Livelihoods / Vocational Training Technical Advisor UMCOR El Daein Town

JOB TITLE: Livelihoods / Vocational Training Technical Advisor

LOCATION: El Daein Town, East Darfur State, Sudan

PURPOSE: In Sudan, UMCOR works in East Darfur State and some areas of South Darfur State. UMCOR NGO’s programs in these locations focus primarily on improving access to basic services in the following sectors: water and sanitation, food security, education, shelter, camp coordination, and economic recovery.

In order to promote economic recovery in its areas of operation, UMCOR supports urban and rural livelihoods activities. In rural areas, these activities focus on livestock production. In urban centers and IDP camps, UMCOR supports 5 Life Skills Centers. The centers provide training for youth and women in tailoring, carpentry, masonry and electrical repairs.

The Livelihoods / Vocational Training Technical Advisor will play a critical role in developing and defining the rural and urban livelihoods strategy for United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) in Sudan. The Livelihoods / Vocational Training Technical Advisor will be based in El Daein Town, East Darfur State. The contract is for an initial period of six (6) months, projected to commence on August 1, 2012. The contract term may be extended if funding is available.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Central to the position will be the establishment and development of relations with donors, NGOs, UN and government offices and other stake-holders. The Head of Mission will develop and manage current and future programs focusing on but not limited to food and non-food distribution, agriculture, public health, community development, reconstruction, water and sanitation, and capacity building. The candidate should have experience with cross-sectoral programming and leadership for managing operations and human resources.

• Initiate new program development;

• Represent UMCOR and maintain relations with donors and in-country authorities;

• Design, prepare and negotiate project proposals and budgets;

• Oversee all aspects of office, including administration, project management and implementation;

• Develop a strategy and visibility plan for UMCOR’s work;

• Strengthen staff capacity through team-building and staff development;

• Communicate with HQ as needed on all aspects of program and compliance; and

• Be responsible for field office personnel management. Monitor developments throughout the region with the view of expanding programs.

QUALIFICATIONS and Professional Experience:

The Livelihoods / Vocational Training Technical Advisor will be responsible for the development of UMCOR livelihoods activities in Darfur. The Livelihoods / Vocational Training Technical Advisor will:

· Develop a strategy for the development of the UMCOR Sudan’s livelihoods sector overall;

· Plan and lead market assessments and value-chain analyses in UMCOR program areas in order to identify livelihoods / vocational skills which would increase the income generation capacities of HHs in both urban and rural areas. Analyze and recommend livelihoods options by gender. Based on these assessments, recommend innovative project activities that focus on building individual capacity for income generation;

· Research policy barriers to entrepreneurial activities and propose activities for minimizing or eliminating these barriers;

· Recommend changes in the curriculum of the UMCOR’s 5 Life Skills Centers;

· Conduct an evaluation of the impact of UMCOR’s livelihoods activities in Darfur to date;

· Provide training for UMCOR national staff on conducting market assessments, value-chain analysis and implement livelihoods projects;

· As needed, represent UMCOR in any meetings with donors, NGOs or government authorities that are relevant to the development of UMCOR’s livelihoods / vocational training program;

· Ensure lessons learned from ongoing livelihoods activities are captured and incorporated into UMCOR programs and proposals;

· Assist in writing proposals for new livelihoods projects; and

· Assume any other duties as assigned by the Program Manager or the Head of Mission.

QUALIFICATIONS and Professional Experience:

· The position requires a postgraduate degree in a relevant field (agriculture, economics, community development, etc.);

· At least 3 years of field experience with INGOs in the design and implementation of rural and urban livelihoods programs in Africa or other developing countries; and

· Experience developing proposals and budgets for livelihoods programs.

KNOWLEDGE:

· Knowledge of best practices in urban and rural livelihoods; and

· Knowledge of OFDA / USAID economic recovery guidelines would be highly beneficial

ABILITIES:

· Must possess excellent representation and negotiation skills, diplomacy and patience;

· A team player with good interpersonal and team building skills;

· Ability to work in post conflict environment with limited resources; and

· Ability to understand the Sudanese / Islamic cultural and political environment and to work well with local authorities in a diplomatic manner.

To Apply:

Submit your cover letter (notes) and resume through our website at https://jobs-umcor.icims.com/jobs/1359/job. Please complete the iform application and the related position questions to complete your application. NO TELEPHONE INQUIRIES PLEASE. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The deadline for application is June 15, 2012. UMCOR is an Equal Opportunity Employer