Head of Programme Sudan

Head of Programme Sudan

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate is to promote and protect durable solutions to conflict and displacement affected populations on the basis of humanitarian principles and human rights.

DRC established operational presence in Sudan in 2004 providing support to conflict-affected population in the west of the country. With the outbreak of conflict in 2023, DRC pivoted to an integrated humanitarian response to meet the urgent needs of IDPs, refugees, migrants, and host communities, providing protection services, mobile Camp Coordination and Camp Management, Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), distribution of non-food items, and prevention and response to Gender Based Violence (GBV).

As well, DRC and its local partner are conducting explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) responding to the needs of local communities, particularly those who have been displaced, to ensure that they can remain safe from explosive hazards contaminating their roads, fields, and towns. In Omdurman and Khartoum, DRC is conducting survey and land clearance activities to ensure that important civilian infrastructure is safe for returning communities.

DRC programmes are currently located in Central and South Darfur, South Kordofan, Gedaref, White Nile, South Kordofan, Red Sea, River Nile, Al Jazira and Khartoum states.

POSITION PROFILE

The Head of Programme role has a country-wide focus and ensures compliance with DRC procedures and guidelines within the country and more broadly within the DRC East Africa and Great Lakes Regional Office. The role contributes to the development of country strategies, which are translated into action plans and day-to-day tasks. The role provides management of programme support and sector technical coordinators in support of country operations while overseeing country programme activities. The Head of Programme is a Senior Management Team (SMT) member and represents DRC to authorities, UN agencies, other NGOs, and partners.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

People Management

• Lead and manage programme staff (including people planning, performance, well-being and development)
• Mentor team through regular one-on-one supervision and performance appraisals

Project management and development

• Lead and coordinate the development of programmatic strategy in Sudan, and effective, efficient and timely implementation of all projects according to agreed contracts, budgets, policies, and donor requirements
• Manage senior technical advisors, grants staff and MEAL staff and provide them with technical guidance and support through regular coordination meetings
• Provide technical oversight on program management and quality of implementation to Area Managers and other field-based staff
• Provide oversight and provision of strategic direction to the MEAL department in rolling out monitoring and evaluation approaches aiming to build contextually grounded learning into program strategies and activities
• Ensure that relevant beneficiary data is collected, compiled, analyzed and distributed and that relevant assessments are conducted in the project area
• Provide regular internal and external reports, and other relevant information on programme activities, policy matters and external relations
• Ensure effective coordination and visibility of the implementation of the projects with all humanitarian and development actors
• Implement and oversee the DRC administrative guidelines and policies, safety and security procedures, logistics support and other tasks associated with efficient day-to-day operations
• Oversee rollout of DRC’s partnership strategy and selection, capacity building and monitoring of all DRC partners; where necessary, coordinate technical input to the implementing actors within the different sectors (Emergency Response, Protection, Durable Solutions, Economic Recovery, Humanitarian Mine Action)
• Promote lessons learned and best practices within DRC, to donors and other stakeholders when relevant in order to ensure synergetic programming and cross-program collaboration in Sudan
• Responsible for developing policies, processes, and standards within respective areas

Strategic vision, grants management and businesses development

• Ensure technical strategies are in place to provide strong rationale for programmatic priorities and reflect the evolving nature of the programmatic context in Sudan
• Deliver inputs to the Programme strategy and identify opportunities for new projects
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the funding strategy in Sudan in close coordination with relevant team members and EAGL RO
• Lead assessments for emergency or longer-term programming in existing or new project locations and cross-border programming.
• Leading the planning and development of concept papers, budgets and project proposals
• Maintain links and alignment with HQ and RO counterparts to developed programme and advocacy strategies

External relations

• Increase the visibility and credibility of DRC’s program in the area and maintain close relations with all relevant stakeholders including donors
• Ensure correct and timely narrative and financial reporting to donors
• Represent DRC in all relevant high-level coordination fora as agreed with the CD

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES

• At least 8 years’ management experience, as head or senior member of humanitarian or development programme/organisation; at least four years in East Africa
• Demonstrated experience with conflict related displacement issues
• Good communicator and proven diplomacy with all types of stakeholders
• Proven commitment to accountable practices and knowledgeable of quality assurance systems
• Hands on experience in managing staff in remote locations with strong human resource management skills in general
• Experience of managing budgets and multiple donor contracts
• Demonstrated experience in donor contact, fundraising and networking
• Demonstrated experience in complex crisis, experience in Sudan is beneficial

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree in relevant field
• Master Degree in relevant field is beneficial

LANGUAGES  

• Fluency in English (speaking, writing, reading) is essential
• Ability to speak Arabic is beneficial

ALL EMPLOYEES ARE EXPECTED TO DEMONSTRATE DRC FIVE CORE COMPETENCIES

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results through the country team both to position DRC and ensure excellence in all deliverables.
• Collaborating: You lead initiatives at country operation level by involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen to beneficiaries, staff and other stakeholders; and you communicate concisely and persuasively
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC’s vision and values and set a very clear standard for your country team members.

Key stakeholders: (internal and external)

• DRC Sudan SMT and staff
• Regional Executive Director, Operations Director, Regional SMT, technical coordinators and heads of support departments
• Relevant government ministries and departments
• Relevant donors

POSITION DETAILS

• Type of contract: National
• Contract Length: 12 Months
• Band: E Management
• Duty station: Port Sudan - Country Office or any Other area Offices
• Start date: As soon as possible
• Closing Date for Application: 22 April 2025

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national employees.

WHAT WE OFFER      

1. Two Bonuses (during two Eid festivals)
2. Relocation Allowance
3. National Social Insurance
4. Medical Insurance Allowance
5. Excellent Working Environment and Opportunity for Growth
6. Various Learning and Development Platforms

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Applications must be submitted through the mentioned link on the page by clicking on Apply Button.   
2. All applicants must send a cover letter along with an updated CV (we encourage CV no longer than four pages) in English.   
3. Mentioning three referees' details of your present supervisor and HR along with past employment supervisor with CV.

Note: Applications sent by email will not be considered. In addition, DRC doesn’t charge any fee for any of its recruitment process & believes in equal opportunity in employment regardless.

If you have questions, you can visit our FAQ page. 

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website: www.drc.ngo.

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap. 

Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, color, race,

marital status, or other protected characteristics.   

***FRAUD ALERT***

It has been brought to the attention of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) that there have been instances of fraudulent job offers, purporting to be from DRC in Sudan. These offers reportedly concern fraudulent employment opportunities to applicants asking for money. DRC would like to stipulate that the organization never charges or accepts any money from job seekers during the recruitment process. DRC recommends that you do not respond to unsolicited offers of employment.