Overview
The Deputy Director of Programs (DDP) is a key member of the Senior Management Team responsible for leading program strategy, project management, business development, and ensuring compliance with donor regulations in Colombia and Ecuador.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead program strategy in alignment with local government policies.
- Guide sound project management following industry best practices.
- Support business development efforts and ensure compliance with donor regulations.
- Manage all programming in Colombia and partner-led outreach programs in Ecuador.
- Provide leadership to all program staff.
- Lead the development and execution of the Country Strategic Plan.
- Oversee technical coordinators and project leads.
- Coordinate with regional teams, technical advisors, and other senior staff.
- Develop and execute sustainable program growth initiatives.
- Implement the IRC’s business development strategy.
- Submit innovative, high-quality proposals.
- Ensure project design reflects IRC’s program quality standards.
- Provide guidance for programming decisions based on needs assessments and community input.
- Formulate integrated program initiatives.
- Provide overall leadership and management of the program portfolio.
- Strengthen the capacities of program team members.
- Develop and adapt project implementation plans.
- Coordinate with SMT members on management, compliance, and performance standards.
- Collaborate with the Security Coordinator on security protocols.
- Support staff in collecting and disseminating lessons learned.
- Develop MEAL plans and tools.
- Review MEAL data to identify areas for improvement.
- Ensure responsive feedback channels for clients.
- Manage partnerships and grants.
- Lead the country program’s localization strategy.
- Ensure safeguards risks and mitigation measures are addressed.
- Ensure quality grants management and compliance.
- Oversee internal and external reports.
- Ensure routine monitoring visits to implementation sites.
- Coordinate sound budget management and expenditure control.
- Ensure adherence to the IRC’s program management cycle.
- Review budget versus actual expenditure reports.
- Mitigate risks by collaborating with finance and operations.
- Ensure timely closure of all grants.
- Represent the IRC to partners, government, and donors.
- Develop strong relationships with donors.
- Build and maintain cooperation with partner organizations.
- Act as the focal point for program-related communication.
- Oversee programmatic input into advocacy efforts.
- Identify, recruit, and onboard new staff.
- Lead or support recruitment for key program positions.
- Create a supervisory environment focused on clients and results.
- Comply with the IRC’s performance management system.
- Strengthen program staff capacities in project management principles.
Required Experience
Minimum 5 years managing teams in Latin America; Minimum eight years of management experience working in a humanitarian or development setting, with at least five years of program management experience at international NGOs. Demonstrated experience successfully leading multidisciplinary teams in cross-cultural settings, including active mentoring and coaching. Experience managing security in complex and rapidly evolving security contexts. Experience managing protection, ERD, and/or health programs, a plus. Experience in strengthening organizational capacities and building partnerships is valued. Prior experience managing programs funded by U.S. government agencies, DFID, the EU, foundations, and private donors is required; prior experience in competitive environments is valued. Proven ability to manage projects through to completion, on time, within budget, and with the expected results.
Qualifications
Master’s degree in Development Studies, International Relations, Social Sciences, or a related field.
