Title:  Area Representative.

Save the Children is the world's leading independent organisation for children. We work in 120 countries. We save children's lives; we fight for their rights; we help them fulfil their potential.

We work together, with our partners, to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

Save the Children Somalia Country office wants to hire Area Representative to lead the management and delivery of its programs in Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Southwest, Jubaland and Banadir. The combined portfolio which is delivered through 7 offices (Mogadishu, Baidoa, Kismayo, Beledwey, Adado, Dhobley and Abudwak) and across 4 States and BRA, has been $48 million in 2021 with a potential to grow in 2022.

As a member of the senior management team (SMT), the Area Rep role is critical to STC’s Strategy development and implementation across Somalia. Other key responsibilities for the role include

The management oversight to close to 300 of save the children staff across the 7-field office

To oversee the implementation of yearly $45 million portfolio across the 4 states and BRA; in health, nutrition, wash, education, food security and livelihoods, child protection and child right governance

Externally, the role is responsible for growing networks and relationships with the government (at both levels), donors, UN and the other peer organizations

The Area Rep position is one of the exciting and challenging roles for SCI and is often very rewarding with most former role holders being growing into more senior positions internally and externally. Due to the nature of the work of the Area Rep, the role is reserved for national staff with competencies and skills in leadership, networking, and program management.

Area Representative – Southern States

TEAM/PROGRAMME: Program Operations, Somalia

LOCATION:  Mogadishu, with travel to SCI field offices in all the southern states

GRADE:  Executive

POST TYPE: National

Child Safeguarding:

Level 3:  the role holder will have contact with children and/or young people either frequently (e.g. once a week or more) or intensively (e.g. four days in one month or more or overnight) because they work in country programs; or are visiting country programs; or because they are responsible for implementing the police checking/vetting process staff.

ROLE PURPOSE:   The Area Representative is responsible for the management of the Field Offices including the Field Managers and implementation of Save the Children program in the southern States. S/he is also responsible for the development and implementation of southern States Area annual plans (i.e. programs and projects constituting the plans), and the implementation of Operational Core Business Processes at area level (Area SMT, Area BVAs, Proposal Development Process, field coordination for program development/management/monitoring, etc.).

The role supports the DCD Operations and Operations Director in facilitating key relationships between the Programme Operations Team, particularly Field Managers, Area-level Department Heads (Awards, Finance, HR/Admin, Logistics, Safety and Security etc) and other CO units (PDQ, HR, Finance, and Safety & Security).

In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Reports to: Deputy Country Director for Program Operations

Dimensions: Save the Children has been working in Somalia for more than 60 years. The Area Office has over 280 staff across 7 field offices (Mogadishu, Beletweyne, Adaado, Abudwak, Baidoa, Kismayo, and Dhobley). The Area Office coordination and administration is based in Mogadishu. The Southern States Area Office manages over 30 active awards with portfolio of US$ 48 million from a range of governmental/institutional donors, including DFID, ECHO, EU, FFP, OFDA, World Bank, Africa Development Bank and DANIDA. Save the Children in Southern States implements projects in Health, Nutrition, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH), Education, Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL), Child Protection and Child Rights Governance.

Staff directly reporting to this post: Directly line manages 2 deputy Area Reps, Area Finance Manager, Area Awards Manager, Area HR/Admin Manager, Area Supply Chain Manager, Area Safety and Security Manager, Area Advocacy, Communications, Campaigns and Media Coordinator.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

Program Development, Implementation and Delivery

·        Ensure that management support is provided to the Deputy Area Representatives within the Area Office in the management of the different offices, implementation of quality programs as well as operations core business processes.

·        In close coordination with the Programme Development and Quality Team to ensure that the deputy ARs and their teams are fully involved in proposal development as stated in the core business process guidelines for proposals development.

·        Ensure that area teams undertake monthly sessions to monitor expenditure against budget (Budget Variance Analysis – BVA) and that all programmes progress in accordance with grant agreements and are completed within time and on budget with an emphasis on cost effectiveness, innovation and high-quality programming to serve hard-to-reach children.

·        Ensure that Area teams undertake monthly SMT meetings to update each area unit on its current key priorities and achievements, present any issues that would require attention and support from other area units and come up with solutions to address those.

·        Through monthly reports received from the field offices, to retain an oversight of the budget situation in each field office and ensure that field offices are efficient at covering all of their costs.

·        Have budget holding responsibilities for programs/projects implemented within the Area Office and Multi-Area Grant as appropriate, in line with the SOD threshold of the position.        

·        Ensure programs are implemented in ways responsive to the communities and children in line with Save the Children principles, values and strategic plan and following Save the Children compliance procedures. This includes working with government (both Federal and Member states), local administrations and national NGO-partners to strengthen national capacity.

·        Working with colleagues in the PDQ department to ensure the preparation of timely and high-quality progress reports, program reports, and donor reports.

·        Assist the DCD Operations in implementing Programme Operations Best Practices.

• Ensure that effective mechanisms are in place to listen to, act upon and address children’s and communities’ concerns/recommendations through active participation by children and communities in project design, monitoring and evaluations
• Ensure that staff capacity in quality project management is improved and strengthened through training, coaching and mentoring.
• Ensure that rigorous remote project management tools are put in place and used by relevant managers (independent third party monitoring, verification through other partners, operational plan, procurement plan, output trackers, etc ).

People Management and Development

• Work closely with the HR and Admin Manager in Mogadishu as well as the HR Director to ensure that all HR policies and guidelines for national staff and international are in place, are understood by all staff and are adhered to. Support all managers in recruitment, induction, placement, promotion, training/development and separation/termination
• Enhance staff performance through mutually agreed performance management plans, clarity of individual and collective roles and responsibilities; ensure a robust process of performance monitoring, learning & development initiatives and timely management actions.
• Present staff concerns that cannot be dealt with locally, in a timely manner to the DCD Ops, Area HR Manager, and HR Director.
• Promote an inspiring and motivating working environment through teamwork, delegation and the team building initiatives.
• Promote and ensure a culture that respects and promotes collaboration, diversity, inclusion and staff recognition. 

Financial, Budget and Grant Management

• Serve as overall budget holder for all programming in southern States; appoint, manage and support budget holders for individual projects and grants as appropriate.
• Closely work with PDQ and Awards Team on the coordination of the overall funding process from both grants and SC members. This includes: developing funding strategies, creating grant proposals, and identifying strategic leads and concepts
• Ensure that programme budgets are managed through rigorous budget and finance monitoring practices with participation of all key functions involved in projects.
• Oversee the general application and observance of financial procedures and guidelines set out in SC financial manual and donors' requirements
• Ensure that budgets are spent and charged to their respective budget heads and grants by diligently reviewing the financial (AGRESSO) reports at least every month and bringing to the timely attention of the Director of Operations and the Finance Director any major budget concerns and
• Efficiently and successfully manage the grant cycle by putting in place robust mechanisms to start, implement and close grants in line with donor as well as Save the Children’s policies
• Ensure that adequate support to and monitoring of the field finance teams is provided by the finance and grants team at head office
• Ensure that grants are managed as per Save the Children’s and donors’ requirements including the quality and timely submission of reports

Partnership management, Development and Representation

• With the support from Partnership Manager, establish a quality partnership management environment through mutual respect and trust, robust partnership assessments, capacity building, project monitoring, sharing and networking by drawing support from technical resources from within the country programme.
• Support the Partnership Manager to establish, maintain, and improve active and regular working relationships with: host government authorities, donors, partner agencies including major institutional donors, UN Agencies and local and international NGOs. Ensure representation with Heads of UN agencies, donors based in Mogadishu and some CDs for INGOs already based in Mogadishu.
• Ensure that partners and SC staff understand and implement Save the Children's policies and procedures including child safeguarding, procurement, fraud and whistle blowing.
• Work with partners and SC staff to ensure that effective mechanisms are in place to listen to, act upon and address children's and communities' concerns/recommendations through active participation by children and communities in project design, monitoring and evaluations
• Ensure that partners understand and implement Save the Children’s policies and procedures including child safeguarding, procurement, fraud and whistle blowing.
• Support the Partnership Manager to ensure strong and vibrant local Civil Society Organisations are developed through our support in the areas we are implementing programmes
• Ensure appropriate representation in all relevant meetings: clusters, working groups, NGO Consortium, etc
• Responsible for building and maintaining good working relationship with relevant government institutions and representatives of federal member states and federal government of Somalia.

Emergency Response Management

·        Ensure that Southern States Area Office has an up-to-date, context-based and achievable Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP). .

·        With support from the Humanitarian advisor and under the leadership of the Operations Director, mount appropriate and timely responses at scale to all emergencies consistent with established benchmarks, plans and organizational policies, and in close cooperation with incoming surge teams.

• Working with Field Managers/their team and the Humanitarian manager, ensure that all relevant staffs across all work sectors are familiar with, adhere to and implement the procedures and processes detailed in the Rules and Principles for emergency response

Security Management and Context Monitoring

• Responsible for safety and security of all SCI staff and assets in Southern States of Somalia
• In close collaboration with the Security manager for Southern States, the Director of Security, the Field managers and the Security Focal Points, proactively monitor the political and security situation at both national and local level and ensure that a clear and updated security management plan is in place for all areas of operations in Southern States.
• As far as possible ensure that all staff are involved in the sharing of security related information, review of guidelines, protocols and developing security plans that should be formally reviewed on a weekly basis.
• In close collaboration with the security managers and the director of Security, the Field Managers and the Security Focal Points, report and manage any significant security incident in your area of operation. If this involves a “critical incident” the Director of Security, the DCD Operations and the CD must be informed immediately.
• Adapt to security constraints and ensure that staff are adequately aware of security risks and management issues in order to deliver projects for children.

·         Support the DCD Operations and the Director of Safety and Security to ensure that all safety and security minimum operating standards and in country guidelines and procedures are met by all area offices.

• Support the DCD Operations and the Director of Safety and Security in promoting a culture of security awareness and a shared duty of care amongst staff in area teams

BEHAVIOURS (Values in Practice)

Accountability:

·         Holds self accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values

·         Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities - giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved.

Ambition:

·         Sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves and their team, takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages their team to do the same

·         Widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others

·         Future orientated, thinks strategically and on a global scale.

Collaboration:

·         Builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, Members and external partners and supporters

·         Values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength

·         Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.

Creativity:

·         Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions.

·         Willing to take disciplined risks.

Integrity:

·         Honest, encourages openness and transparency; demonstrates highest levels of integrity.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

·         Masters in Development Studies or other Social Sciences.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Essential

·         Minimum of 10 years management experience in a corporate or an NGO environment, in a range of cultures including significant field operations experience, running both emergency and development programs.

·        Robust experience of NGO emergency program cycle management, and with experience of working within a complex and matrix organisation structure.

·        In depth understanding of at least two of the sectoral programs and a working knowledge of the program priorities of the Country Office.

·        Good understanding of international humanitarian systems, institutions and donors, and of procedures, accountability frameworks and best practices in emergency management.

·        Substantial and proven experience and knowledge of effective financial and budgetary control and securing and managing grants from major institutional donors.

·        Solid project management skills related to organisational development projects and international, cross- functional teams with a proven history of delivering results.

·        Ability to analyse information, evaluate options and to think and plan strategically.

·        An  in-depth  understanding  of  national  and  international  development  issues particularly in relation to children.

·        Previous  experience  of managing  and  developing  a  team  and  the  ability  to  lead, motivate and develop others.

·        Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.

·        Fluency in written and spoken English.

·        Ability and willingness to change work practices and hours, and work with incoming teams in the event of major emergencies

·        Willingness to spend up to 50% of time in visiting field offices security allowing.

·        Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children’s  aims, values and principles  including rights- based approaches.

We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse. Employment is subject to our Child protection standards including background checks and adherence to our Child Safeguarding Policy

Save the Children is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ and assign the best qualified talent. Female qualified candidates are encouraging to apply!

Disclaimer:

Save the Children International does not charge any kind of fee at whichever stage of the recruitment process and does not act through recruitment agents

Additional job responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties with respect to their level of skills and experience

Equal Opportunities

The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the SCI Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies and procedures. The post holder must commit to work in an international agency that respects racial diversity and fights racism in all forms; and to model positive behaviours and respect to all colleagues, partners and communities.

CHILD SAFEGUARING POLICY

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Adult Safeguarding

The post holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the SCI anti-harassment policy, all employees are also expected to carry out their duties in accordance with the SCI protection from sexual exploitation abuse policy.

Health and Safety

The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with SCI Health and Safety policies and procedures.

Save the Children is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ and assign the best qualified talent.

Qualified persons with disabilities and qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

https://stcuk.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=220002TB&lang=en

Date of issue:      April 2022                                                                   Author: SCI

Closing Date: Apr 24, 2022