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Wednesday, 15 August 2007

Job & Vacancies.

Job Title: Country Representative
Department: Program Management
Requisition Number: 0000003034
Location: Sudan
Job Description:

The International Rescue Committee currently seeks a Country Representative for its Sudan program, based in Khartoum.

BACKGROUND:

IRC’s engagement in Sudan is determined by the aim of assisting the Sudanese people to respond to basic needs, lay the foundation for peaceful recovery, and support the revitalization process.

IRC has been working in Sudan since 1981 with projects implemented from Khartoum and, since 1989, Nairobi. Working in 11 provinces (inclusive of both programs) with 16 operational field sites, IRC is currently administering 54 grants totaling more than $37 million from a variety of international, government, and private donors. IRC employs over 1,200 national staff skilled to operate in a range of sectors, with emphasis on health, water and sanitation, food security, and governance, the latter including both human rights protection and civil society development. IRC focuses its work primarily at the grassroots level, dealing with community structures, civil society organizations, and local actors from both the private and public sectors.

As north-south peace talks were underway, IRC began a participatory strategic planning process to link the two country programs. The signing of the comprehensive peace agreement in January of this year has laid the foundation to initiate the integration of the two programs, combining program strategies and operations under one management structure. The Country Representative heads this management team.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Country Representative is responsible for the overall direction of the IRC in Sudan. Overseeing the Deputy Country Representatives of the North & East, South, and West (Darfur) programs, the Representative will provide the strategic vision and programmatic guidance for all Sudan operations. The Representative will focus on ensuring programmatic quality and operational efficiency throughout the country. The Representative will foster and maintain excellent relationships with the Government, Donors, the UN and other sister NGOs. The Representative will have overall authority of and responsibility for policy development, human resource management, advocacy, security and financial management. The Country Representative will likely spend 35% of his/her time traveling, both within and outside the Sudan.


RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning, Program Implementation and Evaluation

· Provide overall vision and guidance to a consolidated IRC Sudan program

· Initiate a timely annual strategic planning process throughout the Sudan and consolidate the regional FY Operating Budgets identifying the resources for the implementation of that strategy

· Ensure the IRC Program Framework is being utilized in the regional program strategies with the ultimate goal of finding durable solutions for the target beneficiaries, by means of IRC’s mission, principles, programs and aims

· Ensure that IRC’s program interventions are participatory, address the root causes of the conflict, attain the desired impact, and are of high programmatic quality

· Ensure that the DCRs – N&E, S and W – actively coordinate on program design, implementation and monitoring, and follow the agreed strategic vision

Representation

· Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with donors, host government, as well as staff and board

· Pursue responsible media coverage of events, issues and programs related to IRC's program and/or mandate

· Actively pursue coordination and working relationships with other NGOs and International Organizations

· Provide support to donor, board, and delegation visits to the Sudan and use these opportunities to promote the Sudan and un-addressed needs.

Advocacy

· Develop advocacy messages, in coordination with the DCRs, RD/DRD and HQ staff

· Raise IRC Sudan’s advocacy profile through playing a leadership role in the Advocacy Coalition, NGO Forum meetings and other fora

· Provide IRC Washington, London and the regional Nairobi office with up-to-date advocacy messages on Sudan

· Represent IRC’s advocacy messages through meetings with Government officials, donors, etc

Fund Raising and Grant Management

· Liaise with donors, in consultation with the Regional Director/Deputy Regional Director, to advance program ideas, solicit support and share information on the status of programs

· In conjunction with the DCRs, pursue new funding opportunities to diversify funding base and provide adequate coverage for existing match requirements

· Oversee the management of grants including the timely implementation of planned activities, appropriate expenditure of funds, and submission of reports

· Facilitate the consolidation of proposals and reports from the different geographical areas

Policy Implementation

· Ensure IRC policies and procedures as described in the IRC Field Operations Manual and those specific to Sudan, are evenly and consistently applied across all programs

· Make policy revisions as necessitated by field conditions in consultation with the DCRs, and Regional Director

· Work on ensuring consistency, to the extent possible, across the different geographical regions, maintaining an awareness of different GNU and GoSS regulations

Human Resource Management

· Maximize the use of national human resources in the delivery of IRC Sudan’s projects, create and implement a staff development plan for the purposes of building staff capacity and skill base, and actively pursue strategies for nationalization of expatriate positions

· Oversee the comprehension, implementation and enforcement of IRC policies with mandatory reporting requirements

· Provide counseling and support in resolution of employee relations problems. Take disciplinary action within IRC’s personnel policies when necessary. Notify RD/DRD and/or Regional Recruitment Officer of problems/actions as they occur

· Participate in the selection of new senior staff, including: interviewing, skill assessment, general information on working and living conditions, and security briefings. Make recommendations to RD/DRD and/or Regional Recruitment Officer on selection process and applicants

· Conduct biannual review of all direct reports. Include overall performance and achievement, identifying areas for individual or group training

· Provide guidance and advise to DCRs

Security, Health & Safety

· Develop and implement security policies addressing local conditions, and maintain an evacuation plan which is familiar to local staff and headquarters making use of the information provided in the security protocols in the IRC Field Operations Manual

· Coordinate security planning and systems with UN, Donors and local authorities

· Conduct regular discussions to identify and determine approaches to address staff’s stress levels and sense of security

Communications and Authorizations

· Promote strong internal communication links – through regular and varied meetings, updates, visits, phone calls – with the DCRs, the country support departments, etc

· Maintain links with other IRC offices in the Horn and East Africa region to provide operational support where possible and to develop innovative cross-border programming opportunities

· Report to RD/DRD in a timely and thorough way on all health problems, security developments or criminal incidents to IRC staff or property (in liaison with DCRs)

· Obtain prior authorization for all new grants and contracts, international staff hiring and promotions, classifications, local policies, and commitments of IRC resources beyond approved limits (in liaison with DCRs)

· Assure that proper channels of communication are maintained and respected. Regularly consult with RD/DRD on all matters of significance to the program, staff and regional affairs

· Promote the IRC programs in Sudan through monthly reports, quarterly updates to the IRC web page, an annual report, etc

Financial Management

· Ensure general program support sectors (finance, logistics, administration) efficiently and effectively meet the needs of the programs

· Ensure grant compliance with donor contracts, guidelines and requirements, including project delivery, procurement, realignment, and general issues related to allowability and allocability of grant charges (in liaison with Director of Finance and DCRs)

· Country Office compliance with contract and donor guidelines and requirements, including timely financial reporting to donors as required

· Timeliness and completeness of Country Office financial reports to HQ.

· Cash control and budgeting: minimize currency exchange gains and losses, in particular to European currencies, and minimize unproductive cash balances (in liaison with DCRs and Director Finance)

· Separation of financial duties: assure that the authorization of cash disbursements, the handling of cash and the accounting of cash (bookkeeping) are maintained by three different individuals

· Facilitate all audits and ensure timely conduct of audits as required by donor contracts

· Directly supervise the Finance Director and assure that all financial reporting requirements are addressed by the Finance Controllers

· Timely, accurate and complete annual budget submissions and revisions, including a current Operating Budget in prescribed format detailing by line item discrete administrative and individual program budgets and delineating funding sources supporting those budgets. This should include an annual projection of budget and funding sources (in liaison with DCRs)

· Maintain the IRC grant tracking system on a monthly basis (in liaison with DCRs)

· Manage and monitor the country office budget monitoring and control systems to avoid any over expenditures and/or disallowed costs

REQUIREMENTS:

· At least 8 years of international work experience, preferably in a refugee or displaced persons setting, or in Sudan

· Experience working in Africa and/or in unstable and difficult conditions preferred

· Experience supervising large numbers of international and national staff

· Previous budget and fiscal oversight responsibilities

· Experience working with the UN, EU, US and other government agencies is a plus

· Must have strong organizational, diplomatic, and communications skills

· Must be flexible to adapt to changing requirements

· Must be culturally sensitive and have the ability and interest in identifying, working, and integrating national talents in the expatriate staff structure

· Must be computer literate (IBM compatible) and able to use Windows 95, MS Office, WP, and Excel

· Knowledge of e-mail, radio VHF-HF communication, and of standard office equipment

· Must be holder of a valid driver’s license and will preferably hold a first aid training certificate

· Graduate degree in management, international relations/development or relevant field preferred



2.Job Title: Safety and Security Coordiantor
Department: Security � Safety
Requisition Number: 0000003197
Location: Sudan
Job Description:

The International Rescue Committee currently seeks a Safety and Security Coordinator for its Sudan program, based in Khartoum.

BACKGROUND:

IRC’s engagement in Sudan is determined by the aim of assisting the Sudanese people to exercise fundamental rights, access basic services and manage their own livelihoods so that a foundation is laid for peaceful recovery.

IRC has been operating in West Sudan - Darfur since 2004 and maintains one of the largest NGO emergency responses to the crisis there, providing life-saving and life-affirming services to approximately 750,000 conflict-affected persons. With headquarters in Khartoum, IRC operates out of five field sites in Darfur: IRC also has Field offices in the North and East Sudan and in South Sudan..

Amid often challenging security conditions and a volatile political climate, IRC operates protracted emergency programming, emergency response and rehabilitation and reconstruction programs in the various parts of the country. In Darfur, the much hoped-for reduction of violence has been impeded by fighting between the pro and anti DPA groups. The past year has been marked by growth in violence, banditry, property crimes, and attacks on humanitarian workers, along with a growing trend towards vigilantism.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Safety and Security Coordinator reports to the IRC Deputy Director, Operations, North & East and West Sudan, with a technical management line to the IRC Safety and Security Advisor.

This position is responsible for providing training and support in security management to all departments and locations in Sudan. The Safety and Security Coordinator monitors and manages all elements of the safety and security systems, working to minimize risks to the Sudan IRC mission.

The Safety and Security Coordinator is based out of Khartoum with frequent visits (40-50% of the work time) to the field sites (North & East, West and South Sudan).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Security Focal Point:

  • Serve as a security focal point for the IRC Sudan program;
  • Represent IRC Sudan at inter-agency security forums and meetings;
  • Provide advice and program recommendations to the Country Representative (CR), Deputy Country Representatives (DCRs), Deputy Director, Operations (DDOs), and security focal points in the field on all matters related to, but not limited to:
    • security management;
    • security planning, preparation and implementation;
    • staff and site security protocols and procedures.
  • Orientate new staff arriving in Khartoum with a comprehensive overview of security threats and procedures in Sudan as a whole, and in the areas where staff will be working and traveling.

Information Management:

  • Deliver reports forwarding recommendations and observations from field trips;
  • Monitor national and international information sources (UN, Governmental and NGO sources, etc) via print media, electronic media - email and internet, radio, TV etc, and
    • inform the Senior Security Management Team (CR, DCRs, DDOs) of changes impacting IRC’ security;
    • immediately inform, through email or other appropriate communication means, IRC staff of security threats and incidents impacting their safety and security;
  • Develop, implement, manage and maintain an incident reporting, maps and analysis capacity, through simple means, for IRC staff in all IRC locations;
  • Develop, implement, manage and maintain an incident warning system that informs IRC’s emergency communications pyramid (warden system);
  • Based on the existing IRC documents, prepare a weekly security update for submission to the Senior Security Management Team (CR, DCRs, DDOs) for action, and to the Safety and Security Advisor for information.

Security Planning, Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures:

  • Follow and ensure the implementation of the IRC Global Security policies and workbook manuals, including the Security Management Plan and Minimum Operating Standards for Security;
  • Maintain and ensure IRC Sudan has up-to-date and appropriate Security Management Plans that reflect an updated risk assessment;
  • Update the Standard Operating Procedures according to the above mentioned assessment, in conjunction with the Senior Security Management Team and Security Managers/focal points in the field;
  • Lead an ongoing process of review and revision of security planning, involving all staff to ensure understanding, buy-in and compliance.

Technical support and Training:

  • Provide technical support through consultations in person, by phone, radio or email with all requesting staff;
  • Conduct regular security field audits and site assessments on request to assess security environments, report on findings and design necessary improvements;
  • Assist and provide expertise to all departments and locations in security risk assessment and analysis for future projects;
  • Coordinate post-incident follow up actions, analysis and recommendations for IRC Sudan;
  • Coordinate and deliver regular safety and security training of staff, in consultation and coordination with the management teams;
  • Implement and execute a strategy to capacity build national and international staff in security management;
  • Capacity build a national counterpart, with a view to future nationalization of the Safety and Security Coordinator position.

Communications/Radio:

  • Facilitate, provide support and train staff in the proper use of common communications equipment and technologies (including HF and VHF radio networks and handsets, and satellite phones) according to radio/communications protocols;
  • Maintain and further develop the IRC HF radio network in Sudan;
  • Manage the radio room and the radio operators in Khartoum;
  • Manage the VHF radio network in Khartoum.

Networking:

  • Develop a network of relationships with peers in the humanitarian community (UN, NGO, ICRC, etc) and actively seek opportunities for formal and informal cooperation.

Other:

  • Manage the guards in Khartoum

REQUIREMENTS:

  • University degree in related field or relevant field experience;
  • Previous UN and/or NGO experience;
  • 3 to 5 years security-related experience with humanitarian agencies, the military or peacekeeping operations;
  • RedR or UN security management training or training of trainers a plus;
  • Previous overseas experience in conflict and/or post conflict environments;
  • Competency and training experience in field based communications systems such as Codan, ICOM, Barrett, Motorola and fixed and mobile satellite systems;
  • Computer proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and other database/mapping systems;
  • Willingness to travel extensively in Sudan, with possible regional travels necessary (40-50% of work time);
  • Work both independently and as a team member;
  • Strong interpersonal skills;
  • Excellent English oral and written communication skills;
  • Arabic skills a plus.


3.

Job Title: Community Driven Reconstruction Program Director/Chief of Party
Department: Community Development
Requisition Number: 0000002487
Location: DR Congo
Job Description:

The International Rescue Committee, a world leader in emergency humanitarian relief, post-conflict reconstruction, and the resettlement of refugees in the United States, is looking for a Community Driven Reconstruction Program Director/Chief of Party to implement a large scale Community Driven Reconstruction program in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Headquartered in Kinshasa, with provincial bases in Bukavu, Kisangani and Kananga, the IRC is one of the largest NGOs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The IRC aims to save lives, to strengthen Congolese institutions and to reinforce social cohesion through carefully designed and professionally implemented programs. In addition, the IRC is now scaling-up community-driven reconstruction programs as the basis of the next phase of the IRC’s support to the post-conflict transition of the DRC. The Community Driven Reconstruction Program Director/Chief of Party leads a Consortium including the IRC (lead agency), Care International and the International Foundation for Education and Self Help (IFESH) implementing a large scale CDR program in the DRC. With a budget of 45 million USD, this 3-year program aims at supporting 280 communities representing 1.78 million inhabitants to reduce poverty, increase social cohesion, improve access to social services, increase understanding of good governance and improve linkage with authorities at local level.

If you are bilingual English-French, with at least six years of senior international management experience, and a strong grasp of both consortium management and community driven reconstruction-type programming this may be an opportunity to bring your talents into a challenging setting.

As the Community Driven Reconstruction Program Director/Chief of Party you will work with exceptional professionals on the global IRC team, contribute to compelling humanitarian work and, importantly, help build the skills of national staff. This is an opportunity to use your skills in management, leadership, program design and advocacy to really make a difference.

We are looking for an organized, innovative leader who has experience in Africa and will be willing to travel frequently to remote sites for extended periods of time. The CDRPD provides vision, leadership and management oversight; he/she provides technical support to the field-based CDR Program Coordinators and is accountable for the consistency of approach and implementation in accordance with the agreed model of programming throughout the country.

Experience managing a multi-site, large-scale program is required along with experience managing programs of similar budget size. Experience with cross-cultural representations to governments, donors and NGOs, an understanding of issues related to refugees, conflict and displacement; and strong diplomatic and communications skills will be needed of the successful candidate.

This is a long term, accompanied position based in Lubumbashi which is located in the province of Katanga.

Only applications received through our on-line system will be accepted. Please apply via the IRC website, www.ircjobs.org.



4.

Job Title: Community Driven Reconstruction Deputy Program Director
Department: Community Development
Requisition Number: 0000002523
Location: DR Congo
Job Description:

The International Rescue Committee currently seeks a Community Driven Reconstruction Deputy Program Director (CDR-DPD) for its Democratic Republic of the Congo program, based in Lubumbashi.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Community Driven Reconstruction Deputy Program Director (CDR-DPD) reports to and assists the CDR Program Director (CDRPD) in leading a Consortium including the IRC (lead agency), Care International and the International Foundation for Education and Self Help (IFESH) implementing a large scale CDR program in the DRC. With a budget of 45 million USD, this 3-year program aims at supporting 280 communities representing 1.78 million inhabitants to reduce poverty, increase social cohesion, improve access to social services, increase understanding of good governance and improve linkage with authorities at local level. The CDR-DPD works closely with a CDR Technical Advisor and 4 field-based CDR Area Program Coordinators, each responsible for one geographical area. The CDR-DPD is primarily responsible for the design, roll out, backstopping and troubleshooting of the systems, tools and procedures required for the smooth implementation of the program, with a particular view at ensuring consistency throughout the country. The CDR-DPD is also responsible for compliance – including reporting and contracting – and information management within the consortium.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy

o Become familiar with the IRC Program Framework institutionalization and strategic planning process, contribute to these processes and utilize their outputs in his/her work;

o Ensure that overall Program implementation and monitoring systems support the IRC’s strategic objectives in the DRC and are aligned with and embody the core principles of the IRC’s Program Framework: Protection and Promotion of Rights, Participation, Capacity Building, Partnership, and Holistic Programming;

o Gain an understanding of IRC and partner CDR expertise at global level and in the DRC and ensure, under the supervision of the CDRPD, that this knowledge trickles down into the implementation of the Program;

o Advise the CDRPD on appropriate synergy and collaboration between the CDR Program and other projects implemented in the same areas, especially vertical service delivery projects, and especially those implemented by the consortium members, and by other DFID-supported NGOs, in particular in the sphere of peace-building. Follow-up on decisions made in this regard.

Consortium Management

o Support partners in implementing the Program consistently, in a timely manner and with high quality standards, under the leadership of the CDRPD;

o Under the guidance of the CDRPD, develop or control the development of the required programmatic systems, tools, procedures and documents in accordance with the agreed program methodology and in alignment with IRC national operational policies and practices. Ensure the roll-out of these resources, their consistent use throughout the country and their troubleshooting;

o Contribute to the preparation, in coordination with key project staff, of strategic work-plans with clear objectives and achievement benchmarks, long-term and short-term priorities, implementation plans, financial projections and tools for evaluation – and ensure their appropriate sharing and use within the entire Program;

o As delegated by the CDRPD:

o Ensure administrative and financial functions required by the Program;

o Ensure communications with the IRC, HQ-level, Governance and Rights Technical unit and other technical and support units as appropriate, to ensure the appropriate technical support is provided and that HQ-based Technical Advisors are held accountable for the quality and continuity of their support to the Program;

o Ensure that Program adequately meets beneficiary needs and related targets;

o Ensure that Program is implemented in a timely and professional manner;

o Ensure that the Program always works towards greater community involvement and ownership;

o Practically organize regular coordination meeting (Field-based CDR Area Coordinators level) and other as appropriate, and participate in Consortium management meetings (Country Directors level) as relevant.

Monitoring & Evaluation

The IRC is committed to the collection of high quality data to document project effect and impact.

o Contribute, in close collaboration with the CDR TA, to ensuring robust, country-wide consistent M&E systems are in place and used effectively throughout the lifetime of the Program;

o Be the focal point for ensuring that adequate documentation is in place for all activities undertaken in the course of the Program;

o Contribute to a continuous quality improvement process to ensure the highest quality possible within the Program;

o Support the interaction with an academic partner that will be in charge of designing and implementing a baseline, mid-term and final impact evaluation, in conjunction with IRC Research Evaluation and Learning Unit;

o Upon its development by a contractor, contribute to the appropriate roll-out and use of a web-based platform for data entry, processing and analysis;

o Contribute to IRC worldwide expertise development around CDR programming.

Grants and budget Management

Reporting - IRC must produce high quality regular project reports for donors and other key stakeholders. Project reports are written by the Program staff, with the support of Grants Managers.

o Be the focal point for the accurate, timely and high quality aspects of donor and internal reports, coming from each partner agency and compiled by the CDR-DPD.

Budget Management

o Under the lead of the CDRPD, provide support to IRC CDR Area Program Coordinators and partners agencies on budget management;

Contracts Management

o Achieve knowledge of donors’ culture, policies and procedures in relation to the Program and advice CDRPD on IRC and partners compliance;

o Track partner agency compliance with sub-grant agreement provisions and with contractual aspects of the sub-grantee relation, especially as it relates to reporting, prior-approval, funding obligations and advice CDRPD on issues as they arise.

Human Resources

As in any consortium context the CDR-DPD will need to actively contribute to balanced relation with consortium partners at both Country Director and Program staff level to ensure the consistent and smooth implementation of the Program throughout the country.

o Perform duties as acting CDR Program Director as required;

o Track that the program has consistent HR systems – consistent job descriptions, recruitment tools, performance plans, training and staff development systems, etc.

o Promote professional working relationships within the consortium and, when required, contribute to resolving staff conflicts and concerns in a timely manner, under the close leadership of the CDRPD;

o Contribute to consortium-wide understanding of and agreement and compliance with IRC Sexual Abuse and exploitation policy and mandatory reporting policies.

Representation

Representation functions are primary held by the IRC DRC Country Director and the CDR Program Director.

o At the request of the CDR Program Director, prepare project updates, performance plans, and other documents and tools as needed. Practically organize field visits for DFID staff upon request;

o As delegated by the CDR Program Director, ensure that the IRC and the Program are appropriately represented in relevant coordination bodies at national and provincial level on issues that directly relate to the Program, such as decentralization, the PRSP, return and reintegration, pillar 3 of the UN plan for DRC, etc.;

o If and as delegated by the CDR Program Director, contribute to the Program developing and maintaining good relationship and communication with local, provincial and national level relevant authorities and other actors such as the UN, the World Bank, etc.;

o Contribute to positioning IRC and the Program as a leading expert and contributor to relevant public policy reform in the DRC, especially as regard with decentralization, governance, etc.

Security

The Program may take place in areas where security is a constant concern. Violence between groups can flare up at times impacting project activities and endangering project staff.

o Achieve competency in use of all communications equipments;

o Be fully capable of implementing emergency response procedures without assistance.

REQUIREMENTS:

o Advanced degree in relevant field;

o At least 4 years of overseas experience, including at least 2 years of management experience, ideally in community recovery or CDR-type programming;

o Previous experience with consortium management and/or participation an advantage;

o Experience in Africa preferred, with knowledge and experience of the DR Congo an advantage;

o Prior experience managing DFID funding an advantage;

o Experience in managing multi-site, large scale programs preferred;

o Experience managing programs of large budget size and strong budget management skills preferred;

o Fluency in both French and English;

o Strong analytical, presentation, communication and reporting skills;

o Demonstrated creativity, ability to apply innovative thinking and problem solving skills;

o Strong computer skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook;

o Preferred experience in working with HF radios (CODAN), VHF radios, satellite telephone and fax and standard office equipment.

Assets

o Ability to work well in unstable security environments, and under intense administrative and programmatic pressures. Must demonstrate flexibility to adapt to changing requirements;

o Willing to endure basic living conditions when traveling to field sites;

o Willing to travel frequently and for extended periods of time to remote sites;

o Culturally sensitive with the ability and interest to identify and work with a multi-ethnic team;

o Applicant should have a wide range of skills and interests;

o Must be able to work independently while being a team player.




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