JOB ADVERT: Head of Programmes

Location: Bertoua, CE, CM

Company: Plan International

The Organisation

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.
We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected.
Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.
We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.
We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.
The role of the Head of Programmes is to lead the development and implementation of strategies and operational plans to deliver excellent programmes and bold, credible influencing to bring about sustainable positive changes in the lives of children, particularly girls. S/He is responsible for strengthening Plan International Cameroon’s capacity and delivery in program design embedding influencing and advocacy, MER, Knowledge management and learning, partnership management and stakeholder engagement as well as technical expertise in the relevant areas of child rights prioritised in Cameroon’s country strategy. S/He supports the achievement of country programme goals that are aligned with Plan's regional and global programme standards, priorities and principles. S/He ensures that Plan Cameroon’s programmes are innovative, and at the same time, relevant to a changing local and global environment and reflect our ambition to be the opinion leader in the area of child rights in Cameroon.

1. Dimensions of Role

• A member of the Cameroun Country Leadership Team (CLT) and line management of senior managers in the areas of programme strategy, programme operations, resource mobilization, sponsorship, communication, and DRM/emergency response.
• Reporting regularly to the CD on the management of all risks associated with programme delivery and effectiveness, resource mobilization, sponsorship, communications, public relations, cooperation, networking, alliance-building, and emergency response.
• Provide leadership in the development and delivery of excellent and accountable gender transformative and rights-based programming, both in development and humanitarian contexts.
• Supports and accounts for the implementation of Plan International’s Global Policy on Gender and Inclusion.
• Incorporate cutting-edge research and evaluations throughout Plan’s work in Cameroon to extend reach, inform excellent programming and credible influence; documents and disseminates best practices from within Plan and from other organizations to promote quality and learning.
• Lead Plan International Cameroon to engage and collaborate with civil society, support movements and work in strategic partnerships to galvanise political will and investment to advance children’s rights and equality for girls.
• Develop and implements strategies to scale up our influencing work on children’s and girls’ rights issues for greater impact to achieve large-scale development outcomes for girls.
• Establish and implement standards of accountability, effectiveness and efficiency in the achievement of Plan's programs; monitors program implementation and program systems and processes for compliance and management information.
• Support the implementation of Child Protection and safeguarding Policy standards across all organisational activities.
• Upon delegation of the CD, the Head of Programmes may approve commitments, contracts, grants, leases, disbursements and transfers to third parties in line with existing authorization limits.

2. Typical Responsibilities - Key End Results of Position
What” is done and “why”, but not “how”; include indicators for success

2.1 Strategic planning and delivery of programmes

The Country Strategic Plan is reviewed, updated and monitored based on the changing environment in Cameroon.

Indicators will include:

• Country Strategy (CS) is developed and/or reviewed with detailed plan for strategies and processes along with monitoring and evaluation mechanism at implementation level.
• A yearly research and evaluation plan supporting to implementing the CS and contributing to program mw quality is set is developed and implemented.
• Programme strategy and programme operations are aligned and are delivering the key country programme priorities in an integrated manner in line with recognised programme standards and principles.
• Emergency interventions are appropriate to identified needs and gaps and are maximising Plan Cameroon’s added value, while ensuring adherence to humanitarian standards and minimising security risks.
• Strategies or plans in the area of communication, advocacy, and resources mobilization are developed, implemented and progress adequately documented.
• The Global Policy on Gender and Inclusion is adequately implemented following a well-articulated strategy adapted to local realities.
• Plan International Cameroon has an efficient knowledge management system/approach in place that helps learning, sharing, scaling up, and innovation.
• Clear strategies for disaster risk reduction, mitigation and response are in place at country level and embedded as appropriate into long term programmes.
• A clear plan to strengthen programme quality in all programme areas exists and is implemented to a high standard and on a timely manner.
• Programme approaches in country are harmonized as appropriate.
• Grant management is recognised as being of a high standard and agreed commitments are met in a timely manner and to the expected quality.
• The programme team budget is developed, implemented and monitored to the highest quality.

2.2 Influencing and advocacy

All Plan International Cameroon’s projects integrate effective and measurable influencing activities that result in outcomes for girls and wherever possible contribute to Plan’s global influencing agenda and a global movement for girls and gender equality.

Indicators will include:

• An in-depth power and policy analysis of the structures, systems and networks in the country is undertaken to identify opportunities for changes in law, policy, budget and behaviours at the national level that will drive the achievement of the strategic goals and objectives set by Plan International in Cameroon.
• Plan International Cameroon’s Influencing Strategy is designed and implemented coordination with staff and partners, by taking an integrated approach to influencing. The Influencing Strategy is reviewed and updated as appropriate in response to the evolving context.
• Technical Advisors are guided to identify advocacy issues and lead them to the national level.
• Plan International Cameroon is always represented in relevant networks at the appropriate level.
• Appropriate opportunities for program scaling up and advocacy are developed, identified and utilized.
• Programme issues are lobbied / advocated at national and other levels.
• Programs are demonstrated / scaled-up as per the strategic directions.
• Strong linkages are cultivated between the Technical Advisors and Monitoring, Evaluation and Research (MER) unit so that advocacy and policy approaches are based on evidence.
• Progress in influencing is monitored and reported upon and its contribution to change making is highlighted, including to donors where relevant.
• Adequate oversight is provided for the full implementation of the influencing plan.

2.3 Sponsorship

Accountability standards are established and implemented to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in the achievement of sponsorship related goals, caseload planning and management, alignment of sponsorship practices with Programme Quality Procedures (PQP).

Indicators will include:

• An accountability framework for effective and efficient delivery of sponsorship work is defined and implemented
• Country target for sponsorship growth is set in consultation with CLT and the regional hub; and fulfilment of this target is ensured through Sponsorship team and PU management team to maintain smooth sponsorship funding for the programs of Plan Cameroon.
• Effective relationships with National Offices in the areas related to sponsorship are established and maintained
• Effective integration of sponsorship and programmes activities including grants for effectiveness and maximization of our impact.
• Functions of sponsorship department are analysed in the context of technology upgrading and corporate requirements and proper staffing is ensured to run the business smoothly.
• Mechanisms for community/volunteer participation in and ownership of sponsorship activities are in place and effectively working.

2.4 Resource Mobilization

Relevant resources mobilization strategies/plans are in place to support the delivery of the Country Strategic Plan and quality grant management

Indicators will include:

• Country Resource Mobilisation strategy is developed and implemented in conjunction with key stakeholders to deliver the country grants target.
• Grants acquisitions are in line with the country strategic plan.
• The country annual targets for grant acquisition is agreed and achieved.
• Effective collaborations with NOs, institutional donors and organisations at country level, both on local and international fundraising are established and maintained.

2.5 Communications

Evidence based material is produced and strategically disseminated to support advocacy, campaigns, profiling and resource mobilisation

Indicators will include:

• A country communication plan in line with the Global Communications Strategy “One Plan, One Goal, One Voice”  is developed and implemented
• Effective media and publication plans are developed, implemented and evaluated in support of Plan’s global, regional and country campaigns and advocacy work
• Plan Cameroon’s communication portfolio effectively supports resource mobilisation, media requests and programme learning
• The country sponsorship related activities have a positive public image.

2.6 Partnership building and nurturing

Appropriate partnerships are in place to support technical quality and reach.

Indicators will include:

• Strategic partnerships and engagements are developed with different types, categories and forms of organisations, networks, movements, political contacts and other key stakeholders to increase Plan’s work for greater impact.
• Effective partnerships and collaborations are established and maintained with civil society, INGOs, UN and government entities to maximise the use of our resources for the implementation of quality programmes at scale.

2.7 Team management

The Programme Department is operating as a high performance team supporting quality interventions in Plan International Cameroon’s areas of interventions.

Indicators will include:

• The team’s performance objectives are well set, efficiently monitored using Plan’s performance management system and results frameworks. Team goals are known by colleagues in other departments and progress reported upon to stakeholders.
• The members of the Programme Team are adequately supported in their work and their development needs are identified and met.
• Poor performance is managed so that the competencies required for effective delivery of objectives are in place.
• The programme administration requirements and standards are met by the programme team
• Country and programme unit staff has capacity to deliver quality programmes, and are adequately monitored.
• Adequate staffing and cost recovery is in place to ensure the right resources are available for Plan International Cameroon’s ambition.

3. Dealing with Problems

Complexity of problems handled & the degree of investigation, analysis, & creative thinking required to solve them

The Head of Programmes manages a large team and has direct supervisory function of some senior managers. Excellent team managing skills and efficient communication are crucial for the jobholder to succeed. Supporting the development of country colleagues to build a high performing team will be crucial to the success of this role.
Plan International Cameroon’s programme portfolio is steadily growing, with significant growth expected in the current fiscal year. The right staffing, skill sets and delivery mechanisms will need to be in place to ensure timely and effective portfolio management that meets the requirements of all stakeholders.
Overseeing development programming, humanitarian action, resource mobilization, communication, capacity development for programme delivery and advocacy in a complex environment will require the Deputy CD Programme to be a strong leader, critical thinker, team player and sound decision maker.
The person will need to represent Plan International Cameroon in key internal and external fora.

4. Communications and Working Relationships

Working contacts inside and outside the organization; include the purpose and level (high, medium, low) of the contact

Internal

• Country Leadership Team members
• Other Programme Heads in the Region
• Regional Hub programme managers in charge of Strategy, Knowledge management, Influencing, Partnerships, Sponsorship, DRM, MER, Resource Mobilisation, Communications, BIAAG.
• National Office Programme Directors and relevant technical staff

External

• National and Local authorities especially relevant ministers in the country
• Partners organisations
• Other INGOs, UN organizations, strategic partners, donors
• Media and journalists

5. Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives

Gained through education, training, & experience

5.1 Knowledge

• Sound understanding of integrated development issues and critical analysis of child poverty.
• In-depth knowledge of child-rights programming.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of the complexities of working in conflict and fragile situations, and how to effectively deliver commitments while minimizing security risks.
• Knowledge of development issues, trends, challenges and opportunities and implications to community development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of strategic planning processes.
• Knowledge of effective participatory Monitoring, Evaluation and Research systems and processes.
• Knowledge in gender transformative programming.

5.2 Skills

• Exceptional conceptual and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with colleagues at long distances.
• Ability to speak, read and write fluently both English and French.
• Good writing skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including presentation and public speaking, appropriate to the audience.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Strong team building .and motivational skills.
• Good negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary & multicultural environment.
• Solid experiences in resource mobilization with a variety of donors.
• Leadership analysis/coaching skills.
• Strong inter-personal skills in a multi-cultural environment.

5.3 Leadership Skills and Behaviours demonstrated from experience

Striving for high performance:

• Achieves clarity and accountability among whole team of their individual and collective objectives;
• Organises work clearly and effectively within the team;
• Deals with poor performers by either improving their contribution or managing their exit, if appropriate.

Strategic thinking and innovation:

• Creates strong strategic direction for own part of organisation in wider Plan context;
• Major contributor to direction in the management team of which they are a member;
• Flexible in responding to new demands presented in emergency situations.

Decision making and risk management:

• Can address complex problems in a balanced way;
• Good judgment in decision-making, making best use of available information;
• Willing to make difficult or unpopular decisions and stand by them.

Influence and communication:

• Uses the potential of varied cultures to reach solutions;
• Excellent listener who understands and shows sensitivity to the views of others;
• Forms good relationships quickly with wide range of people, including those in positions of power and who have different views/ interests;
• Represents Plan effectively with senior people in external stakeholder organisations;
• Understands external and internal politics and able to navigate these;
• Communicates with clarity and passion both 1-1 and with large groups;
• Effective negotiator in complex situations;
• Assertive without being aggressive.

Building effective teams and partnerships:

• Creates a highly motivated team with a unified purpose;
• Modifies own view to get best outcome for organisation;
• Contributes effectively to work of other functions/ units and to management team as a whole
• Able to build partnerships and improve relationships;
• Resolves conflict effectively in own team or across boundaries.

Developing people:

• Continuously uses both 1-1 and team situations to develop others; 
• Organises work to give others development opportunities;
• Adapts style to suit the needs of a wide variety of people;
• Deals effectively with mistakes and re-motivates those involved.

Self-awareness and resilience:

• Aware of own strengths, weaknesses and pro-active in using feedback and self-development
• Aware of impact on others and uses impact to create positive climate at work
• Aware of own emotional reactions and able to manage them
• Manages own workload effectively and manages stress without harm to self or others
• Positive about change and able to cope well with ambiguity and support others in doing so

Location: Based in the country office located in Yaoundé with extensive and regular local travel as well as some international travel
Type of Role: Permanent
Reports to: Country Director
Grade: F
Closing Date: 31 October 2018