Reference: DFIDJOB-0103
Closing date: 12 September 2011
Interview date: Not Specified
Number of vacancies: 1
Salary: - Please refer to the job description
Location: New Delhi, India
Appointment Terms: Permanent
Working Arrangements: Full time
Specific requirements: Staff Appointed in Country (SAIC)

Brief description: As the Deputy Programme Manager, you will play a critical role in helping DFID India deliver its programme and influence policy. You will have responsibility for leading on some programmes with national level programme partners.

The UK Department for International Development (DFID) is part of the UK Government that manages Britain's aid to poor countries and works to eliminate extreme poverty. India is one of DFID’s largest country programmes. Reducing poverty here is crucial to the global success of the Millennium Development Goals. In 2008-11, we gave more than £825 million to India, and from 2011 to 2015, we will be investing another £1.1 billion, with an aim to work more in poorest parts of India. This is a critical and exciting period in India’s development.

Inclusive growth and development is a top priority of the Government of India, which has reduced the proportion of people living below $1.25 a day from 60% to 42% from 1981-2005. In 2009, India invested 30% of its budget on health, education, rural development and food aid alone. The GoI has robust Five Year Plans which provide strategic direction for all development investments in India. The ongoing 11th Plan sets out India’s development priorities: inclusive growth; reform to create a vibrant private sector; better access to essential services in health and education; infrastructure; environmental sustainability; special attention to disadvantaged groups; and good governance at all levels. UKaid is closely aligned with Indian priorities.

DFID India works hard to contribute to HMG objectives, promoting poverty reduction as part of the overall UK engagement with India. DFID funds help to increase poor people’s access to basic education, health, water and sanitation. We also support better governance, better management of natural resources, and empowerment of the poor, especially women and the marginalised in Indian society. DFID aid accounts for a third of all grant aid to India. DFID India has substantial involvement in health, education, governance, infrastructure, rural livelihoods, urban development, private sector development, and economic reform. In future our funding for pro-poor private investment, and for development programmes with climate change benefits, is likely to increase.

DFID India works in partnership with government, a limited number of development partners and civil society organisations. The 90 staff based in our New Delhi office (co-location with the British High Commission is planned for 2012) work with the Government of India on nationwide programmes, and with governments in a number of states with particular poverty needs. Our State Offices provide support and local knowledge. DFID India has a reputation for corporate excellence. A high value is placed on good financial management, efficient systems, and clear communication.

As the Deputy Programme Manager, you will play a critical role in helping DFID India deliver its programme and influence policy. You will have responsibility for leading on some programmes with national level programme partners. The role of a Deputy Programme Manager is both challenging and rewarding. It involves management/leadership; team working, and provides experience across a range of programme and policy. The successful candidate will be likely to work across a range of programmes, including Government and non state partners.

The post-holder will be a central part of the core administrative management team of the newly formed Global and National team. S/he will help to ensure that existing programme delivery and new design work are delivered to a high standard as part of shaping the future of our national and global partnership with India. Reporting to the National Programme Manager the post-holder will assist by leading important components of the National portfolio and contributing to decisions around the longer-term National policy legacy of DFID in India. Primarily responsible for administratively leading or supporting the substantial National programmes the post-holder will also support wider cross team functions in specific areas. The post-holder will also be expected to be an organisational role model.

There are 17 project lines (11 live) across the Global and National team with 8 live and 2 pipeline projects in the National portfolio. The portfolio includes;

• support to Government of India centrally sponsored schemes,
• developing new technical assistance relations with both the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal,
• the substantial and complex civil society portfolio and
• World Bank and Asian Development Bank Trust Funds.

The post-holder will work with the National Programme Manager to ensure that the existing National portfolio (with a projected £143 million remaining to spend) is delivered to a high standard and contributes to DFID India’s Operational Plan and results framework. S/he will have significant financial management responsibilities and will be required to:

1. Exhibit strong leadership and project cycle management of portfolio (60%)

• Contribute to development of Global and National team strategy;
• Support the design and implementation of National team workplan to deliver against strategy;
• Ensure all responsible programmes meet strong project cycle, financial and relationship management;
• Ensure sound design, implementation and closure of projects;
• Assess on-going projects with robust M&E strategies and regular reporting on results, supporting Task Team Leaders to deliver;
• Make sure climate and gender imperatives are mainstreamed
• Monitor VFM and mitigate risks (especially fiduciary),
• Coordinate smooth integration of team activities within the wider office discussions.

2. Strengthen relationships with partners (20%)

• Lead agreed partnerships;
• Assist others in strengthening relationships with diverse contacts across the political, administrative, private sector, donor and civil society spectrums;
• Represent effectively DFIDI’s priorities in key programme areas as well as wider policy and work-streams;
• Coordinate internal discussions to ensure sound external representation;
• Donor and civil society co-ordination.

3. Deliver high quality of corporate reporting and stewardship; communicate results (20%)

• Support effective Global and National team financial management procedures;
• Draft quality submissions and briefings for senior management;
• Key contribution to the Global and National team effective use of DFID systems and procedures;
• Work constructively across DFID India in delivering the National and Global Operational Plans;
• Communicate directly and clearly with other parts of DFID as required.

This post will support the delivery of DFID India’s mission and priorities by managing projects along with other thematic and programmatic responsibilities based on the team’s business plan. S/He will be responsible for leading some projects and contributing to others. In particular, responsible for ensuring adherence to DFID procedures in design and implementation of projects. It will be important for the post holder to ensure that National Programme work complements DFID and HMGs other work through intra and inter team coordination.