Somalia: Program Manager - Emergency Program (SCERP), Somalia (219069-927)

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Mercy CorpsSouth Central Somalia Emergency Response Program (SCERP) is a strategic intervention aimed at preventing the loss of human life by providing wage labor opportunities and provision of basic services for the most vulnerable population in the target region. Cash for work opportunities aimed at rehabilitating productive infrastructure to improve the abilities of households and communities to cope with and recover from drought and flooding, to prevent conflict stemming from access to resources and to create stable and alternative livelihoods and economic conditions. The operation is also linked to a longer term Mercy Corps regional strategy.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Program Manager will work to design, implement and manage WASH, Livelihoods and protection projects in south central Somalia. S/he will represent Mercy Corps at the sector level and ensure that its assistance is effectively reaching the target population.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct community assessments and make recommendations on needs and vulnerabilities of the populations in regard to water and sanitation, food security/livelihood and protection issues.
• Recruit and mentor local staff and manage staff when required to do so.
• Work collaboratively to design and implement livelihood projects in emergency conditions, using participatory methodologies involving project stakeholders
• Work with and manage a diverse group of international and local staff.
• Knowledge of participatory management techniques required.
• Manage programs including budgets when required.
• Ensure integration of SPHERE guidelines and key indicators into programming in IDPs settings.
• Develop working relationships and coordinate with relevant international and local agencies active in WASH, Protection and livelihood programs.
• Establish a system to monitor and evaluate project activities and impact, in accordance with existing Mercy Corps DM& E guidelines.
• Regularly report on project status and compile proposals for donors including budgets.
• Maintain close working relationships with local authorities, INGOs, and local NGOs and associations.
• Foster a collaborative team atmosphere, which engages the stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned by the Country Leadership.
• Uphold Mercy Corps’ reputation as a professional and ethical international organization.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

This position supervises national program and support team

ACCOUNTABILITY:

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Director-Integrated Humanitarian Response

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Other program managers, Field Staff, Finance and other support staff.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Relevant educational background, preferably technical to degree level or similar.
• Demonstrated expertise in similar programming and the use of appropriate technologies, with at least two years’ experience.
• Commitment to local capacity building and the ability to engage local stakeholders in project design and implementation.
• Familiarity with international humanitarian operations, coordination structures, and the mandates of UN agencies, Red Cross organizations, and other NGOs.
• Good organizational skills and the ability to anticipate project needs.
• Experience working with host governments and their agents, INGOs and national NGOs.
• Proven ability to work cooperatively with others in a team environment, and to lead a diverse group of national and international staff.
• Knowledge of humanitarian standards and codes, including SPHERE.
• Good knowledge and understanding of Donors requirements including USAID/OFDA.
• Work experience in Somali ecosystem and fluency in Somali language is a requirement for this position.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Conscientious, with an excellent sense of judgment.
• Ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks in an insecure, stressful environment and keep to deadlines.
• Ability to develop water and sanitation initiatives to meet uncertain and changing scenarios.
• Understanding of the long-term implications of relief work and the importance of incorporating the development of civil society into relief activities.
• Rapidly develop a strong understanding of the cultural, political and religious environment in the region, and the ability to live and work successfully in those environments are essential.
• Willingness and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Ability to work as part of a team and coordinate with project personnel.
• Able to interact with partner and peer agencies.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Computer literate and strong organizational skills.

LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The emergency program manager will be based in Kismayo and Mogadishu during the assignment. Mogadishu city is served by international an airport and has a large community of expatriates from both from UN and International Organizations. Mogadishu has a good selection of local and international s hotels and accommodation though are not high quality. There are no international banks, and the business community and agencies rely on local banks for money transfers and exchanges. Somali shillings and the US dollar are the preferred currencies. There are some health institutions but their services are not entirely satisfactory. The security situation is unpredictable.

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Please apply directly at:
http://mercycorps.silkroad.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjo...