Vacancy: Gender and Human Rights Programme Manager
The Embassy of Ireland in South Africa is seeking to recruit a highly motivated and experienced Gender and Human Rights Programme Manager to join its team to support the implementation of the Mission Strategy.
The goal of the Embassy strategy is to ensure that ‘Ireland’s values and interests are applied to optimise benefits for citizens of Ireland, South Africa, Zimbabwe and other countries of accreditation’. A key outcome is the achievement of a ‘Strengthened enabling environment in South Africa, Zimbabwe and regionally to promote inclusive development, gender equality and human rights’.
The successful post-holder will be responsible for managing and coordinating the Embassy's Gender and Human Rights programme of assistance in South Africa, Zimbabwe and other countries of accreditation. A commitment to gender equality, social justice and human rights underpins the Embassy's approach to programme implementation and delivery.
Interested candidates should forward (i) a cover letter for the position outlining their suitability and their interests in working for the Embassy of Ireland; (ii) a sample of written work (maximum 5 pages) and (iii) their most recent Curriculum Vitae with a list of references including current manager, to Nokwazi Nhleko by Friday 10th March 2017. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Candidates should submit information electronically to the above email address. Please note any personal information submitted will only be used for its intended purposes and will be destroyed when no longer needed. Any other processing or disclosure of personal data is not allowed other than in the exceptional circumstances provided for under the Data Protection Acts.
The Irish Embassy in South Africa is an equal opportunities employer.
Job Description
Gender and Human Rights Programme Manager
Embassy of Ireland, Pretoria
Introduction
Irish Aid is the Irish government's programme for overseas development and is an integral part of Ireland's foreign policy. The Embassy of Ireland in Pretoria manages the Irish Aid Programme in South Africa, Zimbabwe and other countries of accreditation.
The programme is guided by five year Mission Strategies. The Embassy is currently at the start of a new five year strategy (2017-2021). The strategy has as its goal that ‘Ireland’s values and interests are applied to optimise benefits for citizens of Ireland, South Africa, Zimbabwe and other countries of accreditation’. Of particular relevance to this position is the outcome of a ‘Strengthened enabling environment in South Africa, Zimbabwe and regionally to promote inclusive development, gender equality and human rights’. The Embassy is now seeking to recruit a highly motivated and experienced Gender and Human Rights Programme Manager to join its team.
Role Profile
The successful candidate will be a member of the Embassy’s Development Team and report to the Head of Development. The position will lead on delivery of Ireland’s strategic gender output:
- Opposition to Gender Based Violence and support for GBV survivors strengthened
and contribute to delivery of the following Embassy outputs:
- Civil Society’s capacity to promote good governance and human rights improved
- Targeted health and disability programmes for women and children delivered
- Educational linkages, networks and cooperation increased
As a member of the Development Team, the Programme Manager will plan, implement and monitor gender equality and human rights opportunities and ensure results are achieved. The role also includes the provision of support to the consular, trade and political outputs of the Embassy Strategy, where appropriate, in relation to gender and human rights.
Key Performance Areas
- 1. Programme and grant management, monitoring, risk management, administration and reporting
Manage and maintain the quality of Ireland’s Gender and Human Rights programme in South Africa, Zimbabwe and the sub-region, and implement Ireland’s development policies and systems across all programme interventions and related activities:
- Ensure that a sound gender analysis and human rights focus informs programme design and management;
- In line with the Grant Management Guidelines, provide oversight and risk management of Irish Aid funds. Undertake monitoring visits to ensure programmes are implemented as per agreements. Ensure partner compliance with results reporting;
- Manage and report variances in programme and financial matters and programme audits;
- Monitor, research and analyse the progress and impact of all related programmes efforts;
- Manage and maintain all administrative systems relating to programme and sub-programme interventions;
- Compile, edit and submit programme reports as required, ensuring that achieved results and challenges are highlighted, and risk and mitigation actions explained.
2. Advocacy and representation
Lead and consolidate Ireland’s strategic thinking, intellectual leadership and planning on Gender and Human Rights:
- Contribute to sector debates and maintain Ireland’s thought leadership in relation to Gender and Gender-based-violence and Human Rights initiatives and debates;
- Provide an analysis of current contextual developments and sector policy debates and developments, and provide briefings and briefing papers to inform HQ, Embassy staff, consultants and other relevant stakeholders as required;
- Represent the Embassy and its interests and values at partner meetings or other relevant fora, and participate in policy dialogues;
- Maintain strong links with international, regional and national networks on gender equality, women’s rights and human rights;
- Facilitate, through partners, the provision of top quality policy advice and services to Government departments, where appropriate, to help integrate gender into national policies;
- Develop strategic networks with appropriate Government Ministries and officials to ensure effective advocacy and policy related interventions in government meetings and ministries.
3. Civil society engagement and capacity enhancement
Play a lead role in relationship management with civil society partners and sector stakeholders:
- Establish and maintain relationships with relevant civil society organisations, assessing potential for engagement/partnerships;
- Facilitate, through partners, the creation of synergies between national and local responses as part of programme development;
- Support to partner organisations including, but not limited to, technical and management advice, assessment of capacities and approaches to gender, gender-based violence and human rights;
- Liaise with relevant sector stakeholders, including civil society organisations, networks and NGOs engaged in the promotion and protection of human rights and the equitable inclusion of marginalised groups.
4. Contribution to Whole of Embassy Strategic Planning and Implementation
Contribute to Strategy review processes, and provide relevant information, analyses and directions that advance Ireland’s goals and values:
- Ensure familiarity with all key documents pertaining to Ireland’s Foreign Policy and policies on International Development and support alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals;
- Provide advice on appropriate gender and human rights sensitive indicators in the performance measurement framework and support colleagues in the monitoring and reporting of programme results/outputs and objectives against agreed indicators;
- Provide strategic input and advice on gender across the work of the Embassy and work within teams to ensure that gender and human rights issues are understood and mainstreamed;
- Contribute to the development of annual business plans and budgets to effectively implement and review strategy.
5. Communications and teamwork
Provide strong technical support to the Development and wider Embassy teams and maintain active participation in HQ, regional and other relevant structures, networks and alliances:
- Act as an effective link between the Gender and Human Rights programme, the Embassy and HQ;
- Collect, collate and share up-to-date information on sector trends, challenges and successes to inform programme planning, implementation and impact;
- Undertake and report on information sharing activities with external national and international stakeholders as required;
- Maintain links with other funding agencies and partner forums to identify potential areas for collaboration, sharing Ireland’s experiences and learning;
- Participate in Embassy programme staff meetings and undertake delegated roles and responsibilities;
- Work with the Embassy Public Diplomacy and Communications Team, to document and disseminate lessons for policy dialogue, public advocacy and future programming.
6. Other
- Carry out any additional responsibilities that may be assigned by the Head of Development from time to time;
- Assist with Embassy briefs and preparation of high level/HQ visits, including field trips as required.
Qualifications, skills and experience:
Essential:
- A first degree in the area of gender, human rights or a related discipline.
- 8 to 10 years’ development related experience in Southern Africa.
- A proven track record in Gender and Human Rights work within a development context.
- Proven programme management, planning and monitoring skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills (including computer literacy).
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently (self-starter) and as part of a team.
- Strong gender sensitive statistical data capacity and a track record on development of gender sensitive indicators and monitoring.
Desirable:
- Master’s degree in a related field.
- Experience of working for a bilateral donor.
Terms and Conditions
- Contract: This position will be offered on a two-year renewable basis. A six month probationary period will apply.
- Working hours: Full time, or 37 hours per week. Occasional late working or attendance at work-related events outside of working hours is required. Regular travel is required.
- Overtime: Time off in lieu per agreement with line manager.
- Salary Scale: SA Rand43,000–59,000 (the position will be offered at the starting point on the scale).
- Benefits: Medical Aid.
- Primary work location: Embassy of Ireland, Pretoria.
- Start date: 3rd April 2017.
- Annual leave: 21 days
- Performance Management: The Embassy of Ireland operates a Performance Management Development System (PMDS) based on the system of the Irish Civil Service. Staff agree with their line manager goals, key tasks and targets aligned to an Annual Business Plan. Performance is reviewed mid-year and at year-end. The PMDS also includes agreed professional development and training.