Overall purpose of the role

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is seeking exceptionally qualified candidates for the position of Chief of Party (COP) to lead a consortium of International and National NGOs for an anticipated 4- to 5-year, EUR 40 million Danida-funded consortium programme designed to improve the resilience of small-scale farmers in refugee affected areas of Uganda to shocks and stresses associated with climate change, climate variability and extreme weather events. Qualified candidates must demonstrate capacity in leading an integrated project team comprising staffs from all consortium members, a range of senior-level experience across both program and support functions and should be capable of providing strategic direction and motivation to a diverse team of technical experts while building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders ranging from refugee and community members, to national and district local government officials and governmental entities, UN agencies, other non-governmental organizations and Danida. Successful candidates will be forward thinking and creative in their approaches and must embrace learning and adaptive management practices. The preferred candidate will have proven knowledge and experience on the localization approach, as the consortium composed of INGOs and National NGOs will be lead as one.

This appointment is subject to DRC successfully securing funding from DANIDA, Denmark

Key responsibilities

Management and Coordination:

• In collaboration with the consortium’s steering committee, set the strategic vision for the programme and consortium members.
• Oversee a comprehensive inception phase that ensures a well-planned setup and readiness for timely and well-informed implementation, ensuring that both support and programme functions are fit for purpose and efficient. This entails ensuring recruitments, new staff inductions and sub-contracting are completed in accordance with agreed timelines.
• Ensure that clear, functional and transparent systems are in place for all aspects of the consortium, ranging from alignment of financial and supply chain, budget management, project cycle management, value for money, reporting and MEAL systems across consortium members.
• Oversee timely implementation of the programme in full compliance with the contractual commitments to and policies of the donor and with full accountability to the DRC, consortium members, sub-grantees and the donor. This entails ensuring compliance, at all levels, with project cycle management processes and leading regular programme reviews and analysis of monitoring data to ensure adaptive actions are taken as necessary.
• Assume accountability for the efficient functioning of technical and/or thematic teams and working groups within the consortium that promote technical rigor, integrated programming and learning.
• Organize and facilitate regular briefings and meetings with the consortium’s steering committee to ensure accountability of each organization, and that members are well informed on the programme’s progress and challenges, and that decisions are made in accordance with consortium bylaws.
• Manage the programme’s relationship with the donor, governmental representatives, UN agencies and other international organizations.
• Represent the consortium in local, national, and international meetings and events as appropriate.
• Proactively identify and effectively manage all key risks related to the programme.

Demonstrate high levels of commitment to the DRC and its vision, mission and values in order to ensure the objectives of your role and the country program are met.

Finance and Administration:

• Ensuring that technical, financial, and administrative activities, including reporting are carried out according to DRC and donor policies and procedures.
• Assume responsibility for the effective management of the programme’s budget through accountability of budget holders and their compliance with the consortium’s budget management processes. This entails regularly monitoring spending and ensure timely utilization of funds in accordance with agreed spending plans.
• Communicate regularly with the consortium steering committee on progress against spending, flagging risks and proposing mitigation measures as required.

Human Resources:

• Ensure the programme remains fully staffed and with the appropriate combination of expertise across technical and operational areas, that equity in gender across staffing is sought and that diversity and inclusion are promoted.
• Manage staff with professionalism and support respectful and positive working relationships which allow for the effective achievement of the programme’s objectives. This is to be achieved through leadership, team building and day-to-day support.
• Ensure staff are well versed in DRC and donor code of conduct, prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguarding, and accountability to affected populations.
• Collaborate with the Kampala Human Resources department to ensure staff evaluations are conducted on a regular basis.

Supply Chain:

• Ensure supply chain processes of all consortium members are sufficiently harmonized and fully compliant with DRC and donor policies and standards.
• Ensure collaboration across all consortium members in the development and updating of detailed procurement plans.

Safety and Security:

• Ensure relevant information regarding safety and contextual developments in the programme’s operational areas is collected, updated and shared with the DRC Country Director on a regular and timely basis.

• Collaborate with the DRC’s Country Director for Uganda and the Uganda Senior Management Team (SMT) to make decisions and manage security incidents related to the programme.

About you

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

Qualifications and Experience

• An advanced degree in international development, economics, agronomy or social sciences.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience working in international humanitarian and/or development aid, preferably with displaced populations, and with at least five (5) years as a Chief of Party.
• Proven ability to manage consortia with extensive experience managing multi-agency programmes.
• Technical expertise and experience in agronomy, climate change and adaptation and livelihoods.
• Demonstrated experience in managing large multi-location programs in complex operating environments.
• Comprehensive understanding of Danida donor requirements.
• Robust analytical and strategic planning skills.
• Strong experience in management of finance and budget monitoring, financial forecasting, and risk management.
• Highly diplomatic with excellent political awareness and understanding.
• High-level communications and interpersonal skills.
• A demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with host governments, donors, partners, local organizations, and other stakeholders.

Additional preferred background experience:

• Previous experience in the East Africa desirable with experience in Uganda preferred;
• Experience managing Danida grants or contracts
• Previous experience on localization is an added value
• Knowledge of Microsoft ERP systems an added advantage
• Belief/experience in ‘gender equal and inclusive’ approaches is an asset

Conditions

Contract: Two years contract. Salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment for Staff ; Management Band E

Duty station: Kampala, Uganda with 30% travel to the field

Availability: January 2024

Reporting Line: Country Director

Providing equal opportunities We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

Promoting high standards : DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process

Application and CV

Only motivated applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications, sent together with a CV, will be considered.

DRC only accepts applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.ngo under job.

Please submit your application and CV in English no later than 31st January 2024. CVs will be reviewed on rolling basis, and position might be filled before the deadline.