Senior Program Coordinator

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 CAR since 2006 the IRC is currently expanding its programs to respond to the ongoing crisis and transition into early recovery in country. The program is active in 3 locations across the country (Bangui, Bocarganga and Kaga Bandoro) and four sectors (Health, Water and Sanitation, Food Security/ERD, and Protection). The team includes 14 international staff and 150 national staff.

To build the capacity of both international and national staff and increase the quality of the programs the Country Program seeks to recruit a Senior Program Coordinator (SPC).

SCOPE OF WORK:

The SPC will be responsible for the strategic oversight of IRC programs in the Central African Republic. She / He will directly supervise the 7 coordinators and indirectly 8 managers with activities in 4 sectors and 3 locations. She / He will provide strategic guidance to program managers and coordinators, lead proposal development and fundraising efforts alongside the country director and ensure programs are of high quality and on track. The position will report to the Country Director and will be based in Bangui with frequent travel to the field (50 %).

RESPONSABILITIES:

• Program management
  • Actively work with program coordinators and managers to ensure programs are on track, meet grant requirements and are in line with the budget.
  • Ensure all programs have the necessary tools to track indicators, monitor spending, ensure program quality and plan activities. Ensure the tools are used, well understood and regularly reviewed.
  • Ensure programs are integrated and work together across locations and sectors. Lead inter – program coordination.
  • Work closely with support and program departments to optimize program delivery and ensure similar standards are in place across departments.
  • Ensure regular needs assessments are carried and programming needs updated and needs – based. 
  • Regularly carry out monitoring field visits.
  • Provide capacity building opportunities for program staff.
• Staff Supervision & Development
  • Manage and supervise all program managers and coordinator
  • Hire new staff as required and oversee their training.
  • 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.
  • Overall responsibility for staff timesheets, work plans, vacation schedules, and staff training/development activities
• Program development
  • Lead in coordination with the country director and sector coordinators, program development efforts including strategy development.
  • Actively engage potential donors and seek funding opportunities for the country program.
  • Oversee proposal development process and ensure the timely submission by the grants team of project proposals.
  • Ensure technical units are involved in the proposal development process and in program monitoring
• Coordination & Advocacy 
  • Ensure IRC is well represented and active in coordination meetings.
  • Liaise with partner organizations to identify gaps in responses and develop common response strategies
  • Represent the IRC in coordination mechanisms and with donor agencies.
  • Actively participate in IRC advocacy initiatives.
• Professional Standards
  • All IRC staff are required to adhere to the IRC Way Standards for Professional Conduct and the IRC country employment policies.

REQUIREMENT

• Postgraduate degree in International Development, Management, Social Works or similar relevant degree.
• Excellent professional track record with at least five – seven years of international management level experience within (NGO) leadership working in emergency / humanitarian program implementation within conflict or immediate post conflict environments.
• Experience in Africa required
• Successful experience working within a volatile security environment and ability to work under pressure
• Previous experience managing programs financed through US, EU, UN and private foundations.
• Solid managerial skills and experience in an international multi-cultural setting.
• Skills and knowledge in at least two out of the following expertise areas:  project management, M&E, protection and food security/ERD.
• Strong project planning, capacity building/training, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Proven technical writing skills and budgeting skills.(
• Fluency in verbal and written French and English required.
• Comfortable to live and work in basic conditions and shared housing arrangements.