Assistant Programme Manager at Stakeholder Democracy Network

Summary

• The Assistant Programme Manager role supports the Programme Manager in oversight of and high-quality delivery of SDN projects.
• The role requires the individual to work closely with all project teams to ensure the completion and success of all projects and processes. The role will have a strong emphasis on building the capacity of the organisation in project implementation and the successful delivery of project outcomes and reporting.

Job Purpose

• To ensure SDN achieves high-quality outcomes and progressive change in the Niger Delta, by ensuring SDN projects are managed and implemented to high standards.

This role has the key objectives:

• To oversee the delivery of SDN projects to ensure they achieve their outcomes
• To provide technical support to project teams and ensure the necessary skills, resources and processes are in place to deliver projects to a high standard
• To represent SDN and build networks which enable it to further its programmatic work
• To support the development of new projects and fundraising for these

Responsibilities
To oversee the delivery of SDN projects, and provide technical support to project teams, to ensure projects achieve their outcomes:

• Oversee and support project start-up processes, including start-up workshops/meetings with the SDN team and partners, as relevant, and work with project managers to ensure all core project documentation (e.g., work plan, log frame, budget) is updated and developed before project implementation.
• Monitor project progress across all projects, meet with all project managers every week and ensure SDN’s planning, project management and implementation, and monitoring, evaluation and learning processes are applied consistently across all projects. This includes ensuring core documentation (e.g., work plans, log frame, budget) is maintained, regularly reviewed and updated; supporting project managers with activity planning, delivery and coordination of project teams; ensuring reporting requirements and deadlines are met; and issues are escalated to senior management for decision-making, as necessary.
• Ensure alignment of projects with SDN’s programmes strategy and ensure project implementation focuses on quality and the achievement of outcomes; identify risks, opportunities and other issues which may require adjustments to the project; support project managers to critically assess the progress of projects towards their intended outcomes, and whether project approaches remain relevant or may need adjustment.
• Review internal and donor project reports, before submission to senior management for sign-off, and attend internal monthly progress review meetings with project managers for each project.
• Review and input grant agreements/contracts before submission to senior management for sign-off.
• If requested by senior management, assume the role of project manager for strategic projects

To provide technical support to project teams and ensure the necessary skills, resources and processes are in place to deliver projects to a high standard:

• Line manage and coach Senior Project Officers to build their skills in project management
• Monitor workloads and team member allocations across all projects and ensure projects are adequately staffed
• With support from senior management, lead a bi-annual programme-wide review, to assess progress and share learning across SDN projects
• Identify where lessons learnt and opportunities in one project can be applied in others, and work with project teams to implement this
• Identify and recommend areas for improvements to SDN’s systems, processes and tools for planning and implementing projects, and periodically work with senior management to review these
• Encourage cross-working and collaboration among project teams and ensure they work effectively with other parts of the organisation, including the finance team, research and policy function, and communications staff, and facilitate day-to-day interaction between these functions
• Build and maintain a strong working knowledge of the Niger Delta and SDN’s working areas, and work with SDN’s Research and Policy Officers to propose key areas for research, analysis, and knowledge building in the organisation

To represent SDN and build networks which enable it to further its programmatic work:

• Manage donor relationships and ensure all donor compliance requirements are met, including donor reporting
• Support project managers to develop strong working relationships with partners, manage their work, and ensure that project partnerships are conducted in the spirit of SDN’s partnership approach.
• Build and maintain strong networks with civil society, government and the private sector, which enable SDN to further its work to promote stability and development in the Niger Delta
• Represent SDN at external events, to donors and project partners, as necessary

To support the development of new projects and fundraising for these:

• Support the Country Director’s fundraising strategy to ensure it fits with SDN’s vision and mission in the Niger Delta.
• When nominated by senior management, lead the development of proposals for funding, including coordination of project development team and partners.
• Identify opportunities to seek further funding for successful project initiatives.

Key Qualifications
Assessment of candidates will be based on proven experience and capacity with evidence of the following or equivalent experience as follows:

• Postgraduate Degree in Ssocial Sciences or related field.
• At least 6 years of experience in programme/project management in the development sector
• Donor reporting experience.
• Experience in managing teams delivering projects, a collaborative approach to team working and the ability to coach and build the skills of team members.
• A proven track record of managing projects and/or project teams to deliver high-quality projects which have resulted in positive outcomes for their target beneficiaries.
• Proven ability to negotiate multiple relationships with various stakeholders and local partners.
• Demonstrated experience in financial management and program administration of grants; knowledge of major donor rules and regulations, and the ability to manage multi-donor funding.
• Demonstrated planning (including budgeting) and proposal writing skills.
• General knowledge of the political and socio-economic dynamics in the Niger Delta region is essential.
• Excellent IT skills: word, excel and online communication skills.
• Strong oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to constructively engage with a wide range of stakeholders, from vulnerable groups to senior government officials.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills, as well as the ability to build and conduct effective professional working relationships at all levels, both internally and externally.