Program Manager / Programs Manager in Save the Children

Save the Children International— a humanitarian organization with more than 100 years of history. Save the Children was founded in May 1919 in London.  SCI has been working in Ukraine since 2014. It started its work in the territory of Donetsk region. Currently, SCI is expanding its activities to eight cities in Ukraine, and Mykolaiv is one of them.  We work in the areas of education, child protection, overcoming child poverty, health care, and also conduct advocacy activities related to the protection of children's rights.

OBJECTIVE OF THE POSITION:

The program manager will have overall responsibility for overseeing the implementation of projects in the south of Ukraine. Reporting to the Program Manager, he/she will provide support to the Program Managers and fill in gaps when any of the Program Managers are absent or on vacation. The Program Manager will participate in program planning, oversee program implementation, and participate in recruitment and procurement processes.

A key role is to work with Program Managers, Program Coordinators and local partners to build their project management capacity and providing support in the event of identified gaps or increased workload. This includes ensuring (1) timely implementation of activities according to the plan with regular monitoring against agreed indicators, (2) high-quality progress reports and final reports for external and internal use, and (3) strict budgetary oversight, including monthly forecasting and spending funds as per plan, quarterly review as needed and budget (spending) reporting.

(Team Management - Program Management - Coordination - Capacity Building - Innovation)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Program Manager will perform various tasks as assigned by the Program Manager, including but not limited to.

Program Management:

The Program Manager will be responsible for supporting the Program Manager in the implementation of PRIME, which is an exclusive platform for managing new projects in the field of scientific and technical cooperation in SCI.

• Manage the implementation of all programs in the relevant field, oversee the implementation of project implementation plans, evaluate monthly progress in the implementation of activities according to the plans, and document progress and take corrective actions, if necessary. Lead the demonstration of practices for quality program implementation.
• Ensure the implementation of programs taking into account the needs of communities, partners and children in accordance with the principles, values ​​and strategic plan of SC, as well as in accordance with SC procedures.
• Ensure the availability, tracking and regular updating of grant-making and management tools, including implementation plans, MEAL plans, procurement plans and program resource allocation schedules in accordance with program logistics/supply chain capabilities.
• Ensure that partner staff workми плани, і регулярно контролювати їх виконання, щоб переконатися, що діяльність відбувається за планом.
• Управляти програмним бюджетом, включаючи поетапні бюджети, щомісячне прогнозування бюджету та щоквартальний перегляд бюджету для всіх грантів.
• Забезпечувати належне та ефективне використання програмних ресурсів, гарантуючи, що управління всіма ресурсами / активами в проекті здійснюється відповідно до політики SC та донорів.
• Здійснювати моніторинг прогресу програми у порівнянні з програмними та бюджетними цілями, а також співпрацювати з технічними радниками/спеціалістами для внесення необхідних коректив у програмний дизайн.
• Своєчасна та якісна підготовка програмних та донорських звітів щодо проектної діяльності відповідно до внутрішніх вимог SC та будь-яких відповідних зовнішніх вимог донорів.
• Відповідати за зв'язок з оперативним/польовим керівництвом та службою безпеки щодо планування пересування команди та будь-яких необхідних оцінок або переоцінок безпеки в оперативних зонах.
• Сприяти синергії та забезпечувати загальну узгодженість і актуальність міжсекторальних заходів реагування.
• Забезпечувати, щоб усі програми належним чином зберігали програмне навчання для майбутніх програм і щоб усі ключові уроки та інформація були задокументовані.
• Забезпечувати разом з керівниками програм розвиток потенціалу стійкості національного персоналу та команди до змін у контексті та подальших змін в управлінських механізмах.
• Відстежувати витрати бюджету та підтримувати підготовку фінансових звітів і процес перегляду грантів.
• Забезпечувати усі проекти чіткими показниками, узгоджені з глобальними стандартами Save the Children, корисними та точними вихідними даними та зручними формати звітності для персоналу.
• Забезпечувати реалізацію та перегляд стратегії  та річних планів країни відповідно до регіональної та глобальної стратегій.
• Відігравати ключову роль в оцінці та розвитку потенціалу партнерів для розбудови національного громадянського суспільства.

Управління партнерами:

• Співпрацювати з партнерською групою для визначення відповідних партнерів для реалізації програмних заходів реагування.
• Працювати з партнерами над розробкою програмного дизайну та пропозицій, забезпечуючи їхню відповідність стратегії SC та дизайну грантів.
• Забезпечити регулярний аналіз прогресу партнерів у виконанні бюджету та робочого плану, а також підтримувати партнерів у зміні діяльності/стратегій у світлі змін контексту або операційних викликів.
• Перевіряти описову та фінансову звітність партнерів, а також дані MEAL відповідно до внутрішніх термінів, встановлених Головним офісом для MEAL.
• Здійснювати постійну оцінку потенціалу партнерів, звітувати про сфери розвитку Директору з питань впровадження, партнерства та технічної допомоги.

Аналіз потреб, розробка та реалізація програм:

• Сприяти аналізу ситуації/реагування, розробці документів секторальної стратегії та планів реагування, а також розробці програми, працюючи з партнерськими командами, щоб забезпечити належну розробку та її реалization.
• Support technical advisors in the development of project and donor proposals in close coordination with logistics, finance and awards units, ensuring effective integration at the design stage.  
• Consult with partners and support partnership proposals.
• Contribute to the development of country-level emergency preparedness plans and, where possible, integrate emergency planning into program planning and development of project proposals.
• Support partners in responding to emerging emergencies and disease outbreaks.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Accountability< /p>

• Supporting technical advisors and the MEAL department in developing Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plans and tracking indicators for all grants, participating in the development of additional M&E tools needed to monitor project progress.
• Support the Knowledge Management and MEAL department in the collection of appropriate, timely and accurate data against agreed indicators to enable internal and external reporting.
• Work with the MEAL team to identify and implement accountability mechanisms appropriate for the project.

Management of human resources (HR management)

• Ensure the appropriate staffing of the program team, as well as ensure that all program employees understand their role and are able to execute it.
• Establish performance management of program staff through the effective use of a performance management system, including setting clear, measurable goals, ongoing feedback, periodic reviews, and fair and impartial evaluations.
• li>Support, mentor and develop the SC program team to develop leadership, management and technical skills.

Coordination:

• Regularly coordinate and collaborate with other program leaders and program teams to enhance program synergy, integration and impact on children.
• Support organizational representation needs at coordination meetings (Cluster, Working Groups as needed).

SKILLS

Responsibility:

• Responsible for decision-making, effective management of resources , achieving and following the values ​​of Save the Children and being a role model
• Holds the team and partners accountable for their responsibilities, giving them the freedom to act in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved.

Ambition:

• Sets ambitious and challenging goals for himself and his team, takes responsibility for his own development and encourages his team to do so
• Widely shares his personal vision of Save the Children activities, engages and motivates others
• Future-oriented, thinks strategically and on a global scale.

Cooperation: approachable

• Builds and maintains effective relationships with his team, colleagues, members and external partners and supporting parties
• Values ​​diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength
• Easy to find an approach, knows how to listen, communicates easily.

Creativity:

• Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions
• Willing to take disciplined risks.

Integrity:

• Honest, encouraging openness and transparency; demonstrates the highest level of integrity.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Important

• At least 4 years/substantial humanitarian/development experience, preferably in conflict response, including at least 3 years of leadership experience.
• Higher education in a related academic discipline or equivalent experience work.
• Skills and experience in the implementation, monitoring, analysis and evaluation of projects/programs, preferably from the standpoint of child rights protection in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and international humanitarian rights standards.
• Significant experience in people and program management with good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate at all levels.
• Significant experience in grant management, including budgeting and reporting to donors.
• In-depth understanding or proven experience in security management issues.
• Ability to produce quality reports in English.
• Representation, political awareness and advocacy skills.
• Ability to work with limited supervision from a line manager.
• Experience working with partners and a collaborative partnership approach.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and computer literacy.
• Dedication to SC goals and principles. In particular, a good understanding of the mandate and focus on the interests of children, as well as the ability to ensure that this will continue to be the basis of our support.
  
  
  

We offer:

• Official employment
• International working conditions
• Working day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Location of the office in the center of Mykolaiv
  

Child protection:
We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to protecting children from abuse.

Health and Safety:

The incumbent must perform their duties in accordance with SCI's health and safety policies and procedures.

Riznomanidentity, equity and inclusion:

SCI is committed to creating a truly inclusive, effective and representative organizational culture, promoting equity and diversity among its employees and eliminating unlawful discrimination.

Ready to accept for the work of an employee with a disability.



ROLE PURPOSE:

The Programs Manager will have overall responsibility for overseeing the implementation of projects in South Ukraine. Reporting to the Head of Program (HoP), He/She will support Program Managers (PMs) and fill gaps when any Program Manager position(s) are vacant or on leave. The Programs Manager will contribute to program planning, oversee implementation, and be involved in recruitment and procurement processes.

A key role is collaborating with Program Managers, Program Coordinators, and Cooperative Local Partners to build their project management capacity and provide support when gaps are identified or workload increases. This includes ensuring (1) timely implementation of activities according to plan with routine monitoring against agreed indicators, (2) high-quality progress and final reports for both external and internal use, and (3) strong budget oversight, including monthly forecasting and spending according to plan, quarterly revisions as needed, and budget (spending) reporting.

(Team Management – ​​Program Management – ​​Coordination – Capacity Building – Innovation)

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

The Programs Manager will take on various tasks as assigned by the Head of Program, including but not limited to

Programme Management:

The Programs Manager will be responsible for supporting HoP on leading the implementation of PRIME which is the exclusive platform for managing new projects in SCI.

• Manage all program implementation in the respective area, oversight of project implementation plans, assess progress of implementation of activities against plans on a monthly basis, and document the progress and corrective action measures as and when required. Take the lead in demonstrating practices for quality program implementation;
• Ensure the programs are implemented in ways responsive to communities, partners and children in line with SC's principles, values ​​and strategic plan and compliant with SC's procedures
• Ensure award/grant kick off and management tools, including implementation plans, MEAL plans, procurement plans and distribution schedules of Program inputs in line with Program logistics/supply chain capacity are in place, tracked and updated regularly. 
• Ensure that partner staff have workplans in place and follow up with team members regularly to ensure that activities are on track.
• Manage Program budget, including phased budgets, monthly budget forecasting and quarterly budget revisions for all grants. 
• Ensure proper and effective use of programsmme resources, ensuring that all resources/assets in project are managed in line with SC and Donor policy.
• Monitor programme progress against both programmatic and budgetary targets, and collaborate with the Technical Advisors/Specialists to make adjustments to Programme design as necessary. 
• Prepare timely and high-quality Programme and donor reports on project activities in compliance with internal SC requirements and any relevant external donor requirements. 
• Responsible for liaising with Operations/Field Management and Security on the movement planning of team and any necessary security assessments or reassessments of operational areas. 
• Promote synergies and ensure the overall coherence and relevance of multi-sectoral response;
• Ensure that all programs properly retain program learning for future programming and that all key lessons and information are documented;
• Ensure with the program managers that the capacity of national staff and team resilience, to changing context and subsequent changes in management arrangements, is built;
• Track budget spending and support the preparation of financial reports and the award review process;
• Ensure that all projects have clear indicators aligned with Save the Children global standards, useful and accurate baseline data and staff friendly reporting formats; 
• Ensure that country strategy and the annual country plans are implemented and reviewed in line with the regional and global strategies;
• Play a key role in partners’ capacity assessment and development for building national civil society.

Partner Management:

• Work with the partnership team to identify appropriate partners for implementation of the programme response.
• Work with the partners to develop their Programme design and proposals, ensuring they align with SC strategy and grant design.
• Ensure regular review of partner progress against the budget and work plan, and support partners to alter activities/strategies in light of context changes or operational challenges.
• Review partner narrative and financial reporting as well as MEAL data, in line with CO internal deadlines for MEAL.
• Undertake ongoing capacity assessments of partner, reporting areas for development to the Director of Implementation, Partnerships, and TAs.  

Needs Analysis, Programme Design and Implementation:

• Contribute to situation/response analysis, sector strategy documents and sector response plans as well as Programme design, working with the partner teams to ensure design is appropriate and implementable. 
• Support the Technical Advisors in the development of project and donor proposals in close coordinator with logistics, finance and awards units ensuring effective integration at design phase.   
• Undertake consultation with partners and support with partner proposal work.
• Contribute to country level contingency and emergency preparedness plans and where possible, integrate contingency planning for Programme planning and proposal design.
• Support partners to respond to new emergencies and spikes. 

Monitoring, Evaluation and Accountability

• Support the Technical Advisors and MEAL department to develop M&E and indicator tracking plans for all grants, inputting into the development of additional M&E tools as necessary to monitor project progress. 
• Support Knowledge Management/MEAL to collect appropriate, timely and accurate data against agreed indicators to enable both internal and external reporting.
• Work with MEAL team to identify and incorporate project suitable accountability mechanisms.

Human Resources Management

• Ensure appropriate staffing within the programme team, and ensure that all Programme  staff understand and are able to perform their role. 
• Establish performance management of programme staff through effective use of the Performance Management System including the establishment of clear, measurable objectives, on-going feedback, periodic reviews and fair and unbiased evaluations.
• Support, mentor and develop SC Programme   team to develop leadership, management and technical capacity. 

Coordination:

• Regularly coordinate and collaborate with other Programme managers and Programme teams to strengthen programmatic synergies, integration and impact for children.
• Support representation needs in coordination meetings (Cluster, Working Groups as required). 

BEHAIOURS (Values in Practice)

Accountability:

• holds self accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values
• holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities - giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved.

Ambition:

• sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves and their team, takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages their team to do the same
• widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others
• future orientated, thinks strategically and on a global scale.

Collaboration:

• builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, Members and external partners and supporters
• values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength
• approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.

Creativity:

• develops and encourages new and innovative solutions
• willing to take disciplined risks.

Integrity:

honest, encourages openness and transparency; demonstrates highest levels of integrity

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

• At least 4 years/substantial experience working with a humanitarian/ development organisation, preferablyin conflict-based response, including at least 3 years of senior management experience.
• University degree in a related academic discipline or equivalent work experience.
• Skills and experience in project/programme implementation, monitoring, review and evaluation preferably from a child rights approach in accordance with the Child Rights Convention and international humanitarian rights standards.
• Substantial people and programme management experience with good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate at all levels.
• Solid experience in grant management, including budget holding and donor reporting.
• Substantial understanding or proven experience of security management issues.
• Ability to produce high-quality reports in English.
• Representational, political awareness and advocacy skills.
• Ability to work with limited supervision from line manager. 
• Experience working with partners and a participatory approach.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and computer literate.
• Commitment to the aims and principles of SC. In particular, a good understanding of the SC mandate and child focus and an ability to ensure this continues to underpin our support.

We offer:

• Official employment
• International working conditions
• Working day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
• Location of the office in the center of Mykolaiv
  

Child Safeguarding: 

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse. 

Health and Safety:

The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with SCI Health and Safety policies and procedures.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: 

SCI is committed to create a truly inclusive, effective and representative organizational culture, encouraging equity and diversity among its employees and eliminating unlawful discrimination. 

Ready to hire an employee with disability.