Overview

POSITION TITLE: NATIONAL PROGRAMMES DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (NPDM)  1 POSITION)

Positions will based in the National Office in Manzini. The ideal candidates will be hired on a 3-year contract (renewable).

Position Summary:

The National Programme Development Manager (NPDM) ensures the implementation of the SOS Children’s Village Programme Policy and drives (steers) the implementation of quality child development programmes (work with families of origin; SOS families, other alternative family based care options and various programme interventions like direct essential services, capacity building and advocacy in the field of care, education and health). The NPDM ensures (or leads) the implementation of a quality assurance system within SOS Children’s Village Programmes including monitoring and evaluation. She/he leads the development of the national programme development strategy, related budgets and action plans. The NPDM participates in and/or initiates activities of the civil society, with the aim to improve conditions and change policies and practices that undermine the well-being and rights of children of our target group. As the direct superior, the NPDM leads national Programme Development Department staff members. Content wise, the NPDM receives guidance from the Regional Director Programme. As a member of the regional NPDM network, she/he shares good practices and experiences with colleagues from other MAs.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, Psychology, Project Management, Development studies, or related streams
  • 5 years of relevant experience out of which 3 years in senior leadership positions, experiences in working with the target group, i.e. vulnerable children, families and community
  • Good command of English, written and spoken

Competencies

Technical skills

  • Leadership experience that includes coaching staff to high levels of performance & perform effectively as a team & engaging in effective cross-cultural & cross-functional working to achieve shared goals.
  • Strong knowledge of Development theory, policy and practice, with a good knowledge of technical sectors, relief, advocacy & fundraising
  • Experienced networker and spokesperson in different technical programmatic communities of practice, media
  • Linking local level advocacy through to national as a credible voice to national audiences (government and multilaterals).
  • Maintaining a good up-to-date knowledge of the humanitarian sector.
  • Experience of developing, implementing and monitoring strategic and operational plans within a demanding organization
  • Confident competency in budget and financial management and monitoring with multiple stakeholders;
  • Experience in project management, planning, monitoring and evaluation
  • Good knowledge and understanding of children’s rights and rights-based approaches in the development of programmes
  • Awareness and understanding of social development issues including gender, education, health, HIV/AIDS, etc.
  • Computer literacy (MS Office and MS project)
  • Driving licence

 Core Competencies

  • Thinking clearly, deeply & broadly:  High level of conceptual & critical analytical skills with the ability to think strategically to identify key issues & required actions, to see cause & effect relationships & the big picture. Can lead effective long-term & short-term planning. Can inspire others to reflect and think strategically.
  • Achieving quality results & service: Planned & organized; able to manage expectations & prioritize competing demands from multiple stakeholders. Able to work with uncertainty and manage risk effectively. Positive, optimistic and resourceful in dealing with obstacles and with change.
  • Influencing groups & individuals: Ability to deal assertively & diplomatically with senior management in cross-cultural & cross-functional environments to influence strategy & change. Present arguments creatively & convincingly to bring about positive change in the thinking or behavior of others. Understand the different stakeholders & their main drivers. Ability to influence beyond formal authority, test ideas, & explore all sides of an issue.
  • Building collaborative relationships:  Excellent interpersonal skills, a team player able to provide leadership & management to others, also strong networking skills. Ability to inspire high levels of team performance & deal with conflict to bring cooperation. Gains the trust of others.
  • Communicating information effectively: Excellent level of verbal & written communication, facilitation & training skills. Facilitates appropriate information flow within teams, across entities & with key stakeholders.
  • Understanding the Humanitarian industry: Strong knowledge of international development and of NGOs and the role of civil society, governments, donors and the private sector.
  • Practicing integrity and accountability:Integrity derived from self-knowledge, candor & maturity demonstrated throughout professional life. Sets and lives by high ethical standards. Seeks accountable relationships and acts with transparency.
  • Practicing gender and cultural diversity: a broad understanding of differences in gender and culture, respect for and appreciation to gender and cultural values, and ability to communicate and build relationships cross-culturally.
  • Practicing innovation & change: Ability to foster an environment of creativity, seeking excellence through new work approaches & innovative programming. Adapts well to a changing environment.
  • Learning for growth & development: Strong self-awareness, with underlying self-belief but open & realistic about limitations as well as talents. Can create a sense of authority, authenticity & trust. Emotional intelligence. Responsible for own behavior. Clear professional & personal goals and commitment to continual learning and development.

Maintaining work / life balance & effectiveness: Takes time for reflection. Sets, maintains and negotiates boundaries and commitments with others effectively. Aware to common stressors and their impact and adopts healthy coping behavior.

 SOS Children’s Villages offers a competitive package, including a 13th Cheque and 50% medical aid cover.

active participation within the community is expected in order to help the communities reach self-reliance.

If you are interested in the above post, please send by email a detailed CV and letter of application to: recruitment@sos-swaziland.org . Enclose a detailed CV, cover letter and names of three most recent referees. If you are not contacted within 10 working days after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

 Submission requirements are as follows:

    1. An application letter and CV (The curriculum vitae to be submitted as one document. Pictures of CVs or pages of a CV that are submitted as separate documents will not be considered).
    2. Certified Qualification Copies.
    3. Electronic submission: The subject of the email should be the position that one is applying for and the name and surname of the applicant. Example of format: NPDM /Peter Johnson.
    4. Three (3) most recent job references. Character references will not be accepted.

Closing date for applications is the 18 September 2023, close of business day. No application will be accepted if submitted after the closing date.