they work in country programs; or are visiting country programs; or because they are responsible for implementing the police checking/vetting process staff.

ROLE PURPOSE:

The CHANGES consortium director will be leading a consortium led by Save the Children, in partnership with International Rescue Committee (IRC) and CARE International, is implementing an empowerment programme in Somalia/Somaliland, to achieve sustainable transformation towards greater social and economic empowerment for women and girls. The programme challenges gender discriminatory social norms at the structural, cultural and economic level. The Consortium Director is responsible for effective and high-quality coordination and management of the programme funded by various donors. The grant is implemented across all states in Somalia and in Somaliland.  The name of the grant is Challenging Harmful Attitudes and Norms for Gender Equality and Empowerment in Somalia (CHANGES).

The responsibilities of the role include supporting the Consortium partners’ efficient planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring and reporting. The Consortium Director will lead the implementation of a harmonised package of field-tested, evidence-based models and approaches, which are aimed at advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, with a focus on addressing the discriminatory social norms and practices that perpetuate and validate gender-based violence (CEFM and FGM/C in particular)

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the project and enhanced local ownership and localisation, the Consortium is working with a range of local NGOs who are intrinsic to the implementation of activities across the output areas of the project.

Although the Consortium Director is directly contracted by Save the Children (as the consortium lead), s/he plays a neutral function that will serve all the members of the Consortium. The Consortium Director also manages donor relations and has bi-lateral meetings with the donors as needed, representing all the consortium partners, to discuss any programmatic issues.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Reports to: The Consortium Director will report to Save the Children’s Program Operations Director for Programme Operations and s/he will work under the overall guidance of the Steering Committee.

Staff reporting to this post:  One National Program Manager and one MEAL Manager and has technical line management with 3 Area level project staffs and a Finance Manager. 

Dimension of Role:

This is a challenging role in a complex environment. It requires a dedicated, experienced and highly motivated individual who can manage the difficulties of working in such an environment and still be fundamental in helping to drive forward our programmes and ambitions. The Consortium Director is part of a Consortium Management Unit (CMU) made of the National Program and MEAL Manager and other Area based teams that provides sound programme management and de-centralised technical support to all Consortium members through the Technical Working Group (TWG).

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

Programme Development and Planning

• Ensure that the program will produce the outputs as set in the proposal, while also allowing the consortium to refine and finalize strategies, methodologies and inputs as the program goes on and as relevant.

• Provide strategic advice and updates to Steering Committee and implementing partners on the planning and implementation of a high quality and innovative programme that address negative attitudes and norms for gender equality and empowerment in Somalia/Somaliland

• Institute a practice of joint project planning and reviewing with consortium members

• Ensure that the programme adapts best practices gained through establishment and maintenance of high level of professional engagement with relevant actors

• Ensure the development and application of appropriate system for systematic documentation, dissemination and storage of best practices and knowledge gained from implementing the programme

• Support the Steering Committee and members of the consortium in identifying opportunities for improving the quality and scope of the programme

 Programme Implementation

• Ensure the development and application of harmonised and right-based approaches for implementing the programme including the development of standards and frameworks for monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL)

• Ensure that technical areas of implementing consortium partners are identified and addressed to ensure quality programme delivery by the team designated for consortium management

• Provide continuous guidance to the Consortium Management Unit made

• Provide centralised technical support across all consortium members and to ensure the development and application of common standards and practices for programme planning, implementation, monitoring, learning and reporting within all members of the consortium

• Ensure the effective planning and implementation of activities that cut-across all consortium members including assessments, studies, capacity building initiatives, setting up and running of a centralized evidence and knowledge management and dissemination initiatives etc.

• Ensure that implementation of the programme across all consortium members and local partners is regularly monitored; evidences, results and lessons are documented and communicated; challenges are tracked and addressed in a timely manner

• Ensure that the project is appropriately staffed across the consortium members, including the appropriate combination of expertise across technical and operational areas.

Reporting

• Ensure that monthly programme progress updates are produced and shared with Consortium Members

• Ensure the adoption of data/information collection and management system including the production and communication of professional quality reports to users and the donor as required

• Institute a practice of producing a harmonised quality programme report by consortium members (develop relevant tools and training of staff)

• Ensure the production and submission of evidence based and high quality technical/narrative and financial reports to be submitted to the donors and consortium members

Budget management and compliance

·         As budget holder of the programme ensure that the programme is implemented in accordance with SCI and donor’s compliance requirements, within time and on budget. Budget holding responsibilities to be determined in line with Save the Children scheme of delegation.

·         Oversee budget of the programme as it is implemented in all Area Offices and consortium members including local partners.

·         Monitor expenditure, forecasting and financial performance.

·         Ensure that regular budget tracking (budget expenditure variance analysis) of the programme is carried out and this is discussed with relevant project managers of the Area Office and partners and appropriate actions are taken on time.

·         Ensure timely preparation and submission of financial reports to the donor along with technical report.

·         Identify and effectively manage all key risks related to the programme in coordination with partners, in particular ensuring that, in collaboration with relevant manager of the CO, anti-fraud and anti-corruption policies and procedures are followed to minimise risks in delivery of the programme.

Coordination

• Chair the Programme Technical Working Group (TWG) to be held on a regular basis

• Ensure that all consortium members both at field and Nairobi levels coordinate and regularly represent the Consortium at the coordination and technical working group meetings, and other relevant fora

• Strengthen and maintain links between the CHANGES project and other thematic interventions of the consortium members and local partners to ensure synergy

• Liaise on a regular basis with other departments of the Lead Agency and other Consortium members to guarantee the smooth running of the programme.

Advocacy

• Ensure that evidence is adequately produced and use learning related to the CHANGES programme to advocate for good practices with key stakeholders (international agencies, local government, civil society and communities).

• Ensure that the team is disseminating effective interventions at a wider scale.

Other duties:

·         Serve as secretary of the Steering Committee

·         Comply with and promote all Global Policies such as Child Safeguarding, whistle blowing, fraud and safety

• Perform other duties as may be requested by the Steering Committee and incumbent’s line manager

COMPETENCIES AND BEHAVIOURS (our Values in Practice)

Problem solving and Decision Making (Accomplished level)

·         Produces data and evidence to drive decision making and quality improvement

·         Provides frameworks to support decision making

·         Explores and analysis external trends and their potential impact on strategic choices

Delivering Results: (Accomplished level)

·         Maintains a broad strategic perspective at the same time as an awareness of the detail of a situation

·         Establishes clear and compelling objectives with teams and individuals and monitors progress and performance

·         Creates and applies measures and metrics to track performance

·         Holds others accountable for achieving results and challenges underperformance

·         Demonstrates financial awareness and a concern for cost effectiveness

Developing self and others (accomplished level)

·         Gives regular positive and constructive feedback to others

·         Identifies clear development needs and development plans through regular constructive reviews of their own performance (and their team’s where appropriate)

·         Creates space for others to learn and provides challenging and stretching tasks and assignments when people are ready for them

·         Coaches others to learn from their experiences on the job and to use the resources available to them

Working Effectively with Others: (accomplished level)

·         Enables people from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives to contribute to positive outcomes

·         Breaks down silo working and challenges behaviors that are not collaborative

·         Actively listens to new and different perspectives and experiences of those they work with

·         Proactively supports team members and trusts their capabilities

·         Knows when to follow and lend leadership to strengthen other leaders

• Recognises when trust is broken and seeks to resolve conflict and re-establish trust

Networking (accomplished level)

·         Builds trust with contacts through openness and honesty

·         Participates effectively in sensitive, complex and/or high impact relationships and networks

·         Builds strong relationships with a broad range of stakeholders

·         Spots opportunities to bring together partnerships/working alliances that have not been used before

Skills and Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES:

Essential

·         Post-graduate qualification in, social science, development, gender related studies, or other relevant discipline

·         At least 6 years of senior management experience in designing and/or delivering large scale programmes.

·         Proven ability to manage consortia with an extensive experience managing multi-agency programmes.  

·         Demonstrable track record of meeting or exceeding programme targets, while maintaining technical quality.  

·         Ability to represent the CHANGES programme at a strategic level including donors and engage and influence key stakeholders at district and national level.

·         Demonstrated experience of working with national level government structures to strengthen the capacity of the state to take ownership for and deliver services.  

·         Self-motivated and results orientated.

·         Highly numerically articulated with a track record of data management and reporting systems.

·         Experience in management of finance and budget monitoring and risk management.

·         Proven ability to motivate and develop others

·         Highly diplomatic and emotionally intelligent with strong oral and written communication skills

·         Strong communication skills in English, with substantial experience in managing multicultural teams

·         knowledge of the Somali language is an added value

·         Experience of building, leading and developing a team of senior staff with different backgrounds and expertise

·         Experience of solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward and ensuring buy-in

Desirable

·         Substantial experience of working and living in the Horn of Africa, ideally with professional experience in the Somalia.

·         Demonstrable understanding of cost efficiency and Value for Money results agenda.

·         Ability to coach and mentor partners.

Additional job responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.

Equal Opportunities

The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the SCI Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies and procedures.

Child Safeguarding:

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Adult Safeguarding.

The post holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the SCI anti-harassment policy, all employees are also expected to carry out their duties in accordance with SCI protection from sexual exploitation abuse.

Health and Safety

The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with SCI Health and Safety policies and procedures.

How to apply

Save the Children is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ and assign the best qualified talent.

Qualified persons with disabilities and qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Application procedures:

All interested and qualified candidate can apply the position through the below link :

https://stcuk.taleo.net/careersection/jobdetail.ftl?job=220008AA&lang=en

with clear subject heading for the position.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

application closing date is on 9th November 2022,