Program Development Officer (Kordofan Region) – DT Global

Job Brief

Greater Kordofan Region, Sudan

DT Global works in partnership with communities, governments, and the private sector to deliver innovative solutions that transform lives. DT Global – launched in 2019 – is built on legacy companies AECOM’s International Development Services Sector, Development Transformations, IMC Worldwide, and Cardno International Development. To fulfill its profit-for-purpose mission, DT Global is a key donor to the DT Institute, an independent not-for-profit organization, in support of DTI’s efforts to test new ideas or expand on donor partner priorities to improve as many lives as possible.

Our global team of 2,500 staff and experts work in over 90 countries. We bring over 60 years of experience, relationships, and technical excellence to improve lives on behalf of our partners, clients, and stakeholders. We aim to maximize sustainable development impact across a wide range of practice areas, including Conflict Prevention, Stabilization & Transition; Economic Growth; Environment & Infrastructure; Governance; and Human Development. Together, we aim to positively impact 500 million lives by 2045.

Project Background:

DT Global is recruiting for project positions for a 38-month USAID-funded program in Sudan focused on strengthening citizen engagement around shared, democratic values. The program aims to build the capacity of civil society organizations, support social institution building, and strengthen strategic communications and public information/outreach in order to improve citizens’ access to timely and accurate information.

Position Summary:

The Program Development Officer (PDO) will lead communications with local partners and work closely with members of the Grants Management Unit (GMU) and Communications to oversee activity design and implementation. This position may require regular travel throughout the Greater Kordofan Region in Sudan contingent on the security situation and on project need, reimbursable for project-related travel expenses.  This position will report to the Regional Program Manager (RPM) or designate.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify potential program partners, and work with them to design and develop grant concepts and activities, through networking and outreach, under the overall direction of the Deputy Chief of Party-Programs (DCOP-P), USAID staff and other program representatives.
• Consistently develop strategically relevant concepts that respond to the established program goals and objectives. Demonstrate high level of understanding of USAID grant regulations and other considerations that may impact activity design and work closely with the Grants Team to proactively address these issues. This includes doing activity write-ups and supporting due diligence processes. 
• Demonstrate high level of understanding of prior implementation challenges and actively incorporate lessons learned into the design of new activities. Proactively share lessons learned across the program and contribute to the development of new tools and knowledge that can be integrated into program’s M&E function.
• Actively participate in the problem solving and troubleshooting throughout the grant cycle to assure implementation remains within the spirit of the original design concept. Provide technical assistance to grantees and potential grantees as required, throughout the activity cycle, in coordination with other staff.
• Closely analyze the Sudan 2’s rapidly changing environment on an ongoing basis, and contribute to rolling assessments, strategic review sessions, and recurring meetings.
• Facilitate and maintain linkages and networking among various actors. Support collaboration with partners, government, and other key stakeholders as a base for building/maintaining/expanding overall program impact.
• Use an Activity Database to document and monitor activity updates, in close coordination with other GMU team members.
• Work closely with MEL team to coordinate monitoring of the activities under implementation to ensure that they meet activity and program objectives and produce regular site visit reports.
• Coordinate with grants and procurement staff to provide sufficient written information for negotiation memos and all relevant contract documents as possible.
• Travel to project’s areas of operation as directed. Other tasks as assigned by supervisor. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Three to five years of relevant experience preferred.
• Experience working with local organizations or community-based groups in a relevant field, including but not limited to community engagement, civic education, or advocacy.
• Strong analytical skills and understanding of local and country context and social conditions in Sudan 2, with the ability to think creatively in conceptualizing relevant activity ideas.
• Experience in working with local partners on project design and implementation of activities preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to effectively use computer software and MS Office application applications. Willingness to learn how to use the program’s Activity Database.
• Fluency in written and oral English and Arabic is required.
• Legal authorization to work in Sudan is required.

Core Competencies:

TEAMWORK: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals. Participates in building a culture characterized by inclusion, trust and commitment.  

COMMUNICATION: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts professionally. Demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts. 

ADAPTABILITY: Adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment. 

CUSTOMER/CLIENT FOCUSED: Anticipates, monitors and meets the needs of customers and responds to them in an appropriate and responsive manner. 

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: Conveys respect for diverse individuals and perspectives; models inclusive behavior and treats everyone fairly. 

PROFESSIONALISM: Displays appropriate and ethical behavior, integrity and personal presentation in the workplace always; demonstrates respectful communication for others, both verbal and non-verbal. 

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

DT Global, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or national origin. DT Global, LLC prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.