Job Description:
The Deputy Director for Programs, Global Surge (DDP) spearheads strategic leadership, informed decision-making, and cross-functional coordination on key programmatic matters, encompassing the creation of high-quality proposals and ensuring the seamless execution of IRC’s initiatives. In this role, you will be responsible for inspiring and guiding a multicultural team, while adeptly overseeing program management, fostering strategic partnerships, and maintaining fiscal accountability.
This role operates under the guidance of the Country Director (CD) and serves as a key contributor to the Country Management Team. The Director of Development Programs (DDP) oversees Technical Coordinators, the Senior Program Coordinator for Protection Sectors, and the Senior Coordinator for Grants & Accountability. Collaboration is essential with the Deputy Regional Director and regional support staff, as well as Technical Advisors providing assistance to the country program.
Oversee and execute key responsibilities encompassing strategic planning, operational oversight, and team leadership to drive organizational objectives. Implement and maintain efficient processes to ensure optimal performance and adherence to established standards. Collaborate across departments to align initiatives with company goals, fostering cross-functional synergy. Monitor progress through performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as needed. Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, promoting professional development and accountability. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and internal policies to mitigate risks and uphold organizational integrity. Report on key performance indicators, project milestones, and strategic advancements to senior leadership, facilitating data-driven decision-making.
We develop and execute strategic initiatives, comprehensive plans, and growth opportunities to drive business expansion and enhance competitive positioning. This role involves identifying new market opportunities, fostering partnerships, and aligning business objectives with long-term organizational goals. Additionally, we analyze market trends, assess risks, and recommend data-driven strategies to optimize performance and profitability. Strong analytical skills, innovative thinking, and proficiency in business development are essential for success in this position.
Collaborating closely with the Chief Digital Officer (CD), you will spearhead the formulation and execution of the IRC Strategy Action Plan (SAP).
Ensure that all programming efforts are in harmony with SAP priorities and IRC’s Outcome Strategies, encompassing program planning, project design, and ongoing communications with staff.
Program development and fundraising are essential components of our organization’s strategy to advance our mission. We seek a dynamic professional who will design, implement, and oversee innovative programs that align with our goals while securing the necessary resources to sustain and expand their impact. The ideal candidate will leverage strong relationship-building skills to cultivate donor relationships, write compelling grant proposals, and develop strategic fundraising initiatives. Additionally, they will monitor program performance, analyze outcomes, and report progress to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability in all efforts. This role requires a minimum of five years of experience in program management and fundraising, along with proficiency in budgeting, grant writing, and donor engagement strategies.
In collaboration with the Grants Lead and the Country Director, develop and execute the Country Business Development (BD) Plan, integrating donor mapping and strategic communication initiatives.
The incumbent will collaborate closely with the Grants Lead and MEAL Lead to ensure that project proposals meet the highest standards of quality and relevance while adhering to regulatory requirements and aligning with the SAP framework.
To oversee program teams, confirm that contributions for concept notes, proposals, and donor reports are delivered in accordance with internal timelines. Additionally, verify that all program inputs meet the specified formatting standards and quality benchmarks.
Commitment to integrating gender equality principles into both the design and execution phases of all programs is essential to fulfilling IRC’s mission.
Responsible for executing and overseeing the development and deployment of programs, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and stakeholder needs. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to design, integrate, and monitor program processes, addressing any operational challenges that may arise. Conducts thorough evaluations to measure program effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions as necessary. Maintains detailed documentation of program milestones, progress reports, and key performance indicators to track success and facilitate stakeholder communication.
Ensure the systematic review and updating of the Systems Stakeholder Analysis, utilizing the insights gained to guide partner selection decisions.
Ensure a comprehensive grasp of the ongoing implementation progress for IRC programs.
Lead project cycle meetings, leveraging data-driven insights, with a focus on overseeing budgetary performance. Intervene as needed by organizing corrective actions to guarantee projects adhere to scheduled timelines and meet established objectives, while maintaining prompt follow-up on all agreed-upon deliverables.
Experienced Technical Coordinators will receive assistance to execute project delivery through adherence to well-defined work-plans and approved monitoring frameworks, which are established in alignment with project proposals.
Ensure that program teams create, execute, and adjust, as necessary, comprehensive Procurement and Staffing Plans in collaboration with Field Management and Operations teams.
Deliver expert guidance to the CD, ensuring all advice regarding program implementation developments, opportunities, and potential adjustments remains precise, current, and actionable.
Assist the MEAL lead in executing key strategic initiatives outlined in the MEAL framework to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
Leverage information gathered through MEAL and client feedback mechanisms to guide every phase of the project life cycle.
Program teams must submit accurate and timely reports to the grants team, adhering to both IRC and donor requirements.
Monitor program delivery by conducting regular field visits and review sessions. It is essential to ensure senior program staff consistently visit project sites to oversee implementation progress.
Spearhead emergency preparedness initiatives in collaboration with cross-functional team leads to facilitate prompt and effective emergency response when required.
Duties encompass overseeing and guiding teams to enhance performance, along with fostering employee growth through targeted training and mentorship initiatives. Responsibilities involve implementing development programs, evaluating progress, and aligning individual objectives with organizational goals. Requirements include demonstrated experience in team management, strong interpersonal skills, and proficiency in leadership methodologies. Candidates must exhibit a commitment to cultivating a positive work environment and driving continuous improvement.
Ensure the consistent application of People & Culture policies and procedures across all aspects of team management.
Offer guidance and mentorship while demonstrating strong leadership to facilitate the professional growth of team members, establishing transparent and measurable performance objectives.
Conduct regular, high-quality performance discussions and evaluations for all program staff to foster ongoing development and accountability.
Facilitate consistent team meetings with staff to enhance communication and foster collaboration.
Ensure the alignment and consistency of all reports to effectively support and advance their teams’ development objectives.
Representation and Coordination
Dedicated to maintaining and expanding collaborative relationships, you will engage consistently and strategically with a diverse range of partners across the country.
Our responsibility involves strategically planning and coordinating IRC’s interventions to align seamlessly with the broader humanitarian response.
Ensure representation of IRC at sector coordination groups, including the clusters
Assist in fostering strong, collaborative relationships with donors and government counterparts to ensure ongoing support and alignment with organizational objectives.
Partner Management involves cultivating and sustaining strategic relationships with external partners, vendors, and stakeholders to drive mutual growth and achieve organizational objectives. This role requires identifying high-potential partners, negotiating mutually beneficial agreements, and ensuring seamless collaboration across departments. Responsibilities include monitoring partner performance, addressing issues proactively, and aligning partner activities with company goals. Strong interpersonal skills, excellent communication, and the ability to influence without direct authority are essential, along with a keen understanding of business development and contract management. Experience in a similar role and proficiency in CRM tools are typically required.
Assist the Country Program in fulfilling its commitments by fostering and strengthening local partnerships.
Develop and sustain productive partnerships through collaborative engagement, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and mutual growth opportunities.
Provide consistent technical program assistance and allocate resources in alignment with established partnership agreements.
Requirements
A strong candidate will exhibit exceptional leadership, people management, interpersonal, and negotiation abilities, alongside a proven track record in building cohesive, cross-functional teams within diverse, multicultural settings that demand high cultural awareness. The ideal individual must demonstrate strategic thinking, the capacity to prioritize effectively, and a commitment to achieving objectives promptly—even within intricate operational frameworks.
Individuals should possess an advanced degree in International Development, International Relations, Business Management, Administrative Science, or a comparable field.
Accomplished professionals with a proven track record of 5 to 6 years in overseas postings within conflict or post-conflict regions are encouraged to apply, having assumed key leadership roles in program management.
Proven expertise in program design, MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning), and project cycle management is required. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of developing and overseeing budgets, work plans, and other essential program management tools to ensure effective project implementation and delivery.
Skilled in cultivating and maintaining strategic partnerships, this role requires proven expertise in coordinating efforts and fostering strong relationships with critical stakeholders, including government entities, donors, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), national and local organizations, as well as United Nations agencies.
Fluent proficiency in English is required, with strong oral and written communication abilities. Candidates possessing a working knowledge of French, Spanish, and/or Arabic will be given particular consideration.
Detail-oriented, reliable, and proactive, this individual demonstrates a strong sense of accountability and precision in all tasks. Highly adaptable and versatile, they thrive in dynamic environments while maintaining unwavering focus on accuracy and excellence.
Demonstrated capability to function autonomously as well as collaborate effectively within group settings. Exhibits adaptability in adjusting to various work environments, whether operating solo or integrating into team dynamics. Maintains consistent productivity and accountability in both individual assignments and collective projects.
Able to function effectively in high-pressure emergency settings while sustaining a positive and resilient mindset. Open to relocating to and working in isolated and conflict-affected regions.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 - 6 years
