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 organization operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on responding to the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The IRC's mission is to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a workforce of more than 370 staff in Nigeria alone, the IRC has been active in the country since October 2012, initially responding to a widespread flood disaster and subsequently expanding its programs to address various humanitarian needs across multiple states.

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 (SMT) of the IRC Nigeria country program. This position is responsible for leading and managing the program technical teams, grant management, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) teams. The DDP is expected to foster high levels of teamwork and collaboration across departments and sectors. The role involves contributing to the development and implementation of high-quality programs that are informed by data-driven analysis and problem-solving approaches. The DDP will also serve as the focal point for strategy development, review, and monitoring, ensuring that the IRC Nigeria country program adheres to its strategic action plan while being based in Abuja with frequent travel to field locations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The DDP's major responsibilities include adhering to the IRC Way (Code of Conduct) and ensuring compliance with global HR policies, supporting strong security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security management through risk analysis and planning, and actively participating in management and leadership platforms. The DDP will champion the development and implementation of the Nigeria Strategic Action Plan, ensuring meaningful participation from various teams. The role also involves ensuring high-quality design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design through robust context analysis and sector strategies, overseeing program commitments, leading the business development strategy, managing grant compliance, and representing the IRC with key stakeholders. Additionally, the DDP will work closely with HR and administrative teams to ensure appropriate support for programs and adherence to compliance requirements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of seven years of international experience, including at least two years in managing emergencies, post-conflict, or development programs. Demonstrated experience in program design and delivery, including proposal development, is essential. The ideal candidate should have proven capacity in staff management, multitasking, time management, and diplomacy, along with excellent communication and presentation skills. High-level advocacy and interpersonal skills, strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work effectively in multicultural teams are also required.

Educational Background:
While the specific educational background is not explicitly stated, it is generally expected that candidates for such senior roles possess advanced degrees in relevant fields such as international development, public health, social sciences, or related disciplines. A strong academic foundation is typically essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and program management.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of seven years in international settings, with at least two years dedicated to managing programs in emergencies, post-conflict situations, or development contexts. This experience should encompass program design, implementation, and management, demonstrating the candidate's ability to navigate complex humanitarian environments effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the IRC and with external stakeholders. Additional language skills may be advantageous, particularly in local languages relevant to the regions where the IRC operates, enhancing communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Abuja, Nigeria, with frequent travel to field locations. The role is part of the senior management team, indicating a high level of responsibility and influence within the organization. The IRC emphasizes adherence to professional standards and core values, including integrity, service, equality, and accountability, and expects all employees to uphold these principles in their work.