Protection Consortium Coordinator

BACKGROUND TO IRC

The International Rescue Committee, one of the world’s largest humanitarian agencies, provides relief, rehabilitation, and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of natural disaster, oppression, and violent conflict in 42 countries. The IRC is committed to bold leadership, innovation, and creative partnerships. Active in public health, education, livelihoods, women's empowerment, youth development, and protection and promotion of rights, the IRC assists people from harm to home.

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa is unprecedented in scale and in the response required. No previous outbreak has had as many confirmed cases, or as wide of a geographic spread. The situation is complicated by the porous nature of the regions’ borders, inaccessibility of the terrain, and the presence of multiple active sites of transmission. The outbreak in Sierra Leone started in May 2014 and rapidly spread throughout the country.

SCOPE OF WORK

In December 2014, the Protection Consortium was initiated to support the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender, and Children’s  Affairs (MSWGCA) to integrate an inclusive and holistic approach to protection for vulnerable individuals and groups across Sierra Leone in response to the Ebola outbreak. The IRC is the lead agency of the Protection Consortium working with Concern Worldwide, Save the Children, GOAL, Action Contre la Faim (ACF), Plan Sierra Leone, and Handicap International. All partners were working in the country before the emergency and are committed to stay. The IRC is seeking a Protection Coordinator to lead the overall management and strategic direction of an initial five month emergency protection project that has potential to transition into a longer-term program. The consortium partners will work together to provide a quality program in several areas of protection, including child protection, violence against women and girls, disabilities, psychosocial support, and nutrition. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management

Provide overall technical direction and managerial oversight for smooth implementation of the project. Key responsibilities include:

• Prepare, in coordination with Consortium Protection focal staff, strategic work-plans with clear objectives and achievement benchmarks.
• Ensure the project is implemented according to the proposal and of quality according to international protection standards.
• Provide technical support to the Consortia grants unit and to partners to ensure the best use of resources by preparing sound budgets, monitoring project expenses.
• Ensure timely submission of financial and narrative reports to the donor.
• Supervise the Protection Consortium Manager, M&E Manager, and Protection Officers (3).

Coordination & Representation

Build and maintain productive working relationships with a wide network of partners and stakeholders. Key responsibilities include: 

• Serve as the principal Protection Consortium representative to donors, the MSWGCA, UNICEF, Consortium partners, and all other protection stakeholders.
• The Coordinator will  be responsible to report directly to the Strategic Management Board, which is comprised of the Consortium Country Directors  for overall strategic direction of the Consortium.  Coordinator is also expected to maintain communication and liaise with the Country Directors as appropriate.
• Maintain communication with and report to DFID Protection Adviser and Program Management team  through both formal and informal briefings and reporting.

Technical Leadership

Ultimately responsible for ensuring technical oversight according to international protection standards. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead technical review and planning meetings with the consortium partners’ advisors/coordinators.
• Provide technical support to partners on all protection areas.
• Supervise and provide technical oversight in the development of M&E plans and tools working closely with the Consortium M&E Manager.
• Identify technical assistance needs and arrange for the provision of needed assistance; supervise sub-agreement partners; ensure coordinated inputs and technical/managerial quality from all partners/collaborators.
• Lead the development of proposals and concept notes for new opportunities.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum a Masters degree in social sciences, human rights, international development, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of senior management  experience in designing and implementing large protection programs and working in tandem with local and international partners. 
• Demonstrated ability to implement projects with rigorous deliverables and timelines in accordance with set timeframes and donor regulations while maintaining high quality and with multiple implementing partners.
• Knowledge of key DFID regulations and experience with DFID funding is a plus.
• Experience in the context of an emergency and/or recovery phase is a plus.
• Proven leadership and strategic planning capabilities.
• Proven ability in collaborating closely with multi-level stakeholders, including Government, donors, and implementing partners.
• Demonstrated budget management ability.
• Effective and persuasive writing and public speaking.
• Proven sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Computer skills in MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook).
• Excellent written and oral English.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing requirements.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

HOUSING

Shared housing in a guest house will be provided. The position is unaccompanied.