Deputy Director - Program Operations
ROLE PURPOSE:
As a senior leader reporting to the Country Director, the Deputy Director of Program Operations (DDPO) is a key member of the Sri Lanka Senior Management Team (SMT). The DDPO is responsible for overseeing the implementation of all programming in the country, excluding the USDA-funded project. This role includes the direct management of a team of Senior Managers and ensuring the effective delivery of appropriate and responsive programs, humanitarian response and preparedness (including anticipatory action), as well as overall supply chain operations for the Country Programme in Sri Lanka.
The post-holder will be required to maintain strong and sustained coordination with the Director of Programme Development and Quality to ensure program impact, donor reporting, and monitoring and evaluation. Additionally, the post-holder will effectively manage partner relations and implement best practices in partnership, supporting the Country Office`s localization agenda and engaging with other stakeholders in both development and humanitarian settings.
This position is responsible for ensuring effective project budget management and the timely, high-quality delivery of planned projects and programs. The post-holder will provide guidance and management support to direct reports, including Project Managers overseeing both Humanitarian and Development Projects, as well as supply chain functions under their management. The post-holder will be accountable for all aspects of program implementation, including administration, project-related procurement and supplies, financial management, quality reporting, and facilitating learning. They will also oversee Supply Chain Leadership and overall supply chain operations, ensuring adherence to Save the Children’s standards.
Additionally, the post holder will work closely with the Senior Risk Manager, Risk Owners and the Senior Management Team (SMT) on Country Office risk management aspects, ensuring that Project Management Essentials (PRIME) are effectively adopted, and that progress is systematically and timely achieved.
ACCOUNTABILTY:
Program Management & Delivery:
- Coordinate both direct and partnership program implementation to deliver high-quality programming aligned with the country strategy and donor requirements.
- Oversee budget and grant management to ensure compliance with organizational and donor standards, particularly for multi-sector grants.
- The DPO is responsible for the performance of KPIs and is expected to effectively coordinate with departments to develop and implement regular improvement plans.
- Support Program Cycle Management and adherence to MEAL protocols, guiding Program Managers on focus and priorities.
- Collaborate with Program Development and Quality staff to design innovative, high-quality programs for hard-to-reach children, covering feasibility, methodology, and implementation.
- Establish and implement robust remote management methodologies and standardized practices (delegation, planning, reporting, capacity building).
- Participate in the program proposal process and ensure compliance with grant agreements, timely completion, and budget adherence.
- Make decisions on site and activity selection, working with the Field Manager, and ensure grants are managed per the Scheme of Delegation.
- Ensure programs are responsive to community needs, aligning with Save the Children principles and compliance procedures, and support national capacity strengthening.
- Oversee the preparation of timely and high-quality progress, program, and donor reports.
- Coordinate with Program Development and Quality to meet technical requirements.
Staff Management, Mentorship, and Development:
- Ensure appropriate staffing levels and roles for the direct reports.
- Guarantee staff readiness for emergency roles and manage Program Managers, setting expectations, providing support, and conducting regular evaluations.
- Focus on capacity building for national staff, and regularly reviewing and adjusting performance plans.
- Develop staff through training and professional development opportunities, in coordination with HR.
- Implement a results-based system and manage staff performance using the Performance Management System, including objective setting, feedback, evaluations, and development opportunities.
Representation and Coordination:
- Assist the CD and SMT in building and maintaining active relationships with host government authorities, donors, partner agencies, and local and international NGOs.
- Foster an organizational culture that reflects dual mandate values, promotes accountability, high performance, and a culture of learning and innovation.
- Act as Country Directors when required.
Planning, & Budgeting:
- Facilitates the updating/development of Detail Implementation (DIP) Plans, phased budgets and program implementation strategies for each of the projects and ensure they are followed thoroughly by all project/program managers.
- Tracking program progress and budget expenses of all field offices, partners, projects and take corrective actions as required.
Procurement & Supply Chain:
- Provide management oversight to the procurement and supply chain team.
- Ensure that P&SC function can effectively deliver quality goods and services on time based on the needs from the programs and CO needs.
- Ensure that P&SC provides necessary support to the programs across the organization in planning their needs, influence positively the impact of Save the Children programs and implementation
- Ensure resources are used in the best way; ensure transparency and accountability and at time of humanitarian response adhering with the emergency preparedness plan of the SC country office, in conjunction with the humanitarian lead.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A Masters’ degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Business Management, or a related field.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- A minimum of 10 years of management experience with at least 7 years in a senior management role preferably in an I/NGO environment, including experience in directing and implementing programs for children in both emergency and development contexts.
- Demonstrated significant experience in Humanitarian response and thematic programs in a developing country context.
- An in-depth understanding of national and international development issues in particular in relation to children.
- Prior experience in working with the UN, INGOs, CSOs, Government and Private sector.
- Solid project management skills related to organizational development projects and international, cross-functional teams with a proven history of delivering results.
- Substantial and proven experience and knowledge of effective financial and budgetary control and securing and managing grants from major institutional donors.
- Demonstrated management and development of diverse teams of national and international professional staff.
- Proven sound strategic thinking and planning skills, including ability to think creatively and be innovative, set priorities, manage work plans and evaluate progress.
- Highly developed relationship-building, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
- A good understanding of the mandate of Save the Children, commitment to and understanding of child rights, the aims and principles of Save the Children, and its humanitarian standards such as Child Safeguarding and the Code of Conduct.
- Willingness to travel to operations sites for technical monitoring and supervision visits
- Proven ability to lead a diverse team, provide clear direction, delegate tasks, and ensure efficient collaboration among team members and stakeholders.
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