Head of Programmes at COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale

Description of the role

• The Head of Programmes (HoP) is the focal point for COOPI programs in Nigeria. S/he will be responsible for defining programs, drafting intermediate and final project narratives and budgets.
• He/she will manage the supervision, monitoring and coordination of ongoing projects and support the Head of Mission in relations with donors and partners.
• S/he will report directly to the Head of Mission.

Main responsibilities

Project Development

• Lead the definition and implementation of the country program strategy, with the support of the HoM, Emergency Response Lead and Program Advisors
• Review priorities and strategies of main institutional donors and propose the submission of project proposals according to COOPI’s expertise and geographical presence;
• Lead the development of new project proposals (ECHO, USAID, WFP, EU and various UN Agencies);
• Review priorities and evidence from ongoing and closed grants;
• Collaborate with Head of Operations and Country Admin for logistical and financial requirements;

External coordination

• Meet regularly with donors and partners, consolidating the position of COOPI in the country. Engage new potential donors and partners, working closely with the HoM and program advisors;
• Manage donors visits, liaising with the HoM and PMs;
• Represent COOPI in relevant fora and ensure institutional positioning of the Organization in the Country;

Monitoring & Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)

• Approve M&E plans for projects in alignment with planning documents and to Logical Frameworks;
• Provide required inputs for the development of data collection tools, questionnaires, surveys, as required by the projects;
• Provide quality assurance of M&E reports (e.g. KAP surveys, Monitoring Reports, PDM.);
• Use collected data/lesson learnt to enhance internal learning with the HoM for proposal development;
• Use M&E data, innovation and evidence collected in the on-going and past projects for engaging new donors and partners;
• Ensure linkages and learning among technical advisors;
• Carry out field monitoring missions in the areas of interventions;
• Ensure the financial monitoring of the projects and monitor the respect of COOPI’s and donor’s procedures;

Project Reporting

• Ensure a final review of all project narrative reports (interim, quarterly and final);
• Ensure the submission of reports according to internal and external submission deadlines;
• Ensure that sources of verification of accomplished activities meet quality standards and are available;

Human Resources Management

• Identify HR needs in the framework of existing and/or new programmes;
• Provide essential inputs to the definition of ToR and Job descriptions for programme staff members;
• Participate in the recruitment process for programme staff at level 2 management; upon request of the Head of Mission and HQ support the recruitment process of international staff;
• Support the definition of HR plan for new approved programmes;
• Provide continuous training on the job and capacity development, including mentorship and coaching, of staff assigned under the humanitarian programmes;
• Provide evaluation of the performance of staff members, as required by COOPI’s HR Manual;

Communication and visibility

• Support for the production and distribution of communication and visibility tools and products for COOPI in Nigeria;
• Gathering the necessary data and information in collaboration with the field teams to produce communication products;

Requirements

Essentials

• University master’s degree in relevant subject (post graduate degree required);
• A minimum of 5 years of work experience in project formulation, implementation and coordination with an International NGOs (Early Recovery, DRR and FSL background is preferred);
• Experience in working with different Donors (ECHO, EU, USAID, AICS, WFP and other UN agencies);
• Good knowledge of humanitarian standards and principles;
• Excellent report and proposal writing skills in English;
• Proactive aptitude in terms of planning and coordination with different bodies, institutions and reference points;
• Target oriented and problem-solving aptitude;
• Strong managerial skills;
• Good leadership skills, aimed at managing and motivating a team;
• Positive ability to bear stressful and complicated situations;
• Diplomatic and confidentiality skills;
• Advanced IT skills;
• Embrace COOPI’s vision and mission.

Desired

• Previous experience in the Region is an asset;
• Knowledge of Italian will be considered an asset;