Program Manager (216823-927)
27 Oct 2009 13:15:00 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: [Describe overview of job misThe Program Manager supports the development and administration of Mercy Corps program in Diyala from the Office his/her office in Baghdad. In coordination with the Deputy Country Direrctor for Baghdad and the Country Director s/he effectively backstops existing grants, directs internal and external program information flow, and nurtures relations with donor and colleague institutions and organizations who are involved with program implementation. There will be a particular emphasis on OFDA programming in Diyala which focuses on providing income generation and, shelter assistance, improving WASH conditions and providing protection of marginalized groups, particularly women, youth and people with disabilities. S/he will work in close coordination with other Iraq program to ensure the smooth running of operations to support the development and implementation of program strategies. S/he will represent Mercy Corps at the community level and ensure that assistance is effectively reaching the target population. The candidate must be able to work in a team environment, with Mercy Corps systems and staff from a range of backgrounds. Further s/he will provide written reports of their activities and support Mercy Corps wider efforts to provide appropriate programming for the immediate relief effort and longer term recovery and development of affected populations. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Develop, manage and implement interventions in support of Mercy Corps Programs in the Southern Diyala portion of the Baghdad AOR in accordance with grant agreements with the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and other grants as necessary. Work with national staff and Local NGO partners to ensure that all program activities are successfully implemented in the communities; Design and conduct trainings in any areas related to activities for staff, other trainings, communities and project beneficiaries. To produce written reports on the program activities capturing and summarizing details as required by the DCD, CD, and other Managers. Ensure the close coordination and sharing of information between the various sectors of the program staff and program support with regular program meetings and activity plans. To maintain written correspondence with the other OFDA program staff based in other parts of the country. Coordinate closely with the relevant administrative and finance staff to ensure proper logistics, administration, human resources and transport needs of the program are conducted within MC policy and with the maximum benefit to the program. Work with the DCD to forecast expenditure surpluses and deficits to enable adjustments to be made to the program in a timely fashion. Oversee the program filing system for all program activities under his/her responsibility in coordination with M&E to ensure that information is organized according to the reporting and auditing needs of the program. Ensure required levels of confidentiality. Provide direct and ongoing supervision and managerial support to national staff as required Ensure that all work follows quality standards and best practices; Ensure close coordination with relevant Iraqi government institutions (Ministries, Government representatives, local directorates etc.) 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. Other duties as assigned. 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: National staff as assigned ACCOUNTABILITY: REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: DCD Baghdad WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Other Baghdad staff and other staff working on OFDA Programs throughout the country 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 two years of International Relief and 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. Experience managing the development, implementation, administration and compliance of US Government, ECHO/ EC, UN, private foundation and corporate grants, and related programs. 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. Experience working with host governments and their agents, INGOs and national NGOs. Firm grasp of humanitarian standards and codes. Interest and willingness to learn about the Middle East region SUCCESS FACTORS: Demonstrated ability to lead and communicate effectively with team members of varied work styles, follow procedures, and meet deadlines Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving Proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results Ability to understand the larger picture while remaining focused on the details Ability to live within a complex security and political situation and to follow strict security protocols Ability to work independently and as part of a team Knowledge of procurement and tendering Curiosity about and sensitivity to new cultures Knowledge of Arabic language 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=216823&company_id=15927&jobboardid=1335 |
