Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Specialist - Darfur

This position is pending funding.

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps Scotland (MCS) is implementing a multi-sectoral program to support IDPs and rural communities in South Darfur. Since June 2010, Mercy Corps Scotland has already been programming WASH activities in three IDP camps near Nyala town (including Dereige, Sakaly and Elsereif) and is currently expanding programming into agriculture, livelihoods and small business development within these camps and nearby villages in Abga Rajel rural area as part of an early recovery effort to integrate IDPs into the economic and social fabric of Nyala. Complimentary to this program, the UNDP-funded Darfur Community Peace and Stability Fund is a mechanism to implement programs that address root causes of conflict and solutions towards peace building gaps. MC Scotland is keen to expand the Darfur portfolio to include conflict resolution programming that complements the emergency and early recovery programs already established. The DCPSF is a two-year program in South Darfur.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Peace Building and Conflict Resolution reports to the Darfur Program Manager and liaises with the WASH, Agriculture and Food Security, and Economic Recovery and Market Systems teams in Nyala and the Khartoum Head of Office. S/he will be responsible for managing the implementation of the DCPSF project in South Darfur. S/he will lead on program design and implementation, administration, fiscal and grant management of the program of this portion of the grant. S/he is required to work closely both with the government organs at all levels, donor and UN agencies, partner INGO, NGOs / CBOs and communities. S/he will be responsible for providing technical leadership and support to peace building and conflict resolution projects in addition to developing strategies for peace building development and to providing capacity building for local staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assist Darfur Program Manager to develop and review of country and state program specific strategic plans and technical direction of the program to guarantee program impact and institutional growth.
• Assist the Darfur Program Manager with financial and grant management ensuring compliance with regulations and procedures, reporting and, maintaining working relationships with UNDP, the government, partner agencies and NGOs, and communities on technical aspects of the program.
• In coordination with program managers, partner agencies, and communities translate the program concept and spirit into measurable activities / tasks for the program staff striving for innovative programming with practical and sustainable impact on the ground.
• Provide direction and leadership in program implementation focusing on a coordinated approach that fosters complimentary delivery of services to the communities by the different project sectors and partner agencies.
• Foster strong working relationships with local government authorities and communities ensuring Mercy Corps Scotland (and partners') activities closely match community priorities and directly respond to needs of the target communities.

§ Represent Mercy Corps Scotland and ensure government and communities’ coordination and participation in programming and public relations and visibility for Mercy Corps Scotland donors.

§ Supervise Project Managers, technical projects staff; and communities building their capacity to deliver quality services to beneficiaries.

§ Ensure projects are designed within MC Scotland project briefing guide and delivered on time, while paying attention to beneficiary priorities and sustainable peace building and conflict resolution.

§ Provide day-to-day technical expertise to the implementation of the peace building and conflict resolution projects, ensuring MC Scotland’s programming fit into UNDP, community, and state plans, preparation of work plans, supervising implementation and supporting peace building and conflict resolution project staff.

§ Provide technical leadership on the development of peace building activities as prioritized by communities and local authorities through technical best practices and UNDP and/or Implementing Partners rules and regulations. Provide the historical background of conflicts and peace building efforts in the program area, state, and region.

§ Ensure the analysis of individual communities' District local authorities and civil society understanding, perceptions, attitudes and practices in conflict transformation and peace building processes.

§ Ensure the use of stakeholders various indigenous methods of peace building and conflict mitigation strategy.

§ Develop projects indicators benchmarks and milestones in order to provide an analysis that will inform and guide the performance of the project.

§ Provide sound analysis of the correlation between Conflict, Natural Resources and Climatic Change and the subsequent affects on Livelihoods and Food Security.

§ Ensure coordination of the project implementation process with relevant stakeholders to ensure coherence, including their involvement in monitoring and evaluating project activities, joint field visits to enhance appreciation of the project’s work.

§ Engagement with key partners to influence policies and issues as relates to national cohesion, integration, reconciliation, peace building and conflict prevention, among other related issues.

§ Ensure mainstreaming of Gender, Human Rights Based Approach, Environment Protection, Early Recovery, Sustainability and other relevant cross-cutting issues in the implementation of the project.

§ In collaboration with the Project Manager ensure project documentation and publicity.
Ensure all program reports are comprehensive, accurate and within schedule; weekly reports, monthly reports, quarterly reports and annual reports.

• Manage and monitor program budgets on a monthly basis and ensure expenditures are properly planned within elaborate project briefing.
• Coordinate with Finance Manager to ensure budget balances are properly prepared and presented in user-friendly format.
• Develop and ensure (in coordination with the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit) timely and smooth monitoring of program progress and impact and make program adjustments accordingly.
• In consultation with the Mercy Corps Scotland Human Resources Department, oversee staffing requirements including recruitment, deployment and staff development.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps Scotland.
• Other duties as assigned by the Darfur Program Manager, Country Director or anyone acting on his/her behalf.

Organizational Learning

As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Project Officers, Field Officers

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Darfur Program Manager

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Program, M&E, Finance and Operations Staff

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in Peace Building and Conflict Resolution or related discipline strongly preferred.
  • Relevant professional experience managing and implementing large UNDP multi-year peace building and conflict related sphere in Africa strongly preferred.
  • Experience and good knowledge of the conflict conditions in Darfur is preferred. Good knowledge and experience of South Darfur local context.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of applying Do No Harm frameworks concepts and approaches to conflict and post conflict situation in Darfur.
  • Familiarity with and experience managing projects compliant to UNDP regulations.
  • The incumbent should be able to keep abreast socio-political developments in order to inform management and take requisite actions to ensure staff and assets safety.
  • This position requires high computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English.
  • Working knowledge of Arabic and/or other Sudanese languages preferred.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Experience managing staff and ability to work with a multi-ethnic team in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Experience and sensitivity in living and working in unstable or conflict areas.
• Flexibility, adaptability and public relations skills are integral success factors in this position.
• Excellent analytical, research, writing and communication skills.
• Participatory and interactive approach. Good facilitation and presentation skills.
• Sound judgment

LIVING CONDITIONS:

The position will be based in Nyala, South Darfur, Sudan, with travel by air to and from locations in Sudan—mainly Khartoum. Living conditions are basic, with items available on the local market (Nyala is the second largest city in Sudan); accommodation is in shared housing with shared expenses for meals. Post-holder will have access to satellite communications. Malaria is endemic. R&R and hardship provided. Darfur security risks prevail.

MC Scotland Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Staff are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MCS policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Mercy Corps is an AA/EOE.

Please apply directly at:
http://mercycorps.silkroad.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjob&jobid=217805&company_id=15927&jobboardid=479