Programme Director - Venezuela
Role Summary
Join MENTOR Initiative as the Programme Director in Venezuela, leading vector control and WASH programmes while managing security and donor relations.
Key Responsibilities
Working closely with the HQ Programme Manager, the PD is responsible for overall security management in a highly insecure and volatile context:
Working closely with the in-country Finance team and the HQ Grants Manager, the PD is responsible for the financial integrity of the programme and the cost-effective use of resources in line with available budgets and standard procedures:
The MENTOR Initiative is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the organisation. We ensure the constant non-discrimination throughout the recruitment process.
The MENTOR Initiative is committed to promoting diversity and gender equality and strongly encourages candidates from under-represented backgrounds to apply.
The MENTOR Initiative applies a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse, mistreatment or harassment, and other types of unethical behaviour including fraud.
The MENTOR Initiative will contact previous employers of applicants to determine if they have any history of violating international standards and codes of conduct relating to such matters.
- Maintain strong networks and regularly collect and analyse information on the security situation.
- Organise regular security updates with MENTOR field bases and report to MENTOR HQ.
- Ensure security-related logistical support is adequate and functional.
- Keep security guidelines current and pragmatic, including evacuation and hibernation plans for all bases.
- Ensure all MENTOR team members strictly follow security processes.
- Provide thorough security briefings to new team members on arrival.
- Support implementation of MENTOR programmes.
- Ensure an efficient data collection and analysis system that meets the reporting needs of all grants.
- Use project log frames as a tool for strategic planning and implementation.
- Work closely with the Coordination team to ensure activities are delivered on plan, follow objectives and delivered within security constraints.
- Represent MENTOR in external meetings with clusters, government authorities, donors, etc.
- Oversee delivery of existing programmes and supervise, develop and support the team.
- Coordinate strategic planning for programme development.
- Ensure quality monthly, quarterly and annual reports are submitted to HQ on time.
- Oversee grant management, including appropriate expenditure and timely reporting to HQ ahead of donor submission.
- Coordinate and finalise field drafts of donor progress reports for HQ review within required deadlines.
- Conduct exploratory field missions with HQ to assess and report on potential new intervention areas.
- Liaise with current and prospective donors, in consultation with HQ, to advance programme ideas and secure funding and support.
- Ensure appropriate security precautions around cash management.
- Keep budget tracking for all grants up to date, in collaboration with the Finance Coordinator.
- Ensure monthly finance documents (expenditure reports, cash requests, payroll, budget plans) reach HQ on time.
- Ensure expenditure documentation meets MENTOR standard requirements.
- Ensure compliance with local taxation and labour regulations.
- Finalise and endorse official mission documentation (MOUs, contracts, agreements).
- Track proposal and administrative requirements relevant to the country context.
- Secure HQ authorisation for all new grants.
- Directly manage MENTOR Coordinators and oversee their management of programme and operational support staff.
- Participate in recruitment and final selection of consultant team members.
- Lead in-country briefings for incoming consultants and debriefings for those completing contracts.
- Ensure timely performance reviews for all consultant staff and conduct reviews for direct reports.
- Oversee and approve recruitment of national staff in line with national labour law.
- Review internal HR policies with the Finance and HR team, in line with national labour law.
- Ensure consistent application of national contract formats and per diem policies.
- Lead weekly and ad hoc team meetings, and senior programme management meetings.
- Ensure contracts, the Code of Conduct, and MENTOR policies are followed by all staff.
- Implement MENTOR's Safeguarding/PSEAH policies, training and briefings for staff and volunteers.
- Support in-country Safeguarding Focal Points, in collaboration with the HQ Safeguarding focal point.
- Lead on safeguarding matters, ensuring effective support and appropriate case management.
- Ensure timely incident reporting to HQ on any policy or Code of Conduct violations and support ongoing cases.
- Share best practice across the organisation as required.
- Carry out any other duties assigned by the HQ Programme Manager.
Minimum Requirements
The Programme Director (PD) leads the overall implementation of The MENTOR Initiative's vector control and WASH programmes in Venezuela, while identifying needs and opportunities and shaping strategic and operational responses.
The PD provides in-country leadership and representation, with overall responsibility for fundraising, financial and grant management, human resources, technical programme support and logistics.
The PD coordinates the different programmes to ensure consistent, high-quality, accountable and transparent delivery across them all.
- Prior professional experience within the NGO / humanitarian sector
- A technical qualification or background in public health, epidemiology, or a related discipline
- A track record of managing health-related projects or programmes
- Familiarity with vector control programming and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) interventions
- Demonstrated experience leading or supervising teams, including HR responsibilities
- Previous experience in a comparable role is desirable
- Fluency in English is an advantage
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates should have a background in public health or related fields and relevant managerial experience.
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