Program Development and Quality Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an international humanitarian organization that assists refugees and displaced populations worldwide. Established in 1956, DRC has a mission to provide emergency assistance, advocate for the rights of displaced individuals, and support access to durable solutions. The organization operates in various conflict zones and collaborates with local communities to identify responsible and sustainable solutions for refugees. DRC has been active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 2009, initially in the Ituri Province and later expanding to North Kivu. The country office is located in Goma, and DRC employs a diverse workforce dedicated to humanitarian efforts across multiple countries.

Job Overview:
The Program Development and Quality Manager (PDQM) plays a crucial role in the coordination and management of key program processes within DRC. This position is responsible for overseeing business development, ensuring timely and accurate reporting to donors, and maintaining adherence to Project Cycle Management (PCM) standards. The PDQM will provide strategic leadership and technical guidance across various functions, including Communication, Grants, Information Management, and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL). The role requires frequent travel to area offices and field locations within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as potential expansion into new geographical areas. The PDQM will also contribute to the development of country strategies and support fundraising efforts, ensuring that design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and implementation align with DRC's mission and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The PDQM is responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Business Development: Collaborating with the Head of Programme and technical coordinators to ensure high-quality program design and proposal development. Overseeing the proposal development process, ensuring compliance with internal and external requirements, and organizing monthly grants review meetings.
• Programme Management and Support: Supporting Area Managers in the integration and expansion of DRC programs, ensuring compliance with best practices and DRC requirements. Developing project implementation plans and conducting regular budget reviews.
• MEAL: Supervising timely and quality quantitative monitoring, implementing comprehensive program evaluations, and ensuring that lessons learned are disseminated for organizational learning.
• Communication: Engaging with donor counterparts and coordination bodies, overseeing the creation of communication products, and coordinating timely reporting to senior management.
• Team Management: Providing leadership and oversight of the Quality Assurance department, managing direct reports, and ensuring that teams understand DRC's grants and compliance requirements. The PDQM is also accountable for achieving strategic goals, making significant decisions regarding unit operations, and managing personnel effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in political science, international development, economics, or a related field. A minimum of five years of professional experience in humanitarian emergency contexts with responsibilities in Program Development, Quality Assurance, and Compliance is required, including at least two years in a senior management role. Candidates should have experience in managing personnel, knowledge of multi-sector projects, and familiarity with MEAL systems and procedures. Proven ability to lead diverse teams, manage performance, and navigate complex donor requirements is essential. Candidates should also have excellent communication skills in both French and English, with the ability to produce high-quality written reports and documentation.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in political science, international development, economics, or a relevant field is required for this position. This educational background should provide candidates with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage program development and quality assurance in a humanitarian context.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of professional experience in humanitarian emergency contexts, with a focus on Program Development, Quality Assurance, and Compliance. This experience should include at least two years in a senior management position, demonstrating the ability to lead teams and manage complex projects. Additionally, candidates should have experience in managing personnel and working on multi-sector projects, including protection, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and WASH.

Languages:
Full professional proficiency in both French and English is mandatory for this position. Candidates should be able to produce well-written documents for formal reporting and communication. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered on a six-month contract with the possibility of extension, subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance. The salary will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council's Terms of Employment for Management Band/F. The expected start date for this position is August 2026, and the duty station will be Goma, North Kivu. DRC is committed to creating an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from diverse candidates, particularly local applicants. The organization emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and compliance with its values and Code of Conduct.