September 2017 Programmes Manager Job Description
Job Description and Person Specification
Programmes Manager
1. ABOUT THE ROLE
This is a varied role that involves managing key pieces of work for the organisation as well as taking responsibility for various elements of portfolio management including forecasting, and risk management. We are seeking candidates with a n international business development and project management background and proposal management experience who will enjoy being part of a small and growing organisation in the international development sector.
2. About Us
Social Development Direct (SDDirect) is a leading provider of high-quality, innovative and expert social development assistance and research services. We work internationally to build inclusive societies in which all women, men, girls and boys are valued and empowered to make choices about their own development.
We are a technical firm that offers in-depth thematic expertise in security, justice and peace building, governance voice and accountability, women’s economic empowerment, gender-based violence and inclusive public services including education, health and infrastructure. We have a track record in over 30 countries including fragile states and post-conflict settings.
We have a 17-year history of providing high quality services that include technical advice and support, research, development assistance programme design, delivery and management, monitoring and evaluation. Our clients are leading international development agencies, INGOs and Foundations. They trust us to provide robust, honest advice that is underpinned by the latest evidence.
We are passionate about what we do and value professional excellence, respect and integrity, partnerships, trust, and the people we work with. We have a strong in-house team based at our London Bridge head office and an international network of over 200 renowned social development professionals.
We offer a competitive salary package depending on experience.
3. APPLY
Please send a cover letter and CV to stating “BD Manager” in the subject line, also specifying where you saw the job ad. Closing date: 17th October 2017
Unfortunately, due to the large number of applications we are only able to contact shortlisted candidates.
4. ROLE OVERVIEW
Programmes Manager (PM)1 / Reports to: / Programmes & New Business Director
2 / Location: / London with international travel
3 / Appointment term: / Full-time permanent
4 / Closing date / October 17th
5 / Remuneration Package: / Competitive and commensurate with experience
The Programme Manager position is a mid-level role in Social Development Direct and is part of the programmes team. The post is based in London with international travel as required. Your role will include:
1. Managing key projects.
2. Oversight forecasting and management of forecasting process.
3. Overseeing and supporting key internal processes;
4. Managing a set of ‘call-down’ and framework contracts, responding to and creating new opportunities for the company and sourcing experts to deliver this work.
5. Leading on upsell opportunities, maximizing additional work from our other current contracts;
6. Developing and managing key partner and client relationships;
7. Contributing to the effective growth and development of the programmes team and company.
5. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Management
1. Overseeing and coordinating programme delivery, including tracking programme activities to agreed timelines and escalating any delays to milestone delivery
2. Oversight of budgets and project performance against budgets
3. Reporting on financial performance to the client and internal management
4. Functional management of the project officer and/or project coordinator
5. Managing the process of key client reporting with responsibility for financial and operational reporting
6. Leading on client liaison regarding contracting, ensuring the contract delivery is compliant with all laws, client terms and conditions, and internal processes
7. Maintaining risk management systems and processes
8. Developing and implementing key operations systems and processes
9. Supporting organisational learning by sharing relevant research, outputs, reports and events
10. Ensuring the development of robust ToRs for new work within a project
11. Ensuring existing projects are sufficiently resourced
Portfolio Management & Efficient Internal Delivery
1. Ensure strong internal coordination including within the programmes team with business development and working with finance and technical.
2. Ensure our internal project management process run efficiently and effectively, including oversight of Kimble - our project management system.
3. Shape and lead our internal tracking and resource management.
4. Identifying and implementing key lessons from projects into company-wide policies and procedures.
5. Leading the development, implementation and compliance of internal policies
Business Development
1. PM to NBD and vice versa
2. Efficient delivery
3. Lead on and be responsible for technical and commercial proposal development, working closely with colleagues from our technical, project management and finance teams.
4. Responsibility for upsell – i.e. securing additional new work on our existing portfolio by initiating discussions with technical staff, developing role/work specifications and sourcing suitable candidates.
This is not an exhaustive list of the duties required of the role and they may be changed from time to time in consultation with the post holder.
Programmes Manager – Person Specification
Essential: / § Substantial experience of progressive responsibility related to programme management and social development in developing countries, in particular with DFID;§ Demonstrable experience managing primed contracts for multilateral and / or bilateral donors;
§ Demonstrable financial management experience;
§ A postgraduate university social science degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. politics, international development, human rights, public administration, public policy, sociology, gender studies, conflict studies, etc.)
§ Excellent written, verbal and presentational skills to communicate complex ideas to a range of audiences
§ Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
§ Strong organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines
§ Demonstrated strategic thinking and rigorous analytical skills
§ A demonstrable commitment to human rights, gender equality and social justice
§ A strong team player
§ Fluency in written and spoken English
§ Ability to travel internationally and to work legally in the UK
Desirable: / § Significant experience of managing successful projects for DFID.
§ Experience of winning and managing work with other international development sector clients including UN agencies, iNGOs, Foundations, World Bank, USAID and/or other bilateral donors.
§ Experience developing and / or overseeing internal polices including risk / ABC / Child Protection /
§ Experience managing a portfolio of work including working with Kimble
§ Significant experience in candidate headhunting, recruitment and sourcing through own networks, proprietary databases and other channels (e.g. subscription databases, LinkedIn etc.).
§ Postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. business and management or international development)
§ Fluency in other languages (French or Arabic highly desirable).