Programme Manager - Iraq

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 deployment of equipment and supplies; develop a local network of reliable local suppliers and logistic support where appropriate
• Monitor security and risks relevant to HALO activities. Assess and implement appropriate security measures to maximise staff safety
• Update the Regional Director and HQ as required on any programme issues or developments and in accordance with the Iraq programme strategy.

Who we're looking for:

• Significant proven experience in senior programme management positions across multiple countries.
• Project and programme design experience including the direct development and implementation of projects.  Experience of remote management techniques is desirable.
• Demonstrable experience in leading a large work force within the humanitarian (or associated) sector and ability to work in a complex environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to build effective working relationships with national and international staff
• English fluency and Microsoft Office literacy essential
• Ability to multi-task, plan & prioritise tasks effectively, and work calmly under pressure
• Effective team player, able to motivate and create a strong team spirit
• Ability to work and live in potentially challenging and remote environments, and adapt and integrate in different cultures
• Experience working in the Middle East and/or Arabic language proficiency would be an advantage.
• Mine action experience and relevant IMAS EOD, HIEDD, SAFE, HEAT and First Aid qualifications desirable but not essential

Benefits of working for HALO:

• Competitive salary of c£58,380 depending upon experience

• Local overseas allowance of $350 monthly
• Shared accommodation in a rented HALO guest house, provided at nil cost.
• 49 days of leave annually (weekend inclusive equivalent to 7 weeks of pay leave)
• Three economy return flights to the member’s official home address (or an alternative location up to an equivalent cost)
• Comprehensive insurance package: life assurance (3 x salary) and emergency medical insurance, including evacuation and repatriation.
• Private medical health cover
• Retirement fund

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter (no more than 2 pages) outlining how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role by no later than 4th February 2024. If there is a sufficient calibre of applicants, we reserve the right to close the role earlier than the date noted.

The HALO Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. The HALO Trust is committed to a culture that is both diverse and inclusive and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

The HALO Trust is committed to ensuring that it provides a safe and trusted environment which safeguards and promotes the welfare and well-being of anyone who comes into contact with, or is part of, the Charity, with a zero-tolerance approach to behaviours which challenge this.