PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
With funding from OFDA, Mercy Corps Scotland (MCS) is implementing a multi-sectorial program to support IDPs in South Darfur. Since June 2010, Mercy Corps Scotland has been implementing WASH activities in three Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps near Nyala town and has recently expanded programming into agriculture, livelihoods and small business development. The expansion of MCS programming within camps and into nearby villages is part of early recovery efforts to integrate IDPs into the economic and social fabric of Nyala and to decrease dependency on external humanitarian actors.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: [Describe overview of job mission]The HoO/WASH Specialist position is a key post for MCS in Darfur, which is required to collaborate closely with the country program office in Khartoum. The HoO/WASH position reports to the Program Manager (Humanitarian Response), and is responsible for the timely and effective implementation of all WASH activities in Darfur. Additionally, the post will assume overall management responsibility for the sub office in Nyala, working closely with the Deputy Head of Office.
S/he will be responsible for managing the implementation of the WASH components of the OFDA and other funded programs in South Darfur. S/he will lead the team in program design and implementation, administration, fiscal and grant management of all programs. 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 projects, especially in the sector of WASH, in addition to developing the strategies for all projects, working closely with the respective program managers and the PM Humanitarian Response. Additionally, the post holder will lead efforts aimed at enhancing the capacity of local staff and partners NGOs.
The position provides design, implementation, coordination, supervision and monitoring activities for all programs, working closely with the PM Humanitarian Response. The main beneficiaries are internally displaced persons (IDP) in peri-urban camps, returnees in rural areas and host communities. Mercy Corps Scotland will work in close collaboration and co-ordination with other operational agencies in the region in addition to providing capacity building support for national and local NGOs in South Darfur.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Management:
- Recruit, manage, supervise and motivate an informed, skilled and efficient office team.
- Build capacity of national staff to implement programs, compliant with donor regulations and international standards.
- Ensure adequate coordination and communication among the MCS Operations and Program departments to build an integrated program and to ensure full information sharing and solid team work.
- Manage security and safety of the team and field office.
- Ensure MCS, donors and GoS regulations, policies, procedures and protocols are consistently adhered to
- Monitor Operations and report on Program Development issues in a timely fashion, recommending solutions to problems before or as they arise.
- Contribute to future project and program planning and development, especially for transitional/longer term programming.
- Contribute to the wider reporting requirements of MCS both internal and external.
- Ensure efficient and transparent use of the resources in compliance with MCS and donor policies and procedures.
- Assist the South Darfur team with strategic planning and technical direction of the program to ensure program impact and institutional growth.
- Ensure projects are designed within MC Scotland project briefing guide and delivered on time, while paying attention to beneficiary priorities and sustainable interventions.
- Assist the South Darfur staff with financial and grant management, ensuring compliance with regulations and procedures, reporting and, maintaining working relationships with the government, partner agencies and NGOs on technical aspects of the program.
- Oversee structures that ensure proper segregation of duties between finance, logistics and administration.
- In coordination with the MCS Human Resources Department, oversee staffing requirements including recruitment, deployment and staff development.
- In coordination with program managers and partner agencies, 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.
Water/Sanitation
- Assure the adequate provision of safe drinking water, sanitation services, and hygiene promotion to the program beneficiaries.
- Provide technical leadership and support to WASH projects, ensuring that MC Scotland’s programming fits into the community and state plans, preparation of work plans, supervising implementation and supporting WASH project staff.
- Assess and identify needs for improvement of the ongoing WASH services.
- Design, develop and implement WASH projects in line with needs and MCS goals.
- Support and advice national and international staff on technical issues related to WASH program implementation. Train Water and Sanitation staff to improve their technical and management skills
- Actively and systematically represent Mercy Corps Scotland in sectoral fora.
Representation
- Provide direction and leadership to the MCS program and operation in South Darfur
- Foster strong working relationships with local government authorities and communities ensuring MCS and partners’ activities closely match community priorities and directly respond to needs of the target communities.
- Represent MCS and ensure government coordination and participation in programming and public relations and visibility for MCS donors.
- Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to MCS
- Other duties as assigned by the Program Manager (Humanitarian Response or 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 Scotland as well as themselves.
Accountability to Beneficiaries
Mercy Corps Scotland 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: National staff based in Nyala on a permanent basis.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Program Manager (Humanitarian Response)
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Program and support Staff (national and expatriate) in all field locations
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
- A Master’s degree in Engineering, Public Health, or other relevant field preferred.
- Relevant professional experience managing and implementing large multi-year programs in Africa. Demonstrated understanding of the NGO sector, public sector planning in African countries.
- 3 – 6 years of experience working in management of humanitarian and early recovery programs involving IDPs, rural and host communities to promote sustainable interventions.
- Experience as a Head of Office—preferably in Darfur
- Experience in project management in WASH and community mobilization is required.
- Experience in project management in agriculture and food security, economic recovery, NFI, transitional shelter is preferred.
- Experience working with displaced populations and understanding their special needs.
- This position requires high computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.
- 2 year's experience of implementing water from surface and ground water sources and sanitation and hygiene services in arid and insecure environments and IDP settlements.
- Strong notions of ground water sources development, well and borehole installations constitute strong professional assets together with participatory methodology for program planning & implementation.
- Sanitation without water, basic drainage.
- Hygiene Promotion techniques including PHAST and CHAST.
- Demonstrated experience in staff training.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and compliance to donor regulations for procurement and administration.
- History of working effectively and respectfully with host country government, INGOs and UN agencies.
- Fluent written and spoken English language skills required.
- Working knowledge of Arabic preferred.
- Familiarity with and experience managing projects compliant to OFDA/USAID regulations.
- Experience managing staff and ability to work with a multi-ethnic team in a culturally appropriate manner.
- 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.
SUCCESS FACTORS:
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with multi-cultural team members of varied work styles, follow procedures, and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to live and work independently and effectively in remote, unstable and insecure locations.
- Proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results.
- Ability to understand the larger picture while remaining focused on the details.
- Flexibility, adaptability and public relations are integral success factors for this position.
- He / she must be able to prioritize; conceptualize the consortium principles and strategize on how to translate them into deliverables within the stipulated project period.
- Even temperament and a good sense of humor appreciated.
- Willingness to be based in Nyala, Sudan.
LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL 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 MC policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
Apply online at our website:
http://mercycorps.silkroad.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjo...
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