Deputy Director of Programs (DDP)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The IRC operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on restoring health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a mission to help people survive, reclaim control of their futures, and strengthen their communities, the IRC employs a diverse workforce dedicated to making a lasting impact on millions of lives worldwide. The organization emphasizes a culture of safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, ensuring that its employees can work effectively in challenging environments while adhering to high standards of integrity and accountability.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Programs (DDP) plays a crucial role within the Senior Management team, focusing on the successful implementation of IRC's programs in South America, particularly in Colombia and Venezuela. Reporting to the Country Director, the DDP is tasked with leading program strategy in alignment with local government policies, guiding project management, supporting business development, and ensuring compliance with donor regulations. This position requires a proactive and innovative thinker capable of adapting programming to evolving contexts, ensuring both staff safety and effective program delivery. The DDP will oversee all programming in Colombia and Venezuela, as well as outreach programs in Ecuador, and will lead a team of program staff, ensuring that the IRC's mission and values are upheld in all operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The DDP's responsibilities encompass a wide range of functions, including: leading sustainable program growth by identifying new programming opportunities and securing multi-year funding; implementing IRC's business development strategy; coordinating with regional teams and technical advisors for proposal submissions; ensuring project designs meet IRC quality standards; providing leadership in program management, monitoring, and evaluation; supporting the development of the Country Strategic Plan; overseeing grants management and compliance; representing the IRC to external stakeholders; and managing and developing program staff. The DDP will also be responsible for fostering collaboration among team members, ensuring adherence to security protocols, and promoting a culture of learning and adaptation within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the DDP position must possess a Master's degree in Development Studies, International Relations, Social Sciences, or a related field. A minimum of five years of management experience in Latin America is required, along with at least eight years of experience in humanitarian or development settings, including five years in INGO program management. Strong leadership, motivational, and team-building skills are essential, as is the ability to manage security in complex environments. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing successful proposals for public and private sector donors, as well as experience in managing projects to completion on time and within budget. Fluency in English and Spanish is mandatory, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is expected.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Deputy Director of Programs position includes a Master's degree in relevant fields such as Development Studies, International Relations, or Social Sciences. This advanced degree is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and for effectively leading programs in challenging environments.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of management experience in humanitarian or development settings, with at least five years specifically in INGO program management. Candidates should demonstrate successful leadership experience with multi-disciplinary teams in cross-cultural settings, showcasing their ability to mentor and coach staff effectively. Experience in managing security in rapidly changing contexts is also crucial, as is a history of developing winning proposals for various donors.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is mandatory for this position, as effective communication in these languages is essential for collaboration with local partners, stakeholders, and team members. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English and Spanish are the primary languages required for this role.

Additional Notes:
The Deputy Director of Programs position is based in Colombia, with travel requirements of up to 50%. The role is full-time and involves significant responsibilities in program management, staff development, and external representation. The IRC emphasizes a commitment to professional standards, including integrity, service, equality, and accountability, and expects all employees to adhere to these values in their work.