Shelter Specialist (216822-927)
27 Oct 2009 13:13:00 GMT
Deadline date: 27 Nov 2009 |
| Organisation: | Mercy Corps |
| Location: | 216595 |
| Type: | permanent |
| Salary: | TBA (000's USD) |
| Description: | PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: Mercy Corps has been operating in Iraq since 2003 and currently implements programs with funding from the US Agency for International Development (USAID); USAIDs Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance; the UN and others. While much of Mercy Corps work in Iraq to date has focused on addressing the emergency needs of the Iraqi people in the immediate wake of war and years of oppression and stagnation, increasingly Mercy Corps is focusing its efforts on helping Iraq build a new future. New program initiatives are aimed at helping Iraqi people, and especially the countrys youth, transform their orientation to the world around them so that they have both the desire and the capacity to build a pluralistic, stable, and peaceful democratic society. Several of Mercy Corps new initiatives focus on schools, youth centers, internet centers, and other platforms for learning. Programming also aims to develop leadership skills among particularly marginalized groups, such as persons with disabilities, encouraging them to advocate for their rights and to take an active role in the rebuilding of Iraqi civil society. During this critical period of transition in Iraq, Mercy Corps is working closely with its Iraqi partners and local communities, and with its donors and key international actors, to develop strategies for successfully shifting from emergency-oriented activities to approaches that emphasize good governance, development, and peace-building.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
Decades of conflict have taken their toll on Iraqs housing stock. The displacement crisis touched off by the February 2006 Samara bombing added to the shelter issues across the country. Now as the situation in Iraq begins to stabilize, there is increasing focus on the shelter needs of IDPs (especially those who do not plan to return), returnees, and other extremely vulnerable Iraqis. Over the next year with funding from the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, Mercy Corps will implement shelter improvement projects for IDPs, returnees and EVIs in Iraq with a focus on areas of displacement and return in Baghdad and Diyala governorates. The Shelter Specialist will manage and implement shelter projects in Mercy Corps emergency response area, and may be asked to oversee other non-shelter emergency response and recovery projects including temporary employment, WASH, and protection projects. S/he will represent Mercy Corps at the sector level and ensure that its assistance is effectively reaching the target population and compliant with local needs, customs and legislation. This is accomplished through participatory projects, designed, developed and implemented in line with the SPHERE guidelines. Given the sensitivities related to displacement and returns, it is important that projects be designed with Do No Harm principles in mind. It is expected that the focus on shelter and returns could increase over the coming year and there is a possibility for additional funding for this work. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Assess the shelter and housing needs of the affected population, in coordination with other assessments. Design and implement Mercy Corps shelter rehabilitation projects. Develop shelter plans to meet uncertain and changing scenarios; using innovation and creativity. Design and implement other emergency and recovery projects in line the grant objectives. Ensure that the project engages local stakeholders and develops local capacity for longer term sustainability, this could include local elected and traditional leaders as well as member of the Ministry of Displacement and Migration (MoDM) and the Implementation and Follow up Committee on National Reconciliation (IFCNR). Recruit and mentor local staff for the shelter/ recovery program and manage staff when required to do so. Establish a system to monitor and evaluate project activities and impact on an ongoing basis, in accordance with existing Mercy Corps DM& E guidelines. Maintain close working relationships with local authorities, IOs, INGOs, and local NGOs and associations and coordinate with other international and local agencies active in the project area. Attend relevant inter-agency sector coordination meetings and other related meetings and report findings to Mercy Corps personnel. Manage programs including budgets when required and help compile proposals for donors including budgets. Ensure integration of SPHERE guidelines and key indicators and Do No Harm principles into programming. Regularly report on project status to appropriate Mercy Corps personnel. Foster a collaborative team atmosphere which engages the stakeholders. Other duties as assigned the DCD or CD. Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission. Organizational Learning As part of Mercy Corps agency-wide Organizational Learning Initiative, all team members are responsible for spending 5% of their work time in formal and/or non-formal professional learning activities. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: This position may involve the supervision of national staff and contractors. ACCOUNTABILITY: REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: DCD Baghdad WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Other Program staff in Baghdad and around the country program, Procurement, Administration, Finance and Field Staff KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: A BA/S or equivalent in international development, political or social science management or other relevant field, masters degree preferred. At least 4 years of International Relief or Development program management experience, including program development, strategic planning, program implementation and evaluation, staff supervision and development, training, team building, finance and administration, donor relations, and inter-agency and intra-agency communications. This includes experience living and working overseas in a emergency response/relief or development environment. At least 2 years of work experiences designing and implementing emergency, transitional or recovery shelter programs. Experience managing the development, implementation, administration and compliance of US Government, ECHO/ EC, UN, private foundation and corporate grants, and related programs. Experience with and ability to effectively represent the organization and its interests to a diverse range of local and international government officials, local civil society organizations, other international organizations, the media and the public. Understanding of the current political, economic, social conditions and the historical context of county experiencing the emergency is important, along with the ability to obtain, analyze and act on large amounts of information from a diverse range of sources. Demonstrated proficiency in using computers, basic software systems, and email. Knowledge of communications equipment (e.g., radio and satellite telephone systems), protocols, systems and usage. Ability to train, mentor, and supervise staff. Willingness to travel frequently and extensively throughout emergency zone. Interest and willingness to learn about the Middle East region Knowledge of humanitarian standards and codes, including Sphere SUCCESS FACTORS: Conscientious, with an excellent sense of judgment. Willing and able to implement Mercy Corps security protocols even when they impact upon projects and personal time. Ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks in an insecure, stressful environment and keep to deadlines. Proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving Knowledge of the long-term implications of humanitarian assistance and the importance of incorporating the development of civil society into relief activities. Rapidly develop a strong understanding of the cultural, political and religious environment in the region, and the ability and willingness to live and work successfully in those environments. Willingness and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people as part of a team. Able to interact with partner and peer agencies Fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of Arabic is a plus. LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Strict adherence to Mercy Corps security policies and procedures will be required as will respect for local cultural norms and traditions. Baghdad and Diyala are highly hostile environment which extensive security procedures and heavy restrictions on day-to-day life. Candidates must be able to live for extended periods in confined group housing with few amenities. All staff in Mercy Corps Iraq are expected to work a six-day work week and remain in regular contact even during R&Rs and home leaves. Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Staff are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues. Please apply online directly at: http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjob&jobid=216822&company_id=15927&jobboardid=1335 |
