Head of Programmes / Technical Director at Caritas Nigeria

Caritas Nigeria is a Not-for-Profit Humanitarian and development agency established by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) to coordinate relief and social development interventions of the Catholic Church in Nigeria, Caritas Nigeria works to fight hunger, disease, and ignorance, as well as respond to humanitarian crises and emergencies by mobilizing resources from within and outside the Church to meet the basic needs of affected persons, regardless of religion, nationality or ethnicity.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head of Programmes / Technical Director

Location: Abuja

Job Summary

• He/she is responsible for leadership, coordination, technical and management oversight of program development and management in CCFN, accounting for the overall success of the realization of programs and service delivery objectives and agreed results/targets.
• He/she ensures that innovation and creativity in program management are applied, compliance with grant requirements, quality assurance, program planning and decision-making is evidence-based, strategic partnership is developed and managed, program budget is properly managed and accountability and transparency in program management assured. 

Roles and Responsibilities

• Planning, organizing and coordinating the development and management of funded projects aligning CCFN programs with National, Regional and Global priorities.
• Providing leadership oversight to the implementation of all projects, ensuring that implementation aligns with defined objectives and results/outcomes. 
• Leading the development of high-quality and high-impact projects (new businesses) with innovative approaches for submission to international and local funding agencies in response to calls for proposals/New Funding Opportunities based on needs identified; including undertaking joint bids with partners that give CCFN comparative advantage.
• Contributing to the complete roll-out and consistent usage of project management standards and leading planning of activities across projects from different components to ensure integration and efficiency in implementation.
• Oversight to the design and implementation of CCFN’s Strategic Behavioral Communication Change (SBCC) strategy, including monitoring its implementation and documenting progress to inform reviews.
• Leading and coordinating CCFN Program efforts and management to ensure that targets are met while strengthening synergy for high and sustainable impact
• Formulating solutions to project management and implementation problems through operations research and consultations with government, donors, program teams and stakeholders.
• Establishing and implementing effective risk management strategy to ensure that CCFN programs are not adversely affected by unforeseen situations and developments in the external environment.
• Establishing and implementing effective management systems and quality improvement standards in program implementation and management across CCFN and ensuring compliance with such standards by program staff;
• Liaising with CCFN leadership to ensure that qualified, skilled and experienced program personnel and other resources are available for effective operations and performance of program operations;
• Working with teams in different programs areas, create innovations and models (programs, strategies, approaches, etc.) to enhance learning, replication and scaling up by partners
• Leading the recruitment and management of Consultants engaged to provide specialized program management technical services including development of scope of work/terms of reference; ensuring the highest quality standards and soundness in performance and delivery of required outputs;
• Establishing effective program management including the development of program management policies and standard operational procedures, ensuring compliance at all levels
• Oversight on the design, deployment and use of appropriate high technology in project management, reviewing and upgrading as necessary for compliance with global practices
• Leading and or providing oversight to the harmonization of Departmental Plans into a corporate or organization-wide Annual Operational Plan, ensuring strategic approach to program management.

Service Delivery Management:

• Providing direction and oversight to the organization and service delivery component of CCFN operations ensuring the highest quality and in accordance with set local and international standards;
• Leading the establishment of strategic framework/plan for service delivery within the context of CCFN strategy, aligning it with overall program Strategic framework;
• Making available information relating to service delivery for policy formulation; planning, strategy development and decision-making by the Board, Executive leadership and SMT as may be required;
• Providing strategic and technical direction to the service delivery team at all levels for effective delivery of services, maintaining standards as established by CCFN and relevant national Agencies;
• Guiding the leadership and management in making major decisions on service delivery including the type of and number of facilities to be established, reduction in the number of facilities, upgrading, staffing, equipping, technology etc.;
• Directing the study of existing processes and procedures of the organization, including product design, and quality control of community and facility-based intervention clinical operations to identify critical issues to be addressed and guide the Management in addressing them;
• Making sure that established quality improvement and standards control guidelines for all services including Laboratory are implemented across all levels of service delivery;
• Working closely with relevant Agencies of Catholic Secretariat to improve the quality of care and service provisions in CCFN clinics and outreach centers;
• Making technical input into the development of training and other resource materials for the capacity building of service providers, ensuring appropriateness and quality facilitating acquisition of necessary skills/competence
• Performing oversight role in the implementation of findings of Quality of Care Assessment commissioned and conducted periodically;
• Making sure that commodities, drugs, consumables and other materials are procured and available in the right quantity and quality based on evidence-based projections for effective service delivery at all CCFN service delivery points;
• Ensuring that qualified, skilled and trained personnel and service providers and other resources are available for effective delivery of required clinical and humanitarian services at all levels;
• Participating in the process of recruitment of staff, making input into the design of advertisements, shortlisting, interviewing and selecting appropriate candidates for positions including participating in providing orientation for newly employed especially those occupying managerial positions.
• Collaborating with the Finance Department to undertake cost-effectiveness and efficiency analysis of CCFN service provision and implement recommendations arising from such analysis;
• Providing guidance to the Management in the design of strategies for service delivery including establishing model facilities and services, compliance with set standards, achievement of set targets and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Monitoring developments in the country to obtain information and guide CCFN in aligning service provision with current realities and Country’s priorities, ensuring that CCFN is contributing to national service delivery goals, objectives and outcomes in relevant areas;
• Determining resource requirements (finances, technology, materials, technical, human, equipment etc) for effective service delivery at all levels and making appropriate recommendations to CCFN leadership to inform appropriate actions; 
• Reviewing, analyzing and using service statistics in strategic planning and decision-making relating to service delivery component of CCFN operations;
• Engaging with public and private health facilities for the purpose of establishing effective referral system, managing such through a Memorandum of Understanding and Action (MOU&A) approach;
• Monitoring and documenting the appropriateness and effectiveness of CCFN service delivery strategy including community-based approach and partnership with public and private sector health service providers to guide leadership and management in decision making.

Budget Planning and Management:

• Working with the Senior Management Team in developing programs and organizational budgets in line with established donor and organizational guidelines and specifications
• Monitoring the management of program budgets and providing support to the Finance Department to ensure that programs resources are utilized in line with approved budgets
• Participating in budget review activities making input into how budget performance could be enhanced and maximum benefits derived
• Working with the Finance Department to undertake cost-effectiveness, efficiency and benefits of CCFN programs and taking measures for improvement in resource utilization   
• Supporting the process of program audit including finances and accounts providing information and clarification where necessary.

Human Resource Management and Capacity Strengthening:

• Providing oversight in developing and implementing capacity-building strategies including training (structured and on the job), coaching and mentoring of program Directors and Managers to enhance their skills, performance, effectiveness and productivity;
• Providing technical support to the development and updating package of CCFN training curriculum and other resource materials in line with new developments or emerging trends in program areas for the conduct of capacity-building interventions on all CCFN projects/programs;
• Contributing to the process of identifying training and other capacity needs of program staff, especially at the managerial level,  design and implement remedial interventions that respond to the gaps while recommending and supporting relevant staff for more technical training.
• Under the guidance of the Executive Secretary, design and provide orientation to SMT and Board members in program design and management to enable them perform their program management oversight. 
• Providing oversight to the setting of standards for the design and conduct of orientation for CCFN volunteers to enhance their knowledge and skills in performing their roles individually and collectively;
• Managing talents, team dynamics and staff well-being across all programs of CCFN.

Partnership and Collaboration:

• Representing CCFN at relevant National Technical Working Groups, Committees etc. for enhanced visibility and to facilitate the contribution of CCFN in the development of national, policies, guidelines and strategic framework and training curricular;
• Scanning the environment to identify relevant organizations with similar vision and mission and advise CCFN leadership for possible partnership and collaboration in CCFN areas of operations 
• Set framework for partnership development and management including facilitating the process of partnership development by CCFN with other organizations or institutions for collaboration in expanding coverage of CCFN programs;
• Leading the development and implementation of strategies for developing and or strengthening the capacity of partners working with CCFN for effective delivery of program and service provision outcomes ;  
• Leading the design and implementation of innovative strategies for engaging with the private sector for effective partnership with CCFN in its program areas;
• Leading the identification, assessment and strengthening of appropriate partnerships and the appropriate application of partnership principles, tools and approaches.

Program Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning:

• Provide leadership to the periodic performance review of program implementation, focusing on appropriateness of strategies, resource utilization (to measure cost-effectiveness), capacity of project team to deliver, achievements of results, challenges and lessons to inform repositioning efforts for improved performance in the future;  
• Undertaking field visits to monitor implementation of projects to ensure that implementation is progressing as scheduled and making impact, issues are identified, solutions proffered and impacts of adverse developments mitigated;
• Linking up with the Monitoring and Evaluation Department/unit in undertaking periodic review of program implementation to ensure alignment with objectives and expected results/targets are being met;
• Providing information to the M&E unit to ensure that programs data are being compiled, updated and available for strategic planning and decision-making;
• Participating in the development of project monitoring and evaluation framework and plan, for approval of the Chief Executive and sharing the final product with donors where required
• Working with relevant staff to write and submit abstracts to explore opportunities at national, regional and international conferences to share CCFN experiences, successes, lessons, etc.

Strategic Information management:

• Keeping abreast with current developments in the external environment based on evidence to inform the development of effective approaches and repositioning of CCFN program activities for greater impact;
• Oversight on the establishment, equipping and managing an updated resource center with relevant publications, and CDs using technology and facilitating access of partners and other stakeholders to such facility for the purpose of research etc.;
• Using available data to design and undertake evidence-based advocacy interventions targeting critical audience as part of the process of contributing to improved environment in CCFN program locations independently or in collaboration with strategic partners and stakeholders;
• Undertaking the analysis of relevant data in CCFN program areas at Country and sub-national levels to inform the design of appropriate and high-impact interventions that respond uniquely and comprehensively complementing interventions by other partners.
• Oversight on the documentation of accomplishment, lessons, best practices and success stories and dissemination to partners and stakeholders in the external environment leveraging technology and social media:
• Leading the application of lessons in program management to inform improved performance, relevance, focus, efficiency and results 
• Oversight on mechanisms for protection of CCFN programs and service delivery data.

Strategic Planning:

• Advising the Management on the future direction of CCFN programs, bearing in mind national, regional and global priorities in CCFN program areas;
• Participating in monitoring progress and evaluating the effectiveness of CCFN project planning and management process, strategies and approaches and advising the management accordingly
• Oversight on mainstreaming Gender and social  inclusion into program planning and management and service delivery for balancing and increased sensitivity and responsiveness;
• Making intellectual contributions to CCFN’s strategic planning process, working alongside other Senior Management teams in defining the future of CCFN within the context of national, regional and global priorities in CCFN program areas establishing linkage with SDGs.
• Leading the development of Programs Annual Operational Plan and participated in the development of a harmonized Organizational Annual Operational Plan
• Operating as part of CCFN Change Management Team, advising and supporting the ES to continually interact with developments and trends in the external environment to determine the change and requirements for repositioning CCFN, programs and services to respond appropriately
• Functioning and performing as part of the Senior Management Team in continued strategic thinking and planning process, charting a direction in line with defined focus and priorities, and also aligning with country, regional and global agenda
• Attending the Board meeting and other meetings of the Catholic Church leadership to provide updates on CCFN program operations and other issues relating to the management of donor-funded projects, obtaining feedback and acting accordingly Supporting the Office of the ES and DES and working with other staff in mobilizing resources from diverse sources including but not limited to international donors and the private sector.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Receiving, reviewing, and consolidating program reports and ensuring timely submission to grant providers;
• Providing updates to the Board as may be required during Board meetings
• Putting in place systems for capturing progress in program implementation.

Qualifications and Work Specifications

• Education: MBBS or MPH/MSc in Health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Health Planning and Management, International Development. Possession of PhD in relevant area is an advantage. 
• Additional qualifications: Training in Project planning and management, Human Rights Based Approach, Participatory approaches and methodologies,
• Work Experience:  10/15 years with 8/10 years in senior/top management/leadership position within an INGO or an internationally funded project. 
• Computer skills: High Proficiency in the use of computer for operations (Word, PowerPoint presentation, Excel, MS Access), web conferencing.

Compulsory:

• Evidence of a heart and performance that align with Catholic teachings, vision, mission, values and ideals of CCFN
• Excellent proposal Writing skills in relation to specific donor/grant requirements
• Strong experience in project grants management for large and complex projects, including project design, budget preparation, expenditure tracking, monitoring and evaluation, reporting, etc., for projects funded by multiple public donors, including USAID, CDC, etc
• Substantial experience with successful business development activities capturing significant donor funding, including proposal coordination, proposal writing, and agreement negotiation
• Excellent knowledge of issues in CCFN program areas nationally and internationally,
• High capacity in innovative programming and management
• Zero tolerance for corruption, fraud and mismanagement of organizational resources.
• Tolerance of other people’s opinions and ideas, and able to work in multi-ethnic setting
• Zero tolerance for any form of harassment and violence against persons 
• Strong believer in Gender equality and being averse to any form of gender discrimination, and exploitation
• Not averse to Catholic Church Doctrine and readiness to participate in agreed spiritual activities in line with Catholic Church requirements.

Skills and personal attributes:

• Excellent strategic, analytical systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to see the big picture and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Strong relationship management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in applying tailored approaches to each relationship.
• Proactive resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented
• Team leadership abilities with diverse/multi-disciplinary teams including high coaching, mentoring and supportive supervisory skills 
• Excellent leadership, people (talent) management, communication, interpersonal and writing skills
• Skills in analysis and use of data for making program and resource management decisions;
• Good Networking and Partnership development skills;
• Analytical and critical thinking leading to making logical and timely decisions;
• Good negotiation, delegation, public speaking, presentation and facilitation skills;
• Sound mental alertness, energetic and enthusiastic approach to work
• Sound ethical disposition, pleasant and polite attitude at all times, sensitive and caring but firm and decisive, able to take responsibility for his/her position and actions;
• Crisis management and conflict resolution skills.

Physical Demand:

• Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift 5-50 lbs.

Application Closing Date
5th November, 2024.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online