Program Manager – Humanitarian Response, Khartoum, Sudan

Program Manager – Humanitarian Response, Khartoum

Closing Date: Saturday, 04 February 2012

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

Mercy Corps Scotland continues work in Darfur, Sudan in close collaboration with other INGOs and UN agencies to provide emergency assistance to vulnerable populations in the form of water and environmental sanitation services, agriculture and livelihoods, and peace building programs to displaced persons and host communities in South Darfur state. MC Scotland is committed to long-term programming in Sudan and faces numerous opportunities for expansion.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps Scotland seeks to recruit a Program Manager Humanitarian Response to assist in the implementation and expansion of the Emergency Response program in Darfur and/or other areas in Sudan where needed. Fifty percent (50%) of the Program Manager’s time will be spent overseeing the implementation of activities by Mercy Corps Scotland in relation to water, sanitation, hygiene, food security and livelihoods. The other fifty percent (50%) will be devoted to expanding the agency’s activities for humanitarian or conflict response in Sudan, including locations in Darfur, East Sudan, Three Areas and /or South Sudan.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Management:

• Manage the humanitarian programming portfolio in Sudan.
• Be a significant participant in the UN/CHF (Common Humanitarian Fund) process and coordinate with sectors.
• Supervise the international staff in Darfur and oversee program implementation in other parts of Sudan as arises.
• Conduct field based monitoring of activities in Darfur.
• Maintain effective monitoring and reporting in conformity with program and country M&E systems.
• Work collaboratively with other stakeholders both local and international working in similar sectors in the region.
• Promote local NGO partnerships and develop strategic partnerships.
• Foster a collaborative team atmosphere which engages the stakeholders.
• Conduct him/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps Scotland and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Contribute to program proposals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Vision, Leadership and Strategy:

• Identify strategically important program niches, which will require an understanding of Mercy Corps’ ethos, a comprehensive assessment of current development situation in Sudan, prioritizing geographic areas, and developing program strategies to respond to critical community level needs.
• Recommend program priorities and explore, evaluate and present new country project opportunities that leverage impact of Mercy Corps Scotland initiatives and/or complement Mercy Corps Scotland activities in the region.
• Assess the donor interest, harness elevated international interest in the region to promote donor resource allocation to the program; assess donor program strategy and their plans to participate in the development of Sudan.
• Develop and write high quality proposals to submit to USAID/OFDA, EU/ECHO, UN/CHF, private, institutional and other donors. This will include organizing field assessments, identification of, and collaboration with, local NGOs for potential partnership, and writing proposals.

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.

ACCOUNTABILITY

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Country Director

REPORT LINES TO PROGRAM MANGER: Heads of Offices and program technicians, M&E officers, finance officer.

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Finance Manager, Operations Manager and field offices

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• M.A/S in relevant social sciences or natural resource based discipline is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience successfully managing refugee or IDP based projects.
• 5-7 years direct project management and/or coordination experience in a relief or development context.
• Proven experience in conflict situations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of USAID, European Commission and U.N. agency regulations and 5 years experience managing programs compliant with these regulations.
• Experience with security management in remote insecure environments.
• History of working effectively and respectfully with host country government, INGOs and UN agencies.
• Proven experience in managing WASH or agriculture/livelihoods assistance programs in emergency/early recovery settings.
• Strong team leadership capacity including remote management experience is a plus.
• Sound knowledge of humanitarian law and protection principles. Experience with monitoring and protection of rights under the protocols of international humanitarian law, the Red Cross Code of Conduct, and SPHERE.

• Demonstrated understanding of MC Scotland programs and Sphere indicators.
• Fluency in English written and oral communication.
• Arabic language skills preferred.

LIVING CONDITIONS:

This position is based in Khartoum and is an accompanied location for spouse and family.

Located at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile Rivers, Khartoum is one of the more modern cities in Central Africa. Khartoum is one of the safest cities in Africa and it has a large international community. The climate is hot and dusty. Individual housing options with most modern conveniences available provide for a comfortable living environment. There are both reputable international school and private health services. There are clinics which serve the international community in Khartoum.

Conditions in Darfur and other program areas are harsh and insecure. The accommodations are group housing with shared expenses for meals. Mercy Corps pays for the housing, furnishings, cooking (but not the food) and cleaning staff. Medical attention is available through international medical organizations also working in the area. There are clinics which serve the international community in Khartoum. During the rainy season, malaria is prevalent. Significant travel is required between the three program sites of South Darfur and new locations may be added. Travel to all program areas, and within Darfur is primarily by air.

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.

Mercy Corps is an AA/EOE.

How to apply:

Apply online at our website