Senior Program Coordinator, Somalia Program

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

The IRC has been operational in Central Somalia (Mudug and Galgadud regions) since 2007 and implements programs in livelihood and WASH and reaches out to more than 115,000 conflict and drought affected people. The country program is also responding to the current emergency in Somalia through a range of life saving interventions.

Scope of Work

With the supervision and guidance of the Country Director, Somalia, and in line with the country strategic plan, the Senior Program Coordinator will be responsible for strategic planning, program development, program design and implementation of activities in Somalia. The position will work closely and network with a range of stakeholders including donors, Government departments, INGOs and local NGOs and UN bodies. The position will link closely with the field based program and operation team members, and various technical units based at the NY, UK and Nairobi. The PC will oversee the grants unit (Grants manager and volunteer) as well as sectoral program managers/ coordinators based at Nairobi.

Job Description/Responsibilities

• Contribute to implementation of the Country Strategic Plan for Somalia through committed investment in achievement of the plan objectives, regular review of plans, and discussions with team • Lead the country program in strategic program development, by undertaking regular multi-sector assessments, and designing innovative approaches to respond to the needs of the population at Somalia • Plan and oversee needs assessments and train others to assess specific needs • Lead the program team on all program design, development and implementation aspects including development and implementation of effective monitoring tools • Oversee the grants unit and ensure adherence to donor contract obligations and development of quality proposals and reports • Work with the CD and the technical adviser to develop a partnership programming approach for the country program and build capacity of the country program staff on the same • Work with the Program Managers, CD, and TUs to develop programs that address longer term issues (drought and conflict mitigation, Governance, basic services etc) in Somalia, identify potential partners and donors for the same and develop quality proposals to address these needs • Lead the development of high-quality, needs-based project proposals in line with the IRC Program Framework • Working closely with the Country Director and Coordinators, develop and maintain coordination and networking with key stakeholders through external representation • Coach and build capacity of program staff leading to staff retention and enhancing program quality • Undertake regular field visits (at least once every two months to each of the field offices) to oversee program implementation, quality and train staff on identified needs

Required Competencies

• Degree in International Development or a relevant social science discipline, with 5 year’s progressive on field experience • 3 years of INGO field experience in a similar position: program management, strategic planning, needs assessments, monitoring and evaluation
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically with strong analytic skills, ability to prioritize and meet deadlines • Previous experience in the greater Somalia region a distinct advantage • Advanced knowledge of quantitative and qualitative monitoring & evaluation tools and processes • Knowledge of donor (EU and USAID) regulations • Experience with training and capacity building of program staff; and experience working with and building capacity of local partner organizations • Excellent written and spoken English essential. Knowledge of Somali a distinct advantage • Willingness to travel to the field as and when needed • High-level of knowledge and practice with Word, Excel, Outlook, etc. required • Work in a multisectoral/ multicultural team- patience, cultural sensitivity and application of contextual understanding in day to day work

Specific security Situation/Housing

This is an unaccompanied position based in Nairobi. Security issues in Nairobi are mainly related to urban crimes such as theft, pick pocket, house break in etc. IRC has a well designed security management plan and staff are regularly oriented on the same.

Please apply online: www.ircjobs.org or http://tbe.taleo.net/NA2/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=IRC&cws=1&rid=7362 .

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