Job Description
Job Title
Programme Manager
Department
Programme Management
Post Holder
Reporting to
Senior Programme Manager
Responsible for
N/A
Liaison with
Hours
35 hours/ 3 years fixed term contract
Organisation
Options Consultancy Services Limited (Options) was established in 1992 and is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Marie Stopes International. Options is a leading provider of technical and management
expertise in the health and social sectors. We work in partnership with national and state
governments, international development agencies, the private sector and civil society to strengthen
programmes and policies to support the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in health
and poverty reduction.
Our work focuses on providing expertise in sexual and reproductive health, maternal newborn and
child health, HIV and AIDS, citizen voice and accountability, gender, social inclusion and equity to
enhance institutional effectiveness to support strengthening of health service delivery.
Main Purpose of Job (Describe the overall objective of the role and how it fits into Options)
As Programme Manager you are responsible for the effective and efficient project management of
long term technical assistance and short term consultancy assignments for a variety of clients. You
will work closely with other Options’ Team members to ensure that all work is carried out to high
standards and to support the development of the organisation as a whole. You will report to the
Senior Programme Manager, and will be based in Options’ offices in central London, with some
overseas travel.
Main Duties (Outline areas of responsibility)
Main Responsibilities:
1. Programme Management
 Manage specific long-term programmes and short-term assignments within the Options
overseas portfolio ensuring all donor guidelines for financial management are adhered to.

Work closely with the /Senior Programme Manager to contribute to the strategic planning and
monitoring of the designated projects, resolving issues and initiating corrective action as
appropriate.
•
Track project deliverables ensuring they meet appropriate levels of quality, are on time and
within budget, in accordance with the project plan.
•
Management of project budgets, monitoring the expenditures and costs against delivered and
realised milestones as the projects progress.
•
Internal and external financial reporting, including invoicing and expenditure tracking and
variance analysis.
•
Organising short term consultant inputs including preparation of TORs, sourcing, negotiating,
drafting contracts briefing and managing consultants.
•
Lead liaison with subcontractors, including preparation of TORs, contracts and budgets and
ongoing management of their inputs and deliverables.
•
Liaise with clients, implementing agencies and other relevant
organisations as required and ensure excellent relations are maintained;
•
Maintain an assessment of risks to the programme’s successful outcome.
•
Produce status reports showing project progress for Options’ Directors Group, and lead the
preparation and presentation of cross-department Project Progress Group meetings (once or
twice per year).
•
Support the Senor Programme Manager to define project tasks and resource requirements,
including developing project work plans and supporting the design and implementation of
effective technical assistance strategies.
•
Lead the contractual arrangements with long-term project staff, and provide them with
ongoing project management support.
•
Supervise programme administration, travel and logistics.
•
Manage and support effective
subcontractors and colleagues;
•
Management of Options UK based or international staff as required
•
Represent Options and the programmes in various fora as needed
communication
and
cooperation
individuals
among
and
partners,
2. Liaison with Other Options Teams
 Work with the Finance Team on all aspects of financial management related to overseas
programmes and assignments, and contribute to the monthly management accounts, annual
audit and budgeting process, and regular budgeting and re-forecasting.

Work with the Business Development team to support on the development of specific
proposals, including technical and financial inputs.

Contribute to knowledge management within Options, highlighting key developments within
programmes that can be communicated and shared.

Working with in-country teams, supporting management of and ensuring effective
communication with colleagues and partners who are based abroad.

Keep the senior management team informed about the progress of the programmes and
potential risks on a regular basis
3. Other responsibilities
 Participate in strategic planning for both the Programme Management Team and in wider
strategic planning discussions within Options when they occur.

In the spirit of teamwork, provide flexible support to colleagues across all Options Teams as
required.

Contribute to the development of team tools / sharing best practice within the team /
organisation.

Assist in building and maintaining Options’ portfolio of consultants.

Cover for colleagues in their absence.

Take on line management responsibility as required.
Note: This job description reflects the present requirements of the post. As duties and responsibilities
change and develop the job description will be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation
with the job holder.
Signed by:
Date:
Person Specification
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications
Masters in relevant subject area
Essential
Experience
Significant experience of working in international development at
Programme Management level or above.
Essential
Extensive experience of the development and implementation of
programmes within the health sector
Essential
Experience in people management and management of teams
Desirable
Experience in distance management of relations between a head
office and an internationally-based team
Essential
Experience of managing large, complex donor-funded budgets
Essential
Experience in strategic planning
Desirable
Experience with working in developing countries
Essential
Experience of close working relationships with partners and
consortia
Essential
Experience of contracts and contracting
Essential
Experience of networking to build successful relationships with
potential clients, collaborators and consultants
Desirable
Experience in fundraising / business development
Desirable
Knowledge and Skills
Excellent financial management skills
Ability to work on a wide range of projects and other issues
simultaneously
Essential
Essential
Essential
Self-starter, can work independently or as part of a team
Critical thinking and problem solving skills
Essential
Ability to plan and manage work in a highly organised way
Essential
Excellent communicator both in writing and verbally
Essential
Good negotiation skills
Essential
Essential
Flexible attitude to work and ability to work in challenging working
environments
Essential
Sensitive to other cultures
Knowledge of a spread of international donors, including DFID
Essential
Essential
Knowledge of the Health sector and international development
issues, including operating within a SWAp environment
Knowledge of one of the following SRH&R, MNCH, Health Sector
Strengthening, HIV/AIDS
Essential
Other Requirements
Commitment to Equal Opportunities
Essential
Applicants must have the right to live and to work in the UK
Essential
Ability to travel internationally for up to 3 weeks at a time.
Essential