Senior programme inception manager, Large and complex programmes divisions

Christian Aid is  looking for dynamic, highly skilled and experienced managers to play a key role in our Large and Complex Programmes Division. You will provide senior management surge support for large externally funded programmes and commercial tenders. The post holder will be available to travel when needed to provide immediate in-country surge capacity to help country teams successfully bid for, set up, build a team and manage large or complex programmes within the first 1-6 months. When not travelling you will also provide management support for more centrally managed global programmes or additional support to ongoing large programmes, if/when required and support the mainstreaming of cross-cutting issues such as gender and equality, programme performance and value for money.

You will have a proven track record of winning contracts, setting-up and managing large budget (multi-million pound) or complex development programmes in a number of different geographies and of managing people effectively to achieve impact.

Based in one of our overseas offices you will be able to travel, often at short notice, sometimes to hostile environments and sometimes for extended periods (3-4 months) in order to provide the required surge support to country programmes and partner organisations who are part of the project. You will have technical competencies in a relevant development field such as sustainable development, livelihoods, environment, humanitarian, agriculture and be able to represent the organization and programme in key international networks and fora. You will be able to demonstrate the ability to mentor and accompany people and organisations to build capacity in managing large/complex programmes. You will have good analytical, written and communication skills and be able to work effectively with different actors – from donors, government, local organisations and communities. Your ability to work in French or Spanish, in addition to excellent English, will be an advantage in this role.

Please show your suitability for this post by giving answers to the following questions: 
Using the guidance notes may help you formulate your answers.

Deliver results
Tell us about a time when you were able to set up a large overseas programme to deliver outcomes on time and within budget.

Build partnerships
Tell us about a time when you had to build relationships in a complex situation, across a range of different people – donors, governments, community representatives – to achieve your own organisation’s programme goals.

Strive for improvement
Please tell us about a time when you have helped a team of people design a large or complex programme and developed a successful proposal which incorporate past lessons and new approaches. Which ways of working were being challenged?
We value the contribution each person makes to the success of our organisation. That’s why you can expect a wide range of rewards and benefits, including a generous holiday allowance and flexibility that will ensure you enjoy a good work/life balance.
As this post is International-based, applicants will require current and valid permission to work in the respective location. Please state clearly on your application in which location(s) you are eligible to work.

Download the role profile (114 KB pdf)
To apply for this post, please download an application pack and email your completed International application form to:  recruitment@christian-aid.org (quoting the reference number). Alternatively, your completed application form can be printed out and posted to us at:

Christian Aid
35 Lower Marsh
Waterloo
London SE1 7RT

Please note that CVs will not be accepted.
Job reference: 386/OK/International

Closing date: 12 noon, Tuesday 22 January 2013
Interview date: 29 or 30 January 2013

Christian Aid values diversity and aspires to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.