Job Vacancies for 18th Sept 2007

1.

Head of OCHA-Somalia Office, L-5

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

Humanitarian

Location: Kenya (Nairobi)
Closing date: 08 Oct 2007

Job Description

United Nations Core Values:
Integrity - Professionalism - Respect for diversity

Mailing address:
Palais des Nations
1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland
Fax: (+41 22) 917 0080
E-mail: ochavacancies@un.org

Date of issue: 17 September 2007
Post title and level: Head of OCHA-Somalia Office, L-5
Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 12 months
Vacancy Notice number: OCHA/G/113/2007
Deadline for applications: 8 October 2007
Date of entry: asap

Background and mission objectives:

Over the past thirteen years of civil war, Somalia has experienced brutal and widespread violence resulting in massive death, displacement and the collapse of community support structures, along with the extensive looting of state and private enterprise. This has led to economic collapse and the decimation of livelihoods. In 2004, conflict has reduced and modest levels of the rule of law are being reasserted. The Peace and Reconciliation Conference is now nearing completion and a Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP) has been established, a President elected and a Prime Minister appointed. A “Rapid Assistance Program” is in development to guide the initial phase of international engagement in the new government’s process of reconciliation, Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR), improving security, establishing the rule of law, and reconstruction. The central humanitarian concern for 2005 lies in the continuation of the drought, which has already directly affected 700,000 people; but while a humanitarian operation has been underway in the northern drought areas since the beginning of 2004, the donor response to the crisis has not been adequate to meet the increasing needs. Additionally, continuing political instability and violent localized conflict in the south and central regions are likely to result in some displacement of populations in the same pattern as in 2004, and will probably discourage the return of existing displaced communities, estimated to number between 370,000 and 400,000 people. IDPs remain an especially vulnerable group, particularly those IDPs who derive from the historically discriminated against social caste groups and minority clans. Militia and ex-combatants are also a priority for attention by the international community, as they cause vulnerability by creating insecurity and access difficulties. Security is the most important factor in the humanitarian context of Somalia. In addition to the “traditional” threats to the humanitarian community in Somalia (extortion, kidnapping and being caught up in violent clashes), the perceived rise in extremist Islamic groups presents a major new threat to humanitarian workers. The targeting of aid workers by extremist groups is likely to remain a significant and growing threat, adding to the difficulties of achieving humanitarian access in large areas of the country. The response of OCHA and the international community in the context of the drought and the chronic political instability affecting most of the country is a pragmatic mix of humanitarian and recovery/transition initiatives that seek to:

1) Save lives and assist vulnerable communities and populations at risk to become more resilient to crises;

2) Enhance the protection of, and respect for, the human rights and dignity of all people in Somalia; and

3) Support existing and emerging governance structures to facilitate humanitarian related and socio-economic activities.

OCHA is particularly concerned that vulnerable communities, and those at risk from drought or conflict related causes, receive humanitarian assistance that meets their assessed needs and enables them to rebuild sustainable livelihoods. OCHA will provide and advocate for access to basic services, especially water, sanitation, education and health for these communities, and will work to build and enhance a protective environment that respects the human rights of all, including IDPs, returnees and minority clans. Increasing the capacity of civil society and new governance structures to meet their responsibilities with regard to vulnerable communities, and effectively contributing to the development of a more stable society, is one of OCHA’s primary objectives.

Activities:

• Improve, in collaboration with the Somalia Aid Coordination Body (SACB) and new government institutions, coordination in the field.
• Negotiate access with key leaders, support local peace initiatives and follow-up on negotiated, longer-term access agreements in key locations to improve and maintain humanitarian access to conflict affected populations.
• Develop, administer and attract funding for the Humanitarian Response Fund as a means of improving the timeliness of interventions and strengthening the response capacity of the UNCT.
• Ensure the delivery of appropriate and coordinated humanitarian assistance to drought-affected communities in the context of more developmental activities to address underlying causes.
• Establish an Information and Advocacy Unit and develop an Information Data Base on assessments and humanitarian reporting to improve the collection, analysis and dissemination of information to IASC partners.
• Coordinate the implementation of the UNCT protection operational plan together with spearheading the coordination of IASC engagement with new government institutions on issues of protection and human rights.

Indicators:

• Number of functioning coordination fora in key locations.
• Increase in the number of access and peace agreements developed and observed in areas of limited humanitarian access.
• Amount of donor contributions to the Humanitarian Response Fund (HRF) and number of emergency projects funded according to HRF guidelines.
• Number of emergency responses that address underlying causes as well as symptomatic needs.
• Increase in number and quality of information products published or available on the internet with quality determined by feedback from users.
• Measurable increase in number of Agencies working within the protection operational plan.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of and reporting to the Humanitarian Coordinator and the overall supervision of the Directorate of the CRD, the incumbent will have the following main duties and responsibilities:

General:

• Under the direct supervision of and reporting to the UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator (UN RC/HC) for Somalia, the primary function of the Head of Office is to assist the RC/HC and the UN Country Team in the facilitation of a timely, effective, efficient and coherent implementation of emergency relief and recovery assistance in favour of vulnerable communities.
• The Head of Office will serve as the senior advisor to the UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia on all matters pertaining to the humanitarian situation and assistance in the country. Main areas of attention will include: humanitarian coordination, humanitarian policy development, Access negotiation and advocacy on humanitarian issues.

The Head of Office will also assume the following specific tasks and responsibilities:

Coordination:

• Initiate and facilitate the development of unified humanitarian assistance strategies aimed at addressing both the emergency needs, as well as needs pertaining to recovery assistance.
• Strengthen the linkage between humanitarian action and post conflict reintegration, rehabilitation and peace-building initiatives;
• Assist the UN RC/HC in strengthening and management of existing coordination mechanisms at Nairobi level and in the field, both within the UN system and the larger humanitarian community;
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with UN Agencies, the NGO community, the Red Cross family, the donor community and other international organizations as appropriate to facilitate the implementation of emergency relief and rehabilitation programmes;
• Raise funds and administer in collaboration with the Advisory board the Humanitarian Response Fund as a means of improving the timeliness of interventions and strengthening coordination and response capacity of the UNCT.
• Ensure effective and regular liaison with relevant Somalia authorities on issues relating to the overall humanitarian situation and the provision of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities;
• In this regard, participate in and support efforts to build local institutional capacities to coordinate the emergency relief and rehabilitation assistance;
• Coordinate joint field assessment missions to determine areas of greatest need and recommend the necessary interventions accordingly;
• Conduct access negotiations with key leaders, support local peace initiatives and follow-up on negotiated, longer-term access agreements in key locations to improve and maintain humanitarian access to conflict affected populations
• Collect pertinent data and information and report regularly to the UN RC/HC on all developments affecting the delivery of humanitarian assistance;
• In connection with the above, identify changing needs and gaps in meeting the needs, funding shortfalls, and possible areas of duplication and overlap;
• Facilitate monitoring/early warning, contingency and emergency preparedness planning.

Information Management:

• Oversee the collection and collation of pertinent humanitarian information and the preparation and dissemination of information products (reports, updates, briefing papers, and other documents) in-country, regionally and internationally;
• Establish and maintain effective mechanisms for information exchange among all partners within the humanitarian community;
• In this regards, assist in the establishment of an Information and Advocacy Unit and develop an Information Data Base on assessments and humanitarian reporting to improve the collection, analysis and dissemination of information to IASC partners.
• Ensure close collaboration and information exchange with other OCHA offices in the region and IRIN;
• Keep relevant colleagues in OCHA Geneva and New York informed of pertinent developments pertaining to OCHA’s presence and activities in
• Somalia.

Resource Mobilization/Appeals for Humanitarian Assistance:

• Coordinate, on behalf of the UN RC/HC, the compilation and preparation of (Consolidated) Appeals and Mid-Term Reviews for Somalia, in close collaboration with UN agencies, NGOs, Government counterpar6ts and other stakeholders;
• Monitor the implementation of the Common Humanitarian Action Plan / UN Humanitarian Strategy for Somalia;
• Monitor the tracking of donor response to UN Country Team Appeals for Somalia;
• Maintain close working relationships with the donor community, monitor the provision of resources against Appeals for Somalia and bring to the attention of the donor community important funding gaps;

Miscellaneous:

• Provide support to the RC/HC and the UN Country Team in the domain of humanitarian policy development and advocacy, ensuring that major humanitarian issues are highlighted and addressed, including those that fall between the existing mandates of humanitarian organizations;
• In this connection, assist the UN RC/ and the UN Country Team in promoting respect for humanitarian norms and principles;
• In this regard, engage with the newly established government institutions on issues related to protection and human rights and coordinate on behalf of the UNCT the implementation of the UNCT protection strategy,
• Maintain, as appropriate, close links with the UN Political Office for Somalia on issues pertaining to the humanitarian situation in general, and humanitarian interventions in particular;
• Facilitate all high-level missions related to the prevailing humanitarian situation, ensuring all relevant documentation is available and logistical support is provided;
• Further establish and maintain the OCHA presence in Somalia in accordance with the OCHA Mission Statement and OCHA procedures and guidelines;
• Serve as the Head of the OCHA Office in Somalia, based in Nairobi;
• In this capacity, assume responsibility for all administrative, human resources, financial and logistical aspects pertaining to OCHA’s presence in Somalia in collaboration with the relevant counterparts.
• Any other task assigned by the UN RC/HC as it relates to humanitarian coordination and assistance in Somalia.

Qualifications:

- Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree) in political science, sociology, law, international relations, or related field. A combination of relevant academic background (at least a first level university degree id est Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and extensive relevant professional experience in a related area may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.
- At least ten to fifteen (10 to 15)years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience, including management experience, in international humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation and development, including at least 5 years of experience at the international level. This professional experience must include at least five years of field experience in crisis countries and /or in the field involved with inter-agency coordination in complex emergencies, including humanitarian emergency efforts.
- Excellent communication skills. Experience in media relations an asset
- Proven skills in managing, negotiating, analysis, problem solving and leadership.
- Proven solid inter-personal and diplomatic skills.
- Proven writing skills
- Knowledge of the region. Knowledge of Somalia in particular would be an asset.
- Computer literacy, including familiarity with spreadsheets and power point presentations.
- Ability to work with minimum supervision, with efficiency, competence and integrity with people of different national background.
- Fluency in written and spoken English.

Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

All posts are subject to availability of funds.

Applications from qualified female candidates and from nationals of non- and under-represented countries are particularly encouraged.

Diploma of completed University degree may be requested in due course.

Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration.

How to apply:

All applicants are requested to email the following documents to the OCHA Human Resources Section/AO at ochavacancies@un.org :

1. Cover letter, explaining why you consider yourself qualified and motivated for this particular position
2. Completed Summarized Personnel Information Form
3. Completed P-11 and P-11 Supplementary Forms

All Application Forms can be found by clicking on the following link:
http://ocha.unog.ch/OCHAvacancies/

It would be appreciated your stating your full name and the OCHA vacancy notice number (OCHA/G/113/2007) as the subject in your e-mail application.

Please send one email application for every vacancy announcement.

2.

Deputy Chief of Party

CARE

International NGO addressing poverty alleviation by empowering communties

Location: Kenya (nairobi)
Closing date: 10 Oct 2007

Job Description

Description: The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), to be based in Nairobi, Kenya, will directly oversee program implementation of $10 million 2-year Enhanced Livelihoods in the Mandera Triangle (ELMT) activity (project) that focuses on strengthening pastoralist livelihoods over a wide geographical area targeting different ethnic pastoral communities living in northern Kenya, southern Ethiopia and southern Somalia.

The DCoP will assume the duties of the Chief of Party while s/he is away on leave or travel duty. Such duties include playing a key role in the launching and management of this regional project through a combination of capacity building, market interventions, and piloting innovative livelihood interventions, overseeing personnel and financial management, administrative oversight and program quality assurance, sub-grant management and partner/donor relations.

MUST BE AVAILABLE BY OCTOBER15, 2007.

Requirements Include:

• Masters Degree in social science or appropriate technical field
• At least 5 years of overseas experience of which 2 must have been in a senior management position;
• Demonstrated project management experience with projects of similar size and complexity
• Experience working in a Consortium and with multiple partners and
• Experience managing sub-grants.
• Experience managing USAID/USG grants and related reporting, budgeting, procurement, and project management procedures
• 5 years of supervisory experience, excellent communication, diplomatic and interpersonal skills with the ability to dialogue, network, and negotiate with donor agencies, international institutions, various stakeholders and development partners
• Proven financial and personnel management skills
• Excellent facilitation and negotiation skills
• Demonstrated skills in leadership and management in a challenging international setting
• Proven skills in effective team management and leadership; effective partnership management skills
• Ability to collaborate with people and organizations of diverse background
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Experience with pastoralist communities and the Horn of Africa preferred
• Local language skills desirable.

3.

Food Security Coordinator

Action Against Hunger-USA

Location: Kenya
Closing date: 13 Oct 2007

Job Description

Action Against Hunger - USA

Main Objectives:
- Coordinates all AAH activities related to Food security/livelihoods activities in South Sudan and Kenya. Activities will include the following:
- Support and management of the food security/ livelihoods projects
- To follow and improve the food security surveillance system
- In collaboration with ACF water and sanitation, and nutrition coordinators, reinforcement of integration between departments
- Orientation of the food security strategy
- Supervision, follow-up and evaluation of the food security teams
- Ensure coherence and support for logistics and administration issues regarding the food security department.
- Report and proposal writing
- External coordination

Qualifications:
- Previous experience with ACF helpful but not necessary / solid experience with another NGO is pertinent.
- At least M.Sc in Agricultural science with minimum of three years international experience managing food and livelihood security projects.
- Trained on Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation.
- Mature, organized, rigorous, ability to deal with stress, and have a deep humanitarian interest.
- Good knowledge of Word / Excel
- Humanitarian experience in difficult security context (conflict zones) is advantageous.
- Experience from Africa appreciated.
- Ability to micro-manage and combine mentoring and capacity building elements to support staff.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects in an autonomous manner with minimal external support and minimal resources available for implementation.
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills.
- Demonstrated excellent report and proposal writing skills.

Vacancies Contact

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Action Against Hunger, Attn: Director of Human Resources
E-mail: jobs@actionagainsthunger.org, please include the name of the position in the subject line.
By Mail:
Action Against Hunger USA
247 West 37th Street, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Fax: +1 (212) 967-5480

4.

HIV/Aids Related Advocacy & Fundraising Manager

Save the Children UK

Location: Kenya (Nairobi)
Closing date: 07 Oct 2007

Job Description

Ref 4256
Region: Africa - East and Southern
Country: Kenya, Angola, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Somalia/Somaliland, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Zimbabwe
Job Location: Nairobi
Position Type: Fixed Term
Budget Responsibility: Yes - To be confirmed
Line Management Responsibility: Yes - To be confirmed
Salary: £29,814
Contract Duration: 18 months

We are facing an unprecedented human catastrophe; a quarter of a century into the pandemic, AIDS has inflicted immense suffering on countries and communities throughout the world. More than 65 million people have been infected with HIV, more than 25 million people have died of AIDS, 15 million children have been orphaned by AIDS and millions more made vulnerable. Around the world 40 million people are currently living with HIV, more than 95 percent of whom live in developing countries.

Today 2.3 million children are living with HIV/AIDS and the lack of paediatric drugs in many countries significantly hinders efforts to protect the health of children. The pandemic affects every region, and Africa, in particular sub-Saharan Africa, remains the worst-affected region. Urgent and exceptional action is required at all levels to curb the devastating effects of this pandemic.

Save the Children UK recognises the window of opportunity to make a significant change and positive impact for children living with the realities of HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Vacancies Contact

To apply for this role please visit www.savethechildren.org.uk/jobs

5.

Project Manager, Camp Management Training

Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

The Norwegian Refugee Council is a non-governmental, humanitarian organization with 60 years of experience in helping to create a safer and more dignified life for refugees and internally displaced persons. We advocate for their rights and assist with shelter, education, food distribution, and counselling on repatriation

Location: Kenya (Dadaab)
Closing date: 19 Sep 2007

Job Description

Project Manager, Camp Management Training, Dadaab, Kenya

BACKGROUND
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has been present in Somaliland since 2004 focussing on Education, Shelter and School Feeding projects. In 2006 a coordination office was established in Nairobi, Kenya and in addition, a field office in Puntland. Early 2007, precence was established in Mogadishu as well as Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya.
Today, there are three refugee camps in Dadaab with an estimated population of 170,000 people. Of the entire refugee population, 97 % are of Somali origin.NRC’s activities in the camps include shelter, youth education and camp management.

The PM Camp Management Training reports to the Area Manager, and will have the following.

RESPONSIBILITIES
- Recruit, train and supervise three national project officers, who will work as a team to deliver training and coaching to camp leaders and communities in close collaboration with LWF.
- Oversee the planning, implementation and supervision of Camp Management Learning Workshops and follow-up coaching for Refugee Leaders in Dadaab including members from all three refugee camp sites locations.
- Plan, implement and evaluate Camp Management Trainings for international and local NGOs, UN agencies and Government of Kenya officials working in Dadaab and Garissa District. These workshops should be conducted in such a way as to achieve mutual understanding of roles and responsibilities and effective coordination between stakeholders. Furthermore there should be an integration of theory and practice, such that the training outcomes have a practical application to life of camp residents. This will involve developing and adapting the appropriate training materials from all three learner profiles of training materials developed/available from NRC CM technical unit for pilot testing.
- Plan and implement Camp Management Training for associated heads of offices in Nairobi from the agencies (INGOs, NGOs, and Government) agencies who attend training in Dadaab. (These to be delivered together with a co-trainer from the international training roster.)
- In collaboration with LWF and UNHCR, plan an effective and mutually beneficial capacity building project, with the aim of developing and sharing knowledge, skills and attitudes in line with best practice in camp management.
- Coordinate work planning and delivery of post-training services (i.e. coaching, mentoring and follow-up) in refugee camps based on the identification of and pursuit of site specific Camp Management Agency (LWF) and Refugee Leadership goals. Depending on local conditions and needs within each of the camps, foster the development of committees focused on various sectors affecting camp life (i.e. Executive, Food & NFIs, Wat/San, Shelter, Grievance, etc.).
- Together with the lead Camp Management Agency (LWF) foster and support the organisation of weekly camp coordination meetings (in each camp location) in collaboration with UNHCR, with a focus on harmonizing activities, identifying gaps, avoiding duplication, making the best use of existing management structures and fostering the development of ad hoc camp management teams for each location.
- Assist in building capacity of LWFs staff to monitor and report on specific Camp Management activities including:
- Camp layout and infrastructure development,
- Shelter construction and maintenance of camp infrastructure including wells, pumps, drainage, latrines, schools, training centers, garbage pits, waste management, etc. in respect of Sphere/UNHCR minimum standards.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
- University degree with 3 years relevant professional experience
- Solid and relevant field experience in international project-management, preferably in humanitarian operations
- Demonstrated management and leadership skills as well as financial skills including budgeting
- Experience in administration, coordination and personnel supervision
- Experience in the planning implementation and evaluation of a capacity building project
- Proven skills and experience in training and coaching in humanitarian and Camp Management issues
- Good diplomacy skills and willingness to work in close collaboration with other agencies
- Fluency in the English language, (Somali and Swahili language an advantage)
- Advanced computer skills, especially in Word, Excel and Power Point
- Ability to prioritise needs and carry out several actions simultaneously
- Holder of a valid international driver’s license

All employees of the Norwegian Refugee Council should be able to adhere to our Codes of Conduct and the four organizational values: Dedicated, innovative, inclusive and accountable.

DUTY STATION AND LIVING CONDITIONS:
Duty station will be Dadaab. Recreational and social facilities are very limited in Dadaab. International staff members are required to live in joint accommodation in Kenya/Somalia
The security situation in the Dadaab area is currently stable with no major incidents reported since 2003. Vehicle movement from Garissa is strictly under police escort and the same applies to inter camp roads. The UN security rating is currently at level 3.

Commencement: As soon as possible
Contract period: 6 months
Salary/benefits: According to NRC’s general directions, approximately NOK 44,000 (€ 5,500) per month, and free housing of moderate standard. Please note that tax fees may occur for some countries.
Further information: For program specific issues, contact Heidi Solheim Nordbeck +47 23 10 98 86. For questions regarding the recruitment process, contact Toril Rindahl Jørgensen +47 23 10 98 62.

Vacancies Contact

Applications and CV in English are to be submitted by email to 79.U07@nrc.no
Only applications sent to this email address will be considered. CV should include some personal data, as age and nationality. Please download the Standard CV from this link: http://103220.c.telecomputing.no/publisher/arch/_img/9068292.doc
Please notify us, in the application, how you found out about the position.