POSITION: Senior Program Manager
Company Overview
iDE is an international non-profit organization dedicated to assisting individuals in overcoming poverty through innovative approaches.
For 41 years, and for the past decade in Ghana, iDE has been at the forefront of developing solutions to provide access to clean water and sanitation, while also enhancing agricultural income.
In Ghana, iDE focuses on establishing sustainable business models in the sectors of water, sanitation, hygiene, and agriculture. Our collective commitment to fostering new business opportunities is empowering local entrepreneurs throughout the nation.
By offering affordable products and services, we are making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve and care about. Currently, we employ over 200 staff across 41 regions in Ghana.
Job Summary
The Senior Program Manager (SPM) for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) at iDE Ghana is responsible for the planning, implementation, management, oversight, and evaluation of the organization’s WASH projects.
This role encompasses existing programs, new initiatives, and consulting services, making it crucial for fostering collaboration and ensuring efficient operations.
The SPM-WASH is dedicated to coordinating activities, ensuring quality control, and supervising Project Managers and Team Leaders in accordance with national and international standards, thereby guaranteeing the high quality of all WASH projects.
As part of the senior management team, the SPM-WASH participates in strategic planning and budgeting and plays a key role in problem-solving. They are expected to adhere to the policies and objectives of iDE and will take the lead in managing the iDE Ghana WASH program.
In this capacity, the SPM-WASH will guide the planning and execution of designated WASH projects, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and goals. They will oversee the performance of Project Managers and their teams, promoting a supportive peer environment.
This position requires close collaboration with leadership, senior management, the Business and Fund Development team, the Operations team, and the Global Programs team, particularly the Global WASH unit at the iDE Head Office.
TASKS AND JOB EXPECTATIONS
Strategic Development
- Lead the initiative to formulate a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) markets and advancing both current and future WASH projects in iDE Ghana.
- Design, implement, and continually refine iDE Ghana’s WASH programs to increase visibility and effectiveness.
- Collaborate with iDE Global to align with its 10-year plan by incorporating insights and perspectives from Ghana, ensuring the overall framework is tailored to the country’s context.
- Ensure that all WASH initiatives align with iDE’s objectives and the specific needs of Ghana, making necessary adjustments to respond to evolving circumstances and requirements.
- Advocate for and implement the principles of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI).
- Collaborate closely with iDE Ghana’s GESI & Design Coordinator to integrate these principles into all aspects of program planning and execution.
Technical Leadership
- Oversee and manage all ongoing and new water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects within iDE Ghana.
- Ensure that every project is meticulously planned, initiated, executed, and completed in accordance with iDE Ghana’s quality standards, donor requirements, project objectives, and best practices in the field.
- Provide training and support in WASH to staff and partner organizations to enhance program quality and effectiveness.
- Focus on essential elements such as management, funding, technology, environmental considerations, corporate engagement, and the scalability of these initiatives.
- Lead the development of program evaluation, integrating industry best practices, and exploring opportunities for research and dissemination of knowledge on WASH while implementing the MERL policy.
- Share effective strategies and lessons learned to contribute to the agency’s knowledge-sharing objectives and ensure the inclusion of innovative approaches and best practices.
- Ensure a comprehensive understanding of the sector, integrating it into WASH programs that address agriculture, employment, environmental issues, health, nutrition, and education.
- Ensure that WASH projects account for climate change challenges, particularly focusing on mitigation, adaptation, and safeguarding water resources and biodiversity.
Program Supervision and Management
- Responsible for ensuring the successful execution of assigned WASH projects.
- This includes meeting targets, adhering to donor regulations, executing planned activities, and monitoring monthly progress to identify necessary adjustments for achieving project and program goals.
- Collaborate with other country offices and headquarters on technical tasks, ensuring adherence to the “do no harm” principle while supporting clients’ success.
- Conduct regular site visits to assess project progress, build relationships, and ensure smooth operations.
Report Writing
- Support the drafting of reports to ensure accuracy, consistency, and timely submission to donors.
- Document program successes, compelling individual stories, lessons learned, and effective practices to share internally and externally.
- Track any challenges or gaps and communicate them for timely adjustments to plans and schedules. Assist teams in documenting insights gained from their projects.
- Uphold and promote iDE’s values of integrity, ensuring the program team adheres to procedures in logistics, procurement, human resources, and finance.
- Ensure that programs prioritize vulnerable groups, including gender-related issues, and integrate risk reduction strategies at all phases.
Continuous Learning
- Foster a culture of ongoing learning and development. Adapt programs to meet emerging challenges and seek opportunities for enhancement and growth.
- Establish robust systems for tracking and evaluating outcomes, facilitating informed decision-making.
Building Relationships and Fundraising
Building Partnerships: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key donors, partners, and stakeholders to secure funding and support for WASH initiatives. Actively participate in critical meetings and discussions to promote iDE Ghana’s water and sanitation objectives, enhancing visibility and impact.
Partnership Evaluation: Identify, assess, and optimize partnerships related to WASH projects using effective methodologies and tools.
Opportunity Development: Collaborate with the business development team to identify and pursue funding opportunities that align with iDE’s mission.
Proposal Management: Lead the proposal process, creating compelling proposals for both solicited and unsolicited opportunities, including overseeing technical discussions with partners.
Team Management and Development
Leadership and Support: Provide clear guidance and support in daily operations to team members, including the Sama Sama Team, Head of Business Operations, and Head of Credit & Finance, ensuring alignment toward shared goals and priorities.
Team Development: Regularly assess team members’ performance, establish growth plans, and identify training needs to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency.
Collaboration: Promote teamwork among the Sama Sama Team, Business Operations, and Credit & Finance departments to ensure seamless execution of WASH projects and alignment of program and operational goals.
Team Dynamics: Foster positive relationships within the team, resolve conflicts promptly, and create an inclusive, goal-oriented environment.
Goal Setting and Planning: Collaborate with team members to develop annual work plans and establish clear, measurable objectives to maintain accountability and achieve important program targets.
Required Skills and Experience
- At least 5 years of experience in leadership within the WASH sector.
- Proven skills in WASH, public health, market systems enhancement, or creative financing for global development.
- Demonstrated abilities in directing strategic programming and planning initiatives to guarantee program efficiency.
- Capability to handle diverse (multicultural, functional, socio-economic, educational, and professional) teams with robust teamwork skills, outstanding communication proficiency in a multicultural setting, and the ability for inclusive leadership.
- A well-established network in the WASH sector in Ghana
- Demonstrated ability in composing proposals and obtaining funding for initiatives.
- Proven experience in leading integrated advocacy, communication, and fundraising strategies to advance program goals.
- Capacity to succeed in a fast-paced and high-stress situation, showcasing flexibility and endurance.
- Capability to offer guidance and advisory assistance to the technical team.
- Awareness of issues in rural settings and when engaging with women, youth, and ethnic communities.
- A strong dedication to iDE’s principles and goals.
- Exhibits compassion, modesty, genuineness, and regard in the work environment.
- A strong sense of responsibility towards all duties and accountability for the role.
- Readiness to assume extra responsibilities associated with the position.
COMPENSATION AND PERKS
The compensation and perks for this role are competitive and correspond with IDE’s salary framework tailored to the specific country where IDE operates.
How to Apply
Prospective applicants must send their CV, cover letter including 2 recent referees, and all pertinent educational certificates through Workable by January 22, 2025.
How to Apply for this Job Recruitment at iDE Ghana
Closing Date: January 31, 2025
NOTE:
It is important to keep in mind that employers receive many applications for each job posting and will only select the most qualified candidates.
NOTE:
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