Geneva Call is a neutral and impartial non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting respect by Armed Groups, De Facto Authorities (AGDAs) and Provisional Governments 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?

Geneva Call is seeking a highly qualified and experienced Head of Programme who will provide overall leadership, technical oversight, management and strategic vision to the program of Geneva Call in Colombia while managing staff and resources to ensure that the program meets its objectives and deliverable timely, qualitatively and within budget. The Head of Programme will work in a fluctuating and uncertain context and will constantly adapt to the programmatic needs of Geneva Call, including possible direct interactions with armed groups.

The position is open to Colombian nationals and foreigners with a valid Colombian residency permit only.

Work Relations

Under the supervision of the Country Director, the Head of Programme will provide overall leadership, technical oversight, management and strategic vision of the program of Geneva Call while managing staff and resources to ensure that the program meets its objectives and deliverable timely, qualitatively and within budget. The Head of Programme will work in a fluctuating and uncertain context and constantly adapt the answer of Geneva Call.

Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Management and Coordination

• Coordinate, develop and manage Colombia’s country programme to ensure quality project implementation and appropriate project cycle management, in accordance with strategies, project plans and Geneva Call procedures;
• Develop and update programmatic methodologies;
• Analyse conflict and humanitarian situation on a regular basis and ensure its integration into project design and implementation;
• Ensure effective flow of information and communication with partners and stakeholders and update Country Director on latest developments;
• Ensure that programme expenditures, procurement and logistics are in line with project budgets, country office financial plans and internal and donor regulations;
• Support Country Director and HQ in engaging senior government officials, humanitarian agencies and other key stakeholders;

Human Resource Manageemnt

• Line-manage relevant programme staff according to the country’s operational set up;
• Assist in the recruitment and selection of programmatic staff and consultants

Planning, Monitoring and Reporting

• Develop programme work plans and budgets in consultation with programme team according to Geneva Call’s operational and MEAL procedures;
• Ensure timely and quality tracking and reporting of project work plans, logframes and indicators;
• Support programme staff in implementation of MEAL system;
• Regularly conduct field missions and monitor activities to achieve desired programme results in line with organizational requirements;
• Prepare regular monitoring reports and support the MEAL Coordinator in conducting internal programme evaluations and audits;

External Relations

• Liaise with partners and stakeholders, including potentially members of armed groups, to ensure close cooperation, collaboration and coordination;
• Ensure proper implementation of donor visibility and communications plan, also taking into account security and perception risks and seeking for derogations/exemptions when required;
• Attend and represent GC as required at conferences and other fora of interest to the organisation;
• Perform any other tasks as assigned by the line managers.

Duties

Compliance

• Works within the framework of Geneva Call’s core values, promoting ethical behaviour. Be an ambassador for the code of conduct and role model accountability;
• Ensures familiarity with and adhere to all Geneva Call policies and procedures;
• Undertakes the role in a manner appropriate to the cultural context and within the local legal framework;
• Understands and uphold the standards outlined in Geneva Call’s safeguarding framework, acting with due care and attention to safeguard the wellbeing of staff, consultants and partners and anyone else who works with or on behalf of Geneva Call. Reports concerns if they do arise;

Requirements

Education (Essential)

• Completed Master’s degree in relevant field such as Political or Social Science, International Relations, International Humanitarian Law or Human Rights;

Experience (Essential)

• Minimum 10 years of equivalent work experience in a humanitarian/protection organization.
• Experience as Head of Programme or Programme Coordinator is required;

Experience (Desirable)

• Knowledge in International Humanitarian Law (IHL) or International Human Right Law is a strong asset;
• Experience with humanitarian negotiations is an asset;
• Certification with the Centre of Competence for Humanitarian Negotiation is an asset;
• Work experience with an international organization and in multiple countries is an asset;

Job-related and Organisational Competencies

• Solid diplomatic skills with ability to communicate with high level interlocutors;
• Strong organizational and analytical skills;
• Established network in country of operation;
• Passionate about political and security affairs in the region;
• Experience in developing professional relationships with various stakeholders and working in a neutral and objective manner;
• IT Tools (MS Office, Excel, email);

Languages (Essential)

• Fluency in Spanish;
• Excellent English language skills are required

Additional information

• The incumbent must be willing and able to travel at short notice.
• Testing and interviewing will be used as a form of screening.
• Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references.
• Additional background checks may be required.

Why join Geneva Call?

Geneva Call consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, and opinions fostering an inclusive working environment for all staff.

This role offers the opportunity to shape policies that protect civilians in conflict zones, contribute to life-saving humanitarian initiatives, and work at the forefront of international legal advocacy. If you are passionate about making a tangible impact in some of the world’s most challenging contexts, we look forward to your application.