Program Officer, Education - Children Believe

The Program Officer’s role will contribute to the achievement of program goals by facilitating program planning, implementation, coordination and reporting on Children Believe’s core program and other projects as may be assigned. Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Country Manager - Program, the position will be responsible for the day-to-day management of program deliverables and ensure efficient and timely delivery of the program activities.

The Program Officer will ensure that program activities are aligned to approved plans and budgets. Assist in direct facilitation and training of partner program staff and foster collaborative working relationships with partner NGOs/INGOs, concerned government agencies, donors and sponsors as required. Facilitate information to the CMP for the coordination and submission of operational and strategic plans as well as progress reports.

Play a collaborative role as part of the country team to achieve Children Believe’s strategic, Centre of Excellence (CoE) and Influence mandates. This is a field centric role and the position holder is expected to provide facilitative oversight and technical guidance over program related matters of Children Believe and all its current or future subsidiaries or affiliates (CO).

• Bachelor Degree in Education, Development Studies, Social Sciences or relevant field. Master’s degree in a relevant field is an asset.
• Minimum of 5 years’ work experience in rural development programming including project design, planning, budgeting, resourcing, risk management, implementation, networking and monitoring.
• Professional expertise in Education is essential preferably within the International NGO sector.
• Additional experience in other Children Believe focal areas is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in Results-Based Management (RBM) and participatory program development approaches in grant proposal development and donor reporting.
• Demonstrated professional experience working with senior-level management.
• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to develop, motivate, monitor, and evaluate cross-functional project team members assigned to projects to meet tight deadlines.
• Discretion and sound reasoning in dealing with sensitive matters; ability to independently solve complex and challenging problems;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications.
• Highly skilled in networking & developing partnerships.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficiency in English.
• Strategic and operational planning skills.
• Ability to travel extensively to program communities.
• Commitment to Children Believe’s Vision, Mission and Values.

Core values & competencies:

• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
• Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading by Example

Key Responsibilities:

1. Program Planning, Implementation and Monitoring - 35% of Time

• Provide guidance and support to partners to conduct community needs assessments, trend analysis and share relevant data and emerging issues in program operation areas.
• Support partners to develop Annual Operational Plans.
• Coordinate and provide regular feedback to partners by monitoring their progress and providing technical backing stopping.
• Assist the Country Manager - Program to undertake timely performance review of partners.
• In liaison with partner staff, ensure active involvement and proper functioning of community, district and regional stakeholders in project design, implementation and monitoring.

2. Capacity Building and Coordination of Special Initiatives - 30% of Time

• Coordinate logistics, assist and/or facilitate capacity-building training for partners.
• Coordinate implementation of the Country Office Centre of Excellence (CoE) Plan.
• Provide technical support to partners and coordinate implementation of the Country Office Disaster Risk Management (DRM) initiatives.
• Follows up and ensure timely implementation of anticipated risk mitigation strategies on programs.
• Coordinate and provide technical support for the implementation of sustainable livelihoods   empowerment initiatives.

3. Project Design and Partnership - 20% of Time

• Provide technical support in the design of innovative and special projects.
• Support the development of grant proposals by contributing to problem identification, analysis and strategies.
• Network and build functional relationships with partner staff, appropriate government officers and representatives of other non-governmental organizations.

4. Documentation, Reporting and Others - 15% of Time

• Compile monthly, quarterly and annual program reports and submit same to Country Manager-Programs.
• Work with Communications Manager and MELKS Officer to identify and document significant change stories.
• Ensure program compliance with Children Believe policies, procedures and support quality assurance and quality control initiatives.
• Other related duties as assigned.