Background:
A non profitable humanitarian organization seeks applications for the position of Deputy Director – Disaster Management Program (DD-DMP) to run an effective disaster management program in Pakistan and in the Region. The position is based at Islamabad, Pakistan and frequent travel in the region.
Specific Responsibilities:
Disaster Management:
- Ensure quality, timely and effective relief operations in Pakistan and in the Region; extend support within the region in consultation with Regional Representative.
- Assist in developing a comprehensive DMP strategy and policy.
- Harmonize and strengthen the various projects and sectors (DM, DR. Risk Reduction, etc) under the disaster response/preparedness/DM function in Pakistan and in the Region.
- Widen the partner networks and enhance the relationship with Organization’s partners.
- Comply with Organization’s monitoring, evaluation and reporting protocols. Facilitate evaluation and review processes; and promote best practices and lessons learned.
- Oversee and support the opening/closing of any Project Offices as determined by the Regional Representative.
- Facilitate linkages among partners in Pakistan and in the region, with an emphasis on program learning.
- Maintain knowledge of relevant external strategic planning reports and development goals and objectives published by national governments, World Bank, UN, or other agencies.
- Inform Regional Representative on emerging issues and trends and make recommendations for Organization’s engagement/response.
- Provide program/project information to the Regional Representative based upon agreed upon specifications.
- Ensure donor program objectives and reporting requirements are met in a timely manner.
- Develop second line leadership and promote team work across projects, offices and within the organization.
Financial Management:
- Collaborate with Organization’s staff and partners in Pakistan and in the region to prepare budgets for Regional Representative’s consideration.
- Oversee financial operations and reporting in Pakistan and in the region, including audits and donor-fund management. Monitor financial operations to ensure that expenditures do not exceed the available resources, adjusting budgets to available resources as necessary.
- Ensure that financial systems are maintained in compliance with accounting procedures including guidelines and donor requirements.
- Provide financial reports and information to the Regional Representative as required.
Relationships/Representation:
- Maintain close, regular and consistent collaboration with other DDs.
- Ensure integration among the units under DD-DMP and across programs/units within the organization.
- Develop or maintain appropriate relationships with churches, councils, ecumenical and interfaith organizations and networks, NGOs and other civil society groups, international organizations, embassies, and colleague agencies.
- Maintain mutually supportive relationships with Organization’s colleagues in the Region
- Serve as the primary liaison between the Regional Representative and Organization’s staff and partner offices in-country. Ensure Organization’s staff and partners in-country are kept informed of key agency directions, strategies and policies. Provide Regional Representative with input that informs agency decision-making, contributing to strategic direction and policy development. Represent Organization at national meetings, regional/international meetings as determined by the Regional Representative.
- Facilitate and host delegations, constituent trips and donor and denominational visits.
Leadership:
- Strengthen leadership qualities of Associate Directors to guide and direct their respective teams; responsible for developing a closely knitted, accountable and transparent senior management team.
- Delegate work to the team members and ensure accountability at all levels; enable staff to take initiative and be creative.
- Promote a participatory and consultative leadership; ensure decisions are taken in a timely fashion with consistent and regular follow-ups.
- Focus on developing leadership qualities among managers; identify key staff members to be coached and nurtured for senior positions within the organization.
- Promote the desired organization culture within the organization.
Resource Mobilization:
- Hold the financial responsibility and signatory authority for programs/units under DD-DMP portfolio.
- Plan budget needed for program or department and oversee activities to obtain needed resources.
- Manage relationships with donors or partners to assure continued support. Develop opportunities to build support for Organization among new donors or partners.
- Manage staff and systems to make sure resources are used effectively. Promote Organization’s mission, programs and services and inspire people to donate resources and support.
- Be entrepreneurial in identifying new revenue streams and new ways to support Organization’s work.
- Adhere to quality and accountability standards such as ISO, USAID, CHS, and SPHERE.
- Carry out any other tasks as assigned by Regional Representative.
Job specifications:
Qualification/Experience:
- For the position of DD-DMP a degree from university and 8 -10 years experience in disaster response and recovery, specifically managing complex emergencies is essential. A Masters Degree in a related field is highly desirable. Strong facilitation and organizational skills required.
- Ability to travel frequently and at short notice within Pakistan and in the Region is essential.
Skills/Competencies:
Communication:
Demonstrate “transparency of information” in articulating program strategies, priorities, standards and expectations to staff and stakeholders. Communicate by example a personal commitment to Organizatio’s values.
Job Knowledge:
Has a strengthened understanding of the Organization and is able to articulate that nature to varied audiences. Knows “broad stroke” information about Organization’s programs and services, where to find more detailed information and how programs and services intersect. Possess comprehensive knowledge of a particular field and able to use that knowledge in planning and implementing programs. Assure Organization’s mission and values are not compromised in achievement of goals and priorities. Evaluate staff skills, abilities, and knowledge and identify opportunities to advance their development.
Leadership:
Communicate and model Organization’s mission, values and priorities to staff and stakeholders. Share changes in priorities with staff and stakeholders and provide guidance to assist them in responding effectively. Delegate work among staff and hold them accountable for meeting deadlines. Accept personal responsibility for the work performed by others. Manage and evaluate staff, program and budget, making any changes necessary to achieve goals. Enable and empower staff to take initiative and be creative. Manage the planning and implementation of Organization’s vision and program goals. Acknowledge results achieved by staff and instill pride in meeting work standards.
Problem Solving and Solution Focused:
Identify problems that undermine the effectiveness of the organization. Identify and implement workable solutions, considering the costs, benefits and potential consequences. Manage and provide the resources necessary to resolve problems within the organization. Promote staff involvement with and accountability for problem solving as a means to increase staff and organizational capacity.
Program Planning and Management:
Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of programs, identifying funding sources and establishing budget, implementation steps and time frames. Assure staff members understand their roles in supporting program or service goals and strategic plan.
Resource Mobilization:
Plan budget needed for program or department and oversee activities to obtain needed resources. Manage relationships with donors or partners to assure continued support.
Teamwork:
Ability to work in a team, lead a diverse team and promote participatory and consultative approaches within the organization.
Languages:
Excellent spoken and written English is essential. Fluency with the national languages (Urdu) will be an added advantage.
Sensitivity:
The DD-DMP must be tolerant and sensitive to needs of religious and ethnic minorities, children, women, and poor.
Independence:
In the absence of Regional Representative, DD-DMP must have the confidence, initiative, patience and integrity to work independently.