Head of Programme - Humanitarian Action Terre des Hommes Netherlands

Duty Station: Nairobi, Phnom Penh or the Hague 
Deadline for Applications: 14 March 2023, 5pm
Starting Date: As soon as possible 
Contract Type: Full time (36 hours per week), one year contract with a possibility of extension.
Job Level: 13
Salary Range: Euro 4.682 - 5.700 (based on Netherlands rates, location adjustment will apply)

About Terre des Hommes Netherlands

Terre des Hommes Netherlands is part of the International Federation of Terre des Hommes organisations, a strategic partnership of member organisations sharing the same brand name and core values for joint lobby and advocacy around children’s rights. Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL) protects children by preventing and stopping child exploitation, and by empowering children to make their voices count. Our work is grounded in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and seeks to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Under our new Global Strategy (2023 - 2030), TdH NL is redefining and refining our role as a child rights organisation, with the strategic ambition that “by 2030, Terre des Hommes Netherlands is a catalyst for systemic change to stop child exploitation. We do this by empowering children and their communities, connecting them with those who have power to enact change, and utilising our knowledge and expertise to co-create sustainable, evidence-based solutions.” 

TdH Netherlands is led by a three-headed Executive Team: the Managing Director, the Director of Operations and the Director of Programmes. 

The values of TdH Netherlands are: Responsible, Bold, Human-Centred and Playful.

The organisation's core principles are: (1) Children at the Centre, (2) Intersectionality and Power Awareness, (3) Safety and Wellbeing, (4) Sustainability, and (5) Meaningful and Strategic Partnerships.

In line with our new strategy, TdH NL is in the process of establishing four Global Programmes under which our portfolio of humanitarian and development projects and programmes will be managed. These are: 1. Worst Forms of Child Labour, 2. Sexual Exploitation of Children, 3. Humanitarian Action, and 4. Child Trafficking and Migration. Our programmatic work is supported by two cross-programmatic units: Programme Development and Quality (PDQ), and Research, Expertise and Influencing (REI). Aligned to our new strategy, and based on many years of experience as a child rights organisation, we aim to consolidate our expertise and programme management, informed by research, to bring about sustainable and systemic change in the lives of children, and to hold duty bearers accountable.

Position Summary

Terre des Hommes Netherlands is looking for a Head of Programme  - Humanitarian Action (HoP - HA), full time, to be based in one of Terre des Hommes Netherlands’ global support offices (Nairobi, Phnom Penh, or The Hague). Flexible working may be considered. This role will provide critical thought leadership and strategic direction to the portfolio of HA projects and programmes of TdH Netherlands, in alignment with the Global Strategy 2023 - 2030. The initial contract period will be for one year with the possibility of extension. The position holder reports to the Director of Programmes and directly manages a small, globally dispersed team.

The HoP - HA  has a key role in leading the programmatic work of the organisation on HA. The HoP - HA will, with the support of REI and PDQ teams, work to build knowledge on how to best address child exploitation in humanitarian settings, share resources and knowledge among the projects and programmes, and ultimately, through research, seek to develop a model of intervention (combination of activities) that is shown to be effective in preventing and ending child exploitation.

This is a new role within the organisation: in their first year, the position holder will lead the creation and set-up of the global programme. This will include the development of a global programme framework and advocacy, research and learning agendas, in coordination with other senior leaders within the Programmes Department. The HoP - HA will also oversee the consolidation of the organisation’s existing HA-related projects and programmes under the global programme, in close coordination with Country Directors and Programme Managers, Coordinators and Officers. The HoP - HA will manage one staff (the Senior Coordinator HA). Country-based project and programme implementation teams report to the Country Director, with technical lines to the Heads of Programme. Some travel to TdH Netherlands countries of operation will be required. 

Key for this position is also the collaboration with the five other Heads and two Regional Directors within the Programmes Department, as well as the development and execution of strategic partnerships in coordination with the Manager of Strategy & Partnerships. The HoP - HA will provide technical steer for the organisation on HA, and contribute towards the realisation of the Global Strategy 2023 - 2030 while safeguarding the gains made under the existing committed projects and programmes. 

It is important to note that the organisation is currently in a phase of restructuring and redefinition of processes as part of the transition to the Global Strategy 2023 - 2030. Some flexibility and willingness to navigate within a changing environment at the outset is therefore required.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic, technical and programmatic responsibilities

• Provide technical and strategic steer to their global programme in alignment with TdH NL’s core documents (ToC, global strategy and core principles), and provide technical input on HA to other teams/departments as needed.
• Ensure the global programme’s portfolio of programmes and projects contribute to progress on the overall global programme’s ToC and goals (model development, L&A agenda, research and learning agenda, etc.).
• Deliver thought leadership on their programmatic theme (HA); stay on top of global developments in the relevant field and bring ideas and knowledge to the work of TdH NL.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities to further the work of the global programme, with support from the Resource Mobilisation team.
• Support development of tools, processes and guidelines for the successful implementation of the global programme.
• Contribute to knowledge building and knowledge sharing both internally and externally, including through sharing of key developments and lessons learned within the global programme.
• Represent TdH NL and the HA global programme in relevant thematic alliances, conferences and other events.

• Develop and manage direct reports to ensure the implementation of their projects and programmes in alignment with the global programme framework.

Collaboration and relationship management responsibilities

• Bring on board key stakeholders and build strategic partnerships for the execution of the global programme goals, in coordination with the Manager of Strategy & Partnerships.
• Proactively engage with leadership and management across the organisation to ensure streamlined communication and prompt inter-departmental alignment. In particular, ensure close coordination and plan for necessary collaboration with the Heads of REI and PDQ, the Regional and Country Directors and, the Resource Mobilisation Manager in the execution of the global programme.
• Ensure clear communication and information sharing within the global programme.

Operational and staff management responsibilities

• Translate the organisation’s priorities and the global programme outlook into an actionable plan for the global programme to enhance effectiveness and ensure goals are met.
• Support cross-departmental and cross-organisational best practice sharing, calibration of strategy, planning and programme management, and give input to a community of practice for staff in strategic and programmatic roles.
• Provide effective leadership to the Programme Managers/Coordinators in your team through timely performance management, encouragement, professional development and collaboration.

Core Knowledge & Skills

The HoP is a knowledgeable, thoughtful and curious leader who has strong technical knowledge and a track record of achievement in the field of child protection in humanitarian emergencies and emergency operations. You should be prepared and excited to take a leading role in the organisation’s programmatic work, bringing together stakeholders from within and outside the organisation to deliver programmes that are proven (through research) to produce impact and drive systemic change.

Additionally, we seek:

• Experience in research and evidence-based programme management and programmatic work geared towards systemic change - this is a key component of our new strategic approach.
• Ability to work well with a varied range of stakeholders to incorporate new information and reach appropriate decisions with and for the team.
• Ability and willingness to work in a networked organisation, promoting collaborative initiatives across teams and beyond formal reporting lines.
• Fluency in strategy-driven implementation, programme performance management systems for goals and targets, and monitoring processes.
• Ability to frame complex, multi-faceted issues in different ways for different audiences to get to insights and actionable results.
• Comfortable in a wide range of cultural, geographic, and operational situations, demonstrating culturally sensitive behaviour with a diverse range of people
• A highly organised and efficient individual, who possesses excellent judgement with a demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks, complex issues, and competing priorities with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to represent the organisation effectively and accurately to a variety of audiences as well as draft and proof-read written documents
• An innovative and forward-thinking approach to all aspects of work.
• The highest personal and professional integrity along with an optimistic outlook.
• Strong people management skills, with demonstrated experience in leading and developing talent of staff that are highly qualified, independent and diverse.
• Demonstrated strength in cultivating trust and relationship management, with ability to handle confidential information and guide situations with flexibility and diplomacy.

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in a relevant field of studies such as International Development, Child Rights, Social Work, Economics, Public Policy, or a combination of academic training and experience to an equivalent level.
• 10+ years of experience in roles of expanding scope and responsibility, and with demonstrable results, with at least 5 years of experience in the specific field of humanitarian operations and CPiE. 
• You will bring a combination of experience in CPiE, HA programme operations, resource mobilisation, performance management and impact measurement, as well as deep exposure to global child rights and humanitarian issues, in low-resource settings.
• Global experience, preferably in Africa and/or Asia.
• Experience in systemic change strategies for NGOs is highly preferred.
• Strong preference for individuals with an interest in cross-discipline and cross-sectoral collaboration and a background combining strategy, business development and evidence-based programme implementation.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Integrity and Child Safeguarding

Terre des Hommes Netherlands is committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation. We continue to learn about intersectional considerations and power distribution within our organisation and our work. Terre des Hommes Netherlands is dedicated to preventing and eradicating any type of misconduct including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, any other type of misuse of power, lack of integrity or financial misconduct. 

Terre des Hommes Netherlands is particularly committed to keeping children and vulnerable individuals safe, and has zero tolerance on (child) abuse. Every Terre des Hommes Netherlands employee is bound by the Child Safeguarding Policy and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy, part of our Code of Conduct. Child safeguarding measures are part of our selection and recruitment process.

Note: We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us. All offers of employment will therefore be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which include a valid criminal record check, terrorism finance checks, and/or integrity screenings/references relating to misconduct and disciplinary actions in prior employment. By submitting your application you accept that Terre des Hommes Netherlands will conduct such pre-employment screening for successful candidates. Terre des Hommes Netherlands  participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

How to Apply

Apply here

Please upload your motivation letter and curriculum vitae clearly demonstrating how you meet the qualifications for this position no later than 17:00 CET on 14th March 2023. For more information about this position, you can contact us at vacature@tdh.nl. The application process is expected to involve two formal interviews and an assignment, and check of recent professional references. Please note that candidates must have the right to live and work in the country where the role is advertised.