Position: Program Director -- Good Return

Good Return's mission is to enable those living in poverty to achieve economic empowerment through responsible financial inclusion and capability development. We do this by engaging with partners across the Asia Pacific, where two-thirds of the world’s poor live. We help them deliver better financial services and economic opportunities to those living in poverty. 

Our work focuses on promoting responsible inclusive finance, building financial capability & consumer empowerment, and developing smallholder agribusiness solutions. We also deliver interest free loan capital raised from the Australian public. Together these powerful tools empower people to create lasting change for themselves.

Good Return is an initiative of World Education Australia, an Australian Aid accredited agency and member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID).  Visit www.goodreturn.org.au for more information.

Job Description

Reports to: CEO
Direct Reports: Asia Regional Manager, Pacific Regional Manager, Program Technology Lead, Program Development Coordinator

Scope of position: 
The Program Director’s role is to lead and manage Good Return Programs to meet strategic goals with optimal use of staff and financial resources. The Program Director works closely with the Marketing & Fundraising, Operations & Finance teams in meeting strategic Program goals. The role requires regular travel, and the incumbent is expected to be available to travel up to 50% of time, as required to ensure effective oversight of programs and partnerships, and leadership of the team.

Responsibilities and Tasks:
1. Lead the strategic planning and monitoring of Good Return development activities

• Lead the formulation of a strategy for Good Return’s development activities as part of the 3-yearly strategic planning process
• Review the program outcomes annually and propose revisions as appropriate

KPIs:
- Strategy: high quality program strategy in place at all times
- Outcomes: annual review of program outcomes provided within one month of end of financial year
2. Oversee the effective implementation of Good Return development activities

• Develop the program sections of the annual business plan to meet strategic goals
• Identify, establish and oversee partnerships and activities with partner agencies to meet strategic goals
• Liaise with program stakeholders to foster constructive working relations
• Work with the Operations team to ensure effective field implementation of the peer-to-peer lending program
• Ensure monitoring and evaluation of programs and partnerships to generate learnings, continuous improvement and achievement of organisational goals

KPIs:
- Planning: program sections of annual business plan drafted by 31st May each year
- Performance: annual program KPIs are achieved
- Learning: annual calendar of evaluations completed per plan
3. Provide leadership to the program team

• Determine program team structure in discussion with CEO and ensure appropriately qualified staff fill all positions
• Ensure appropriate mentoring, guidance and professional development of the program team
• Ensure performance management of all direct reports

KPIs:
- Leadership: program team report quality of program leadership as strong
- Staff development: professional development and performance management activities conducted per organisational policies
4. Effectively manage the financial resources required for Good Return development activities

• Prepare annual business plans and budgets (including income targets) for all program activities
• Work with the Program Team and project managers to review income and expenditure against budget on a monthly basis and ensure this remains on track and within budget
• Prepare funding submissions to government and other overseas agencies

KPIs:
- Budget: annual program budget drafted by 31st May each year
- Expenditure: expenditure reports reviewed within 1 week of end of month, and overall program expenditure not exceeding budget
- Income: income targets per annual business plan are met
5. Ensure quality control and compliance of all program activities with internal policies and external compliance requirements

• Ensure the accuracy and currency of the Program Manual, and ensure program staff are familiar with and comply with the Manual
• Ensure compliance of program activities with Good Return’s policies and procedures, and with DFAT, ACFID and other statutory requirements
• Ensure contractual obligations with program funders are met

KPIs:
- Compliance: annual compliance reviews confirm strong overall compliance
6. Support the fundraising and marketing activities related to program activities

• Work with the Marketing team to identify and prepare submissions for corporate funding
• Liaison with Corporate funders to strengthen partnerships
• Engage in promotional activities in support of Good Return’s fundraising and marketing initiatives

KPIs:
- Engagement: participate in corporate engagement and promotional activities at least quarterly
7. Effective reporting of program progress and issues

• Maintain a clear and practical reporting framework for projects and programs
• Prepare quarterly board reports on program progress, including KPI and financial reporting
• Ensure appropriate reports to funders

KPIs:
- Internal reporting: quarterly reports submitted to CEO within 1 month of end of quarter
- External reporting: funder reports submitted on time
8. Other duties relevant to the position as required.

Qualifications

SELECTION CRITERIA

1. A strategic thinker with demonstrated ability to ideate solutions together with stakeholders and gain buy in to new strategies and approaches
2. Demonstrated ability to motivate, develop and lead an inclusive and diverse team, especially remote teams
3. Strong track record in program and project management, including economic development and financial inclusion in a developing country context (familiarity with women’s economic empowerment issues desirable)
4. Current knowledge of NGO and development-related policies, procedures, guidelines, legislation and emerging issues (familiarity with ACFID and DFAT compliance requirements desirable)
5. High level interpersonal, negotiation and cross-cultural communication skills
6. Extensive networks within the international development sector
7. Demonstrated success in raising funds from bilateral and multilateral donors
8. Enthusiastic about the use of digital technology to contribute to development solutions
9. Relevant post graduate qualifications

Additional Information

How to apply

Applications can be submitted by selecting the 'I'm interested' link below.

Applications must comprise of:

• A resume (maximum 5 pages)
• A cover letter that addresses the selection criteria in full (your cover letter can be included in the messages section or uploaded together with with your resume file).

Applications which do not include a cover letter addressing the selection criteria will not be considered.

Applications close: 9:00 am (Sydney AEST) Monday 10th July 2017

Moreinfo: https://goodreturn.org.au/contact/opportunities/?t=alt