Head of Programmes – Child’s i Foundation

Child’s i Foundation has demonstrated that children can be safely placed into loving homes through tracing and reuniting them into their own families, finding foster families or placing them with adoptive families in Uganda. Together with other partners, Child’s i Foundation is catalysing the elimination of institutional care for children by demonstrating the positive impact of family strengthening and protection as a high-quality alternative to institutions. As a result, hundreds of institutionalized children have been transitioned into safe family environments where they receive care and protection and benefit from significantly improved health, education and wellbeing outcomes. Also, the lives of thousands of children and their families at risk of institutionalization including children with disabilities have benefited from improved community-based services. Families have been supported to: reduce their vulnerability, access services and gain relevant skills with regard to increasing their income and protecting all children. In addition, the capacity of government professionals and community paraprofessionals increased to strengthen families in responding adequately to poverty and ensure children are safe and protected

Job purpose:

The Head of Programmes is responsible for the operational success of Child’s i Foundation programmes through the provision of technical support, effective coordination, resource allocation and work plan coherence. The Head of Programmes will provide seamless team management and ensure that the team is motivated to deliver the programme objectives. The Head of Programmes will also work with Child’s i Partners to foster long-term relationship to successfully deliver the Child’s i programme strategy.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme oversight

• Ensure high quality programme design in coordination with the project managers, and key technical staff
• Provide high quality project management expertise to ensure Child’s i country programme is implemented and aligned with the strategy, the operational plans and organisation priorities.
• Work closely with the Country Director and programme team to develop and monitor annual work plans and budgets, including highlighting any potential risks and delays with implementation.
• Ensure that donor contractual obligations are met to a high standard and policies and procedures adhered to.
• Work with key partner contacts and the Grants and Strategic Partnership Manager in the UK to ensure that regular reports are generated for internal and external use; including project progress, income and impact.
• Work closely with fundraising team to support proposal development processes by providing inputs to narrative and financial planning, including the development of appropriate (SMART) indicators, costing for programme activities and contributing to Performance Management Plans.
• Work with the Project managers and the Learning & Development focal persons to ensure that all partners adhere to Child Protection and Safeguarding policies and guidelines.
• Provide oversight on all Safeguarding matters and ensure that we uphold our commitment to ensure the safety of the vulnerable communities we serve.

Financial Management

• Work with the Finance department to ensure effective systems are in place for managing programme and MEAL finances, and ensure adherence to high standards of financial management in accordance with Child’s i Foundation’s policies and donor requirements
• Contribute to development of new programme budgets and the annual and three-year rolling budget.

Partnerships

• Participate in relevant coalitions, maintain and build new strategic partnerships with NGOs and other partners in the sectors where Child’s i Foundation is aligned
• Identify and build relationships with prospective and current partners in and outside Uganda such as Transform Alliance Africa, Children Without Parental Care Group.
• Work closely with the Country Director and together agree who represents Child’s i Foundation at meetings with Government, partners and donors as required.

Monitoring, Evaluation Accountability and Learning.

• Provide oversight to the work of the MEAL department to ensure the systems and processes remain robust
• Lead the development of appropriate MEAL plans to integrate the cross-cutting targets, indicators and results across all programs.
• Serve as a link between the MEAL and programme teams to ensure that lessons learned and best practices are incorporated into new programme design through quarterly evidence reviews
• Support the MEAL team in facilitating and documenting operational research relevant to our work and ensure that learning is shared internally and externally with stakeholders.
• Work closely with the Grants and Strategic partnership manager, to track donor and Child’s i Foundation reporting requirements, deadlines and provide MEAL information to Project managers for drafting reports.
• Support the MEAL Unit to work with programme teams to develop strong and quality data generation, and management.

Communications & Advocacy Oversight

• Oversee the implementation of the Advocacy strategy initiatives with partners
• Oversee the production of media, PR and marketing material to be utilized in opportunities to raise the awareness of Child’s i Foundation and of alternative care in Uganda
• Monitor advocacy events and assess the monthly performance indicators

Staff Management & Development

• Prioritise well-being and development of all staff and volunteers
• Provide ongoing supervision, leadership and manage the performance of Project Managers, the Advocacy Manager and the MEAL staff
• Provide capacity building to direct reports; ensuring objectives and personal development plans in place for each of them

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Work Experience

• Minimum of a Post Graduate Degree in Social Sciences, Education, Development Studies or similar relevant field.
• Experience working with local partners and District Local Government in Child Rights Governance, Health, Nutrition, Education, HIV/AIDS or Child Protection is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant working experience in an INGO or similar, interfacing with partners and civil society organisations.
• Thorough understanding and demonstrated commitment to child rights issues and the guiding principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, including non-discrimination, child participation and the best interest of the child.
• Programme and Project management experience, including demonstrated abilities within programme/budget development, implementation and monitoring & evaluation.
• Solid understanding of the roles and dynamics of Civil Society and Government actors, respectively, and the relevance of engaging with both parties in order to ensure effective promotion and protection of children’s rights.

Skills & Abilities

• Superior oral and written communication skills, with ability to express ideas and concepts clearly and persuasively with senior internal and external stakeholders
• Must be capable of applying their skills and knowledge in a range of capacities, including direct implementation, advisory functions, training and the transfer of technical knowledge and management skills to others
• Proven ability to work well in and promote teamwork, thrive in a multicultural environment, be flexible and handle pressure with professional grace
• Strong measurement, analytical, systematic-thinking, planning and organizational skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work in a diverse team and manage complex and sensitive organizational relationships.
• Strong analytical skills and strategic planning abilities
• Ability to establish and maintain conducive collegial relations and perform effectively as a member of a team.
• Computer literacy and excellent documentation skills
• Ability to manage complex workloads and deliver work to tight deadlines
• Ability to travel frequently
• Availability and willingness to work extra hours during times of humanitarian responses

Personal Attributes

• Outgoing and proactive personality
• Proven ability to work as a member of a team
• Ability to work independently and with minimal direction or supervision
• Interest in alternative care and child protection issues
• Demonstrable understanding of and commitment to promoting child rights.
• Resilience to stress and uncertainty