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Early Recovery Program Manager
Source: Agence d'Aide à la Coopération Technique et au Développement (ACTED) - France
| Deadline: | 30 Dec 2008 |
| Organisation: | Agence d'Aide à la Coopération Technique et au Développement (ACTED) - France |
| Location: | Uganda |
| Type: | permanent |
| Salary: | TBA (000's USD) |
| Description: | Department: Program
Position: Early Recovery Program Manager Contract duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension) Location: Gulu, Northern Uganda Starting Date: January 2007 I. Background on ACTED ACTED (Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development) is an apolitical and non-confessional international relief agency created in Afghanistan. The first projects were initiated in Kabul in 1993 to bring relief to populations affected by more than 15 years of conflict. As of today, ACTED is active on 4 continents and in 20 countries. The organization employs approximately 100 international staff and more than 2000 national staff. The headquarters for the organization are located in Paris (France). ACTED develops about 150 projects a year in such diversified activities as Emergency Relief, Food Security, Health Promotion Network, Economic Development, Education and training, Microfinance, Advocacy - Institutional Support and Regional Dialogue, and Cultural promotion. In Uganda, ACTED has been active since May 2007. The organization works in Northern Uganda as well as in Karamoja on a cross border basis with Kenya. In the North, ACTED supports the early recovery process with a specific focus on the needs of returning populations displaced by years of conflict. It also expands access, retention, equity and quality of primary education. In Karamoja, the focus is on enhancing food security and resilience to shocks/disasters, especially droughts as well as improving the primary education sector. II. Background to the Position The war between the rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and the Government of Uganda (GoU) has significantly affected the northern and northeastern parts of the country, leaving hundreds of thousands of people dead and two million displaced and dependent on humanitarian assistance. However, with the ongoing peace negotiations in Juba, South Sudan, following the signing of the landmark Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in August 2006 between the GoU and the LRA, security has drastically improved. In many areas in Teso, Lango and Acholi sub-regions, internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned home or have moved to settlement sites near their original homes. The permanent return home of IDPs will be influenced not only by the outcome of the peace process, but also by the availability of the necessary activities, services and infrastructure to support life and livelihood in these areas. Hence, there is need to address post conflict recovery issues. As mentioned, a great number of IDPs have returned home but are not settled completely. Besides individual constraints to return, such as access to shelter or security fears, Northern Uganda requires a great amount of rehabilitation works in all sectors: agriculture, community-access roads, water, sanitation, education, health, and access to the most basic conditions for people to regain their livelihood after a period of displacement. With funding from UNHCR and other donors, ACTED Uganda aims at facilitating the voluntary return of IDPs to home areas and the local reintegration of returnees in safety and with dignity, based on free informed choice by using a community-driven approach that empowers returning communities with regard to improved social, human and economic capital. Specifically, ACTED intends to improve physical and social infrastructure for the returning population and to improve the agricultural livelihoods of selected beneficiaries through the provision of agricultural and tool inputs under a voucher-for-work scheme linked to the infrastructure rehabilitation works.s with regard to improved social, human and economic capital. Specifically, ACTED intends to improve physical and social infrastructure for the returning population and to improve the agricultural livelihoods of selected beneficiaries through the provision of agricultural and tool inputs under a voucher-for-work scheme linked to the infrastructure rehabilitation works. III. Job Duties and Responsibilities ACTED is currently looking for an experienced Program Manager to take care of its early recovery (agricultural and non-agricultural livelihoods, governance, infrastructure rehabilitation and reconstruction) interventions in Amuru District. Based in Gulu, with frequent travels to the field, specific duties include: To set up, plan, supervise and monitor the implementation ACTED's early recovery projects; To ensure proper implementation of programmes based on continuous monitoring and analysis of (a) the most critical recovery and development needs, response capacities, access situation, operational environment and applicable security issues and (b) implementation progress of the programmes in his/her geographic area. To lead the ACTED early recovery programmes and ensure attainment of expected results in his/her geographic area of responsibility. To assist with planning of project budgets and ensure appropriate expenditure of budgets in line with donor requirements; To liaise with all internal and external counterparts of the projects, i.e. UNHCR and UNDP, particularly in relation to the return and recovery process; To technically assess the activities undertaken and ensure efficient use of resources; To ensure that all project reporting (internal and external) is completed in a timely and accurate manner; To actively pursue contacts with local government officials, and with NGO and UN representatives on a regular basis; To attend NGO, inter-agency, or governmental meetings. IV. Qualifications Required University degree (Masters Degree) preferably in civil engineering, agriculture, development studies; or the equivalent combination of education and experience in a related area; At least 4 years progressively responsible experience in managing and implementing projects in the early recovery sector, i.e. agricultural and non-agricultural livelihoods, governance, infrastructure rehabilitation and reconstruction Significant experience in conflict affected areas and difficult living conditions, ideally in Africa; Knowledge of participatory approaches and tools; Ability to coordinate and manage staff and project activities; Familiarity with the aid system, and ability to understand donor and governmental requirements; Strong organizational and supervisory skills; Proven ability to work creatively and independently both in the field and in the office; Being a strong team player and adept at creating a strong team spirit; Highly motivated and with a desire to work with local communities; Ability to work with culturally diverse groups of people; Ability to travel and work in difficult conditions and under pressure; Excellent spoken and written English; knowledge Luo an added advantage. V. Conditions Benefits: All food, accommodation and travel expenses covered. Medical and life insurance also covered. Resume and cover letter should be sent at jobs@acted.org with the reference : ERPM/UG/AN |
