Country Manager- Yemen

Purpose of the Post

The Country Manager will provide strategic leadership and management in developing the Islamic Help’s programmes in Yemen. He will have responsibility for ensuring that all aspects of the current programme(s) are managed effectively and contributing to the long-term organisational strategy and capability.

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. To develop the Yemen programmes based on the existing country strategy and carry out structured strategic reviews to respond to changing circumstances.
2. To be responsible for the overall development and implementation of IH’s strategy, approach and objectives in Yemen in consultation with the International Development Director and the Head of Overseas Programmes and in line with IH’s global strategy and priorities.
3. To recruit and induct staff according to Islamic Help’s policy and procedures
4. To directly line manage IH’s staff involved in programme implementation in the region.
5. To monitor and supervise all IH’s programmes and projects in the area.
6. To implement and manage programme strategy, operations, risk management strategy, monitoring & evaluation systems and budgets ensuring they are in accordance with IH’s global policies, principles and development approach.
7. To ensure sufficient and timely flow of management and operation information and reports to IH HQ according to established reporting standards.
8. To ensure that IH’s financial, administrative and HR policies are adhered to in all programmes and by all staff post-holder is responsible for.
9. To create a shared vision and promote Islamic Help’s overall vision and mission among all staff.
10. To ensure MOUs and funding-specific sub-contracts are in place with all partners.
11. To identify the training needs of staff and ensure processes are in support and encourage appropriate personal and professional development of staff within the context of the organisational objectives.
12. To ensure that the health and safety policy is regularly reviewed and all staff are aware of this policy and follow its guidelines.
13. To outline the resource requirements for the programme and ensure that systems are in place for the effective management of resources in relation to finance, transport, supplies and capital assets, including maintenance of assets register and vehicle logbook.
14. To ensure that effective and secure budgetary control of the programme’s finances and expenditures are established and maintained, in line with Islamic Help’s financial procedures.
15. To provide financial reports on a monthly basis to the UK office.
16. To monitor the funds transferred to partner organisations and to ensure partner has adequate financial systems and controls.
17. To prepare an annual budget for core costs and identify where funding will come from to cover these costs in collaboration with UK office.
18. To maintain an overview of the political and security context, noting how developments may affect programme work. To ensure regular reporting to the UK office on these matters.
19. To ensure that robust and effective security and evacuation plans and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed and updated in order to secure the safety of all staff at all times.
20. To identify suitable partners (international, national and local) for programme delivery and plan, manage and evaluate programme delivery.
21. To proactively seek opportunities for funding through networking with other INGOs and donors and write project proposals in consultation with the International Development Director and the Head of Overseas Programmes.
22. To prepare quality reports for donors, both financial and narrative, in accordance with donor requirements.
23. To represent IH and liaise with key development actors including government, local authorities, NGOs and other funders.
24. To ensure appropriate and effective mechanisms for facilitating communications, information-sharing and public relations (including media).
25. To visit and evaluate projects in all countries and to encourage, advise and monitor staff.
26. To ensure security guidelines are implemented as per IH standards.
27. Any other duties commensurate with the accountabilities of the post.

Qualifications and Training

Masters degree or relevant degree or its equivalent in management, social science, or related field.

EXPERIENCE

• At least 4 years of experience of developing and managing development programmes.
• At least 4 years of experience in a senior management/leadership position.
• Proven participatory programme assessment, planning, management, monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment skills.
• Sound knowledge of emergency, healthcare & nutrition, shelter, WASH, education and economic empowerment programmes.
• Proven experience of funding proposal writing and budget design and experience of working on donor-funded projects, grant compliance and management.
• Knowledge, experience and appreciation of the dynamics of local NGOs and community based development practices.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are essential & highly desirable in Arabic.
• Demonstrated ability for strategic thinking and analysis.
• Strong coordination and negotiation skills with stakeholders.
• Positive approach to problem solving;
• Culturally sensitive and high level of diplomacy and tact.
• Good interpersonal skills with ability to network and establish links and partnerships with all relevant stakeholders.

ABILITY

• Ability to work in a systematic and methodical manner
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Attention to detail
• Adaptable and ability to respond proactively to the demands and development of the programme.
• Ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines and adapt to change.
• Proven understanding of financial management.

COMMITMENT

• Ability to live and travel in the region, at times in conditions of physical hardship.
• Ability to communicate cross-culturally
• Commitment to equality of opportunity and diversity