Closing Date: 31st January 2025

1.0 Introduction
The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) is a non-governmental, non-partisan human rights organization. As an umbrella organization, THRDC represents over 250 member organizations working across Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. The Coalition aims to improve the working environment for HRDs, in line with the 1998 UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. The DPO is a key leadership role that ensures the successful implementation of THRDC’s strategic goals and provides oversight of all projects.

2.0 About This Position
The Director of Programs and Operations (DPO) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of THRDC’s projects across Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. This role involves strategic planning, financial management, resource mobilization, staff supervision, and fostering stakeholder engagement. The DPO is also a member of the senior management team, contributing to overall organizational leadership and ensuring compliance with both internal and external standards.

3.0 Key Responsibilities
Project Management

Define the Program/Project Cycle and manage projects from proposal writing, initiation, implementation, and close-out phases.
Lead work planning, organizing, and supporting the implementation of activities to ensure alignment with THRDC’s goals and objectives.
Monitor and evaluate project progress by conducting regular field visits, reviews, and evaluations. Present performance reports to the Board and Development Partners, ensuring goals, progress, and impacts/results are effectively communicated.
Identify potential risks, develop mitigation strategies, and proactively address issues to ensure program success.
Seek continuous improvement in project delivery by monitoring trends, incorporating best practices, and soliciting stakeholder feedback.
Staff Supervision

Manage the performance of program officers by setting goals, conducting evaluations, and providing leadership.
Mentor staff and provide professional development opportunities to ensure innovation and adapt programs to meet emerging needs.
Convene management team meetings to monitor and ensure the implementation of decisions made, while supervising and assigning duties to management and other staff.
Ensure compliance with all organizational and statutory policies.
Strategic Planning

Lead and collaborate with senior management and stakeholders to develop and monitor the Coalition’s strategic plan.
Contribute to the organization’s strategic direction by identifying opportunities, innovations, and assessing feasibility and impact.
Financial Management

Collaborate with the finance team to allocate resources effectively, monitor expenses, and ensure adherence to budget guidelines.
Review and approve program/project expenditures in line with approved budgets.
Act as a signatory for financial transactions and supports the preparation of financial reports for stakeholders.
Resource Mobilization and New Initiatives Development

Lead the technical design of new projects during proposal development and contribute to technical proposal writing.
Develop and implement resource mobilization strategies and a relationship management plan to ensure sustainable funding.
Build strategic partnerships with local and international organizations for new project development.
Compliance

Stay up to date with laws, regulations, and policies affecting program implementation.
Ensure compliance with internal and external policies, legal and ethical standards, and specific donor funding requirements.
Oversee the development, approval, and implementation of policies and procedures in finance, human resources, and monitoring and evaluation.
Stakeholder Engagement and Ambassadorship

Build and nurture relationships with program partners, funders, government agencies, and members organizations to facilitate collaboration and secure support.
Represent the Coalition at national and international meetings as the spokesperson on behalf of the National Coordinator.
Initiate and participate in collaborative networking activities to engage strategic partners and support the Coalition’s goals.
Attend and participate in various media programs on behalf of the National Coordinator.
Governance and Organizational Management

Organize Board program committee meetings and members meetings, ensuring implementation of decisions and resolutions.
Support the National Coordinator to prepare and present regular implementation program reports to the Board and Coalition members.
Communicate back all Board directives to all program officers and supervise the implementation of Board directives.
Coordinate effectively members’ engagement activities and programs.
Protection Role

Assist the National Coordinator in leading the Coalition’s protection goal by providing strategic guidance and oversight to the protection desk and related staff.
Oversee the production of protection and advocacy materials in both electronic and printed formats.
4.0 Job Skill Specifications
Key Competencies

A minimum of five years working experience in a senior managerial position, ideally with non-profit organizations.
Expertise in people management and supervision, including the ability to lead and manage a diverse team across an organization.
Proven ability to develop strategies related to organizational policies in collaboration with a diverse team.
Advanced organizational, planning, and project management skills.
Experience managing donor relationships, reporting, and program work planning.
Proven ability to coordinate and implement cross-functional initiatives with fidelity.
Demonstrated ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
Expertise in risk management, including identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with proficiency in English and Kiswahili.
Proven ability to translate complex concepts for diverse audiences and across technical issues.
Demonstrated advocacy skills, with experience engaging public and private sectors, as well as policymakers on legislative and policy issues.
Ability to handle multiple projects under time and resource pressure.
Comprehensive knowledge on human rights, human rights principles, laws, and security management, particularly as they apply to human rights defenders.
Familiarity with Tanzania’s legal framework, including laws applicable to Zanzibar.
Advanced knowledge of Digital technology and ability to quickly learn and adapt to new systems, processes, and procedures.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to filter, prioritize, and validate complex information.
Proven ability to build and maintain strategic networks with key stakeholders, including funders, government agencies, and community organizations.
Ability to develop task orders and manage task-specific consultants depending on circumstances and needs, with a knowledge and understanding of various laws of the country.
Demonstrated commitment to gender equity and inclusive practices in program implementation.
Demonstrated commitment to ethical standards and professional conduct.
Proven ability to maintain confidentiality on work-related issues.
Minimum Education Requirement and Experience

A Master’s degree in Project Management or Monitoring & Evaluation or another related field.
Bachelor’s degree in law (L.L.B), Public Relations, Administration, or another related field.
At least 5 years’ experience in providing technical leadership, program development, and management in an NGO setup.
At least 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership position, especially in NGOs.
Knowledge of UN Regional and International human rights mechanisms, including human rights defenders.
Experience overseeing or working on programs funded by multiple donors.
Expertise in project management and advocacy.
Knowledgeable in HRD security management.
Personal Attributes

Passionate and articulate activist
Good writer
Hardworking and tolerant of diversity
Principled but flexible
Security-conscious and creative

• Cover letter
• Detailed curriculum vitae with three referees
• Copy of academic certificates