Ireland: Head of Programmes (Plan Ireland)

Organization: Plan
Country: Ireland
Closing date: 01 Dec 2014

Plan Ireland

Title:Head of Programmes

Location:Dublin

Reporting to:Chief Executive Officer

Commencement Date:January, 2015

Overview

Plan is an international child centred community development (CCCD) organisation working in 70 countries, 50 of which are Country Offices (COs) in developing countries. With a focus on long term sustainable development, Plan works in a participative way with children and families across a range of programmes including education, health, household economic security, protection and water/sanitation. Plan also engages in humanitarian work and is growing this element of its work . Advocacy cuts across all programmes.

Established in 2003, Plan Ireland is a dynamic organisation that supports Plan’s work worldwide, with a particular focus on West Africa but increasingly other parts of Africa and Asia. Funding is received from a variety of sources including through the public via child sponsorship, Irish Aid, European Union, ECHO, UNICEF, trusts, foundations and corporate firms.

In addition, Plan Ireland strives to raise awareness of development issues through advocacy, development education, the media and events.

Plan Ireland is a legally separate entity and is a National Office (NO) within the Plan International fold.

General Description of the Role

This successful candidate will lead the Programme Department and be a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) of Plan Ireland.

The Head of Programmes will be responsible for ensuring that children are at the heart of Plan’s work utilising Plan’s CCCD approach. He/she will ensure that the principles and values of Plan are to the fore, and that there is a commitment to programme quality.

The Head of Programmes will partake in Plan’s global Programme Directors’ group and will therefore be a key influencer in international programme strategy, global account management and other developments at an international level. Thus the ability to network is important.

The Programme Department has seen substantial growth over the past five years and is targeting income of €9m this year from donors as diverse as Irish Aid, EU, ECHO and WFP. Strengthening Plan Ireland’s programme work is central to the organisation’s Strategic Plan (2012 to 2016), and Plan’s Programme ambition is around programme quality, resource mobilisation, cost efficiencies, and effectiveness.

Managing a team of 15 or so staff the Head of Programmes will have the following key objectives:

· Support the delivery of high quality, child centred community development and humanitarian programmes;

· Diversify and grow income in a planned and sustainable manner;

· Enhance critical understanding and commitment towards the realisation of children’s rights in developing countries among the Irish public, government officials, donors and civil society organisations;

· Ensure Plan Ireland’s Programme team is fit for purpose and has the relevant knowledge, management systems and skill-sets to work effectively, to support the implementation of quality programmes, and to influence policy and advocacy;

· Influence the internal processes of Plan globally through various networks and groups so they reflect best practices of aid effectiveness;

· Promote a culture of managing for results and outcome monitoring so that the real changes in childrens’ lives are captured, promoted, shared and used in learning.

Main Responsibilities

· Contribute to the fulfilment of Plan Ireland’s strategy through active participation in the senior management team and the effective delivery of the Programme team’s objectives

· Ensure an economically viable Programme function through full cost recovery, sustainable co-financing and a strong grants pipeline

· Build relationships with programme countries and engage in programme country strategic planning to ensure that programme priorities and funding options are matched and maximised

· Nurture and manage donor relations, ensuring all communication, both informal and formal, is of the highest standard

· Build relations with other National Offices for joint programming, harmonised approaches, match funding, donor positioning, etc.

· Engage with the Board’s Programme Committee to ensure the Board is fully aware and understanding of programme direction, risks and governance concerns

· Work with the CEO and Head of Finance & Operations to prepare, monitor and control budgets for all programme activity overseas and in Ireland

· Endeavour to have real time project information for all projects

· Ensure grant management and programme quality are of the highest standard and in line with donor expectations and best practice

· Represent Plan at relevant fora, conferences, through media, etc. to promote issues around child rights and to build the organisation’s profile

· Work closely with other members of the SMT and with the Marketing and Communications team to establish and oversee an effective advocacy plan

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· Engage with Plan international groups, the West Africa Regional Office, International HQ, etc. on key issues relevant to Plan Ireland and contribute to Plan’s global strategy.

Attributes for the role

· Minimum of seven years relevant work experience in both HQ and programme locations, with at least three in a management position

· Sound understanding of integrated development issues and critical analysis of child poverty

· In-depth knowledge of child-rights programming

· Knowledge of development issues, trends, challenges and opportunities and implications for community development

· Experience of strategic planning processes

· Strong understanding of aid effectiveness agenda, results based management and programme outcome monitoring

· Experience in networking, relationship management and resource mobilisation, in particular with institutional donors

· Strong business development and financial acumen

· Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build distance relationships

· Strong team building and motivational skills

· Excellent written and oral communication skills, including presentations and public speaking

· Fluency in English essential with French advantageous

· Willingness to travel regularly, especially to programme countries, and sometimes at short notice

· Sound judgement and decision-making in complex situations.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive job description and may be subject to change.

How to apply:

To apply:

send CV with cover letter, including a response to each filter question (below) to HR@plan.ie

Closing date, 1st December, 2014. To discuss the role feel free to call David Dalton, CEO on +353 (0)1-6599601.

Filter Questions

1. Current remuneration (salary + benefits)
2. Desired salary / remuneration - please advise of minimum salary required and expected benefits
3. Notice period (in weeks and/or months)

Applicants should have a valid work permit at the time of applying to enable them to work in Ireland.

Garda/Police checks and clearance are essential as part of Plan Ireland’s child protection controls and recruitment process.

Plan regrets that only short-listed candidates will be contacted in response to applications.