Program Lead, Rwanda – International Development Law Organisation (IDLO)

BACKGROUND

International Development Law Organisation (IDLO) is the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law to advance sustainable development. We have experience working in more than 90 countries around the world with various legal systems. IDLO is implementing the Land-at-Scale Project (Rwanda chapter) which is part of the broader Land-at-Scale programme launched in 2018 by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), which works under the auspices of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Department of Programs is the central management and coordinating function for program delivery and capacity development. It is responsible for the implementation of IDLO’s global program portfolio for field and non-field locations in line with organizational strategy.

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Program Manager, the Program Lead engages with internal and external functions to develop and manage large/innovative programs including developing the design and management of the complete work and staffing plan, budget.

The Program Lead represents IDLO with Partners, IDLO HQ staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, donors, and civil society.

Primary Functions

Summary of Functions:

1. Oversee program implementation and ensure that all project phases are consistent with the project design and delivery schedule, and in line with IDLO processes and procedures.
2. Monitor program activities to ensure program compliance with donor contracts and procedures and that program cycle quality controls are in place.
3. Program Development and Program Representation.
4. Lead the program team, ensuring effective, efficient, result-based, and timely delivery of activities and results.

Key results expected:

Oversee program implementation, including work planning, budget management, monitoring, and reporting, and ensure that all phases of the project are consistent with the project design and delivery schedule, and IDLO processes and procedures.

• Maintain oversight of the overall financial management, accurate financial forecasts, including reviewing financial reports and identifying areas of over-or under-spending, and flagging any urgent budgetary issues
• Review and provide inputs to annual and quarterly reports; clear the submission of financial and narrative reports; highlighting the value and impact the program/activity brings;
• Design, research, draft, and edit legal working papers, memos, briefs, and other original materials in the field experience, and utilize these materials for the development of relevant outputs;
• Ensure program deliverables meet quality standards and proactively seek input from relevant substantive internal experts.

Monitor program activities to ensure program compliance with donor contract as well as quality standards.

• Ensure compliance with program contracts and subcontracts;
• Conduct research on legal, political, social, and economic events, trends, and/or developments relating to the program; respond to internal and external requests for such research;
• Design, research, draft, and edit legal working papers, memos, briefs, and other original materials in the field experience, and utilize these materials for the development of relevant outputs;
• Ensure program deliverables meet quality standards and proactively seek input from relevant substantive internal experts.

Program Development and Program Representation.

• Represent IDLO in program events, and under the guidance of the supervisor, build relationships and liaise with donors, UN agencies, government institutions; CSO’s and other stakeholders in the rule of law field through meetings and the preparation of reports and briefs;
• In coordination with the supervisor, generate ideas and identify new program opportunities; provide substantive input in the development of proposals or concept notes aimed at innovatively expanding IDLO’s program portfolio in line with country/regional/organizational strategies;
• Responsible for the design of implementation plans by means of standardized program cycle management tools, logic models and frameworks, work plans, monitoring reports, and others.

Lead the program team ensuring effective, efficient, result-based, and timely delivery of activities and results.

• Effectively lead the team by providing clear direction, addressing development, and performance management through ongoing dialogue, and mentoring; fostering a teamwork approach in meeting objectives and goals; address possible conflicts in a positive and constructive manner; encourage initiative and maintain effective working relationships within a multi-cultural setting;
• Responsible for developing staffing plans, coordinating with Human Resources in the recruitment and selection of employees and consultants;
• Oversee the monitoring of contracts, responsible for providing recommendations on amendments and changes to contracts and status.

Act as the Deputy Country Manager.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education

• A graduate degree (master or equivalent) in Law, International Relations Development Studies, or other related field is required.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required
• Fluency in French is required
• Kinyarwanda would be an advantage.

Work experience

• 8- 10 years of significant relevant professional experience within an international organization, designing and implementing complex programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Familiarity with standard program and data management tools, as well as results-based management and monitoring and evaluation principles;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Proficient use of other ICT software and internet software.
• Works well with others and actively participates. Shares information contributes, encourages, and motivates others to become involved in team activities. Provides constructive feedback and willingly helps others. Contributes to a fair environment that fosters collaboration and cooperation. Works effectively across and within IDLO organizational boundaries.
• Acts as a role model and offers guidance to colleagues. Takes initiative to share knowledge, experiences, and information with others. Accepts and gives constructive feedback (up, down, and across) to develop and motivate others.
• Proven ability to see through tasks set and deliver results.
• The ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, flexibility, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Ability and willingness to travel to the region, if necessary.
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate.
• Self-motivated and dynamic with a willingness and ability to use initiative to assist the organization to achieve its objectives;

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

For this locally recruited position, IDLO shall offer the selected candidate an Affiliate contract of 12 months, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and availability of funding.

In addition, IDLO shall offer a yearly basic salary, medical insurance, and leave entitlements including in accordance with IDLO Employee Regulations and Rules.

This local position is open to candidates who are nationals of the duty station, or with permanent resident status or other legal authorization permitting them to work in the duty station. An employee subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international employees.

Applications will be screened on regular basis; a qualified applicant might be recruited before the deadline. In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications of qualified and diverse candidates.

IDLO is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature; or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

DISCLAIMER AND CLOSING DATE

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the Contractor assigned to this work. This may not be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and in compliance with IDLO’s policy on personal data protection.

The Director-General of IDLO reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities or even to cancel the recruitment to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

Application deadline: 12 October 2021 (23:59hrs Rome Time).