Emergency Protection Manager

BACKGROUND:

On December 16, 2013, heavy military exchanges occurred between rival SPLA factions in Juba (Central Equatoria State). The fighting and violence quickly spread to other states in South Sudan, trapping thousands of civilians in Unity, Lakes, Upper Nile, and Jonglei States in UN bases or makeshift IDP settlements. OCHA estimates that 194,000 people have been displaced across five states, Central Equatoria, Unity, Lakes, Upper Nile, and Jonglei. It is estimated that around 30,000 IDPs have sought refuge in the two UN bases in Juba; 8,000 IDPs have reportedly sought refuge in the UN base in Bentiu and 3,000 in the UN base in Pariang; an inter-agency mission to Awerial (Lakes) estimates that there are around 76,000 IDPs, mostly from Jonglei. The IRC South Sudan country program is gearing up to respond to the ongoing emergency and is looking for emergency response staff to assist with this.   

After an initial scale up phase immediately upon the start of the conflict, IRC south Sudan has started a second scale up phase to further strenghten its response to the ongoing crisis. In particular, IRC has opened new offices in Nyal and Koch.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Emergency Protection Manager is responsible for ensuring smooth implementation of the emergency Protection response in Koch in South Sudan. The position is based in Koch and reports to the Field Coordinator and receives technical support from the Protection and Rule of Law Coordinator.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Management

• Conduct assessments to determine the needs of IDPs in the target areas
• Oversee the implementation of the protection program to ensure the program is implemented according to schedule and budgets, international standards, and that protection program objectives are met
• Work closely with other IRC sectors present in the same location and integrate program components to the extent possible
• Participate in the development of proposals, budgets and concept notes in coordination with the Protection and Rule of Law Coordinator, DDP, Grants team, and HQ Technical Unit
• Monitor the purchase and use of materials, equipment and supplies in collaboration with the Deputy Protection Manager
• Monitor and evaluate appropriate implementation of  projects against program objectives and IRC’s Program Framework
• Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop IRC programs

Staff Management

• Recruit national staff in conjunction with the Human Resources Department
• Maintain updated job descriptions, conduct interviews, orient new staff to the IRC and the Protection program
• Supervise protection staff directly, providing ongoing leadership to the project team and overseeing implementation and coordination of activity plans to ensure targets are met
• Provide ongoing supervision, leadership, training and technical support and guidance to Protection staff, and ensure all Protection staff adhere to best-practice principles in all aspects of program implementation
• Overall responsibility for protection team’s timesheets, work plans, vacation schedules, and staff training/development activities
• Ensure Performance Management System documentation for all staff is in place and followed up regularly
• Build staff capacity in work plan development and reporting to ensure accurate monitoring and documentation of activities.
• Recommend and implement a capacity building/development plan for project staff based on documented capacity needs assessments exercise .

Ensure Protection staff understands and follows IRC and donor Policies and Procedures.

Grants Management and Reporting

• Manage and oversee all the protection grants; develop and maintain work, spending and procurement plans for all projects
• Participate in Grants Opening, Mid-Term and Closing meetings
• Prepare internal and external reports within agreed deadlines using IRC and donor formats, as required
• Assure appropriate and timely spending of grants to achieve program goals, grant reporting contributions, use and distribution of supplies and resources

Representation & Coordination

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders - including community leaders, NGOs, UN agencies, community based organisations and other IRC sectors to enhance cooperation and coordination
• Ensure that information from coordination meetings is shared internally and with other sectors, as appropriate
• Attend the the protection coordination meetings or represent the IRC in other relevant forums

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Position Reports to:  Field Coordinator/Manager
• Position directly supervises:  national protection team in Koch
• Indirect Reporting: this position has a dotted support line to the Protection and Rule of Law Coordinator
• Other Internal contacts: other Program Managers and Program Coordinators, DDP, departments heads  
• Other external contacts: Relevant other stakeholders e.g. UN bodies, local and national authorities  

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Masters degree in Law, International Law, Human Rights or International Affairs
• Minimum of three years of professional experience in protection programming in a refugee camp setting
• Minimum of three years of overseas professional experience in program implementation
• Previous working experience with UNHCR is an asset
• Strong understanding of protection principles and likely protection concerns arising in the South Sudan context as well as conflict sensitivity
• Solid experience in staff management in a cross-cultural environment required
• Demonstrated training and facilitation experience
• Experience in complex emergencies and the ability to live and work in a very remote environment
• Ability to work under pressure and without daily supervision
• Demonstrated analytical skills and report writing experience required
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
• Excellent oral and written skills and computer skills. 
• Fluency in English

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The security level is orange. The situation in Koch is calm at the moment but remains tense and unpredictable as it is close to the the front line between opposition and government forces. There has been active conflict in the neigbouring county of Rubkona at seeral occasions and there exists a real possibility for further expansion of the conflict and violence into other areas and other states.

Lodging in field sites range from a tent to a traditional hut to permanent structures. Field compounds have common latrines and showers. All IRC sites have electricity and internet at least several hours per day. Food is the individual’s responsibility.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in 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.