PROJECT COORDINATOR

JOB DESCRIPTION – IRC SOMALIA

Job Title: Projects Coordinator

Supervisor: Field Coordinator, Galkacayo                                        

Country Program: Somalia

Location: Galkacyo

Duration: 12 months  with 3 months probation preriod 

Background: The International Rescue Committee has been working in Somalia since 2006, providing essential services to conflict and disaster affected communities. The IRC has been operational in Central Somalia (Mudug and Galgadud regions) and Mogadishu implementing interventions in the areas of livelihood, WASH and health reaching out to more than 200,000 conflict and drought affected people.

Summary of Responsibilities

The IRC team is looking for an exciting new role at its Galkacyo office with opportunity for demonstrating multiple skill dimensions of leadership, program management, strategic planning, partnership development and representation. The Projects Coordinator will work under the direct supervision of the Field Coordinator based in Galkacyo but will report programmatically to the Deputy Country Director of Programs while maintaining close technical coordination with the Nairobi based sector Coordinators. The position will be responsible for the overall management and coordination of all IRC Programs in central and Mudug regions by effective use of program cycle management approaches including designing of interventions, implementation, monitoring and program reporting. The position will provide leadership and guidance to program staff (appx 6 direct reports) and coordinate with a wide range of external stakeholders including the local authorities, I/NGOs and private sector actors.

Specific Responsibilities

1.       Strategic program planning and implementation

a)      Contribute actively to the revision and implementation of the IRC Somalia Strategic Plan and the development of country sector strategies.

b)      Ensure the project implementation is at all times guided by the IRC Program Framework, the IRC Somalia Strategic Plan and IRC global policies and procedures, donor contract and agreements.

c)       Work with the sector coordinators and ensure that program sector strategies are developed/ implemented

d)      Deputise the Field Coordinator in his/ her absence

e)      Understand and adhere to IRC's established policies and procedures for administration, finance, procurement, safety and security management, and project management

2.       Program Cycle Management

a)      Participate in new program development by planning and conducting assessments, proposal writing and documenting lessons learned and best practices.

b)      Take the lead in the mothly and quartely planning and  implemention of livelihood, health and WASH projects

c)       Monitor all program implementation against work plans and overall program objectives through close monitoring, documentation of achievements and lessons learnt.

d)      Ensure effective and high quality reporting, monitoring and evaluation systems for both internal and external use capturing best practice to support program decision-making.

e)      Review monthly financial reports against the budget (BVAs) and ensure accuracy and appropriateness of expenses as per line item and cost pool. Lead in monthly BVA meetings at the field site and ensure activities take in place in line with agreed budgets. 

f)       Lead in monthly internal and donor reporting (as stipulated in contracts), as required in coordination with the direct supervisor, program staff and respective sector leads in Nairobi.

g)      Ensure technical aspects of key program interventions are implemented using best available practices.

h)      Monitor humanitarian issues and operational contexts in the area and provide regular reports to the IRC senior management. 

i)        Work closely with local communities in identifying needs and coordinate closely with the sector coordinators to convert these to concept notes. 

3.       Partnership development and management:

a)      Identify suitable local partners (including private sector) in line with the IRC partnership framework and guidelines and in close collaboration with the partnerships manager based in Mogadishu.

b)      Work with and manage the relationship the partners in implementation of agreed projects ensuring quality project implementation and IRC/ donor regulations are followed

c)       Provide capacity building support to the local partners and seek their participation in implementation of overall IRC strategic vision for Somalia.

4.       HR Management

a)      Manage the recruitment and management of national program staff to ensure that staff prepare and follow work plans, perform to quality standards and take on increasing levels of responsibility for the successful implementation of activities.

b)      Responsible for staff performance management and evaluation

c)       Work closely with the sector coordinators to ensure that staff training and development plans are drawn up and implemented

5.       Representation

a)      Keep local authorities and other project stakeholders well informed of the progress of the program and coordinate project activities) so as to avoid duplication in the areas of operation.

b)      Participate in field level regular cluster coordination meetings

c)       Work closely with community leaders and to ensure that there is acceptance from their end and support to IRC’s work, guaranteeing staff safety and security

d)      Coordinate closely with the Field Coordinator to make sure necessary security protocols and standards are being followed while implementing programs and field team visits.

Required Qualifications and skills

·         At least a university degree in social sciences, development studies or other closely related fields.

·         Minimum 5 year’s relevant program management experience with a focus on: community mobilization, complex emergencies, post-conflict development and pastoral and agro pastoral livelihoods programming.

·         Familiarity with donor (EC/ECHO, USAID/OFDA and DFID etc) grants management and compliance along with strong report writing skills

·         Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong interpersonal and communication skills is required.

·         Strong problem solving and analytical skills.

·         Prior experience in coordinating with governmental and non governmental   agencies is preferred.

·         A demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize and process information into action.

·         Excellent negotiation and communications skills will be an asset.

·         Should be able to fluently write and communicate in both English and Somali language. Ability and willingness to travel in Central Somalia and Puntland.

Interested candidates are requested to send their application letters and CV to the email ID: IRCSomaliaJobs@rescue.org with the subject line as Application for the position of Projects Coordinator

Somali nationals are strongly encouraged to apply. International allowances are not available for this position.