(CLOSED) Programme Manager for DDG - Somaliland

Danish Demining Group

Closing date: 13 Nov 2009 -- (CLOSED)
Location: Somalia - Hargeisa

BACKGROUND

Danish Deming Group (DDG) is a department under Danish Refugee Council (DRC). DDG has operated in Somaliland since 1999 clearing mines and other explosive remnants of war. Recognising the widespread proliferation of uncontrolled Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in Somaliland, DDG expanded its approach to also address the threat from SALW.

Respecting the basic need of individuals and communities to maintain ownership and control of their firearms for protection reasons, DDG began implementation of a 2 year pilot Community Safety (CS) Program in April 2008. DDG’s community safety approach encompasses the following elements:

- Strengthening local institutions and enhancing local capacity for addressing safety needs
- Addressing immediate threats to life and limbs by explosive remnants of war
- Addressing small arms as a tool of violence
- Building capacity for conflict management and peace
- Strengthening relationships between security providers and communities

The program is rooted in a participatory process, where DDG assists target communities to assess their safety and security situation, define and prioritize their safety and security needs and identify resources to address these needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Manager is responsible for DDG’s operations in Somaliland and may have responsibilities as part of the regional initiatives in the Horn of Africa. The Program Manager refers to and works in close co-ordination with the DDG Representative for the Horn of Africa who is based in Nairobi. Specific responsibilities include:

Management
- Management, operational oversight, coordination and implementation of the CS Program in Somaliland
- Support and supervision of app. 80 national staff and 2 expatriate staff. This includes coaching, ensuring co-ordination between local managers, recruiting and development of staff.

Programme development
- Be a driving force in terms of developing the DDG programme within the DDG programme objectives.

Strategic development
- In co-ordination with the Representative, lead the process of continuously developing DDG’s Armed Violence Reduction approach (including CS activities) in a regional context and adapted to the circumstances in the field – both nationally and regionally.

Finance and administration
- Responsible for budget monitoring, financial management and expenses control including compliance with minimum DRC/DDG and donor requirements and ensuring that the necessary systems are in place.

Security
- Responsible for security including development and ensuring adherence to security procedures, monitoring the development in the security situation, developing contingency plans etc.

Reporting
- Ensure proper and timely financial and narrative reporting in compliance with internal and external reporting requirements including procurement.

Representation/Liaison
- Act as representative for the DDG programme in Somaliland towards government authorities, donors, partners, UN agencies and international and local NGOs and various local co-ordination forums.
- Cooperation and operational integration with DRC Somaliland

Fundraising
- Proposal writing, including development of budgets and support to the Representative in applying for funding and broadening DDG Somaliland’s funding base.

Accountability
- Guided by the DRC Programme Handbook, continuously monitor and develop relevant accountability initiatives in the field as well as strengthening the effort to document the impact of DDG’s activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

- University Degree in Social Sciences, Law, International Development, International Relations or related area
- Minimum of 3 years working experience at an international level with humanitarian international NGOs or operational UN agencies
- Minimum of 2 years field experience in conflict affected areas, preferably in Africa in general or Somalia in particular
- Proven experience in project management, including budget expenditure, donor relations, reporting, proposal writing, staff management and monitoring and evaluation
- Preferably experience in the area of small arms and/or community based safety programming
- Preferably Explosive Ordinance Disposal level 3 competence and experience
- Fluency in written and spoken English
- High degree of computer literacy

PERSONAL COMPETENCIES

- Strong leadership skills, including ability to build and motivate a team as well as willingness to deal with conflicts up front
- Political and cultural sensitivity, including ability to adapt well to local cultures
- Proven ability to function well in a volatile and very restricted environment
- Strong liaison and communication skills
- Ability to resist external pressures
- Innovative and creative thinking
- Strong analytical and reporting skills

CONDITIONS

Duty station: Hargeisa, Somaliland with occasional travel to other areas in Somaliland. This is a ‘non-family duty station’ and the person must be prepared to live and work in an isolated and unstable security environment with limited recreational and social facilities. Good accommodation is provided.

Contract: 12 months - with possibilities for extension, subject to funding. Salary and conditions in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates, please refer to www.drc.dk under Vacancies. This position is placed at salary level B2. The position offers an R&R benefit, in addition to standard vacation and holiday benefits. The position is subject to funding.

Start date: 1. February 2010 or soon hereafter.

Reference Code: RW_7X3FDA-11