Country Representative, Sudan

Location: Wau, South Sudan
Department: International
Date: March 2011

Description of the unit / department: The Horn & East Africa Region (HEARO) is one of five regions where Trócaire works overseas, with its regional office based in Nairobi, Kenya. Sudan is one of five priority countries within HEARO.

Background to the Role: The role arises in response to the need to support Trócaire’s representational work in Sudan, and to collaborate more closely with the Church and CI members. Currently there are two POs based in Wau in South Sudan, with a third PO based in Nairobi, who manages partners in North Sudan. Furthermore, in the current context, where the new Republic of South Sudan will be declared in July 2011, there is a need to provide greater strategic direction to our current G&HR and Humanitarian programming both North and South, and avail of in-country funding opportunities. The current annual budget is approx €1million.

Reporting to: HEARO Regional Manager, or designate

Managing: (Individuals/ Team) Managing the following roles:
• 2 G&HR POs
• 1 Humanitarian PO
• Office staff

Contract Type: Fixed Term.

Contract Duration: 2 years (unaccompanied post).

Grade and Scale: Overseas Country Representative.
Location of Position Wau, South Sudan, with some regional and international travel.

Scope of the Role: The Country Representative provides leadership and strategic direction to Trócaire’s work in Sudan, aligning this work within the programming and advocacy agenda of the wider organisation.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Representation
• Represent Trócaire’s interests in Sudan, in particular, liaising with Government Institutions, UN agencies, EU and donor delegations, community groups, international & local NGOs;
• Represent Trócaire in its relationship with local partner organisations, representatives of the Catholic Church in Sudan, sister agencies from the Caritas/ CIDSE networks, and other local networks;
• Undertake media work on behalf of Trócaire as requested and link with visiting delegations, such as from Irish Aid or other donor partner groups;
• Participate in, and link with, local and national civil society fora.

Management and Administration
• Take responsibility for the leadership and management of Trócaire’s staff and programme in Sudan;
• Ensure efficient and strategic use of all resources within the programme and aim to minimise risk for Trócaire;
• Develop and manage a supportive and motivating work environment for the team;
• Agree key performance indicators in relation to individual team members, and identify training needs within the team;
• Monitor all aspects of the programme and ensure timely and effective delivery of the programme’s objectives;
• Monitor all aspects of financial management, including the preparation of budgets to Trócaire head office/regional office, ensuring adherence to approved budgets and developing financial reports;
• Contribute to the strategic direction of programmes in HEARO and the International Division;
• Liaise with Trócaire’s cross organisational teams based in Ireland and identify aspects of Sudan programme work which can contribute to achieving the global strategic plan;
• Facilitate field visits as required by Trócaire staff or visitors invited on their behalf;
• Participate in regional meetings of HEARO team.

Programme Development
• In the context of the Organisational Strategic Framework , Regional (HEARO) Strategic Framework and thematic programme policies, oversee and strengthen the ongoing development of Trócaire programming in Sudan;
• Ensure the ongoing monitoring of humanitarian needs in Sudan, and recommend appropriate response;
• In collaboration with programme staff, progressively review interventions to ensure they meet the highest standards, and support programme staff in their management of programme activities and the development of partnerships;
• Ensure programme interventions are in line with national policies for Sudan and participate actively in Sudan coordination fora;
• Ensure the production of high quality programme reports for Trócaire’s purposes (donor reports, PPD reviews, annual reports, partner reports);
• Identify and develop institutional funding opportunities to fund programme interventions;
• Oversee comprehensive analysis of the national socio-economic and political situation;
• Support the development and delivery of well-documented advocacy strategies
• Support the introduction of Trócaire’s cross cutting themes in gender and HIV/AIDS mainstreaming.

Security/ Risk Management:
• In the context of the Regional Security strategy and procedures, ensure excellent security management of Trócaire Sudan staff;
• Closely monitor the security and political situation and carry out risk assessments of all Trócaire interventions in Sudan;
• Communicate any significant organisational risks to Regional Manager and Head Office.
• Ensure timely reporting of security issues to Regional Manager and Head Office.

Person Specification – Essential Requirements (E)
(E) Qualification • Graduate level education in international development, or a relevant subject.
(E) Experience • At least five years’ experience of working with an international organisation, preferably in Horn & East Africa, with at least three years management experience;
• Knowledge and experience of programming in a post-conflict environment, particularly on Governance & Human Rights, and Humanitarian interventions.
• Good understanding and experience of project management cycle, participatory appraisal techniques, and budget management;
• Proven track record of securing donor funds and managing donor relationships;
• Experience of managing advocacy work in complex and politically sensitive environments.
• Experience with global justice, advocacy and development issues.

(E) Skills
• Ability to manage and motivate a small programme team;
• Ability to organise and prioritise own work in order to meet set deadlines;
• Sound financial management skills to enable good stewardship of resources;
• Ability to take initiative, as well as working in a team;
• Computer competency in office packages.

(E) Qualities
• Commitment to Trócaire Partnership, Vision, Mission and Values and ways of working, including an understanding of a partnership approach to development;
• Ability to build successful relationships and to work cross-culturally;
• Innovative, flexible and able to work in stressful and insecure environments;

(E) Other
• Availability to work outside normal working hours and to travel extensively, and occasionally internationally;

Person Specification – Desirable
• Knowledge of the Sudan working environment

To apply please send completed application form to Jason Rice, HR Officer, Trocaire, Maynooth, Co. Kildare or email jobs@trocaire.ie . Closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 2nd May 2011.