Senior Program Coordinator

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 teamLead 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 SomaliaPlan and oversee needs assessments and train others to assess specific needsLead the program team on all program design, development and implementation aspects including development and implementation of effective monitoring toolsOversee the grants unit and ensure adherence to donor contract obligations and development of quality proposals and reportsWork 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 sameWork 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 needsLead the development of high-quality, needs-based project proposals in line with the IRC Program FrameworkWorking closely with the Country Director and Coordinators, develop and maintain coordination and networking with key stakeholders through external representationCoach and build capacity of program staff leading to staff retention and enhancing program qualityUndertake 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 experience3 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 deadlinesPrevious experience in the greater Somalia region a distinct advantageAdvanced knowledge of quantitative and qualitative monitoring & evaluation tools and processesKnowledge of donor (EU and USAID) regulationsExperience with training and capacity building of program staff; and experience working with and building capacity of local partner organizationsExcellent written and spoken English essential. Knowledge of Somali a distinct advantageWillingness to travel to the field as and when neededHigh-level of knowledge and practice with Word, Excel, Outlook, etc. requiredWork 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 .

View the original article here