Project Coordinator

Manage the implementation and coordination of the designated field projects. Providing leadership, strategic direction, management and evaluation of all aspects of the Medair projects, the Project Coordinator (PC) also plays a key role in liaison with local authorities and other relevant stakeholders, team leadership and security.

Project Overview

Medair has been operating in the south of Afghanistan since mid-2014 and is currently implementing two nutrition projects - one project within Kandahar city, and another in the surrounding districts of Kandahar city. There are plans to expand the current project portfolio to other sectors, such as WASH, and possibly implementing life-saving programming in other areas of Kandahar province (security permitting).

Workplace         

Kabul, Afghanistan

Starting Date

As soon as possible

Initial Contract Details

Full time, contract 18-24 months

Key Activity Areas

Project Management

• Oversee the overall implementation of the designated project(s) in consultation with the relevant Project Manager(s) and in accordance with the project proposals ensuring objectives are met within the required time frame and budget. Where necessary ensure preventative and corrective action is taken.
• Maintain an overview of the regional context with a view to the strategic development of new projects both in current sites and in surrounding regions. This may include baseline needs assessments.
• Develop, in consultation with the other senior field managers, an implementation strategy which is appropriate to the country context and strategy.
• Ensure complete and timely reporting of activities to Medair, donors, line managers and any other relevant bodies.

Representation

• Develop and maintain relationships with relevant stakeholders (e.g. beneficiaries, community leaders, local and national government officials, donors, UN agencies and other NGOs) and represent Medair at relevant meetings (e.g. state and local government, sector-coordination and security) in order to facilitate and ensure cooperation and partnerships.

Financial Management

• Plan and construct the budgets for the designated projects, in collaboration with the relevant Project Manager(s) and Sector Advisors in accordance with donor guidelines.

Staff Management

• Ensure all personnel related issues for the staff of the designated project(s) are carried out in accordance with Medair guidelines. This includes recruitment, appraisal, objective setting, development and training, disciplinary action, etc. If applicable, work with the relevant Project Manager(s).

Security Management

• Monitor and review the security status of the area(s) of operation on a regular basis, liaising as applicable with local authorities, other NGOs, the UN or other relevant security bodies.
• Train and support relevant Project Manager(s) in security planning, management, implementation and monitoring.

Quality Management

• Ensure designated project(s) are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with Medair, donor, country and international standards e.g. Sphere and HAP standards, WHO recommendations, etc. Follow the direction of the relevant advisors at HQ regarding quality, strategy and technical guidelines.

Field - Team Spiritual Life

• Reflect the vision and values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, and external contacts.
• Fully contribute to the rich spiritual life of your team, including team devotions, prayers, and words of encouragement.
• Work and pray together in our Christian faith-based team settings.
• Instigate and contribute to prayer times within internationally recruited staff and HQ teams.
• Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international programmes and HQ prayer network.

This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organisational needs.

Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant subject such as Management / Development Studies / Business Administration
• Post-graduate degree in the humanitarian sector and / or Security management training desirable

Languages

• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written)

Experience / Competencies

• 2 years post-qualification experience in a management position, preferably in a relief environment
• 1 year overseas work experience with a relief and rehabilitation NGO or other agency engaged in humanitarian aid
• Experience of managing relief programmes in highly insecure environments desirable
• Knowledge of Humanitarian Essentials, Sphere and HAP Standards and other international humanitarian guidelines and protocols
• Good knowledge of UN and other humanitarian actors and of current humanitarian debates and issues desirable
• Advanced leadership and project management skills
• Advanced planning, assessment and analytical skills; good report and proposal writing skills; good negotiation skills
• Committed to team-building and able to develop and support other team members
• Capacity to work under pressure and manage personal stress levels

Profiles sought for Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS) roles in the field

Relief experience

• Professionals with 12 months or more relevant relief or development experience (Experienced Relief Workers)
• Professionals with less than 12 months relevant relief or development experience (New Relief Workers)

Professional

• Experienced professionals in a relevant Medair sector of expertise
• Overseas intercultural experience

Values

• Fully committed to the Medair values; to reflect the vision and values of Medair with team members, local staff, and external contacts

Language

• Strong working knowledge of English, spoken and written
• Working knowledge of French, spoken and written, for French-speaking field programmes

Personal qualities

• Able to live and work in a multicultural team under difficult conditions
• Strong character traits, including emotional stability, adaptability, ability to handle stress, cultural and gender sensitivity, honesty, and physically fit

Availability

• Single or married (with no children under 18). If married, your spouse must also apply.

Final selection

• All potential candidates for field positions must successfully complete the Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC). Information, dates and related costs can be found via this link.

The benefits package provided to all Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS)

• Comprehensive briefing at our Swiss Headquarters, as well as an in-country briefing
• Security training for those going to insecure environments
• Accommodation, food, and transportation in-country
• Return flights to and from the country programme (one return flight for every year of service)
• Rest and recuperation (R&R) leave (including travel, accommodation, and food)
• Annual leave
• Comprehensive medical and emergency rescue insurance, with up to 60 days post-assignment coverage, including debriefing
• Disability insurance

Specific benefits for Experienced Relief Workers (IRS)

(Applicants with 12 months or more relevant relief or development experience)

• A salary based upon the grade of the position and experience of the position-holder, starting from USD 1,700 per month
• Contribution matching programme for retirement savings
• Additional contract benefit allowance for those who commit to longer contracts
• Highly subsidised contribution to Medair ROC travel and accommodation costs

Working Conditions

• This is a field-based position in a complex and insecure environment with limited international staff present in the area. Working and living conditions may be very different to that previously experienced.

Application Process

Before you apply, please ensure you are fully aware of the:

a)      Medair organisational values.

b)      Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC) (which forms part of the recruitment selection process for field positions).

Then to apply, go to the "Current Vacancies" page then:

c)       apply for this vacancy (or another position that matches your profile), or

d)      apply for a Medair ROC (where we can try and match your competencies to our vacancy needs).

Please do not make multiple applications. We will not review email applications. Only English-language applications / CVs will be reviewed. Medair does not set closing / deadline dates for applications; recruitment is on-going until the position is filled.