Myanmar: Head of Base

Head of Base
Maungdaw, Rakhine State, Myanmar

We are looking for a dedicated, motivated and highly qualified Head of Base (HoB) to oversee the management of the Maungdaw Office and the programmes which operate from it.

Who are we?

DRC has been operating in Myanmar since 2009 and currently supports operations in four different States. The overall programme objective is the promotion and protection of durable solutions for vulnerable populations including conflict and disaster-affected people, IDPs and returnees in Rakhine State, Kachin State, Northern Shan State and the Southeast of Myanmar. DRC’s work is based on humanitarian and protection principles and human rights.

In Rakhine State, DRC has a well-established presence, initially providing emergency assistance to communities affected by cyclone Giri. The DRC programme in Rakhine focuses on protection, child protection, GBV, livelihoods support and recovery activities, camp management, shelter, WASH and disaster risk reduction. Furthermore, longer-term support to local authorities in strengthening community-driven safety and reconciliation processes and other types of support are envisioned. DRC in Rakhine State operates from its main office in Sittwe and from sub offices in Maungdaw and Mrauk U.

DRC/DDG Myanmar currently employs over 300 national and 28 international staff and operates from ten operational offices. DRC’s main office is in Yangon; the main donors of DRC in Myanmar are ECHO, EC, UNHCR, UNICEF, DFID, DANIDA, OFDA, UNFPA, AusAid, USAID and SDC.

About the job

The Head of Base (HoB) in Maungdaw is responsible for the management, implementation, development and representation of DRC programming in Maungdaw District (predominantly Maungdaw Township). S/he is directly responsible for the oversight of programme implementation as well as direct management of support functions for a base which currently counts around 15 staff, but is expected to grow.

The DHoB, in close collaboration with the technical programme coordinators and with the support of the Programme Manager based in Sittwe, will promote me integration and guarantee the effective delivery of activities in the area. S/he is to ensure field teams are prepared to respond to emergencies. The DHoB will be based in Maungdaw with frequent travel to Sittwe.

Duties and Responsibilities

In this position, you will be responsible for the following;

Programme Management and Development

· In conjunction with Programme Coordinators, provide leadership, coordination and integration of DRC activities in the area including, but not limited to –livelihood activities (vocational training, start up grants), and also protection monitoring, child protection, gender based violence prevention and response.

· Direct line management of the staff based in Maungdaw, including recruitment, coaching, capacity building and ensuring interdepartmental co-ordination

· Ensure a rights-based approach to all DRC programming in his/her area of responsibility

· Take lead in positive, innovative and mutually supportive team building

Finance, Administration and Logistics

· Ensure the smooth functioning of the office and ensure compliance with all DRC policies and procedures (admin/finance, HR, procurement and logistics)

· Ensure promotion, understanding and compliance with DRC Code of Conduct

· Ensure budget spending is in accordance to approved budgets and plans for both support function and programme activities allocated for the area

· Provide budget monitoring, financial control in compliance with DRC country office requirements and as per the Operations Handbook

· Be responsible for development of the base, including the procurement of assets for effective working of the base, in conjunction with Programme Coordinators if appropriate

Coordination/Representation

· Engage proactively and coordinate with other humanitarian and development actors active in Maungdaw, Act as the DRC representative/most senior staff member based in Maungdaw and attend all relevant forums and meetings

· Develop, implement and regularly revise a DRC engagement strategy and acceptance in the area

· Identify and build relationships with authorities and other relevant stakeholders in the area and coordinate all communication and liaison with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders in Maungdaw

· Regularly provide contextual and programmatic reports to the Programme Manager in Sittwe

· Support coordination of any donor or other visits to DRC in Maungdaw

Accountability

· Guided by the DRC Programme and operations Handbooks, continuously monitor, propose and implement relevant accountability initiatives in the field as well as strengthen the effort to document the impact of DRC’s activities in the area

Safety and Security

· Act as security manager in the area ensuring all staff understand and adhere to the security protocols

· Ensure the evolving security situation is understood, documented and reported to the national security focal person and Programme Manager

· Actively support the country safety coordinator to develop and regularly update the local security plan for Maungdaw area

Monitoring and Evaluation

· Ensure implemented projects are in compliance with DRC monitoring, evaluation and learning Minimum Operating Procedures and country M&E framework

In the initial months, and during times when access to Maungdaw for project activities is limited due to Government restrictions, the post-holder will support with Programme Activities from DRC’s Sittwe or Mrauk’Oo offices.

About you

To be successful in this role you must have:

· A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Management, or related field or comparable experience

· Proficiency in English and Myanmar language is essential

· At least 1 year experience managing a field base/office – including responsibility for operations (logistics procurement, finance, admin and HR)

· Minimum 3 years relevant professional work experience in a similar context; especially in a management role

· Proven experience in relationship building with government and military

· Strong staff management skills

· Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills with high level of flexibility in a challenging and fast moving multicultural environment

· Excellent organizational skills and ability to determine priorities and respect deadlines

· Proven experience in report writing

· Clear communication, presentation style, good interpersonal and diplomatic skills essential

· Ability to work independently in a remote location

We offer

• Starting date of employment: August 2018;
• Contract: Regular DRC staff contract, including a probation period of 3 months;
• Salary: Highly competitive salary and conditions
• Rakhine is eligible for a location adjustment to salary for accommodation (HAT) About DRC

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a private, independent, humanitarian organization working on all aspects of the refugee cause in more than thirty countries throughout the world. The aim of DRC is to protect refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) against persecution and to promote durable solutions to the problems of forced migration on the basis of humanitarian principles and human rights.

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) by clicking the page: https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationInit.aspx?cid=1036&ProjectId=151333&DepartmentId=19093&MediaId=5

Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please contact job@drc.dk

Applications close 26 June 2018 . Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and interviews may take place before the deadline.

“This position is open for Myanmar Nationals only.”**