Programme Manager - Iraq
The HALO Trust, Iraq
Job Description
Programme Manager (Iraq)
Permanent, Full Time - International / Expat contract of employment
Location - Baghdad, Iraq
Salary - circa 58,380 depending upon experience
About The HALO Trust
HALO is the leading global NGO addressing the impact and drivers of conflict in 30 countries and territories, with over 11,500 staff. Most of our staff are local employees and include a growing number of women. Our primary duty is to serve people affected by conflict, clearing landmines and the explosive remnants of war that threaten lives and livelihoods long after fighting has finished.
We make land safe where war has ended, while also assisting those affected by active conflict and endemic violence. HALO addresses human suffering caused by armed violence in some of the world’s most fragile places, securing weapons and ammunition and working with both state and community actors to reduce the prevalence of armed violence.
About the role
HALO seeks an experienced and dynamic Programme Manager to lead our Mine Action programme in Iraq. HALO has been conducting demining (IED clearance and battle area clearance (BAC) since 2019) and employs 90 national staff. The programme is likely to grow in 2024, expanding into a governorate that is new to HALO.
The successful candidate will have experience in managing and leading the development of programmes and projects in a challenging security environment, and a proven track record in the improvement of internal management systems, donor relations and coordination with national authorities and other implementing partners. While Mine Action experience is desirable for this role, it is not essential and applications from a range of relevant backgrounds and experiences are welcome.
Overseeing all the programme’s activities, you will ensure that all operational and contractual obligations are realised by developing close working relationships with your senior national and international management team (currently 7), and directing the safe, efficient and effective deployment of teams. In addition, your role will include overseeing finance management, fleet management, procurement and logistics, security, donor proposal generation and other responsibilities associated with managing the programme.
You will be a quick and curious learner, understanding and adopting HALO’s management systems within the local context in Iraq. If you lack mine action experience you will work particularly closely with the programme’s operational staff in overseeing the safe delivery of operations as well as to ensure effective external liaison.
Your key responsibility will be to represent HALO’s Iraq programme with all relevant parties such as embassies, government representatives, other NGOs, and agencies with whom HALO interacts. You should be a natural networker, a patient and creative diplomat and a problem solver. Ensuring that HALO’s reputation remains strong, you will provide leadership and guidance to your programme and teams. The role will be based in Baghdad, Iraq, with a requirement for travel across the country.
Key responsibilities:
- Reporting to the Head of Region, you will be required to:
- Provide overall leadership for the HALO Programme in country, ensuring that operations are carried out safely and in line with standard operating procedures and quality and contractual obligations
- Manage HALO’s relations with Iraq’s national authority, the Directorate of Mine Action (DMA)
- Maintain and improve relationships and enhance the credibility of HALO with the government, local officials, and other relevant agencies
- Develop and maintain donor relationships, through liaison and donor reporting. Monitor and coordinate activity programming to ensure contractual output requirements are achieved.
- Identify and develop new funding opportunities for the programme, prepare concept notes and proposals, and support campaigns and events to raise awareness of HALO’s work with prospective donors
- Train and develop national and international staff to enhance skills and capabilities to support programme requirements, and career progression.
- Design and implement capacity development projects for national authorities in conjunction with other implementing partners
- Design and build innovative partnerships to amplify the impact of HALO’s work and secure funding from new sources.
- Act as Country Coordinator for activities conducted in direct partnership on a donor contract
- Assist the Programme Finance Manager to forecast and manage the programme’s financial budgets and expenditure
- Coordinate programme logistics and procurement, with support from HALO’s Scotland-based HQ Logistics Team, to ensure the timely purchasing, shipping and depl