Panama: Programme Manager
Country: Panama
Closing date: 25 Sep 2013
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization with 187 member National Societies. It is guided by its Strategy 2020 which voices our collective vision and determination to move forward in tackling the major challenges that confront humanity in the present decade.
The Secretariat of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is organised in business groups: five Zone offices, one of which is the Americas. Americas Zone supports Americas National Societies to increase humanitarian and development standards, helping them to remain relevant within their country and sustainable and accountable for their actions, guided by the implementation of strategy 2020.
The IFRC has been selected by the Global Fund Regional Office (pending Local Fund Agent (LFA) assessment and LFA and GF approval) to be the Principal Recipient (PR) for Phase 2 of AVANZADA COPRECOS LAC RD 10 multi-country HIV/AIDS grant. The Global Fund Team Unit within the Americas covers the following areas: Communications, Monitoring &Evaluation, Learning & Knowledge management and Technical advisory, including programme and finance support in each of the 15 countries where the project is being implemented.
Job purposeThe PR role will involve: 1)ensuring that agreed grant targets are met 2)ensuring continuity of project activities by AVANZADA COPRECOS LAC project partners in the 15 countries including: promotion of the human rights of key populations, financial management, project monitoring and evaluation, procurement and supply chain management. The position contributes to strengthening of IFRC's expanding engagement with the Global Fund (GF).
The Programme Manager will be responsible for overall management of the grant and providing strategic and operational leadership. The Programme Manager will have full operational responsibility in the development, implementation and evaluation of strategies to effectively address emerging issues, risks and opportunities related to the Global Fund programme. S/he will have the full responsibility of budget and financial management of the GF programme, with responsibility for ensuring adherence to timelines, quality of activities during implementation and timely and appropriate reporting, for country-level liaisons and oversight of implementing partners, and for the safety and security of personnel involved in the operation at country level.
In addition, the Programme Manager will be responsible for developing and installing sound management systems based on good corporate governance and best practice aimed at effectiveness, as well as efficient grants management internally and to the implementing partners. Other duties include spearheading the implementation of strategic capacity strengthening processes as well as reviewing the PR and the implementing partners’ performance to ensure effective utilization of physical, financial and human resources allocated under the grant.
Job duties and responsibilities•Cross cutting tasks:•Contribute to the Americas Zone planning on Global Fund. •Contribute to IFRC's global strategy to expand engagement with the Global Fund 2012 - 2015.•Contribute to country specific initiatives where a National Society and / or IFRC is looking to apply for the PR or SR (it is not envisaged that IFRC will apply for SR role) role (in the case of new Global Fund monies) or in the case the Global Fund and CCM are looking for a replacement PR or SR.•Facilitate documentation and sharing of knowledge of lessons learnt and best practices on implementation and management of Global Fund grants within RCRC.
•Global Fund RD 10 HIV Principle Recipient tasks:•Provide strategic leadership and direction to staff to design, implement, review and evaluate strategic action plans and budgets in line with approved Global Fund (GF) policies and international best practices aimed at ensuring effective and efficient use of grant resources.•Establish and support systems that will facilitate monitoring of Global Fund programs at all levels.•Oversee timely and appropriate project implementation through collaborative development and monitoring of project implementation plans. •Coordinate and support project staff for proper program implementation in line with Federation/GF guidelines and specific project strategies and timelines.•Direct and exercise overall control of the GF operation to ensure that its activities are managed and reported on in a professional and efficient manner in order to meet the performance indicators as set in the work plan and overall programme.•Develop and implement effective grant management policies and systems for monitoring and reporting implementation and financial performance of the SR and implementing partners to ensure proper management and accountability of funds in line with financial and budgetary policies and procedures of GF. •Provide leadership in ensuring programme quality and alignment to national policies, guidelines and strategies. •Supervise the implementation of resource allocation, procurement and supply chain management, efficient and quality programme implementation, and competent programme monitoring, evaluation and reporting. •Ensure when and where necessary implementing partner capacity strengthening activities remain a priority and are implemented effectively. •Be responsible for national staff recruitment, capacity strengthening and management of the Americas Zone GF Programme Management Unit. •Coordinate regular and timely submission of quality narrative and financial reports to line manager. •Coordinate meetings between various partners and stakeholders. •Identify capacity gaps of relevant authorities involved in the implementation and ensure development of such capacities.
•Support to strengthen country-level partnerships and linkages:•On request work with National Societies and IFRC offices to strengthen relationships with Ministries of Health and in-country partners in order to facilitate access to resources that are coming from the GF and other donors. •Work with the Global Fund and other donors to align country priorities.
Representation:•Represent the IFRC in meetings, trainings, and workshops related to Global Fund-supported projects and project development.•Maintain excellent lines of communication with all grant stakeholders, including the Ministries of Health, Defense and Interior, and the National AIDS Programmes.•Maintain positive working relationships with implementing partners and key stakeholders.
Duties applicable to all staff1.Actively work towards the achievement of the Federation Secretariat’s goals2.Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles3.Perform any other work related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager
Position RequirementsEducation
Graduate or equivalent degree in a relevant area
Relevant Master’s degree (such as Public Health, Development Studies, Public Health, Social Sciences, etc)
IMPACT/Basic Delegates Training Course (Preferred)Experience
7 years’ experience in programme and grant management
3 years’ experience of Global Fund grant management procedures (Preferred)3 years’ experience of working with multi and bilateral donor agencies
Working experience in insecure and complex emergencies (Preferred)Experience working in the Americas (Preferred)
Experience in proposal development, report writing, and developing budgetsx Experience of field based implementation is essential
Experience of working for the Red Cross/Red Crescent (Preferred)
Professional experience in public health, ideally in HIV
Experience of management and supervision of grant management
Experience in managing staff in a complex environment x
Experience in managing comprehensive monitoring processes
Knowledge and Skills
Self-supporting in computers
Skills in training and developing staff capacity
Excellent skills in networking with other agencies and organizations
Coordination and partner relationship building
Knowledge of Global Fund grant management procedures
Demonstrated technical expertise in strategic management, project planning and budgeting, resource management, implementation ability as well as programme monitoring and evaluation
Able to prioritize and meet deadlines (timely and appropriate programme and financial reporting)
Languages
Fluently spoken and written English and Spanish
Good command of another IFRC official language (French) (Preferred)
How to apply:
The Federation is an equal opportunity employer. In order for us to assure a proper comparative evaluation of your application for this vacancy and to enable us to consider your profile against other similar current and future vacancies, we ask that you submit your application through JobNet. Please apply directly to https://jobnet.ifrc.org and refer to Progrmme Manager (2013-145-FLD) or follow the link for more info on the requirements: https://jobnet.ifrc.org/public/hrd-cl-vac-view.asp?jobinfo_uid_c=3316&va...
