Regional Technical Head of Program - Latin America

The Regional Technical Head of Program at Handicap International holds a pivotal role, primarily focused on programmatic development across Latin America. Key responsibilities include managing a diverse team of field specialists, ensuring the quality and impact of ongoing projects, and developing operational strategies aligned with HI's 10-year strategy. Additionally, this role involves steering fundraising strategies and enhancing emergency preparedness initiatives, ensuring that HI can respond swiftly and effectively in critical situations.

To be eligible for the Regional Technical Head of Program role at Handicap International, candidates must possess a master's degree in international cooperation, development, or humanitarian sectors. A minimum of eight years in humanitarian development, specifically in multi-site and multi-sector programming, is essential. Fluency in Spanish and English is required, with French as an optional asset. Moreover, experience in managing culturally diverse teams and strong leadership skills are crucial for this position.

Handicap International implements rigorous quality standards for the projects managed by the Regional Technical Head of Program. This includes active monitoring of technical quality and relevance of activities, adherence to MEAL-related policies, and promoting cross-cutting approaches across projects. Regular evaluations and feedback mechanisms are established to optimize project impact and compliance with HI's strategic frameworks, ensuring high-quality service delivery.

The emergency preparedness responsibilities for the Regional Technical Head of Program at Handicap International are critical to ensuring effective humanitarian responses. This role leads emergency preparedness actions in their department, strategizing and restructuring team priorities to respond efficiently during crises. The focus is on adapting operations swiftly to meet the humanitarian imperatives, ensuring HI can provide timely assistance and support to affected populations.

Handicap International offers a competitive benefit package for the Regional Technical Head of Program position, including a three-year international contract, tailored social coverage, medical insurance, and pension contributions. Employees also receive generous leave policies, including 25 paid vacation days and additional rest and recuperation days. For those stationed in the field, per diem allowances and assistance with housing are provided, making it a well-rounded package for committed individuals.

As a Regional Technical Head of Program, my leadership style is collaborative and inclusive. I believe in empowering team members by encouraging open communication and actively seeking their input on decision-making. I set clear goals aligned with our strategic priorities, which motivates my team to achieve our mission effectively. In addition, I strive to be a role model for HI's values, demonstrating commitment and integrity in every aspect of our work.

Certainly! In my previous role, I led a multi-sectoral project aimed at improving health and education access for marginalized communities. By collaborating with local partners and stakeholders, we were able to increase program reach by 40% within two years. This success stemmed from thorough planning, continuous monitoring, and the agile adaptation of strategies based on community feedback, ensuring the project was responsive and impactful.

I would start by aligning the operational strategy with HI's overarching goals and the needs of the communities we serve. Conducting a thorough analysis of challenges and opportunities is essential. I would propose workshops to gather insights from field teams, establishing key priorities and actionable steps. Furthermore, creating cross-functional task forces will facilitate collaborative synergies that broaden our strategic initiatives, ensuring they are comprehensive and contextually relevant.

To ensure quality in programming and project execution, I emphasize the importance of a robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework. I would implement regular check-ins and performance reviews to assess project outcomes against established benchmarks. Promoting a culture of accountability and feedback within the team is crucial, as is engaging stakeholders in evaluation processes, allowing for continuous improvement and adherence to HI’s quality standards.

I would propose a multi-faceted approach to enhancing fundraising efforts, involving capacity-building workshops for team members to strengthen their skills in proposal writing and grant management. Fostering relationships with potential donors and conducting regular outreach to showcase HI's impact would also be beneficial. Additionally, leveraging social media and digital platforms for campaigns can increase visibility and engagement, attracting support from diverse sources.

Conflicts are natural in any team, and handling them effectively is key. I would first encourage open communication, allowing team members to express their concerns without fear of repercussions. After listening to different perspectives, I would mediate discussions to identify a mutually agreeable solution, focusing on maintaining respect and cohesion within the team. Establishing clear conflict resolution protocols also helps prevent similar issues in the future.

I have extensive experience managing multi-site programs, where I've coordinated efforts across various regions to address complex humanitarian needs. This involved establishing communication channels, developing region-specific strategies that aligned with overall program goals, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. My ability to adapt management styles to fit local contexts has been instrumental in fostering team cohesion and collaboration across diverse cultural settings.

During a crisis, I prioritize response tasks based on immediate humanitarian needs and available resources. I utilize an impact and urgency assessment, focusing first on life-saving interventions and ensuring that my team is oriented toward rapid deployment. I also maintain close communication with local stakeholders to adapt our response dynamically as the situation evolves, ensuring we remain effective in addressing urgent challenges.

Cross-sectoral collaboration is vital in my work, as many challenges faced by communities are interconnected. I strive to establish partnerships between health, education, and protection sectors, promoting integrated approaches that enhance overall program effectiveness. Sharing knowledge and resources among sectors fosters innovation, creates synergies, and delivers more comprehensive solutions that better serve those in need.

I am deeply motivated by HI’s mission to support vulnerable populations and advocate for their rights. The opportunity to lead the Regional Technical Head of Program position aligns with my professional background and personal values. I am excited about the chance to contribute my expertise in humanitarian development and management to inspire and empower communities, ensuring impactful solutions are at the heart of every initiative.