Area Coordinator, Somalia and Kenya

Department: Coordination
Position: Area Coordinator Contract duration: 6 months, renewable Location: Kenya/Somalia Starting Date immediate

I. Background on ACTED:

ACTED is an independent international, private, non-partisan and non-profit organization that operates according to principles of strict neutrality, political and religious impartiality, and non discrimination.

ACTED was created in 1993 to support populations affected by the conflict in Afghanistan. Based in Paris, France, ACTED now operates in 30 countries worldwide, with over 200 international and 4000 national staff. ACTED has a 100 million € budget for over 350 projects spanning 8 sectors of intervention; including emergency relief, food security, health promotion, economic development, education & training, microfinance, local governance & institutional support, and cultural promotion. For more information, please visit our website at www.acted.org.

II. Country Profile

In September 2007, ACTED launched an exploratory mission to evaluate the security situation, coordinates with other humanitarian actors on the ground, and evaluate possible areas for an intervention in Somalia.

ACTED Somalia has been implementing a project in South Central Somalia since 2008, focusing primarily on helping pastoralist and farmers communities to re establish and diversify their livelihoods in the wake of natural disasters.

Taking into consideration the impact of climate change, the need to strengthen local governance and in anticipation of future drought- and flood-related disasters, ACTED implemented a first phase drought-response programme targeting the highly affected rural and agricultural populations in partnership with in-country development organisation SADO (Social-life and Agricultural Development Organization) an organization with more than ten years of experience working in food security related interventions in Somalia. Through this first phase, 11 340 households were supported through the distribution of 200 tons of agricultural seeds, tools and the provision of agricultural training. As a result of this intervention 80% of target households were able to resume their livelihoods while 100% of beneficiaries reported an improvement in household food security. However due to flooding in 2009 affecting Riverine populations in Sakow, destroying crops from the most recent season, an influx of IDPs and pastoralists from neighboring districts, vulnerable households in the Sakow area have been once again in need of emergency food support.

Phase 2 of this intervention is being implemented since early 2010, aiming to build on the success of the previous project in order to ensure immediate emergency assistance to vulnerable families whilst also ensuring longer-term impacts for these communities. For rain-fed communities this intervention focuses on providing food for work for the most vulnerable e.g. IDPs, while improving access to water for agro-pastoralists who were able to re-start productive activities in Phase 1. Riverine communities who have lost their crops due to flooding receive seeds and agricultural training in order to replicate the previous success and ensure livelihoods are rebuilt.

III. Position Profile

The Area Coordinator is responsible for the implementation of ACTED's global mandate in the relevant area, and for the scope of activities developed within this mandate. 1. Ensure ACTED Representation in the area of activity - Representation vis-à-vis provincial authorities: Participate in official meetings to ensure maximum visibility vis-à-vis provincial authorities. - Representation vis-à-vis Donors: Establish and update contact details of potential Donors active in the area of activity; Participate in Donor meetings at provincial level and communicate relevant information to the Country Director; Circulate the Annual Report. - Representation amongst other international organisations: Participate in inter-NGO Coordination meetings and those of UN Agencies (OCHA, UNDP, UNICEF, FAO, etc.), and any other relevant inter-governmental institution at provincial level; Ensure maximum visibility of the Agency amongst the NGO community at provincial level; Lead the production of reports and ensure the timeliness and accuracy of information provided, as well ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information.

More generally, the project manager is expected to contribute to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the organisation, notably through the application of ACTED's mandate, ethics, values and stand-point with regard to other actors. 2. Contribute to the development of a global intervention strategy and to support its implementation at provincial level - Analyse the context and develop strategic plans, in consultation with the Country Director: Gather and analyse information regarding opportunities and risk; Define an operational strategy for finances and HR. - Implement the financial strategy: Oversee drafting of projects and budget development; Lead fund-raising and negotiations with Donors in the area of intervention; Lead the application and adherence to contract terms and requirements; Supervise overall financial commitments and financial risk. - Implement the operational strategy: Supervise Project Managers of the area of intervention in project implementation; Help the various teams in negotiations with provincial/local authorities and partners; Ensure global coordination and complementarity amongst projects within the area of intervention; Assess activities and ensure efficient use of resources. - Oversee reporting procedures: Develop a reporting schedule with regard to Donor deadlines; Plan and supervise the development of narrative and financial reports; Ensure adherence to FLAT procedures.

More generally, communicate systematically to the Country Director the development of the area strategy and its implementation. 3. Oversee Staff and Security - Guide and direct the staff of the area of intervention: Organise and lead coordination meetings; Prepare and follow work plans; Ensure a positive working environment and good team dynamics (solve out potential conflicts); Promote team working conditions in the limit of private life; Adapt the organigramme and ToRs of personnel according to the area development; Undertake regular appraisals of directly supervised colleagues and pass appraisal forms to the Country Administrator with recommendations (new position, changes to contract or salary etc.); - Contribute to the recruitment of expatriate staff: Follow recruitment procedures: plan recruitment needs in advance; draft ToRs for open vacancies; if necessary undertake phone interviews with candidates; When requested by HQ, undertake interviews of expatriate candidates living in the area of intervention. - Oversee staff security: In cooperation with the Area Security Officer, monitor the local security situation and inform both Country Security Officer and Country Director of developments through regular written reports; Update the security guidelines in the area of intervention; Ensure that security procedures are respected by the whole staff.

IV. Qualifications:

• Master Level education in a relevant field such as International Relations or Development
• Project management experience (management, planning, staff development and training skills) in development programmes
• 2-5 years previous work experience in a relevant position
• Proven capabilities in leadership and management required
• Excellent skills in written and spoken English
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills, and flexibility in cultural and organizational terms
• Ability to work well and punctually under pressure
  
  
  V. Conditions:
• Salary defined by the ACTED salary grid; educational level, expertise, hardship, security, and performance are considered for pay bonus
• Additional monthly living allowance
• Free food and lodging provided at the organisation's guesthouse
• Transportation costs covered, including additional return ticket + luggage allowance
• Provision of medical, life, and repatriation insurance

How to apply: 

VI. Submission of applications:

Please send, in English, your cover letter, CV, and three references to jobs@acted.org

Ref : AC/SOM/RW

ACTED 33, rue Godot de Mauroy 75009 Paris FRANCE

Fax. + 33 (0) 1 42 65 33 46 E-mail: jobs@acted.org

For more information, visit us at http://www.acted.org