Deputy Director of Operations for Programme and Development – Geneva, Switzerlandnew

Department: Operations

Duty Station: Geneva

Contract Type: Full-time (100%)

Direct report: Director of Operations

Grade: Head of

Mission

Geneva Call is a neutral and impartial non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting respect by Armed Groups and De Facto and/or Provisional Authorities (AGDAs) for international humanitarian norms in armed conflict and other situations of violence, in particular those related to the protection of civilians. Geneva Call focuses its efforts on banning the use of anti-personnel mines, protecting children from the effects of armed conflict, prohibiting sexual violence in armed conflict, working towards the elimination of gender discrimination, protecting civilian infrastructure, and ensuring humanitarian access.

Why this role?

Under the overall supervision of the Director of Operations, the role of Deputy Director of Operations for Programme and Development (DDOPD) is to lead the Programme and Development unit and develop standardised programmatic approaches and models in alignment with programmatic cycle management tools and ensure programmatic interventions are based on Geneva Call’s mission – Theory of Change, strategic priorities, conflict specification framework and humanitarian principles. The DDOPD is accountable for the global programme strategy and quality.

Work Relations

The DDOPD will partner and coordinate as a peer with other operational heads of units such as Policy, Research and Legal (PRL), MEAL and Donor Relations units, and with the Deputy Director of Operations for Africa, to promote coherence in programmatic plans and strategies for internal applications and external dissemination. The DDOPD will be the functional manager of the Regional Heads of Programme and Development to ensure technical guidance and support on programme models and designs from inception to implementation and end evaluation is provided at a regional and country-level, and medium to long term impact is generated. The position in coordination and collaboration with other units will develop strategic programmatic partnerships with other international organisations and networks and organise events in global capitals on protection of civilians through AGDA engagement.

Duties and Responsabilities

Programme Quality Assurance and Standards

• Sets global Project Cycle Management standards and ensures the dissemination and application of the Project Cycle Management handbook across all existing and new missions. In consultation with PRL and MEAL units, leads the design, development and streamlining of specific programme models, particularly for new missions, based on Geneva Call’s conflict spectrum framework while incorporating humanitarian engagement principles and thematic priorities in line with Geneva Call’s mission and strategy.
• Leads programme quality reviews at a global level, based on the results matrix and evaluation methodologies developed by the MEAL unit, and contributes to the development of Geneva Call’s internal programmes audit framework in consultation with relevant programme focal points at HQ and regional levels.
• Identifies and coordinates learning needs at a global level and supports the Regional Heads of Programme & Development in building the capacities of programming teams to develop long-term sustainable programmes and measurable impact by incorporating data and lessons learnt from the MEAL unit.
• Uses the progress tracker system designed by MEAL across all missions and produces quarterly reports on programme progress and implementation quality against agreed targets. Develops a standardised programme versus cost estimation simulation model based on GC AGDA engagement programme design.
• Provides functional guidance to Regional Heads of Programme and Development in their technical advisory role to country teams, facilitating the coordination and implementation of projects and programme activities in close consultation with country teams, which retain ownership and accountability for programme delivery. Owns global learning approaches and supports Regional Heads of Programme & Development to host regular learning and collaboration opportunities for field and HQ staff to discuss programme/project implementation strategies and good practices.

Operational Coordination

• In close coordination with the Deputy Director of Operations for Africa and Director of Operations, aligns programmatic plans and supports Geneva Call’s institutional strategic development through the implementation of the updated Theory of Change and Strategic Plans in line with GC mission.
• Designs thematic programmes with policy and legal input from the PRL unit on protection of civilians in different conflict context situations.
• In coordination with the MEAL unit, ensures the organisational MEAL framework is fully integrated into programmatic designs from inception to end evaluation stages, utilising data from MEAL activities to enhance programme quality. Ensures all programme designs fully incorporate conflict sensitivity, gender equality, diversity and inclusion, and do not harm principles.
• Provides technical guidance in developing high-quality new project proposals for cross-regional programme design and multi-country donors and leads the management of multi-regional grants.
• In coordination with the Humanitarian Diplomacy & Communications unit, guides programme team to produce impact stories based on successful programmatic intervention. Develops global strategic partnerships and relationships with international organisations to support country missions.

Fundraising, Grant Management and Donor Briefings

• Coordinates programme input globally for overall fundraising and relationship building efforts, in close collaboration with the Donor Relations unit.
• Provides regular updates and briefings to donors on programmatic updates and impacts and leads global programme briefings and reporting.
• Provides programmatic guidance to the Grants and Reporting Coordinator.

Representation and Strategic Partnerships

• Maintains and strengthens Geneva Call’s role as a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian actor, positioning the organisation and its operations within the geographical areas to gain maximum access to AGDAs, influential stakeholders and affected populations.
• Engages frequently with high‑level stakeholders and international organisations to secure appropriate support for Geneva Call operations.
• In coordination with the Director of Operations, the DDOPD represents Geneva Call in global forums and performs such other duties as may be assigned.

Management

• Shared direct line management of the Regional Heads of Programme and Development, with clearly defined and complementary areas of responsibility. The DDOPD exercises line management authority over programmatic strategy, technical quality, programme delivery, and achievement of functional objectives, while the Deputy Director of Operations exercises line management authority over regional operational management, coordination, and alignment with regional priorities.
• Direct line management of the Programme and Reporting Coordinator at headquarters.

Requirements

Education (Essential)

• Master’s degree in political or social sciences, Humanitarian Affairs, International Relations, International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights Law or a related field.

Experience (Essential)

• 14+ years of highly relevant experience, with a minimum of 8 years of experience in the field and 3 years of experience at headquarters.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience leading and managing senior managers, included within the overall professional experience requirement.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing programme cycle management tools and leading programme development and quality assurance, as well as experience in humanitarian settings and/or crisis and post-crisis settings.
• Progressively responsible experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions. Demonstrated experience in engaging with armed actors and facilitating constructive dialogue on humanitarian concerns, particularly to promote respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians.
• Advanced understanding of the complex needs of humanitarian operations. Proven experience in resource mobilisation.

Job related Competencies (Essential)

• Sound knowledge of financial and business administration and of the principles and practices of management.
• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills and ability to work in a team and across departments to ensure an inclusive, respectful and safe working environment.
• Sound knowledge of the project cycle, as well as of monitoring and evaluation.
• Strong analytical thinking, planning and organising skills, with attention to detail, and structured, strong planning and organisation skills.
• Strategic thinking combined with strong execution skills.

Organisational Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain trusting and collaborative relationships.
• Ability to promote teamwork and effective collaboration across departments.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful and safe working environment.
• Ability to demonstrate accountability, sound judgement and alignment with Geneva Call’s organisational values.

Language (Essential)

• Fluency in English and French both spoken and written.

Language (Desirable)

• Knowledge of Spanish, Arabic, or any other language relevant to Geneva Call’s operations is an advantage.

Why join Geneva Call?

Geneva Call brings together people of diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and perspectives, fostering an inclusive working environment for all staff.

This role offers the opportunity to advance a meaningful humanitarian mission by strengthening the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The role combines strategic leadership, programme quality and innovation to develop sustainable, impactful programmes, strengthen partnerships and foster collaboration across missions, ultimately contributing to lasting change for communities affected by armed conflict.