Programme Policy Manager

CR249

Our client is a UK based charity that works to provide children in developing countries with healthcare, education, and family support through sponsorship programmes

The Programme Department is responsible for articulating and delivering the strategic direction of the organisation’s overseas programmes and positioning as an expert in child separation.

Working in a number of countries within the regions of Asia, South America and the Caribbean, Africa, Eastern Europe, South Caucuses and Central Asia, their programmes are delivering interventions through branch offices, partners and consultancies to provide children who are, or risk being, separated, a safe, secure future.

The Programme Policy Manager is responsible for researching and developing policies on child separation and ensuring that experiences and learning on child protection, child participation, child rights, child welfare, family support and community development are well documented and disseminated both within the organization and external.

Undertaking desk research, developing action research, capturing learning, documentation, policy development and publications

•        Lead on developing and implementing a research programme into all areas of child separation
•        Identify key gaps in current thinking and practice around child separation and develop programme policies to fill those areas
•        Develop and implement a strategy to document and disseminate the organizations best practice in delivering innovative child separation programming
•        Provide analysis and briefing on policy areas that impact on separated children and vulnerable families
•        Contribute to the development of public policy positions and global advocacy strategies contributing to current debates identifying collaborative opportunities to influence
•        Contribute to the development of country strategic plans and project designs
•        Advise on the consistency and quality of practice across programmes on expertise and focus

£34,155 - £35,884

London

•        Relevant degree (or equivalent) in development/social policy, masters preferred
•        Awareness of recent development thinking and initiatives and/child rights/social policy issues, preferred knowledge on the specific issues for separated children and those at risk of separation.
•        Understanding of the public policy environment and the role of INGO’s
•        Knowledge of the global socio-political, economic situation
•        Experience of conducting research to support the development of programming expertise, including participative and child –friendly approaches
•        Experience of developing programme policy positions which enhance an organisation’s expertise base and programme delivery
•        Experience of developing programmes which integrate child rights, participation and protection
•        Experience of working on development issues overseas (preferable)
•        Experience of developing publications for an external audience
•        Input into funding proposals, supporting strategic formulation, project design
•        Experience of developing organizational policy positions and supporting advocacy activity at a high level
•        Experience of documenting programme experience to support organizational learning
•        Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills in order to manage relationships with staff, partners, trustees, policy makers, agencies, other organisations in the sector and other influential contacts
•        Excellent written and verbal communications skills including giving speeches, writing articles in order to communicate a clear vision of the mission and policies of the organisation.
•        Ability to represent the work so that influencing opportunities are successful, and the organisation is a major player in key forums
•        Produces considered and imaginative options for future programme direction and procedures
•        Builds effective relationships with partners to advocate for the organisation’s work on rights and separation
•        Makes connections between global economic, social and political environment, country context and programme work.
•        Chooses content, style and language to suit audience and context in written and verbal communication
•        Encourages initiative and innovation amongst others to use all learning opportunities
•        Has a flexible attitude to undertaking various team roles and can cover for other team members
•        Regularly seeks feedback from other team members
•        Flexibility to undertake overseas travel (one to two months per year)

In the first instance, please send in an updated CV with a brief covering letter quoting Ref CR249 to: applications@skillsforcauses.com
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis prior to the closing date of 27th August 2008