Regional Program Delivery Advisor - WACAR

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.The IRC has been present in the West and Central Africa region (WACAR) since the 1990s and is currently operating in Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon & CAR, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Niger and Nigeria. The IRC in WACAR implements programs through the arc of crisis, in emergencies, humanitarian and development contexts. As an organization and within WACAR, the IRC uses its influence and raises the voice of our clients to effect meaningful change.Job Overview / Summary:The Regional Program Delivery Advisor role is pivotal in strengthening the quality and effectiveness of program delivery across the West and Central Africa Region (WACAR). This position provides strategic support to country programs, to multi-country project leads, and ensures robust project management systems are in place. Under direct supervisor of the WACAR Deputy Regional Director (DRD), this role will work closely with Country project leads, Regional Technical Leads, the Director of Awards Management, RPAS team, and regional finance team, as well as the Delivery Support Deputy Director at HQ level to pilot new approaches, enhance adaptive management practices, and ensure excellence in project implementation.This role requires a dynamic leader who can operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels, bridging headquarters guidance with on-the-ground realities.Major Responsibilities:1. Regional Coordination and Strategic Support● Serve as the primary focal point for program delivery support across the region, working closely with the Regional Vice President (RVP), Deputy Regional Director (DRD), and Director of Awards Management (DAM).● Coordinate with the Delivery Support Deputy Director at HQ to ensure regional alignment with global program delivery standards, systems, and innovations.● Champion adaptive management approaches across the region, ensuring programs remain responsive to changing contexts and emerging needs.2. Country Program Support and Project Management● Provide targeted technical support to Senior Program Coordinators, Project Leads of high complex projects or projects at risk in implementing project management best practices, including PCM routines and data & performance systems.● Work with country teams to strengthen their project management capacity through assessment of staffing structures, skills gaps, use of tools, and performance routines.● Support country teams in implementing Data & Performance Routines for large-scale/complex projects, including quarterly status monitoring and bi-annual HQ PIMs.● Provide hands-on advice, convene learning workshops, and direct mentorship to country program teams on adaptive project management approaches.● Help country teams analyze and use data for learning and adapting, particularly through Project Cycle Management (PCM) routines.● In collaboration with regional functional leads, support country program teams (re)structuring discussions to optimize delivery capacity and effectiveness.● Foster a culture of learning, accountability, and continuous improvement among project leadership.● Participate in / be member of Project Steering Committees for any high value / highly complex / sub-regional award3. Financial Management and Oversight● Collaborate with the Regional Finance Director and regional finance team to ensure strong financial management across priority projects.● Support project teams in addressing financial risks, by close monitoring of financial performance and implementing corrective actions together with regional finance team.● Participate in Regional Finance Reviews, providing program delivery perspectives on financial performance.● Work with awards management and finance teams to streamline financial processes and resolve implementation challenges.4. Piloting New Approaches and Innovation● Design and pilot innovative project management approaches, tools, and systems in coordination with HQ Program Delivery team.● Lead pilot initiatives on adaptive management practices, partnership approaches, and delivery models.● Document and share lessons learned from pilots to inform regional and global rollout.● Support the uptake of Project Learning Meetings (PLM) as part of wider PCM approach, identifying barriers and opportunities to expand good practice.5. Coordination with Regional Technical Leads● Work closely with Regional Technical Leads across all technical sectors to ensure technical quality and program delivery excellence are mutually reinforcing.● Facilitate coordination between project management systems and technical quality assurance processes.● Support integration of technical expertise and lessons learned into project design, implementation, and learning processes.● Participate in Regional Program Quality Reviews and other technical coordination mechanisms as appropriate and requested.6. Data, Performance, and Quality Assurance● Ensure priority projects maintain quarterly status updates using standardized templates and dashboards (OTIS Portfolio Dashboard, Program Indicator Dashboard).● Facilitate embedded priority project updates in Regional Finance Reviews, Regional Roundtables, Regional Leadership Team meetings, and Regional Program Quality Reviews.● Monitor operational, financial, reputational, and strategic risks across priority projects, escalating concerns as needed.● Support preparation of quarterly reports for HQ-level Project Implementation Meetings (PIMs) for strategic projects.7. Capacity Building and Training● Develop and deliver training programs for regional and country teams on good/adaptive project management practices.● Enhance existing training packages and guidance on strategy development and project cycle processes with adaptive management lens.● Identify capacity gaps in project management skills and develop targeted interventions.● Create and maintain guidance materials on organizational design for optimal delivery.● Build capacity of country teams in data analysis, performance monitoring, and evidence-based decision-making.● Foster a regional community of practice on project management excellence.Skills, Experience, and QualificationsEssential:▪ Master's Degree in a relevant field.▪ Minimum 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience within the humanitarian and/or development sector, including significant experience working at the regional level.▪ Demonstrated expertise in project management best practices, including Project Cycle Management, adaptive management approaches, and data-driven decision-making.▪ Strong experience in program delivery support, including systems strengthening, capacity building, and quality assurance.▪ Experience working with financial management systems, budget monitoring, and donor compliance requirements.▪ Strong experience providing technical capacity building support to frontline implementation teams.▪ Proven experience developing and delivering training programs and guidance materials.▪ Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative initiatives with stakeholders from various departments and levels.▪ Strong analytical skills with ability to use data for performance management and strategic decision-making.▪ Experience with program monitoring systems and dashboards (OTIS, Power BI, or similar platforms preferred).▪ Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively manage multiple stakeholder relationships in a multicultural environment.▪ Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and French, with ability to develop clear, accessible communications materials.▪ Ability to work productively and accurately under pressure in a fast-paced, demanding environment.▪ Flexible work attitude, with ability to work independently and collaboratively.▪ Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.▪ Ability to travel within the region (up to 20-30%).Key Competencies:▪ Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture while managing operational details; connecting regional delivery support to global strategic objectives.▪ Collaboration and Influence: Building strong partnerships across functions and levels; influencing without direct authority.▪ Adaptive and Agile: Comfortable with ambiguity and change; ability to pilot new approaches and learn from experience.▪ Systems Thinking: Understanding interdependencies between program delivery, technical quality, finance, and awards management.▪ Problem-Solving: Creative and practical approach to addressing complex challenges.▪ Accountability and Results-Orientation: Strong commitment to achieving results and meeting commitments.▪ Learning Orientation: Commitment to continuous improvement and evidence-based practice.▪ Cultural Competence: Ability to work effectively across diverse cultural contexts with sensitivity and respect.Reporting StructureReports to: WACAR Deputy Regional Director (DRD)Dotted Line: Senior Program Coordinators, Delivery Support Deputy Director at HQ level (Program Delivery Strategy & Performance team)Key Working Relationships: Director of Awards Management, Regional Technical Leads, RPAS team, Regional Finance Director and regional finance team, Country Program leadership, HQ Program Delivery team, Technical Excellence teams, Emergencies Unit,PROFESSIONAL STANDARDSAll International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettingsHOW TO APPLYhttps://theirc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/External_Careers/job/Nairobi-IHUB-Kenya/Regional-Program-Delivery-Advisor---WACAR_JR00002725