Project Support Manager - Madagascar

Role and Responsibilities

Responsible for all support functions, including Finance, Human Resources and Logistics for the Maroantsetra Base. Oversee the general functioning of the base including security. The Project Support Manager (PSM) will support IRS staff ensuring wellbeing and acting as first point of contact. The Mananara Base is a sub-base of Maroantsetra, and the PSM will support the PS Officer there to ensure the smooth functioning of that base as well.

Project Overview

Medair operates in three sectors in Madagascar: WASH, DRR and Emergency Response. Rano Tsara II (Maroantsetra and Mananara District): In July 2013 Medair officially launched a new WASH project, for a real improvement in hygiene and access to clean water and sanitation. Emergency projects: Cyclones regularly threaten the island. Medair provides rapid response carry out post-cyclone rehabilitation activities.

Medair

Medair is a humanitarian organisation inspired by Christian faith to relieve human suffering in some of the world’s most remote and devastated places. We bring relief and recovery to people in crisis, regardless of race, creed or nationality. As signatories of the Red Cross Code of Conduct, we believe that aid should be given to everyone who is in need, regardless of political, social or religious viewpoint. We save lives in emergencies and then stay to help people recover from crisis with dignity—working side by side with communities to leave a lasting impact. We provide a range of emergency relief and recovery services: health care and nutrition; safe water, sanitation, and hygiene; shelter and infrastructure.

Workplace         

Maroantsetra, Madagascar, with frequent visits to Mananara.

Starting Date

September 2014

Initial Contract Details

Full time, minimum 24 months

Key Activity Areas

Project Support Management

• Ensure the smooth running of the Maroantsetra base including set-up, staff supervision, security, maintenance and liaison with landlords, contractors and suppliers.
• Supervise all financial activities to ensure all cash management needs, reporting deadlines and internal and external audit requirements are met. Manage relations with the bank in Maroantsetra.
• Ensure all internal financial controls are in place (e.g. Expense sheet) and that Medair and donor guidelines are followed.
• Ensure all national and international legal requirements relating to employment are adhered to, including contracts, statutory deductions, record keeping, etc. and that changes are recorded and the information transferred to Tana.
• Ensure accurate and efficient procedures are maintained in logistics, particularly in the areas of procurement, storage and transportation.
• Monitor that regular computer back-ups, virus updates and routine maintenance are carried out and provide IT trouble-shooting if required.
• Work with field managers and HQ staff in the preparation and development of budgets for support and shared costs, ensuring they meet all relevant Medair and donor requirements.

Security Management

• Ensure security procedures are in place, guidelines are kept up-to-date and staff receive relevant security information. This includes reviewing security arrangements on a regular basis, maintaining communication, providing briefings and ensuring the availability of emergency equipment.

Administration

• Ensure a clear and transparent paper trail is in place for all transactions, that records are kept in an orderly and timely fashion and that the filing (archive) system is in line with Medair and donor requirements.

Staff Management

• Manage and oversee the assigned programme support staff including recruitment, day-to-day management, development and training, appraisal, supervision of the payment of salaries, acting as health focal point for Maroantsetra base etc.

Communication

• Develop and maintain a transparent, honest and supportive communication structure with colleagues to ensure they are kept informed of support related activities and requirements.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with suppliers, local authorities, other NGOs and any other stakeholders, representing Medair and ensuring good co-operation and partnerships.

Quality Management

• With relevant managers review, develop and implement (as applicable) systems to improve transparency and to detect and ultimately prevent loss or fraud. Carry-out regular inspections and spot-checks, both on systems and on-going work, to ensure the best use of Medair assets and resources.

Qualifications

• University degree in relevant subject or equivalent professional / technical qualification

Languages

• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written)
• Strong working knowledge of French (spoken and written)

Experience / Competencies

• Post-qualification management experience in a relevant profession
• Experience working in a cross-cultural setting, preferable in a support role
• Knowledge of database software and / or experience of stock management systems desirable
• Technical IT knowledge e.g. software installation, maintenance, trouble-shooting, etc desirable
• Good understanding of cross-cultural issues, Excellent communicator
• Able to develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Capacity to work under pressure and manage personal stress levels
• Able to oversee multiple tasks, prioritising and delegating as required

Medair Standard Working Requirements for the Field

• Experienced professionals in a relevant field; Overseas intercultural experience
• Committed Christians; commitment to the Medair values
• Strong working knowledge of English, spoken and written
• Working knowledge of French, spoken and written, for French-speaking field programmes
• Single or married (with no children under 18). If married, your spouse must also apply.
• Successful completion of Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC)
• Reflect the vision and values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, external contacts
• 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

Benefits

• A salary based upon the grade of the position and the experience of the position-holder
• Comprehensive briefing at our Swiss headquarters, as well as an in-country briefing
• Security training for those going to particularly 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 allowance)
• Annual leave; Death and disability allowance
• Contribution matching programme for retirement savings (for experienced relief workers)
• Additional contract benefit allowance for those who commit to longer contracts
• Comprehensive medical and emergency rescue insurance, with up to 60 days post- assignment coverage, including debriefing

Working Conditions

• Based in Maroantsetra, on Madagascar’s North-East coast with frequent visits to Mananara in the same area (Analanjirofo region) where the main WASH project (Rano Tsara 2) is being implemented.
• The role should open some others field visits if an emergency response has to be done following the passage of a cyclone.

Application Process

Follow this link: www.medair.org/work-with-us, check if you are an Experienced or New Relief Worker and that you fit our standard working criteria, then:

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

b)      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.