Sponsored Programmes Officer

Closing: Date: 1 Dec 2024

One Ummah (OU) is a faith-based international relief and development agency established with the hopes and dreams of bringing the world’s communities together and uniting against poverty. We aim to put the true light of Islam into practice by tackling poverty, changing lives and answering the calls of those in need. One Ummah has grown to be a key international relief and development agency working in over 18 countries worldwide on programmes such as water and sanitation, food, education, orphans support, healthcare, shelter, income generation and emergency disaster relief.

The Sponsored Programmes Officer plays a crucial role in shaping and implementing the strategic vision of the orphan welfare and family sponsorship initiatives. Collaborating closely with the Programmes department, they ensure that programme goals align with organisational objectives, promoting continuous improvement, efficiency, and effectiveness. This dedicated approach directly supports vulnerable children and the most at-risk families in the countries where our organisation operates.

The Sponsored Programmes Officer is responsible for overseeing and implementing the orphan welfare programme and family sponsorship in collaboration with international partners, country offices, and the head office. This role involves providing guidance and direction to stakeholders, conducting needs assessments, developing proposals, planning and managing programmes, monitoring progress, and reporting. The officer plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and care of orphans through effective coordination and execution of the programme.

CEO, Operations Manager, International Programmes Manager (IPM), Regional Managers, Communications Officer and International Partners.

Collaborate with international partners and country offices in conducting needs assessments, planning, implementing, and evaluating programmes.

Collaborate with international partners and country offices to ensure that their programmes are aligned with the strategic aims and objectives of OU.

Develop work plans, monitor activities and budgets, and establish oversight systems.

Identify protection concerns, propose new areas of work, and support tool development.

Provide guidance and support to international partners and country offices in planning, implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on sponsorship programmes.

Lead the development of the strategy for sponsored programmes.

Facilitate field monitoring visits and modify programme activities as necessary.

Develop Work Plans: Develop programme work plans in collaboration with key stakeholders, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

Implementation Oversight: Oversee the implementation of the orphan welfare and family sponsorship programmes, ensuring the achievement of goals and objectives.

Compliance: Ensure compliance with organisational policies, procedures, and donor requirements throughout the programme implementation.

Conduct Needs Assessments: Collaborate with international partners and country offices to conduct comprehensive needs assessments for orphaned children and vulnerable families.

Data Analysis: Analyse and evaluate data collected during needs assessments to inform intervention strategies and facilitate the development of appropriate proposals.

Selection Guidance: Provide guidance to stakeholders in validating the selection of orphaned children based on vulnerability

Monitor Activities: Monitor programme activities and ensure adherence to allocated budgets, reviewing expenditures in consultation with relevant managers.

Field Monitoring: Facilitate regular field monitoring visits and collaborate with stakeholders to make necessary modifications to programme activities.

Reporting Systems: Establish effective oversight, support, quality control, and reporting systems in collaboration with international partners and country offices.

Prepare Reports: Contribute to the preparation of regular programme reports, including progress reports, donor reports, and programme evaluations.

Develop Tools: Support the development and adaptation of tools for intervention implementation and monitoring, including the orphaned children and family sponsorship database.

Challenge Recognition: Collaborate with the International Programmes Manager and other relevant stakeholders to identify and address programmatic challenges and propose solutions.

Identify Protection Concerns: Identify child protection concerns across operational areas, propose new work areas, and contribute to proposal development.

Child Protection Standards: Ensure strict adherence to Child Protection Minimum Standards and Guiding Principles throughout the programme.

Capacity Building: Support capacity-building initiatives for international partners and country offices, including providing training and technical assistance.

Foster Communication: Foster effective communication and coordination among international partners, country offices, and stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of the sponsorship programmes.

Liaise and Upskill: Liaise with and upskill international partners regarding programme intent, implementation, and impact as necessary.

Stay Informed: Stay updated on emerging trends, research, and best practices in orphan and child welfare to inform programme strategies and approaches.

Facilitate Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate knowledge sharing and learning within the programme, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Programme Improvements: Improve orphan programmes to ensure continuous evaluation, ensuring the most possible impact for orphans can be achieved.

Orphan Feedback: Ensure that all orphan feedback is fit for purpose, relevant, and of high quality.

Image Matching: Ensure orphan profile images match the orphan database information.

Quarterly Reports: Gather quarterly reports to check if the implementation partners' proposed work plan has been followed.

Monthly Checklists: Oversee monthly checklist reports for the orphan and family sponsorship project.

Conduct Meetings: Conduct monthly meetings with the implementing partners/country offices.

Forecasting: Forecast and analyse yearly activity to make predictions for busy periods.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate that they have the necessary management, administrative, professional, and technical skills and experience.

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (international development, project management, social sciences) (D)

Additional certifications/training in programme management, regional development, or related areas (desirable) (D)

Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in international development, regional programmes, or related fields (E)

Experience in planning, implementing, and monitoring programmes in similar contexts (D)

Conducting needs assessments, data analysis, and proposal development (E)

Collaboration with international partners and stakeholders (E)

Familiarity with monitoring, evaluation, and budget management (E)

Strong understanding of regional development principles and international frameworks (D)

Strong knowledge of international development and humanitarian work (D)

Excellent project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills (D)

Effective communication and interpersonal abilities (E)

Proficiency in data analysis, report writing, and MS Office (E)

Teamwork, adaptability, and leadership skills (E)

Knowledge of community empowerment and participation principles (D)

Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation methodologies (D)

Understanding of financial matters related to regional development programmes (E)

Knowledge of Islamic financial matters i.e. Zakat, Sadaqat, Waqf (D)

Commitment to One Ummah’s visions and values (E)

Commitment to One Ummah’s ethos (E)

Hardworking and self-motivated (E)

Understanding of the basic teachings and values of Islam (E)