Job Description
NOTE: The content of this job description sets out to define the major areas of responsibility present in the job at the time that the document was drawn up. The content of the actual job could include ad hoc tasks not present in this document and the job description will grow and change according to the organizational needs as the organization develops. This document will be reviewed on a regular basis and particularly during each performance appraisal process with the job holder.
Overall Purpose Of Job:
To provide specialized high-level analysis, research coordination, advisory services, and facilitation of policy dialogue processes on poverty reduction strategies including taking responsibility for the conceptualization and effective development, planning, and implementation of projects that give expression to the mission and purpose of the Trust with respect to poverty reduction in a regional integration context. The overall job purpose also includes knowledge development, giving policy direction, project development and planning, development of strategies for implementation, identification and establishment of relationships with key partners, managing implementation to achieve results, ensuring quality, and assessing the impact of the programme.
Dimensions:
Tasks require complex strategic decision-making, analytical understanding, co-ordination and project management to drive the poverty reduction strategies programme of the Trust. The job requires recognizable experience and a high level of expertise in poverty reduction strategies with its administrative responsibilities under minimal supervision including taking responsibility for supervising and training others, as well as making input to budget formulation for the Unit. Example: Programme Coordinator: Trade and Regional Integration (more than 5 years experience in a similar position)
Purpose:
Working in close cooperation with the head of programmes, responsible to initiate, develop, coordinate, and manage implementation of the programme on poverty reduction policies, and impact assessment in the following areas:
Conceptualizing key strategic projects within the poverty reduction strategies programme for the Trust to focus on;
Developing and implementing the Trust's programmes relating to poverty reduction policies and ensuring that objectives and deadlines in programme implementation are met;
Formulating specific projects and managing the implementation of the projects within clear time frames;
Identifying and developing strategic partnerships for the implementation of key initiatives related to policy development for poverty reduction;
Assessing the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of the programme implementation and ensuring that recommendations for improvement are implemented;
Ensuring that knowledge developed and the programme initiatives are documented for purposes of communication and learning;
Ensuring the regular contribution into the publication of new knowledge products generated through the poverty reduction strategies programme;
Contribution to the production of draft reports on the programme implementation to governing structures, donors, partners, and the public;
Organizational representation at appropriate level as and when required;
Contributing to fundraising for programme implementation;
Risk mitigation in relation to the intended and unintended consequences of programme implementation; and
Efficient management of the programme budget.
Key Performance Areas:
Strategic Planning and Programming
Conceptualize key strategic intervention areas for the Trust to address with respect to policy and strategy development for poverty reduction;
Develop and implement activities that give expression to the purpose, mission, and strategic objectives of the Trust with respect to poverty reduction policies;
Formulate and implement specific projects within clear time frames to achieve the strategic change objectives of the Trust.
Alignment of Grant Making with Programme Implementation
Develop calls for proposals for grant allocations in accordance with the agreed strategic direction and programme areas, and cooperate with the grants facility to process grant applications;
Thoroughly assess all grant applications in accordance with the agreed programme areas and strategies for implementation;
Ensure the integration of the Trust's grants portfolio with the implementation of the programme interventions; and
In cooperation with the grants facility, ensure ongoing monitoring and assessment of the quality, effectiveness, and impact of grant projects.
Programme Quality and Impact
Ensure ongoing assessment of the quality of programme interventions and take corrective action to ensure high quality programme interventions;
Ensure regular documentation, measurement, and assessment of the impact that the Trust's programmes are making;
Generate documented learning from programme implementation for further programme development.
Knowledge Management
Develop mechanisms and practices to ensure the ongoing flow and development of appropriate knowledge in the poverty reduction strategies programme;
Ensure that the knowledge resources are made available to stakeholders in a form that is accessible and useful to them; and
Ensure that the Trust maintains a reputation for producing high quality, accurate, reliable, and regularly updated information and other knowledge products that are widely available.
Communication and Reporting
Working with the head of programmes to prepare and present reports on the programme and related projects as may be required for donors, stakeholders, the public, trustees, and internal team members; and
Support the Trust's communications team to effectively and accurately communicate the programme interventions of the Trust and the difference that the Trust's programmes make.
Risk Mitigation
Alert the head of programmes to key emerging risk areas;
Make input to improve risk mitigation strategies;
Actively participate in crisis management activities as and when required.
Financial Management
Manage the programme budget for poverty reduction policies and ensure that financial management and other procedures are effectively implemented throughout programme implementation.
Fundraising
Ensure that programmes and projects are written into proposals that can be used in the fundraising activities of the Trust as may be required; and
Engage with donors to raise funds for programme implementation.
Behavioral Competencies:
Strategic thinker
Self motivated
Quick to assimilate new information and eager to learn
Superior communicator (verbal and written)
Excellent planning and organizing skills
High level of integrity
Assertive
Ability to work in multiple teams across the organization (line management and matrix teams)
Attention to detail
Technical Competencies:
High level of multi-disciplinary technical knowledge relating to poverty reduction, regional integration, civil society, and policy making at a regional level in southern Africa and beyond
Highly developed conceptual ability to analyze information for complex strategic decision-making
High level programme development and implementation skills
Proficiency in identifying and establishing strategic relationships with multiple and diverse stakeholders
Advanced networking and influencing skills
Ability to evaluate indicators of programme quality against the mission, purpose, and strategies of the organization
Ability to prioritize tasks in relation to risk management and strategic importance
Ability to represent the identity and interests of the organization at appropriate levels
Highly developed report writing skills
Strong presentation skills
Competency in French and/or Portuguese is an added advantage
Academic Requirements:
Relevant degree and a minimum of 5 years relevant experience in a similar position, preferably in an inter-governmental organization
Please note that the content of this job description sets out to define the major areas of responsibility present in the job at the time that the document was drawn up. The content of the actual job could include ad hoc tasks not present in this document and the job description will grow and change according to the organizational needs as the organization develops. This document will be reviewed on a regular basis and particularly during each performance appraisal process with the job holder.
