Head of Programmes Child Poverty

The Opportunity

Save the Children International has an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as the Head of Programmes Child Poverty in Centre - London, UK or any existing Save the Children International Regional or Country office worldwide with up to 25% international travel. Local terms and conditions will apply.

ROLE PURPOSE:  

The Head of Programmes for the Child Poverty Thematic Area is a key member of the Programme Quality and Impact Team which coordinates, facilitates and supports the work of Save the Children country and regional offices and members, to achieve Save the Children's Breakthrough ambitions, with a specific focus on technical excellence in their given area of expertise

In particular, the Head of Programmes will:

· Provide technical leadership in the subthemes under Child Poverty with Save the Children technical experts to develop coherent and effective programmatic approaches across contexts, for strategic or priority initiatives. The technical areas under Child Poverty include Food Security and Livelihoods, Child Sensitive Social Protection, Adolescents Skills for Successful Transitions as well as Cash and Voucher Assistance.

· Provide strategic oversight of the development and implementation of Common Approaches, and other programing guidance and tools, by the Technical Working Groups, supporting cooperation across themes and groups

· Build a team of Regional Technical Experts in Child Poverty supporting Country Offices to deliver Child Poverty outcomes for children with quality and impact, and develop technical excellence in the field

· Work closely with the Policy & Advocacy Global Function to ensure that advocacy and campaign strategies are informed by the latest programme evidence and learning.

· Support an increase in research and evidence on what works in Child Poverty together with the Research & Evidence Adviser;

· Support the design and implementation of Child Poverty strategies in humanitarian contexts, with a focus on increasing capacity, quality and impact;

· Support Child Poverty capacity and continuous professional development across the movement, ensuring this is kept up to date by the latest evidence and learning approaches in the sector;

· Support the development of working partnerships with multilateral and civil society organizations, academia and the private sector for reaching SC breakthroughs.

· Support the Fundraising & Partnership Strategist to connect with resource development colleagues in SCI and members to strengthen the programmatic Child Poverty portfolio across the movement.

· Work with members to engage domestic programmes in programmatic, knowledge management and technical leadership bodies of interest.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Significant experience from an international human/child rights organization in a senior position including overseeing program implementation, monitoring and evaluation and maintaining positive relationships with partner organizations and external agencies.

· Significant senior level international experience designing, implementing and reporting on thematic strategies and programmes.

· Demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills, including the ability to both lead and be a member of a team, and of delivering significant results.

· Experience of effective team management including building shared objectives, quality control, evaluation, motivation, performance management, staff development and training.

· Experience and skills in Child Poverty programming. (Child Poverty Technical Competencies at 'Leading Edge' level).

· Minimum of a Relevant Master Degree in (relevant academic field) or specific thematic area of focus. University degree with combined professional experience could be considered as a substitute to the Master degree.

· Strong programmatic and analytical skills. Demonstrated experience of research, capacity building, M&E and knowledge management. IT skills.

· Proven technical knowledge on rights based approaches and on Child Poverty

· Excellent writing, communications, facilitation, capacity building and networking skills in English. Knowledge in Spanish, French or Arabic is an asset.

Strong ability to mobilize, build partnerships, solve problems, guide and motivate people toward the achievement of agreed goals.

· Program experience from a regional or country office is desirable.

· Experience in policy, advocacy and/or fundraising is desirable.

Personal specifications required

· Commitment to child rights and to the aims and objectives of Save the Children.

· A full appreciation of the value of co-operation, and team-work.

· Personal maturity and social competence and diplomatic skills.

· Ability to prioritize especially when working under pressure.

· Trustworthy and transparent in all aspects of the role.

· Self- motivated and able to work with high degree of autonomy

· Significant experience of delivering Child Poverty programmes in developing countries and/or in humanitarian contexts

· Demonstrable experience in policy development, ensuring engagement and buy-in, particularly in relation to Child Poverty system strengthening

· Ability to support high level policy and management committees

· Proven leadership skills in a large, international, networked organisation

Able to think creatively and strategically, to overcome obstacles to cooperation and progress

Experience of building personal networks at senior levels, resulting in improved engagement

· Proven experience in conducting or overseeing research (preferably both qualitative and quantitative)

· Previous experience of overseeing the capacity development of a large organisation or group of staff. This may be through direct HR responsibility of through holding a senior management role

· High degree of business and people acumen, and the ability to demonstrate presence and credibility across the organisation

· Willingness and ability to travel overseas for up to 25%

· Exceptional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills

We can offer circa £60,000 per annum (If based in UK) with an option of flexible working hours. If the role is based outside of the UK, National T&C (including pay) will apply.

This role can be based in any existing Save the Children International Regional or Country office location on approval, provided the successful candidate has proof of eligibility to work from the preferred location.

Where we Work - Where We Work | Save the Children International

The Organisation

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday

All children learn from a quality basic education and that,

Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

Application Information:

Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application, and include details of your salary expectations.  

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.

Save the Children does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.