Deputy Director of Operations Job at the International Rescue Committee (IRC)

The International Rescue Committee, one of the world’s largest humanitarian agencies, provides relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of natural disaster, oppression and violent conflict in 42 countries. The IRC is committed to bold leadership, innovation and creative partnerships. Active in public health, education, livelihoods, women’s empowerment, youth development, and protection and promotion of rights, IRC assists people from harm to home.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Deputy Director of Operations

Requisition ID: req2056
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Sector: Program Administration
Employment Category: Fixed Term
Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Overview/Summary

• The Deputy Director of Programs (DDP) is a member of the senior management team (SMT) (along with the Deputy Director of Operations (DDO), Deputy Director of Field Management (DDFM) and Financial Controller (FC)).
• She/he is responsible for leading and managing the program/sector, grant management and M&E teams in the Country Program.
• The DDP is expected to contribute to high levels of teamwork and inter-departmental and cross-sectoral collaboration. 
• Through her/his leadership the IRC Nigeria country program will develop and implement high quality programs based on the principles of results, data-driven analysis, problem identification and problem solving.
• The DDP will also be the focal point for strategy development, review and monitoring.
• The position is based in Abuja with frequent travel to all field locations.

Major Responsibilities
Ethics and Integrity:

• Adhere to and act in accordance with the IRC Way (code of conduct) and other Global HR Policies and Procedures, and communicate through word and example a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations.

Security:

• Contribute to the highest possible standard of security management through SMT level security and risk analysis and planning and the integration of security principles in program design and implementation, grant management and M&E.

Management and Strategy:

• Actively contribute to and participate in management and leadership platforms such as the senior management team, the country leadership team and the country management team. Be a champion and focal point for the development, periodic review and implementation of the Nigeria Strategic Action Plan and ensure quality and meaningful participation of programs, grants and M&E teams in strategy and research related activities and initiatives.

Program Design and Implementation:

• Ensure the highest level of quality in program design through robust and in-depth context analysis, development of theories of change and sector level strategies.
• Through rigorous M&E processes and results-based management ensure periodic and systematic learning is informing program design and adaptation.
• In partnership with the DDFM ensure efficient and effective delivery of program commitments through overseeing the development and implementation of tools such as procurements plans, budget versus actual reports, work plans etc.
• Oversee appropriate technical assistance for all sectors ensuring that programs are reaching a high quality through use of best practice, evidence base and up-to-the-minute learning.

Business Development and Grant Management:

• In conjunction with SMT colleagues, lead the development, implementation and review of IRC’s country program business development strategy to ensure that individual sector programs, overall strategy and operations are adequately funded.
• Lead the grant management team to ensure IRC Nigeria are meeting all institutional donor and internal reporting and compliance requirement.

Representation and Communication:

• In conjunction with the CD and DDFM, ensure that the IRC is effectively represented in relevant coordination fora and networks. This representation should aim to bring to bear IRC’s learning and experience to improve the overall humanitarian and development response in Nigeria.
• Ensure that the IRC has an appropriate range of communication products to highlight the work of the country program to various audiences.

Human Resources Management:

• Provide leadership to the human resources and administration team and ensuring the application of best practices and adherence to national and state level NGO and other relevant compliance regulations. Ensure proper functioning of the HR department and necessary support to all sectors and teams.
• Oversee the development/review of HR policies, guidelines and processes. Ensure recruitment, staff planning, training needs assessments and plans are carried out to meet the needs of all departments. Oversee the administration functions especially as they relate to rental agreements, visas and registration.

Requirements

• At least seven years of international experience with two years of experience in the management of emergency, post-conflict and development programs.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in program design and delivery, including proposal development
• Proven capacity in staff management, multi-tasking, time management and diplomacy.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Must be an innovative and creative problem solver, and a team player, with experience working with multi-cultural teams.
• Fluent in English

Working Environment

• This position is fully accompanied based in Abuja and accommodation will be in individual house

Key Working Relationships

• Position Reports to: Country Director
• Position directly supervises: M&E Coordinator, Grants and Communications Coordinator, Consortium Coordinator
• Through a “management in partnership approach” the Deputy Director of Programs will jointly supervise two Senior Program Coordinators in collaboration with the Deputy Director for Field Management.
• Management in Partnership is a type of matrix management used at the IRC. Management in Partnership aims to ensure effective and efficient management and supervision of multi-facing and cross-departmental roles.

Other key contacts:

• Country Program:  Senior Management Team members, Security Coordinator, Field Coordinators, Compliance Coordinator, Supply Chain Coordinator, HR Coordinator
• Organizationally: Regional Director, Deputy Regional Director, technical advisors and the Award Management Unit.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online