Director of Programs

The Director of Programs (DoP) is responsible for overseeing all Mercy Corps programs. The DoP provides oversight and supervision to all aspects of implementation for Mercy Corps programs in Pakistan. The DoP works closely with the Country Director (CD), and with the leadership of the field offices and program managers to ensure inter-program learning and overall quality. The DoP leads the efforts on behalf of Mercy Corps Pakistan to develop and implement new and existing programs that add value to development efforts, achieve the greatest possible impact, and hold the agency accountable to donors, government, and communities. The DoP is part of a senior leadership team in the development and implementation of strategy for the Country Program. The DoP provides leadership and mentorship to the program teams and is responsible for staff development. The DoP provides oversight and management and trouble shooting support to all projects, and leads the development of new programs in line with the country strategy and Mercy Corps Headquarters global initiatives and policies.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Vision, Leadership and Strategy: Lead the program team in identifying program strategies; works with the country leadership team (SMT) leading the overall strategic planning for Pakistan including the annual strategic plan. Ensure linkages between field offices on programs that are country-wide. Participate in regional strategic planning including a particular focus on programming that can be either replicated in other countries in the region, be part of a regional program or work cross-border as appropriate. Contribute to overall country program management and decision making through the SMT.

Program Management: Provide overall supervision to the day-to-day implementation. Monitor and promote all aspects of programming in a way that increases overall impact and quality of the Mercy Corps Pakistan program at the community, district, and national levels. Responsible for ensuring that the programs are implemented in ways responsive to the communities, in line with MC values and strategic plan and following MC compliance procedures, gender minimum standards, safeguarding and all Mercy Corps principles and policies. Directly supervise the Manager Programs and project/program managers; provide overall direction to implementation plans, ensures programs are coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, and create opportunities for strategic discussion from the field teams to management and vice versa on implementation issues. Conduct monthly and quarterly progress review meetings (PROREVs) and provide guidance and advice on management related issues. Review BVAs and ensure project plans are updated and implemented. Ensure implementation of program management minimum standards in all projects. Ensure that the relevant guidelines and SOPs are in place and updated on a regular basis. Oversee start-up and closeout of the grants in view of the expanding portfolio. Oversee sub-grants, consultants and firms to who various assignments are outsourced.

Technical support and supervision: Provide technical oversight to the programs. Work directly with the project managers to regularly review and provide feedback on the technical aspects of our programs. Identify areas for improvement and recommend and/or organize trainings for project staff. Provide technical reviews/feedback and ensure submission of quality reports to donors/headquarters.

Design Monitoring and Evaluation: With the MEL Department and Country Director, ensure that the M&E systems of individual programs are of high quality, providing regular impact and process data and that all programs have baselines and evaluations. Implement TOLA in all programs in coordination with MEL Manager. Responsible for ensuring all new programs are developed and designed to the highest possible standards with rigorous M&E plans integrated from the outset. Oversee evaluations and researches conducted in the programs.

Program Development: This is a key role for this position. Identify new program opportunities and guide formation of assessment and proposal development teams. Lead and oversee development of proposals including institutional and private donors. Identify opportunities for incorporating innovative approaches to the existing and new programming In this regard, provide supervision and mentoring to the program teams and Manger Business Development to ensure that the Program team identifies new opportunities and develops quality proposals in response.

Commitment to Staff Performance and Development: Lead recruitment of, and manage and motivate, an informed, skilled and efficient national (and expatriate) team; incorporate staff development strategies and performance management systems into team building process. Ensure that program staff have Individual Operating Plans (IOPs) and are given regular performance feedback.  Complete annual performance review and planning with all direct reports. Mentor and contribute to an atmosphere conducive to professional growth and development for program staff in accordance with Mercy Corps’ commitment to excellence and achievement; encourage a team culture of learning, creativity and innovation. Be a lead player in the implementation of Mercy Corps values and culture.

Representation: With the guidance of the Country Director, develop and maintain both internal and external relationships with a particular focus on networking and coordination in the health as well as other programming sectors, to ensure optimum program success and expansion. This includes Mercy Corps headquarters and regional teams, international and local NGOs, government officials, donors, and private sector partners.

Supervisory Responsibility

Senior Program Manager-TB Program, Manager Project Implementation Unit (PIU), MEL Manager, Provincial Coordinator - Sindh, Senior Program Manager - Humanitarian, Senior Technical Advisor Health, Gender and Safeguarding Advisor, Program Coordinator, Project Manager-DEPP TB, Project Manager-C19RM.

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Country Director  

Works Directly With: Program Managers, Team Leader (South), Business Development Manager, Finance, HR and Operations teams   

Knowledge and Experience

• MA/S or equivalent in management, international development or other relevant field.
• 5-7 years’ experience administering donor grants for a variety of sectoral areas for both relief and development initiatives; experience overseeing large portfolios of youth, economic development, DRR, climate change and/or public health programs will be a plus.
• 5-7 years’ demonstrated ability to build staff capacity in cross-cultural setting as well as excellent team-building and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with donor requirements of USAID, UN, DFID, EC and private donors and foundations.
• Track record of working effectively and respectfully with government officials, INGO and NGO partners.
• Experience of developing concept notes and project proposals for institutional donors as well as private donors is required
• Experience of donor reporting and grant management is required. Experience and Ability to write high quality technical documents/reports
• Previous experience working in Pakistan and knowledge of the region is required
• Experience working in an insecure environment and knowledge of security management planning.
• Experience working in a senior leadership position is preferable.

Note: The position is for Pakistani nationals only.

Only shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. The organization reserves the right to accept or reject any or all CV(s) without assigning any reason.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer and female are strongly encouraged to apply