OPERATIONS MANAGER
Child Safeguarding:
Level 3 - the responsibilities of the post may require the post holder to have regular contact with or access to children or young people
ROLE PURPOSE:
The purpose of the role (60%) is to lead the Emergency Response and Preparedness in the Tanzania Country Office by ensuring that high quality, experienced personnel are deployed at speed and scale when and where emergency strikes and the CO is prepared to initiate response to any new disasters. The post holder will manage the Save the Children (Kigoma area) emergency response and analyse opportunities for growth in collaboration with the Director Program Implementation, and Country Director. In addition with estimated 40% effort the Operations Manager will provide management and oversight of the implementation of all the awards in Dar es Salaam.(DeS) Will be based out of DeS to represent and advocate for Save the Children’s work, and organizational priorities with a wide range of external parties including government representatives, communities, donors, UN and other humanitarian agencies operating in the area. He/she will provide leadership and guidance to the programme team comprising of different sectors, currently: Child Protection, Child Rights Governance, Health/Adolescents and Education.
DIMENSIONS:
Save the Children has been operational in Tanzania since 1986 providing support to children through developmental and humanitarian relief programmes delivered in support of Government of Tanzania priorities and policies both directly and through local partners. Current programming focuses on child protection, child rights governance, education, nutrition, HIV/TB and emergency response. In 2012, as part of a global reorganization process, Save the Children combined programmes of SCUK, SCUS, SC Sweden to create a single operation in Tanzania. We currently have an operational presence in Dodoma, Shinyanga, Zanzibar, Songwe and Kigoma and we work through partners in other parts of the country. We employ over 100 staff and have an annual operating budget of approximately $14 million.
SCOPE OF ROLE:
Responsible for identifying needs and resources and elaborating programme recommendations for the humanitarian response in line with Save the Children national and global priorities. The role will develop and manage programme(s), negotiate and network at a regional and cross border, and potentially at national level as determined by the Country Office Senior Management Team based in Dar es Salaam. He/she will ensure that all relevant Save the Children policies and procedures with respect to child safeguarding, safety and security, code of conduct, equal opportunities and other relevant policies are in place for both humanitarian response and for the DeS based programmes. He/she will play a strategic role in the programme design and management of Save the Children’s programmes to increase impact, contribute to local emergency preparedness and response capacity building and overall enable positive change for children.
Reports to: Director Programme Implementation
Staff directly reporting to this post: Field Manager and technical staff based in Kibondo, Kigoma; Senior Programme Manager SIDA Core, Discover Learning Programme Manager, Comic Relief Programme Manager, EIDHR Programme Manager.
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
Programme Operational
Ensure that the humanitarian response programme and DeS budget holders have all planned activities and related expenditures on track with recorded DIPs in strict compliance with the agreed budget lines and Save the Children’s financial regulations and are reviewed on a monthly basis during Regular Award Review Meetings. Contribute to the development of same for any new awards through relevant budget holders and link with DPI for activities in field offices.
Work closely with the Partnership Manager (PM) and programme managers to ensure the quality of partner identification, training and task implementation within the awards.
Through the programme managers and colleagues in the humanitarian response, support partners in the implementation of projects and ensure a capacity assessment and development plan is in place, regularly reviewed and followed-through.
Ensure the humanitarian response and DeS programme managers develop technical materials in collaboration with Technical Specialists and possibly outside consultants to further programme activities, objectives and results.
Ensure all staff comply with Save the Children financial and logistics procedures.
Ensure functional systems are in place for effective project planning, preparation, start-up and implementation in each of the awards through the relevant budget holder and for the humanitarian response.
Ensure that the humanitarian response colleagues and DeS programme managers prepare monthly project updates and quarterly / annual reports including all required documentation and ensure timely submission to the Senior Management and donors through the member office.
Ensure all programme activities are in accordance with the approved Save the Children Country strategic plan.
Ensure that security guidelines are prepared and followed in Dar es Salaam and in Kigoma region for actual operational sites and that any breaches of these are handled appropriately: monitor the security situation in the programme areas and respond accordingly.
Record and report any security incidents to the country Safety and Security Focal Point and the Director Programme Implementation/Country Director.
Incorporate child rights programming into all aspects of Save the Children's work in the operational areas where possible and with support from DeS office colleagues and ensure requirements of Save the Children Child Safeguarding Policy are fully complied with by all staff, partners and visitors to the programme.
Humanitarian response
Assume overall oversight of the Kigoma regional humanitarian response in collaboration with the Director of Programme Implementation.
Lead and strengthen current field operations to be able to run more autonomously and build local staff and partners’ capacities.
Support set-up of activities in new locations within the response if new needs arise and gaps are not filled by other agencies.
Explore opportunities for cross border and multi country programming options in collaboration and coordination with the Regional Office and bordering countries.
Initiate programmes in host communities in line with the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), identified needs and government priorities.
Lead the review and operationalisation of the country office Emergency Preparedness Plans, establishing an ability to respond to any humanitarian emergency that may occur in country through direct liaison with Area Managers and regional office.
Work closely with the Partnership Manager (PM) to ensure the quality of partner identification, training and task implementation.
2. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning / Research
In collaboration with the MEAL TS establish and ensure implementation of a strong MEAL system for the programmes including humanitarian response (MEAL plans, indicators, performance tracking tables, monitoring tools, benchmarks etc.)
Ensure the humanitarian response and DeS programme managers include baseline studies, formative assessments, mid-term evaluations, final evaluations and other research studies as well as learning events as part of annual DIPs and inform MEAL team when a new grant will begin and development of MIS is required.
In collaboration with the MEAL unit, ensure the development of process, output and outcome level Quality Benchmarks and that the humanitarian response and DeS programme managers regularly review progress on indicators/achievement of targets.
Support the DeS programme managers to discuss monitoring findings during programme coordination/review meetings, review MEAL reports to highlight key project strengths and areas of improvement, and use learning from monitoring reports for project planning and implementation. In addition lead this process for the humanitarian response programme.
Provide programmatic inputs for the development of the ToRs of evaluations/baseline studies which include background information and scope of work and proposed methodology in conjunction with TS and MEAL input. This will require considerable attention for the DeS based programmes.
Be part of review of accountability to beneficiaries’ data and reports and provide technical support to implementation team using key learning from accountability system for programme development, planning, improvement and implementation.
In coordination with the Director of Programme Implementation and CD, support the humanitarian response colleagues and DeS programme managers to ensure the preparation of timely and quality programme and donor reports on activities in compliance with internal SC requirements and any relevant external donor requirements.
Identify staff MEAL capacity needs and inform MEAL unit and set aside MEAL capacity building budget for programme staff as required.
3. Staff Management and Development
Line management responsibilities for the Field Manager, and other direct reports in Kigoma region; and the programme managers based in Dar es Salaam.
Specifically coach and mentor the Field Manager to enable him to be a potential candidate to assume full daily responsibilities for the humanitarian response programme in Kigoma region within 6 months.
Support the recruitment, training, and promotion of staff as appropriate and ensure appropriate professional development opportunities are provided.
Manage the performance of all supervisees through the effective use of the Performance Management System and ongoing mentoring/coaching.
Lead, manage and motivate the relevant staff members, ensuring they have clear work plans and objectives and receive quarterly supervisions and reviews.
Prepare capacity building plans and performance management systems to develop the requisite competencies in staff to ensure ongoing sustainability and quality of all our work.
Coach and mentor staff and partners/ counterparts and link, as needed, to wider organisational talent development mechanisms.
Plan, identify and resource appropriate and effective structure and staffing needs for initial responses in country, including ensuring with support from the Dar based HR Manager, that personnel policies are in accordance with national laws.
Ensure all staff receive the relevant training and support required to enable them to undertake their responsibilities effectively in line with internal project management systems.
4. Save the Children Representation
Regularly coordinate and collaborate with other SC sector teams to strengthen programming and impact for children.
Engage the donors and Tanzania government officials at all required levels as required to ensure Save the Children is considered a preferred and active partner in Tanzania and in Kigoma Region specifically for the humanitarian response.
Represent SCI in humanitarian coordination meetings with UNHCR, TRCS and local and international partners, and any other relevant meeting when required and in coordination with the Country Director.
Ensure SC Members are kept up to date on response developments, challenges and any requirements and asks from members to ensure the response strategy is fully funded.
Help shape response strategies through influence of /within inter-agency coordination forums, ensuring the specific needs of children are being addressed.
Oversee the implementation of Save the Children policies and procedures with respect to child rights and safeguarding, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies.
Any other responsibilities as reasonably assigned to you by your line manager.
SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS (our Values in Practice)
COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS
Leading and Inspiring Others
Creates and engages others in a shared vision and strategy that will deliver more for children.
Acts with integrity and walks away from major opportunities if these are not aligned to the organisations values.
Inspires people to reach the highest standards of performance and a sense of pride in belonging to the organisation.
Applying Technical and Professional Expertise
Makes decisions based on professional expertise and experience without deferring unnecessarily to others
Shares knowledge and best practice on technical solutions so that others can make best use of that expertise
Actively seeks new ways to develop the application of technical and professional standards within the team
Delivering Results
Delivers timely and appropriate results using available resources
Takes responsibility for their work and its impact on others
Plans, prioritizes and performs tasks well without needing direct supervision
Understands the link between their work and the organization’s objectives
Working effectively with others
Actively listens to new and different perspectives and experiences of those they work with
Proactively supports team members and trusts their capabilities
Demonstrates understanding of their skills and how they complement those of others within diverse teams and groups
Networking
Role models transparency and openness when engaging with others.
Drives external networks and partnerships in the sector and beyond.
Aligns and builds networks and alliances to reflect global shifts and opportunities.
Gathers intelligence from external networks to influence the medium and longer term impact of our work with children.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Extensive experience of working within a senior management role within a complex country programme in an emergency response or fragile state.
Previous experience of managing programme teams in large-scale first phase emergency response is essential.
Experience in sectors of CP, CRG, Education and Health/youth programming will be considered as strong assets as well as practical knowledge of child participation methodologies.
Strong technical grasp of Project Management (diploma, accreditation) will be considered an asset.
Five years of relevant area work experience or equivalent.
Experience in building relationships, fostering interagency coordination and experience of representing an organisation to external parties.
Education: MA / MSc level in development studies, humanitarian leadership, social sciences (or equivalent field experience).
Experience of managing multi-donor, multi-site programmes (including ECHO, DFID, BPRM, FFO and OFDA) of USD 2m+ in a first and second phase response at regional or country level.
Experience of media representation and advocacy.
Experience of M&E and beneficiary accountability systems in large complex programmes.
Proven ability to influence change at an operational level.
Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy.
A high level of written and spoken English.
A commitment to the mission, vision and values of Save the Children.
Location: Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Contract - Full-Time
Closing date: Monday 13 November 2017
All jobs close at midnight UK time on the date specified
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