ROLE PURPOSE:

Plan International is an independent child rights and humanitarian organisation committed to children living a life free of poverty, violence and injustice. We actively unite children, communities and other people who share our mission to make positive lasting changes in children’s and young people’s lives. We support children to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to claim their rights to a fulfilling life, today and in the future. We place a specific focus on girls and women, who are most often left behind.  We have been building powerful partnerships for children for more than 75 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.

The Program Area Manager (PAM) will act as Plan International Sudan’s most senior representative for the Program Area.  He/ She is responsible to lead the strategic direction in the Program Area in accordance with Plan’s strategic programme framework and retains final accountability for timely and quality delivery of all Plan’s operations (e.g. programmes, emergency response, finance, admin and human resource) in the area and in line with Plan International Sudan’s approved Country Strategy (CS). The PAM also provides leadership for effective utilization of Plan’s resources for the benefit of targeted beneficiaries in the area.

Dimensions of the Role

• The PAM reports to the Deputy Country Director and has direct reports covering thematic programme project managers, M&E, area finance, and support service.  She/ he is a member of the extended Country Leadership Team (eCLT), and has delegated financial authority for expenditures up to Euro50,000.

Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership

• Contribute to the design and implementation of the country strategy aligned with approved global strategy, policies, and frameworks.
• Lead and guide relevant staff to ensure that the global programme quality framework, and relevant policies (e.g. child protection, security and gender equality policies) are embedded within day to day operations
• Lead and support the annual planning and budgeting process for the PA
• Guide and support the PA team to ensure quality implementation of the cost recovery policy
• Build partnerships and introduce strategic approaches to manage these to high standards of quality
• Champion the testing and roll out of new innovations to programming and lead key influencing work at both governorate and national levels
• Nurture and work with Youth Advisory Panels at the PA level and provide safe and enabling spaces for them to inform Plan International’s programmes & projects
• Manage disaster preparedness and responses and provide assistance to those affected

Business Development

• Contribute to funding growth of the PA and establish a clear funding vision, targets, and thematic areas of excellence to invest in
• Lead the process of proposal development for new projects at PA level, working closely with Programme leads, project managers, and support teams
• Lead the process of budget development and ensure full costing for each project
• Ensure full adherence to all donor compliance requirements during the grant life-cycle
• Ensure regular review of the funding pipeline health, and contribute timely concept notes to ensure sustained programme work in the PA.

Project Portfolio Management

• Oversee start-up of projects in the first three months (and first two weeks for emergencies), with complete approved plans established for recruitment, detailed implementation (DIPs), M&E, communication, risk management, and procurement
• Provide support to project teams and ensure quality implementation of projects
• Track and monitor on monthly basis the DIPs, procurement plans, cost recovery & budget burn-rates
• Ensure consistent monthly project reviews with project managers to track achievements and issues
• Ensure production of quality monthly, quarterly and annual reports
• Ensure smooth and timely closure of all projects
• Support evaluations of programme and projects to promote learning and improvement

Representation and Networking

• Ensure that Plan International Sudan is well positioned at the State level through promoting its programme approach, values and commitment to change the lives of marginalized children, and equality for girls
• Establish and support the development of collaborative relationships with a network of partners and stakeholders to strengthen Plan International Sudan’s voice for children and girls
• Participate actively and engage in state and national development strategies including SDGs
• Promote and protect Plan International’s image and reputation
• Participate in area network meetings for influencing policy, learning and sharing best practices

People & Knowledge Management

• Take active role in staff recruitment for the area according to needs and resources.
• Implement all human resource and organisational development initiatives related to capacity building, rewards, promotion, retention and management of staff performance in line with global standards and guidelines
• Create a conducive working environment in which people are motivated, respected, valued and managed well so as to realize their potential and development
• Provide necessary training and development opportunities to staff, so support professional growth and equip all with knowledge and skills that improve programme quality
• Develop the relevant working processes to support and promote learning
• Establish a positive work culture, and high standards of accountability and responsibility according to our values and expected behaviours
• Invest in knowledge management across the knowledge cycle, including proper storage of programme records
• Ensure best practices are documented and shared to increase visibility and positioning as a development and humanitarian organisation

Safeguarding Children and Youth Participation

• Create opportunities and platforms for children and Youth Advisory Boards to contribute to the internal decision-making processes of Plan International Sudan’s
• Ensure children are kept safe when participating in projects, events, activities, visit the office, research, and online social networks
• Ensure that all safeguarding concerns are reported through the management reporting line and responded in a timely manner to safeguard the best interests of the child
• Ensure staff, partners and associates understand and adhere to the Safeguarding Children & Young People Policy and procedures
• Ensure Community-based Child Protection networks at the PA level are provided with safe and enabling spaces to inform Plan Sudan while designing and implementing the relevant projects

Operational Support

• Ensure Plan International’s fixed assets, security, and procurement policies and procedures are implemented and adhered to
• Oversee and manage the administration of the PA office ensuring that the office facilities are available and properly equipped for efficient work by the programme area team
• Ensure the safety and security of staff and assets, and properly analyse and manage risks
• Manage and maintain asset register in the area and ensure updated disposal plans
• Ensure legal issues e.g. vehicle/ office registrations, leases/ rents and contracts are seriously analysed and comply with country and state laws

Dealing with Problems/Risks

• The post holder will demonstrate an ability to solve problems, and meet the demands of a dynamic, challenging and sometimes unpredictable operating environment.  The incumbent will manage challenges related to different departments, staff with technical or functional reporting lines, geographical locations, a large and diverse workforce, and resolving contractual obligations, including donor grant specific requirements.

Key relationships

Internal

• eCLT – interacts with the members on country leadership
• Regional hub of Middle-east, Eastern, & Southern Africa (MEESA), Plan International National Organisations, other COs – share learning and knowledge, and receive technical and policy/ procedures guidance
• Functional/ Technical Line Managers – High level of Communication to report and share ideas to strengthen programme work

External

• Sectoral Clusters – ensure Plan International representation in Education, YEE, CP, Health/WASH, DRM
• State Institutions - Interact with Ministries, departments and SCCW to establish good working relations and to influence policy decisions on children’s rights and girls issues
• Donors and other Agencies – share knowledge and what Plan International is doing
• Local partners -  share and understand project ideas, and progress of on-going projects
• Media – Ensure visibility and of programme work
• Business Mentors Network – Seek support and to mobilize resources for programmes

Knowledge and Expertise

• A minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Management, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics or other related fields.  Master degree is preferable.
• At least 7 years’ experience in a similar, senior management role
• Demonstrated experience in the management of gender transformative programmes such as health, education, civic engagement, livelihoods, disaster risk management and child protection
• Knowledge of donors’ rules and conditions such as DFID, EC/ECHO, SIDA, UNICEF/ UNHCR/ UNDP or USAID/ OFDA.
• Knowledge of socio-cultural dynamics in Kassala
• Minimum 10 years of progressively more responsibility in project cycle management
• Ability to train staff and partners using various capacity development approaches
• At least 5 years’ experience working with knowledge management and learning platforms
• Experience in managing large grants in a partnership setting

Skills

• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills in multi-cultural contexts
• Strong networking skills, and ability to build and foster collaborative working relationships
• Strong analytical, report writing and editing skills
• Strong facilitation skills
• Budgeting, financial management, and foreign exchange risk management skills
• Proven leadership and people management skills
• Ability to analyse information, evaluate options and to think and plan strategically
• Skills in conducting RNA, feasibility studies or market analysis

Physical Environment

• Approximately 40% travel to project implementation locations

Level of contact with children

Min contact: medium direct interaction with children

The complete application should be submitted  via Sudanjob.net Please note :

• Only short listed candidates will be contacted
• Females are strongly encouraged to apply “competitive offers are waiting for them!”