Job Title:

Program Development Specialist

Location:

Islamabad

Reports to:

Director Programs

Responsible for:

Program Development & MERL

Salary Bracket

Upto 120,000/- to 140,000/-PKR

Job Purpose:

SSDO is looking for Program Development Specialist full time at Islamabad office.

Background:

Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) is a research based non-governmental advocacy organization committed to contribute for the well-being of society through establishing an institutionalized system of social development and a responsible citizenship. It is a civil initiative aimed and equipped to stimulate public and policy dialogue on social development policies, legislative processes, democratization, and rule of law, good governance and human rights and civic action.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a mapping of donors to resource our organizational strategy.
• Collaborate closely with the Project Management team to pursue new opportunities.
• Research events, publications, and announcements, to track and screen opportunities for possible SSDO interventions and identify trends that will drive partnership opportunities.
• Coordinate and contribute to the identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programs and draft concept notes and project document briefs for discussion with partners.
• Coordinate technical and financial requirements and negotiate proposals to close new project opportunities.
• Provides technical leadership for MERL to the project team to ensure USAID Monitoring and Evaluation requirements are met on a timely basis.
• Guides on data collection, management, and verification of the data, and display the results – based on both quantitative and qualitative inputs. This includes data analysis, reporting, and dissemination, building the capacities of MERL and technical staff in these areas, and ensuring compliance.
• Develops an efficient and accurate data collection and analysis system that includes efficient processes for collecting and analyzing data and ensuring data quality.
• Monitors and reviews progress achieving targets and objectives under the program results framework and effective implementation of projects MERL activities.
• Ensures quick learning and adapting processes through process monitoring of program implementation.
• Shares monthly and quarterly MERL data with line managers to assess progress on program outputs and achievement of program objectives.
• Conducts internal mid-term and other periodic progress reviews to improve implementation, and as needed to prepare for external reviews.
• Supports the ED, component managers, and other program staff to design appropriate strategies for achieving project objectives and goals.
• Designs and coordinates implementation of learning workshops, trainings, and other activities for staff and partners.

Qualifications and Experience:

• University level degree preferably Masters/M.Phil.  in Social Sciences or in a relevant discipline. 
• A minimum of 5-7 years’ work experience in development sector, at least half of which should have been related to research, SDGs, CVE, legislative advocacy work, and strengthening partnerships. 

Technical Competencies:

• The candidate should have expertise in program development and technical leadership in research and grants writing. 
• The candidate must understand the implementation approaches of grants writing and will be able to design, implement and manage MERL systems to include the development of PMPs, LFAs, TOCs, design and implementation of special surveys and studies and help develop other indicators tools as required. Must be proficient in USAID regulations; prior experience working on USAID-funded programs will be taken as an assert.
• Knowledge of development theories, concepts, legislative development in country, public policy, SDGs and CVE.
• Experience in partnership management.
• Ability to travel on short notice.
• Excellent technical writing & Research skills.
• Pro-active in communication & information sharing.

Languages: Excellent command of English & Urdu – verbal and written

IT: Word, PowerPoint, Adobe and able to well present and analyse information