Senior Programme Managers, global Oxfam Novib

Oxfam Novib is committed to ridding the world of poverty. We have a conviction that people are well capable of building a livelihood without poverty on their own, once given the chance to do so. Which is why we support local projects in developing countries, why we lobby governments and companies to take into account the interests of the poorest people, and why we campaign to involve Dutch men and women also in our work.

As part of its newly established Rapid Deployment Team, Oxfam Novib is looking for Senior Programme Managers who, together with us and many others, want to work towards creating a just world without poverty.

Two (2) Senior Programme Managers experienced in managing humanitarian responses
Period: 1 year, 36 hours per week
Location: This is a global post single posting.

You will work abroad most of the year and have to be willing to travel and/or move on short (48 hours) notice as required. This is an unaccompanied position. Most time of the year, you will be deployed in countries where Oxfam Novib is involved in humanitarian programming or preparations. Your residence (in between deployments) can be in any of the countries/cities where Oxfam Novib has an office and where an international airport is nearby (at the moment: The Hague, Nairobi, Islamabad, Kabul, Burundi, Niamey and Jerusalem and in the near future: Bamako and Hanoi.

Job Profile
Oxfam Novib works with other Oxfams and with local partner organisations to be better prepared for emergency situations and to provide an appropriate response to those situations where needed. To support Oxfam Novib country staff and partners to realise our humanitarian ambitions and duties Oxfam Novib is establishing a Rapid Deployment Team (RDT), whose members will be deployed in countries where Oxfam Novib is working, based on need for support in their area of expertise. Apart from enhancing Oxfam’s preparedness and response work, the RDT will contribute to organisation-wide capacity and profile development. As a senior programme manager you will be one of the RDT members. The RDT reports to the Manager of the Humanitarian Unit at Oxfam Novib’s head office in The Hague, but during assignments in the field to the country based line manager.

expectations

Main tasks
The post holder will undertake a series of assignments for which specific Terms of Reference will be negotiated and agreed with relevant parties, prior to deployment and or revised in the early stages of the deployment.

Managing humanitarian responses (relief & rehabilitation) in large scale (category 1 and 2) and smaller scale (category 3) disasters:

Overall Management of humanitarian programmes including:

• Providing strategic inputs to the Oxfam Country LeadershipTeam on (response) program planning and development, budgeting and fundraising.
• Providing operational leadership and steer to Oxfam Novib staff involved the response program.
• Providing strategic guidance to the (humanitarian) advocacy staff on the development and implementation of the advocacy strategy.
• Ensuring cost effective, cost efficient planning and implementation of the response program.
• Ensuring participative and effective consultation with Oxfam’s and partners and other stakeholders.
• Ensure planning and implementation of accountability, monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Ensuring proper contract management.
• Recruitment of (local) staff, and management of all staff in line with Oxfam/country specific policies, ensuring that they have the necessary induction, training and support.
• Ensuring safety & security policies are in place and implemented.
• Ensure that a communication and media policy is in place and implemented.
• Represent Oxfam or Oxfam Novib to government officials, UN agencies, other NGO staff, and donors as appropriate at national, provincial or district level.

Enhancing capacity of Oxfam Novib and partners humanitarian capacities:

• (Short term) Replacement of or assistance to Oxfam Novib (Associate) Country Directors.
• Contribution to the development and implementation of the Oxfam humanitarian preparedness strategies and in country investment plans.
• Contribute to humanitarian capacity building of Oxfam Novib staff and partners.
• Contribute to development of Oxfam (Novib) humanitarian policies.
• Undertake research project work to document experience and build up institutional learning on aspects of emergencies.
• Participating in assessments, audits, monitoring & evaluation missions and staff training events.
• Undertake public speaking and media work on emergency work as requested.
• Other suitable tasks as assigned.

job requirements

You have

• (Post) graduate degree in a relevant field (undergraduate degree plus relevant overseas experience may substitute, but qualification will not substitute for experience).
• At least 10 years of practical experience in managing emergency responses (relief & rehabilitation) in more than one country (preferably countries where Oxfam Novib works), with a mature understanding of context, dilemmas, challenges and ways of working. A proven record of people management.
• Good analytical and planning skills. Must be inquisitive, have a keen interest in policy issues and able to see the bigger picture and able to analyse programming risks.
• Proven numeracy and financial management skills.
• Knowledge and practical experience of general humanitarian standards and principles such as Sphere Standards, HAP, the People in Aid Code and the Red Cross Code of Conduct.
• Understanding of main programming issues in WASH and Emergency Food Security / Vulnerable Livelihoods.
• A good understanding of gender and diversity in humanitarian crisis contexts, and proven commitment to incorporating these concepts in your work.
• Experience in or strong affinity with working with local NGO partners.
• Representational skills and the proven ability to influence others, and negotiate with others, within Oxfam and the wider humanitarian sector, including institutional donors.
• Ability to take the initiative and make decisions with limited support in fast moving environments.
• Experience in external fundraising and a fair picture of the main institutional donors and their funding strategies.
• Ability to build good teams and to effectively support and empower Oxfam Novib field staff and partners in a wide variety of cultural contexts using methods such as mentoring, coaching, accompaniment, training and advice.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal and team working skills, both written and spoken. Fluency in English, as well as working knowledge of at least one other language (preferably French or Portuguese).
• Willingness to travel at short notice, often in difficult circumstances and availability to typically work between 6 weeks to 6 months in complex situations and difficult locations.
• Knowledge and experience of working with disaster risk reduction, preparedness and development issues is an asset.

remuneration and benefits

We offer
We offer a salary based on ON scale 9, this is in the range of € 2.562,- to € 3.941,- gross per month. This is excl. 8% holiday fee, additional expat allowances will be offered.

application

Are you interested?
Send your application before June 12th, 2011 in writing including a motivation letter and curriculum vitae and mentioning reference number 5-065 to jobs@oxfamnovib.nl, addressed to Mrs. Stijn Sas, HR Consultant.