Save the Children UK
Save the Children has a long history of engagement in Somalia and in Somaliland stretching as far back as 1954. In more recent times (since 1992) Save the Children UK has maintained an operational office in Hiran Region in what is now called the Central South Zone of Somalia and since 2000, both Save the Children Denmark and UK have been working in what is now the self proclaimed republic of Somaliland. In response to the Tsunami that hit the coast of Puntland in 2004 Save the Children UK established an office in Puntland State and continues to undertake programmes from this office while Save the Children Denmark in Puntland works through partners. In the past two years Save the Children Finland has been supporting both Save the Children Denmark and UK with funding.
Closing date: 18 Nov 2009 -- (CLOSED)
Location: Somalia
JOB PURPOSE
The Regional Manager is responsible for planning, organising, directing, coordinating, monitoring and evaluation of Save the Children’s program in Somaliland and Puntland. He/she is expected to play a pro-active role in policy and strategic analysis and deliberations of SC’s work based on sound knowledge of the political, economic and social development of the region. Hence, among other things the position requires not only sound program development and management skills and experience in conflict affected country (ies) but also innovative practices and skills of inter-personal and inter-organisational skills to effectively operate in such a complex environment.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Representation and Advocacy
- Represent Save the Children in Puntland and Somaliland, network and maintain relationships with government authorities, donors and INGOs/NGOs and partners in the region
- Ensure that government and NGO partners have clear understanding of Save the Children’s vision, mission, goals and guiding policies and strategies
- Identify, establish and maintain close working relationship with key stakeholders in the region including UN agencies, INGOs and LNGOs with a view of promoting learning and sharing of experiences/information; creating synergy in program planning and implementation; ensuring the principles of ‘do no harm’ and creating a bigger voice on issues of common concern
- Support programme and operation managers of the region in promoting Save the Children’s work and Rights of the Child at all levels
- Work with Program Quality and Partnership Manager (PQPM) to develop a fundraising plan and targets and support the achievement of these where possible.
Partnership Development
- Contribute and play active role in the process of developing a Partnership Strategy aimed at not only defining/clarifying SC’s relationship with partners and effective programming but also contribute to our effort of developing strong partners that could speak out for and address the plight of children in a sustainable manner – building civil society.
- Ensure that SC’s partnership strategy is fully implemented to manage partnership cycle or stages of partnership– identification of partners, establishment, maintaining and phasing out of partnership relations with partners in the region
- Ensure that SC’s relationship with partners is grounded on principles of transparency, trust, joint learning and development
- Oversee that local implementing partners are discharging their responsibilities, live up to stipulations stated in the partnership agreement and take appropriate action
- Ensure that SC partnership approaches and practices promote effective child participation and taking children as partners in SC works.
Program Development, Implementation, Management and Reporting
- Be overall responsible and accountable for SC’s programmes in Somaliland and Puntland and ensure the planning, implementation and management of programs in accordance with SC’s strategies and policies
- Initiate and contribute in policy and strategy discussions and formulation including national work plans and budget
- Support and further the implementation of the Country Strategy Plan (CSP) and Thematic Programme Plans (TPP) for Somaliland and Puntland
- Ensure that project ideas within the thematic priorities of SC are initiated by managers of the region, enriched and submitted for consideration to DCD on the basis of emerging opportunities and felt needs and lessons learnt from program implementation
- Ensure that managers responsible for implementation of projects and him/herself (when required) provide support to PQPM and Thematic Managers to design and submit grant applications to donors
- Conduct and submit to DCD interim (half annual) written reports on the context (political, social, security) of the region based on thorough analysis of the region focusing not only on ongoing program management but also on trends and directions that may strategically affect (positively or negatively) SC’s work in the region in general and lives of children in particular. This will inform SC’s policy and strategic discussions
- Ensure implementation of SC programs in the region address the needs and rights of children in inclusive and sustainable manner
- Develop and apply innovative measures of ensuring effective implementation of programs particularly in insecure areas. This includes ensuring of the principles of ‘do no harm’; transparency in targeting beneficiaries and delivering of services; participation of beneficiaries and partners in planning and monitoring of processes etc
- With the support and guidance from PQPM, ensure the effectiveness, impact and direction of the programmes is appropriately monitored, reviewed and evaluated on a continuous bases across the programs in the region
- Ensure the grants are managed as per Save the Children’s and donors’ requirement including the quality and timely submission of reports
- Maintain effective and smooth communications with key SC colleagues including finance, grants, managers as well as SC regional and HO technical advisors as required
- Submit to DCD brief summary internal quarterly management reports on activities undertaken in Somaliland and Puntland.
Financial, Budget and Property Management
- Responsible for all budgets (donors and SC’s own resources) provided to the region- Puntland/Somaliland. This may be delegated to other budget holders but overall accountability for the budgets for the region remains with the Regional Manager
- Ensure that monthly finance meetings are held involving all budget holders and the appropriate finance staff, and that a TIMELY report providing a variance analysis on each budget submitted to the DCD and Finance and Grants Manager at the same time
- Establish and maintain a two-way supportive relations between finance staff and budget holders through joint programme and financial progress monitoring, establishing effective communication between them
- Oversee the general application and observance of financial procedures and guidelines set out in SC financial manual and donors’ requirements
- Ensure the application of appropriate policies, procedures and systems for acquisition, issuance and handling of SC property including assets and consumables
- Ensure that effective financial control system is in place to avoid fraud but if fraud is suspected to take the necessary action immediately.
Leadership, Personnel Management and Development
- Ensure that clear personnel policies and guidelines for national staff are in place and adhered to in executing human resource management activities: recruitment, induction, placement, promotion, training/development and separation/termination
- Promote a motivating working environment through teamwork approaches and ensure that staff members are regularly communicated on developments within SC through emails, updates, announcements and regular staff meetings
- Consolidate the Human Resource Training and development requirements of staff of the region and submit them to the Country Leadership Team (CLT) for discussion and consideration for inclusion in a national staff training/development plan
- Confirm that all personnel actions are consistent with the principles/policies of SC and laws/ regulations of Somaliland and Puntland and ensure all new staff receive appropriate induction and departing staff formal debriefing
- Ensure staff responsibilities are well-defined and understood; performance objectives are set against work plans and regularly monitored
- Ensure all staff receive six monthly performance reviews and ongoing supervisions and support in carrying out their tasks. Take timely action to respond to staff that are not meeting their performance objectives
- Promote issues of diversity and inclusivity within SC’s actions and programs
- Establish and direct a Senior Management Team (SMT) forum that meets and discuss regularly on major program and administrative matters pertaining to the region and that the minutes of the same are shared with the DCD and CD. Ensure that female staff are adequately represented in this forum and that they develop/act as a high performance team delivering results as expected and providing leadership down the management line
Administration and Security
- Oversee the introduction and application of appropriate administrative systems and procedures for office management, services, etc.
- Ensure that clear and effective communication system and procedures are in place and implemented
- Immediately communicate to staff, Security Manager, DCD, CD (as appropriate) emerging security concerns
- Take necessary measures to ensure the safety of all staff of SC in Somaliland and Puntland. This includes ensuring the adherence to SC’s security policies and guidelines
General statements of responsibility
- Participate in the Country Leadership Team and the Country Reference Team meetings
- Comply with all relevant Save the Children policies and procedures with respect to child protection, Health and safety, fraud, whistle blowing, equal opportunities and other relevant policies
- Comply with the Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs) and other established policies, plans and procedures within the criteria set
- Account for SC’s assets and interests and safeguard from loss arising from fraud, waste, weak administration and poor value for money
- Ensure that all transactions that might have a financial consequence are legal, taking professional advice where appropriate
- Perform other related tasks as requested by his/her immediate supervisor.
Reference Code: RW_7XL994-51
