INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.
Terms of reference
Job Title: Programme Coordinator
Code: SR-48-10010
Duty station: Yaounde, with frequent field visits to zones of intervention (Far North and South and Northwest)
Starting date: 10/12/2025
Contract duration: 12 months renewable
Reporting to: Programme director Chad-Cameroon
Functional Supervisor: Assistant regional director
Supervision of: At least 7 project managers and one programme assistant
Type of Duty Station: Non-family duty stations
General context of the project
INTERSOS began operating in Cameroon in 2015 with an intervention in the Far North region of Cameroon, thanks to funding from AICS. Three years later, it expanded its activities to the North-West and South-West regions. Working on the front lines and in close proximity to the most vulnerable people affected by crises, INTERSOS has demonstrated its expertise in its areas of intervention in just a few years in Cameroon and is now recognized by both the authorities and the entire humanitarian community as one of the main actors in the field of protection and the main actor in the field of protection monitoring.
It currently has around 250 staff spread between a coordination office in Yaoundé, two main bases in the NOSO (Bamenda and Buea) and two main bases in the EN (Kousseri and Maroua).
The priority areas of intervention are protection and food security. In addition, INTERSOS carries out activities in the areas of nutrition, washing, distribution of NFI, cash, increasingly seeking an integrated approach for a holistic response to the needs of the population affected by crises.
The Program Coordinator is based at the coordination office in Yaoundé and works with the Head of Mission and the SMT to define the mission's strategy, with the support departments to ensure the quality of interventions, and supervises all project managers based in the intervention areas.
General purpose of the position
The Program Coordinator is responsible for the overall program strategy at the country level and for providing technical advice to the team in various sectors.
He/she is also responsible for developing policies, processes, and standards in the respective area of responsibility. He/she will enable and oversee the monitoring and evaluation of activities across the country and is ultimately responsible for portfolio development, ensuring that donors are consistently reported to and represented internally and externally.
Ultimately, he/she will actively participate in strategic and high-level decision-making, working closely with the Country Director and Head of Operations.
Main responsibilities and tasks:
Strategy and vision
- Contribute to the development and updating of the country strategy, within the framework of INTERSOS's overall strategic plan, values, and principles.
- Work within the senior management team to share ideas and program recommendations, support and implement continuous improvement of activities, processes, and procedures to optimize results and improve quality of delivery in accordance with quality standards.
- Determine, set, and achieve program team goals and objectives in line with the mission's strategic objectives.
- Develop, in collaboration with technical advisors, high-quality program strategies and proposals in line with the context and needs.
- Ensure that program strategies and processes are in place to ensure quality implementation and achieve targets.
- Develop holistic, needs-based programs, identifying funding opportunities and strategic partnerships.
- Design and implement creative and innovative programs, conduct assessments for rapid response or scale-up programs in existing or new areas of intervention.
- In collaboration with the Country Director and Head of Operations, create and implement a vision, strategy, policies, processes, and best practice program management procedures to support and improve organizational performance.
- Oversee the design of standards and processes with technical advisors at the mission level.
Program Management
- Supervise and guide the program team (program managers, grants and reports managers, technical coordinators).
- Ensure program coordination and consistency across the portfolio
- Ensure that program and project reviews are conducted regularly and effectively, monitor program execution against the work plan.
- In collaboration with the Chief Operating Officer, ensure that adequate resources are allocated to execute programs.
- Initiate and supervise the design of concept notes, proposals, and budgets for cost-related activities, coordinating with program managers, the grants and reports manager, technical units, and support functions (HR, finance, logistics, and security), in accordance with INTERSOS and donor requirements.
- Ensure timely communication and circulation of information on program achievements to internal and external parties.
- Conduct risk assessments related to program activities and related processes.
Accountability and quality control
- Oversee and support continuous improvement of program quality standards.
- Explore innovative solutions to improve program impact.
- Oversee program development and implementation, ensuring compliance with objectives and quality in collaboration with the MEAL department.
- Ensure that appropriate systems and procedures are established and followed, ensuring that best practices in project management are developed and adopted and that appropriate program management frameworks are in place.
Representation and advocacy
- In collaboration with the Country Director and Head of Operations, establish strong and effective partnerships with organizations, donors, and authorities, in line with the country strategy.
- Represent INTERSOS in relevant coordination forums.
- Contribute to the definition of the country advocacy strategy and represent INTERSOS in national and international media and participate in community activities as appropriate.
- When delegated authority, act as Country Director as needed.
Personnel Management
- Lead the program team by providing daily supervision and regular support to maximize performance effectiveness.
- Communicate with the program team on program progress, risks, and issues in an appropriate and timely manner. Ensure regular and timely communication among project team members.
- Monitor task execution and ensure proper performance and recording on the appropriate systems.
- Motivate and coach the program team.
- Communicate key performance indicators (KPIs) to staff so that they are aware of the annual strategic plan.
- Consistently promote high standards through personal example and deploy them within the team so that each member understands the standards and behaviors expected.
- In collaboration with the Human Resources Coordinator, undertake ongoing training and development of staff. Inspire the team and contribute technical expertise.
- In collaboration with the Protection Coordinator and/or Medical Coordinator, support the identification and deployment of technical skills, resource levels, and systems necessary to complete projects, including the engagement of external resources as needed.
Required profile and experience
Education
- Master university degree in International Relations, Development Cooperation, Economics, International Politics, or other relevant field.
Professional Experience
- Essential professional experience of at least 5 (five) years in related activities at senior management level and in humanitarian contexts.
Professional Requirements
- Ability to manage teams.
- Solid knowledge of project proposal development and financial management.
- Experience working with major donors (ECHO, AICS, BHA, UN agencies).
- Essential computer skills (Word, Excel, and Internet).
Languages
- English and French are the two working languages (Intersos operates in French-speaking and English-speaking areas).
Personal Requirements
- Strategic vision.
- Leadership, management, and people development.
- Planning and organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
- Teamwork and cooperation.
- Negotiation and networking skills.
- Behavioral flexibility.
- Innovation and creativity.
- Decision-making and influence.
- Written and oral communication skills.
- Excellent budgetary and financial management skills.
- Commitment to INTERSOS principles.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates are invited to apply following the link below:
Please note that our application process is made of 3 quick steps: register (including your name, email, password and citizenship), sign-up and apply by attaching your CV in PDF format. Through the platform, candidates will be able to track their applications’ history with INTERSOS.
Please also mention the name, position and contact details of at least three references: two line managers and one HR referent. Family members are to be excluded.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.
