1. Context & Background
Helpcode has been operating in Mozambique since 1988, implementing emergency response and development co-operation interventions across Cabo Delgado, Maputo, Sofala, Manica, and Inhambane provinces. In Cabo Delgado, Helpcode has been present since 2021 in response to the ongoing humanitarian emergency driven by the armed conflict and resulting displacement.
The organization operates a consolidated multi-sectoral emergency response with a strong core focus on Protection (including protection monitoring, referrals, prevention, mitigation, and response to gender-based violence, child protection, and women’s socio-economic empowerment). The current protection response is composed of a portfolio of synergistic projects funded by ECHO, OCHA, and private donors. Operating in a volatile security context with access constraints, Helpcode ensures the highest standards of staff safety and programme quality.
2. Purpose of the Role
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Program based in Pemba and with technical support from the HQ Protection Specialist, the Protection Program Manager is responsible for the overall operational management, weekly/monthly field planning, human resources supervision, technical quality, and external representation of Helpcode’s Protection Programme in Cabo Delgado.
The Manager ensures the smooth execution of multi-donor synergistic protection projects (ECHO, OCHA, and private donors), coordinating field teams across various field offices, resolving operational and logistical bottlenecks, supervising project HR, and representing Helpcode in relevant clusters and humanitarian coordination bodies.
3. Key Responsibilities and Tasks
3.1 Weekly/Monthly Planning & Field Operations Management
- Operational Roll-out & Workplans: Collect, consolidate, and review weekly and monthly operational action plans submitted by field office focal points/coordinators across Cabo Delgado.
- Logistical Problem-Solving: Identify and proactively resolve operational and logistical bottlenecks (e.g., vehicle allocation, field movement constraints, communication tools, supply delivery) in coordination with logistics.
- Synergy & Coherence: Ensure ECHO, OCHA, and private donor-funded protection projects are implemented in full synergy, avoiding overlaps and maximizing coverage.
- Field Monitoring: Conduct regular, structured field visits to supervise activity roll-out, monitor quality standards, and provide direct implementation support.
3.2 Team Management & Human Resources Supervision
- HR Supervision: Directly supervise project HR (national staff, field protection officers, social workers, case workers, community facilitators) across all protection interventions in Cabo Delgado.
- Performance & Coordination: Set clear objectives, conduct periodic performance evaluations, and establish daily/weekly team coordination mechanisms.
- Recruitment: Lead and manage national protection staff recruitment in close coordination with HR and Head of Program.
- Capacity Building: Identify training needs and organize initiatives with HQ Protection Specialist (e.g., Protection Mainstreaming, GBV Case Management, PSS, Child Protection, Safeguarding).
- Compliance & Conduct: Ensure adherence to Helpcode’s HR policies, Code of Conduct, PSEA protocols, and Child Safeguarding policies.
3.3 Technical Quality, MEAL & Reporting
- Technical Quality Control: Ensure protection interventions adhere to international humanitarian standards (Sphere, CPMS, GBV Minimum Standards) and Helpcode internal technical guidelines.
- Project Reporting: Lead drafting and timely submission of high-quality internal and external reports (monthly progress, intermediate, and final donor reports for ECHO, OCHA, and private donors).
- Visibility: Ensure project visibility requirements are fully met in compliance with donor (ECHO, OCHA) and Helpcode guidelines.
- MEAL & Data Protection: Oversee data collection, protection monitoring tools, and complaint & feedback mechanisms (AAP), enforcing strict confidentiality protocols.
3.4 Coordination, Cluster Participation & External Representation
- Cluster Representation: Proactively represent Helpcode in the regional Protection Cluster, GBV Sub-Cluster, Child Protection AoR, and sub-working groups in Cabo Delgado.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Act as main technical and operational focal point vis-à-vis UN agencies (UNHCR, UNICEF, UNFPA, OCHA), local/provincial authorities, and NGOs.
- Referral Pathways: Coordinate bilaterally with key humanitarian actors to establish functional referral pathways, prevent duplication, and promote complementary interventions.
3.5 Financial, Procurement & Security Oversight
- Budget Monitoring: Monitor project expenditure and budget burn rates across ECHO, OCHA, and private donor budgets in coordination with finance.
- Procurement Tracking: Prepare and track procurement plans for protection supplies, dignity kits, or community structures following donor and internal procedures.
- Security & Context Monitoring: Ensure full compliance of field teams with Helpcode security SOPs and movement protocols in volatile zones; continuously monitor context and report risks immediately.
4. Qualifications & Requirements
- Field Experience: Minimum of 2 years of relevant field experience in humanitarian, early recovery, or development programs.
- Project Management: Proven experience in project and program management, team leadership, and field operations.
- Donor Relations: Experience in donor relations, cluster coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
- Language Skills: Fluency in both Portuguese and English (spoken and written) is mandatory.
- Soft Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment, and demonstrated problem-solving skills using creative approaches.
- Assets: Previous experience working in Mozambique and dedicated experience in the protection sector are considered strong assets.