Regional Programme Adviser

Background

The Central and West Africa Regional Office (CWARO) located in Dakar, Senegal, supports and provides oversight to NRC’s country programmes in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. All countries are experiencing a deterioration of the security situation, increasing humanitarian needs and growing displacements due to conflict and climate change. NRC’s programmes and advocacy support families affected by conflict in the shelter, food security and livelihoods, education, water and sanitation, camp management, protection and legal assistance sectors. NRC has over 1,300 employees working on the NRC regional response.

The Regional Programme Department, based in CWARO and managed by the Regional Programme Director, is responsible for the strategic development of NRC programming in the region by maximizing the support to and the development of Country Programmes as well as by exploring and creating synergies among these. The Regional Programme Department is focused on guidance and procedures, evidence and learning, capacity building, programme quality and donor relations. The department includes a Core Competency and Thematic Unit and a Programme Development and Support Unit (PDSU).

The PDSU provides guidance for strategic programme development and resource mobilization, oversight of multi-country and regional grants, and technical support for project cycle management. The unit consists of two Regional Programme Advisors, a Regional Grant Manager, a Regional Roving Grants Manager and the Head of Programme Development and Support.

What we are looking for:

The holder of the position should be a strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and effective communication abilities.

Key skills required include programme management, grants management, capacity building and training, adaptability, and collaborative spirit in a diverse and dynamic environment.

What you will do:

In this position, you will:

• Identify gaps in quality and practice, and common learning and development needs in relation to programme proposal development, PCM, Grants Management within the region’s COs and work collaboratively with L&D colleagues (regional, HO, OD/PCM Adviser) on the development of learning initiatives to build skills and capacity
• Support key quality check processes, notably COs M&E data review, reconciliation of deliverables, PCM mandatory activities, and CFM.
• Act as focal point and liaison with the Institutional Partnership Advisor for each country of the assigned portfolio
• Provide orientation, guidance and support on accountability and Complaints and Feedback Mechanisms according to NRC global policies and in close collaborative work with the multi-disciplinary focal points of the CFM Regional Task Force.
• Provide support and advice on Consortium partnership in ensuring compliance on the diligence process, observing the use of NRC tools and procedures and facilitating the regional validation process required.
• Ensure Country Offices are compliant with programmatic quality standards of accountability and archiving.
• Conduct analysis of trends in the region or sub-region to contribute to regional understanding and provide evidence for advocacy and innovative project ideas.

Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the role

What you will bring:

• Five years (5) of experience within the humanitarian/recovery context, of which 3 years of Manager/Advisor experience
• Specialist knowledge and expertise equivalent to an advanced university degree in a relevant field (e.g., international development, politics, social science)
• Knowledge of institutional donors’ strategies, priorities, and compliance requirements – NMFA and SIDA program-based approach, ECHO, BHA, UN Donors, etc..
• Track record of successful proposal development, or similar in funding or partnerships
• Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts, with a preference for previous experience in Central and West Africa
• Understanding of, and commitment to working collaboratively with technical and operational colleagues within a matrix structure, including capacity building
• Fluency in English and French, both written and verbal
• Experience working with overall strategy development and planning
• Experience of developing learning development tools and resources to support capacity building
• Knowledge of, and interesting new business opportunities, including commercial partnerships
• Experience of working with cross-country programmes and donors
• Experience of working with consortia

What we offer:

• Duty station: Dakar, Senegal
• Contract: 12-month contract (possible extension, dependent on performance & funding)
• Travel: up to 30%
• Salary/benefits: grade 9 on NRC’s scale with accompanying terms and conditions
• NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.
• We think outside the box, encourage ideas, and give responsibility to all employees at all levels. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.

Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC

Important information about the application process:

• To apply as an internal candidate, log in with your official email, or click on Opportunity MarketPlace.
• When creating your profile, include your full name as given on your passport. Complete all the system-required fields for experience, employment history and education.
• Submit your application and CV in English or French, ensuring to attach your latest CV.
• Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered. Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.
• We receive many applications for each vacant position, as a result only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• We invite applications from all qualified and interested candidates. Send in your application by 30th November 2023.
• If you have any questions about this role, please email cwa.recruitment@nrc.nowith the job title as the subject line.

Why NRC?

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. Our 15,000 staff work in crises across 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year.

Watch this short video to see NRC in action.

We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee. Are you one of those people? If you are, NRC offers you the opportunity to:

• do demanding and professional work, often in challenging contexts.
• join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility.
• be part of a welcoming and supportive community committed to human dignity.