Programme Manager

Under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, the Programme Manager is responsible for smooth project implementation, organizational representation, partnerships, and contributing to the sustainability of Mada through the design of programmes in line with the vision and mission. Ongoing secured projects under their responsibility are mainly focused on Food Sovereignty, promoting alternative food systems in cooperation with civil society groups, linked to Mada’s agriculture interventions in the North. Potential projects in the pipeline include business development and support to small businesses and enterprises (other sectors/fields might be applied for).

The Programme Manager also oversees Mada Platform and supervises the Platform Officer. The Platform is a space that offers flexible support for civil society initiatives to help them grow and reach their full potential. Mada established the Platform in 2005 as part of its belief that supporting the establishment and development of informal civil society groups is crucial. Among other services, the Platform offers support in terms of sharing experience and contacts, implementing tailored guidance, finding the right expertise, and supporting the institutionalization of early-stage organizations. It also provides services such as accounting and financial expertise, legal advice, communication and logistics support.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

Programme Oversight

• Provide leadership and guidance for the effective planning and delivery of projects under their responsibility in line with Mada’s values, policies, and procedures.
• Oversee start-up and smooth implementation of projects in line with donor requirements and within budget limits.
• Oversee and monitor the context/situation – adapting/developing plans for assessments, expansion/change of activities, etc.
• Coordinate the preparation of timely and cost-effective operational plans, budgets and strategic plans as required.
• Support and/or lead on project modifications and propose adaptations during implementation if needed.
• Support budget planning processes to ensure that funds are spent in a timely and appropriate manner.

Programme Quality

• Constantly ensure programming meets the needs of the target groups and is relevant and appropriate to the context and developments.
• Conduct regular monitoring visits to project locations to oversee programming.
• Ensure quality narrative reports to partners and donors, and liaise with the Admin and Finance Team for proper financial reporting.
• Liaise with the Procurement Focal Point to ensure proper processes in line with donor and Mada’s requirements.
• Lead on Budget Review meetings for projects under their responsibility.

Team Management

• Supervise their team (depending on staffing which varies at different times).  
• Lead team towards achieving project objectives and Mada’s vision and mission.
• Ensure that the team has a clear understanding of their roles, responsibilities and accountabilities; supported by clear job descriptions to ensure quality performance.
• Conducts staffing needs assessment, presents recommendations to the Executive Director and participates in recruitment.
• Facilitates the capacity building of their team to ensure they have the appropriate skill levels for their positions and are developing to their full capacity; provides the necessary feedback to the team and completes their performance evaluations.
• Supports and advises their team on tools, procedures, etc. as well as technically based on need.

    Representation, Funding and Partnerships

• Act as focal point for representation with their donors, supported by the Executive Director.
• Facilitate linkages, collaboration and networking with stakeholders (public sector, private sector, NGOs, etc.) to ensure visibility of Mada’s programming, strengthen and establish new partnerships, and ensure complementarity with other actors.
• Identify and develop new partnerships with local and international organizations.
• Oversee the management of existing partnerships and ensures a smooth collaboration, intervening in case of conflicts or other challenges.
• Work with Executive Director to establish appropriate funding streams in line with Mada’s Fundraising Strategy.
• Work with the Executive Director on project design, leading on relevant needs assessments and delegating to the team as required, and advising on needs and context.
• Lead on the identification of appropriate potential partners for strategic collaborations.

Support to Operations and Strategy

• Raise operational issues to Executive Director related to activities and propose/support with solutions.
• Advise Executive Director on use of Mada’s own funds when needed to cover funding gaps, conduct assessments, cover expenses not included in project budgets.
• Support and advise Executive Director on strategic matters including new operational areas, new target groups, and new sectors.

Mada Platform

• Supervise the Platform Officer and support them to undertake their tasks and build their capacities.
• Act as main focal point for the external representation of Mada Platform.
• Look into new groups, identify new groups and partnerships, assess the needs of current groups, assess the needs to exit current groups.
• Provide in-house services to groups and lead on connecting groups to services and expertise.
• Develop joint projects between the Platform and other Mada activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 5 years of proven experience in programme management, team management, project planning, proposal development, report writing, resource mobilization, networking, partnership-building and working with NGOs.

• Superior organizational skills and ability to multi-task
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills to build rapport with staff, partners, government officials, donors and community leaders
• Ability to work under pressure meeting deadlines in a fast-paced and fluid environment
• Creative and flexible with problem solving skills
• Demonstrated professionalism and diplomacy
• Strategy planning skills
• People management
• Strong MS Office and program management tools and procedures
• Budgetary control and financial management and ability to read/understand financial data
• Project management skills
• Respect of diversity and acknowledgement of equal rights of all population groups
• Proficiency in English and Arabic is preferred, French is a plus