Myanmar: Rakhine Early Recovery Activity Coordinator

ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the world’s leading agencies working in post-conflict and development contexts, supporting communities in over 40 fragile, failed and developing states. In this capacity, we work to restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted, struggling to endure and wishing to advance on a path of development. The IRC has been working in Myanmar since 2008 and is committed to implementing quality programming to improve the well being of the most vulnerable populations in the areas of livelihoods, water and sanitation, health, and social development. IRC programming reflects a commitment to sustainable solutions, and believes this is achieved through participatory approaches such as community driven development, community disaster risk reduction, and capacity building of local partners. In support of its ongoing program activities the IRC Myanmar is seeking qualified and motivated staff for the following position. This position is contingent on funding.

PROGRAM BACKGROUND:

The primary purpose of the Rakhine Early Recovery Activity is to reduce displacement in Rakhine State by supporting livelihoods and early recovery initiatives for returned or voluntarily relocated internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable neighboring communities in Rakhine State. The key objectives of the project include: Develop or revitalize participatory community structures at the village and village tract level in return and neighboring villages to lead community development activities; implement livelihoods, water, sanitation and hygiene, disaster risk reduction and/or community infrastructure projects to improve resilience of target households; and foster trust and engagement between neighboring communities on issues of shared concern. The IRC will address these objectives through a community-driven development approach that empowers communities to make decisions about their own development through a participatory village planning and project implementation process that engages men, women and youth. To implement this project, the IRC is working in consortium with partners the Danish Refugee Council and Relief International.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Program Coordinator will be based in Sittwe and have overall responsibility for the coordination of the partners and project implementation. The Program Coordinator will directly supervise project technical leads and indirectly manage the program teams across four townships. The Program Coordinator will be based in Sittwe but will conduct frequent trips to the field sites in Minbya, Mrauk U, Pauktaw and Rathedaung and to Yangon. This position reports to the IRC Deputy Director of Programmes.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide program leadership, strategic planning, management and quality assurance across Consortium Partners.
2. Support development and implementation of the annual work plans across Consortium Partners.
3. Monitor and evaluate program performance through regular tracking and analysis of financial, programmatic reports, M&E data, regular communication with the field teams, and periodic travel to field sites.
4. Monitor program finances and monthly pipelines across partners, and provide guidance to Consortium Partners concerning program expenditures, budget projections working closely with partner Finance teams.
5. Review and evaluate program work plans, program performance and evaluation plans; ensure their timely implementation.
6. Representational role and lead in donor relations.
7. Engage in personnel decision-making: screen and interview candidates for key technical personnel, and field staff positions.
8. Develop scopes of work and support selection of technical consultants in consultation with Consortium partners.
9. Support coordination of program implementation activities with internal and external partners and stakeholders including with State and Township level government officials, Consortium Partners, development and humanitarian actors and USAID.
10. Coordinate with Consortium members, M&E and the IRC Reporting and Communications Officer to produce high quality reports and learning documents, including case studies.
11. Ensure all staff are aware of the IRC Way, Do No Harm, and humanitarian principals.
12. Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree in Social Sciences, International Development or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience working in development and humanitarian sector with a particular focus on community participation and livelihoods work, and at least 3 years’ experience field team management.
• Demonstrated experience in managing budgets over a million dollars.
• Strong management skills required; experience with participatory, gender and conflict-sensitive methodologies. Demonstrated track record in implementing projects with strong community participation as well as projects fostering accountability relationships between communities and local governments. Experience in implementing livelihoods and/or community driven development projects welcomed.
• Experience managing or working with USG funding preferred.
• Proven management skills with diverse, cross cultural teams in conflict settings strongly preferred.
• Solid experience in participatory, conflict and gender-sensitive programming and implementation;
• Good understanding of humanitarian principles of humanity and neutrality.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and time management skills.
• Prior experience of working in rural Myanmar, experience working in Rakhine State strongly preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with project stakeholders and diverse teams.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to project villages
• Proven ability to work under pressure and deliver in a timely manner and within budget limitations
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Please follow this link to apply: http://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=a2F0cmluYW1pbGxlci4zMzM0NC4zODMwQGlyYy5hcGxpdHJhay5jb20