ERD manager

BACKGROUND:

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a prominent international organization working in relief, rehabilitation, protection, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. 

Present in the CAR since 2006 the IRC is currently expanding its Country Program (CP) to respond to the ongoing emergency response and develop programs for the early recovery stage in country. The CP is active in 3 locations across the country (Bangui, Bocaranga and Kaga Bandoro) and four sectors (Health, Water and Sanitation, Food Security/Economic Recovery and Development (ERD), and Protection including women’s protection and empowerment (WPE), child protection). The team includes 15 international staff and around 150 national staff.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The ERD Manager is the key position working on various programs and projects for food security and livelihoods, including a new program to empower women and girls in the CAR and provide durable solutions via partnerships. The program will provide support to (existing) local women’s’ groups and create partnerships with national NGOs. Economic early recovery activities with special attention for women and girls and linked to protection services provided in Kaga Bandoro are at the heart of the program.

The Manager is the central interface between the various national managers responsible for training, partnership development and protection services.  He/she coordinates with administrators, beneficiaries, and partners. As the technical lead, the Manager’s first responsibility is overseeing the day to day implementation of economic recovery programming, while ensuring monthly food distributions take place as long as needed. 

The position will be based in Kaga Bandoro and will report to the Area Program Coordinator. The manager will receive technical advice and support from the ERD coordinators and will liaise closely with the technical units based in NYC.  

RESPONSABILITIES:

Program implementation

• Oversee program start – up for all food security and livelyhoods activities in the area
• Manage a team of minimum 4 national staff
• Provide technical and management leadership to the IRC’s Food security and livelihoods programs and projects in Kaga Bandoro in accordance with best practice and IRC policy.
  • Develop workplans and oversee the implementation of projects.  
  • Adapt and develop economic activities that match the needs of the groups in the area while meeting project and donor guidelines

• Develop training and supervision activities for groups and partners in close cooperation with the partnership staff members

• Be part of assessment missions as needed
• Contribute actively to the development of plans, proposals, and budgets for new projects and extensions of projects in conjunction with the Coordinators and the Senior Country Management Team.
• Overall responsibility for effective and efficient management of project implementation consistent with the project management cycle, program objectives, activities and indicators
• Provide technical expertise for support to the implementation of similar projects in Kaga Bandoro  and other offices in close coordination with other managers and the Coordinators.
• Work closely with the Country Management Team and other managers and coordinators to ensure an integrated approach to programming

Human Resources Management

• Supervise all Kaga Bandoro ERD project staff and hire / train new project staff as required.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Ensure timely completion and submission of monthly timesheets, probation reviews and annual performance reviews.
• Overall responsible for staff workplans, work and vacation schedules, and staff professional development activities
• If required, identify staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these in accordance with the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures
• Discuss job expectations, set objectives and provide appropriate and timely feedback regarding performance, including timely implementation of the annual staff performance management system.
• Clearly define the training needs of staff and ensure they are able to access training and professional development resources appropriate to their skill gaps/needs.
• Ensure all program staff are of aware and follow IRC procedures
• Provide leadership support for the successful implementation of and adherence to the IRC Global HR Operating Policies and Procedures
• Lead with commitment, integrity and accountability to the “IRC Way” –  Global Standards for Professional Conduct

Grant Monitoring & Partner Management

• Select and implement appropriate monitoring and evaluations systems; analyzing results to ensure and enhance program effectiveness and quality.
• Assure appropriate and timely spending of grants to achieve program goals, grant reporting contributions, use and distribution of supplies and resources.
• Oversee all program budgets and ensure compliance with IRC procedures.
• Actively contribute to proposal writing and program development

Advocacy and fundraising

• Actively work to highlight key issues in the sector and potential advocacy points.
• Seek in collaboration with the coordinator opportunities for further funding and program expansion.

Coordination & Representation

• Develops and maintains effective coordination and long-term relationships with partners, representing IRC positions, promoting long-term strategy and resolving problems/conflicts
• Work closely and coordinates with IRC logistics, finance and grant staff to ensure timely and complete program activities and expenditures; including active participation in grant opening/closing and review meetings

REQUIREMENTS:

• Agriculture, Economy, Business, or Management degree
• Experience working in insecure work environments and understanding of personal and team’s safety and security needs.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in assessing, developing, management/coordinating of Food Security/Livelihoods  projects in an international setting.
• Experience supervising and guiding national  ERD  staff
• Experience with training staff/local communities
• Strong management, assessment, project planning, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Experience in Africa required.
• Experience with food distributions and the VSLA and/or cash transfer programs preferred.
• Prior experience working in insecure environments preferred.
• Strong program/technical and budget management skills, planning, reporting, monitoring and evaluation skills
• Demonstrated ability in resource mobilization for emergencies/early recovery.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with international institutions and agencies, local governments and community leaders and develop multi-stakeholder support for humanitarian priorities and advocacy initiatives
• Strong written and oral communication skills, effective in representation and liaison with external parties.  
• Must be capable of applying their skills and knowledge in a range of capacities, including direct implementation, advisory functions, training and the transfer of technical knowledge and management skills to others
• Interpersonal qualities: Works well in and promotes teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, flexible and able to handle pressure with professional grace.
• Fluent in spoken and written French or English and working knowledge of the second language.