Based in Maroua, the Program Manager (PM) works under the direct supervision of the Area Manager Far North. The PM is responsible for the proper implementation of projects and the management of DRC teams in the region. To this end, he will have to ensure the quality of programming while guaranteeing strict compliance with DRC and donor procedures. He will contribute to the visibility and strategic development of DRC as well as coordination with all stakeholders.

For this position, DRC is looking for a person with proven experience in the management and supervision of several multi-sector projects in difficult contexts.

To be the chosen candidate for this position, you must demonstrate an excellent understanding of project management and coordination, strong managerial skills including staff support, a proactive posture and a great ability to achieve quality results in a short time. You also have a good ability to develop a strategic vision and operationalize it, are autonomous, flexible and attentive.  

3. Responsibilities

The responsibilities listed are not exhaustive and could be readjusted according to operational needs identified at the time as long as they remain consistent with the general responsibilities of the position.

Programmatic management

• Planning  : Ensures that projects have up-to-date planning and effective and qualitative monitoring tools. Ensures that SOPs/Terms of Reference are available and validated for all activities. Ensures the involvement of technical coordinators in the planning and implementation of projects. Ensures that project launch, monitoring and closing meetings are carried out. Ensures the monitoring and analysis of program indicators to ensure that the set objectives are achieved;
• Partnership Management  : Management of partnerships in line with the strategy of DRC Cameroon. Is responsible for the involvement and commitment of partners in the implementation of activities and the achievement of all commitments according to the terms of the signed sub-subsidy contracts.
• Internal Coordination  : Conducts regular follow-up visits of teams and activities in the field; ensures good coordination with all departments. Guarantees ongoing communication on the project in order to identify opportunities for synergies and possible pooling with other projects in the area.
• External coordination  : Active engagement with other actors in the same locality/implementation sector, participation in external coordination meetings and sharing of reports.

Grant management

• Contract monitoring: control of contracts signed with donors for projects under his/her responsibility and is responsible for compliance with contractual commitments on projects.
• Communication and visibility: Ensures that DRC’s commitments in terms of communication and visibility are fulfilled in conjunction with the communications team based in Yaoundé.
• Project Development: Is a driving force for proposals for funding opportunities and, in close collaboration with the AM and the HoP based in Yaoundé, actively contributes to and supports the writing of concept notes and project proposals by identifying and supervising needs or impact assessments.

Quality Control

• Coordinates with the MEAL department to organize field assessments and feedback sessions with all program teams. Provides programmatic insight to MEAL reports.
• Ensures that MEAL staff on base have weekly coordination meetings for activity planning
• Collect lessons learned and best practices as well as case studies (from DRC and/or other partners) that can be used in reports to donors and DRC communication materials.
• Ensures that all activities are implemented in accordance with the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and DRC policies; Ensures that gender is taken into account throughout the project cycle; Applies DRC Cameroon’s recommendations on accountability.

team management

• Recruitment  : Recruitment of project implementation staff in line with needs and necessary resources. Preparation of staff TDRs, tests and interviews in collaboration with HR departments.
• Team Management  : Coaches the project team for effective and efficient completion of the project cycle and implementation of activities. Ensures that project teams work closely with the support team to adhere to DRC policies and procedures on financing, procurement and logistics, including effective weekly, monthly and quarterly planning; Reports resource/staff management issues to the Area Manager for decision. Organizes staff leave effectively.
• Staff Development  : Identifies training needs – in line with project themes and internal and external training opportunities based on the budget available on the project; Contributes to career management within DRC; Organization of quality assessment with performance objectives for all team members
• Budget Monitoring  : Masters budget monitoring tools and makes realistic and real-time forecasts. Ensures overall consistency in the use of budget lines for program activities, for effective and efficient use of resources, including financial and human, and all assets; Is proactive in identifying risks of over/under spending and proposes solutions to resolve identified risks.
• Purchasing  : Ensures that projects are covered by an up-to-date purchasing plan in coordination with logistics. Plans and monitors purchases with the logistics department. Ensures that DRC procedures are applied in terms of ordering, transport, receiving and storing purchases. Participates in purchasing committees when necessary.
• Fleet of vehicles  : Consolidates movement requests for project teams and shares them with the logistics team for consolidation and transmission to the Area Manager. Ensures an organized and reasoned use of movements, in line with programmatic requirements
• Communication  : Consolidates communication needs for project teams. Ensures rational use of communication resources in collaboration with the Yaoundé communications team.

Security and Access Management

• Maintains a close relationship with the Security Officer to develop increased knowledge of the intervention area and threats;
• Ensure awareness among project teams of applicable DRC security rules and support the Security Officer in ensuring their application at all levels;
• Immediately report any violations of security protocols and recommend appropriate action, in accordance with DRC procedures.

Representation and relationships

• Support the Area Manager to represent DRC programs as required in the Far North region;
• Closely coordinate DRC activities with national authorities, UN agencies and local/international NGOs, as well as other stakeholders as needed;

Develop close relationships and communicate regularly with refugee representatives, local leaders and technical services, and support the Area Manager in relations with administrative authorities, etc.

The PM is expected to perform any other duties required by his hierarchy and appropriate to his position.

4. Required qualifications

Experience and skills required

• At least 3 years of experience as a project manager (project leader), and at least 2 years in the Coordination of multi-sectoral programs
• Experience in the sectors of Protection and Food Security and Economic Recovery, including cash transfers
• Experience with donors ECHO, BHA, European Union
• At least 3 years of experience in managing multidisciplinary teams
• Experience in training, technical advice and supervision of teams, partners and beneficiaries;
• Ability to transmit skills through theoretical and practical training in an effective, clear and precise manner;
• Ability to organize and supervise data collection via a tablet (kobo);
• Practical knowledge of Excel, Word, etc. software;
• Knowledge of the Far North region and particularly the Department of Mayo Tsanaga;
• Good oral and written communication skills;
• Strong management and leadership skills in a pressured environment;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Professionalism and respect for deadlines and commitments; Organizational skills; Proactivity and sense of teamwork
• Ready to work in a rural setting and difficult conditions. 

Education:

• Master II in economic development, agriculture or any other equivalent diploma
• Excellent command of Excel
• Proficiency in Word and Outlook
• ERP experience desired

LANGUAGES :

• Complete professional mastery of French required.
• Good level of English a plus.
• Knowledge of the local language (Mafa, Haoussa, Fufuldé, etc.)

Main working relationships:

• DRC Staff and Partners
• Service providers
• Landlords
• Auditors

5. General regulations 

• The employee must follow DRC’s instructions regarding security, confidentiality and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Responsibility Framework 
• The employee must not carry out any other paid activity during the duration of the DRC contract without prior authorization. 
• The Employee shall not engage in any activity that may be detrimental to DRC or the implementation of any project during the term of the DRC contract. 
• The employee must not give interviews to the media or publish photos related to DRC programs or share other materials without receiving prior authorization. 
• The employee must return all equipment loaned by DRC to perform the work after the end of the contract period or upon request by DRC. 

6. Skills and qualities required

• In this role, you must demonstrate the five essential DRC skills, namely:
  • Striving for Excellence: You focus on achieving results while ensuring an efficient process. You strive to produce accurate, thorough and professional work with optimal use of time and effort.
  • Collaborate: You cooperate with and engage stakeholders, actively seeking their opinions and sharing key information with them. You support and trust others, while encouraging feedback.
  • Taking the Lead: You take responsibility and prioritize your work based on DRC’s overall vision and goals. You take the initiative when faced with a challenge or opportunity and seek innovative solutions.
  • Communicate: You write and speak effectively and honestly while adapting your style and tone to the situation. You actively listen to others and involve them in dialogue.
  • Demonstrate Integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values ​​and code of conduct, including protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.