Solidarites International Field Coordinator Job

Line Manager: Deputy Country Director for Somalia

Location: Adaado (Central Somalia) with frequent travel to Nairobi

Duration of contract: 5 months with possibility of extension

Solidarites International is an international humanitarian aid organisation which provides assistance to populations who are victims of armed conflict or natural disaster. For 29 years, Solidarites International has concentrated its action on meeting three vital needs: water, food and shelter.
 

By carrying out emergency programmes, Solidarites International acquired an extensive experiences expertise in the fields of promoting access to clean drinking water and sanitation.

The joint Kenya / Somalia mission is relatively young (started in March 2007) and includes 3 projects in Somalia, and 2 projects in Kenya. In Somalia, Solidarites International has one project in Bardera district (Gedo region), another one in Afmadow district (Lower Juba) and one project in Adaado District (Central Somalia). In Adaado District, the main activities that are implementing are Watsan and Food Security.

1/ Objective of the position

The Field Coordinator is the responsible of the overall conduct of the program in each and all of its components: representation, management, activities, needs evaluation, logistics, security management and administration. Due to the tense security context of the project, security management will be a priority.

He/She manages his/her team to achieve the humanitarian objectives as defined per the proposal and according to Solidarites International principles.

2/ Hierarchy

Under the authority of the Country Director, he will coordinate closely with the Deputy Country Director for Somalia. He/she will be responsible of:

• All the project staff (around 20 persons)
• And directly manages in particular: 1 Administrator/Logistician Manager, 1 Watsan Program Manager and 1 Field Officer.

3/ Responsibilities

Note: this list gives the framework of your activities but it is not exhaustive. You may be asked to complete other duties.

Security

The security management and context analysis is under the responsibility of the Field coordinator.

He/She will be expected to:

• Monitor the security situation (by gathering of information about the context of the mission, incidents, political changes or any information related to security) in the Adaado Region and ensure the senior management (Country Director and Deputy Director) are continually and regularly updated and informed of developments with implications for staff safety and for program implementation.
• Coordinate with the senior management on staff movement, relocation and/or evacuations
• Supervise allocation of resources (employment, renting of cars, contracts) regarding security issues.
• Supervise the organisation of distributions (criteria of selection, security management)
• Participate in the regions security meetings.
• Ensure good relationship with the local authorities and every actor involved with security issues in the region (NGOs UN Agencies etc...).
• Brief every newcomer to the compound about the security rules and about the context.
• Organize the sharing of information with the team.

Human Resources/ Administration

• Ensure that performance evaluations for all staff are conducted on time, and review all evaluations to ensure quality and consistency.
• Ensure that all Solidarités International staffs are in compliance with the organization’s Mandatory Reporting Policies.
• Monitor and Recruit the staff necessary to the project’s implementation in accordance with Solidarites International standard practices.
• Ensure Solidarites International rules and regulations are adhered by all the national staff.
• Propose updates concerning HR package according to the needs (salaries per diem, training, break, …)
• Ensure that stress management procedures are in place and are respected.
• Anticipate and plan human resources requirements.
• Organize and help to solve team conflicts and make sure working conditions are as good as possible.

Logistics

• Oversee the logistics support operations in coordination with logistics staff, including procurement (both local and through Nairobi), stock management, asset management, vehicle operations, communications, equipment maintenance and repair (including communications and computer equipment)
• Initial task focus will be on the implementation and training of Solidarites International logistic procedures in collaboration with the Admin / Log.
• In this particular context of the opening of this new project, pay attention to the details of the base setup in link with the Admin / Log
• Ensure compliance with Solidarités International and donor logistics policies
• Assure accurate staff movement planning

Finance and Accountancy

• Oversee the financial management of field office operations by the finance, admin /logistics and program staff, including cash management, issuing and tracking advances, ensuring complete and correct use of all finance forms; timely notice to Nairobi of cash transfer needs.
• Ensure compliance with Solidarités International and donor finance policies.
• Pay attention to the right implementation and training of Solidarites International administrative procedures in collaboration with the Admin / Log.

Representation / Communications

• Represent Solidarités International in dealings with local authorities (administrative, sector and security officials as well as traditional elders), other implementing agencies, partner organisations and other stakeholders and make sure good relations are maintained.
• Coordinate Solidarités International program activities with relevant officials and other humanitarian agencies and maintain a pro-active relationship with them.
• Assist in the preparation of regular reports (and participate in meetings) to keep partners and stakeholders informed of Solidarités’ International activities.
• When relevant, represent Solidarités International in the field meetings with the donors

Reporting

• Responsible the preparation of weekly reports with the participation of the project team
• Prepare donors reports (interim and final reports).
• Report any security incident to Nairobi immediately.
• Focal point for all the communication with the Country Director

Management

• Direct manage all project staff in the Adaado office of Galgaduud region of Central Somalia.
• With assistance from the Deputy Country Director, ensure quality and timely implementation of all grants by program staff; oversee the development of detailed project work plans for all programs; and the preparation and timely submission of monthly reports by field staff
• Organize the planning and supervision of the operations staff work
• Ensure that performance evaluations are conducted regularly and job descriptions are relevant and updated for the staff under his responsibility.
• Responsible for the development of work plans with the other staff.
• Ensure that the principles and Solidarités International Charter are known, respected and put to action
• Organize the formal and informal communication in the team.
• Ensure that Solidarites International Management tools are properly used
• Assist in identifying new program possibilities in collaboration with field- and Nairobi-based program staffs
• Assist in the development of new proposals by program staff as required

Programs Coordination

A-Budget Monitoring

• Oversee, in coordination with Admin / logistics, that all budget expenditures in area of operation and ensure they are allowable and allocable according to Solidarités International and donor regulations.
• Review Monthly Budget vs. Actual expenditure reports with field staff, and make recommendations on the basis of these and ensure that appropriate action is taken in a timely fashion.

B-Monitoring & Evaluation

• Ensure appropriate M&E activities are carried out regularly by operations support staff and assist the DCD in overseeing program M&E (data collection & analysis, monitoring of project progress against established work plans, monitoring of established indicators and utilization of results to inform program design).
• Responsible for the progress and the quality of the program.
• Monitor the humanitarian context in the area and identify population needs.
• Responsible for making sure that Solidarites International activities are relevant to the humanitarian needs of the populations.

C-Strategic Planning

• Contribute to the integration of program activities to create coherent, quality and complimentary programming.
• Participate in workshops to establish and monitor annual operating plans for the strategic plan.
• Responsible to development of lessons learnt on strategic approaches (procurement, payment, recruitment …).

4/ Qualifications and experience requested

• Minimum Bachelor or equivalent in a degree relevant with Humanitarian actions (Project management, watsan, livestock…). Generalist approach.
• At least 2 years of experience in a senior equivalent management position with NGOs
• At least 5 years of experience in project implementation with NGOs
• At least 2 year of field experience with NGOs in Somalia
• Previous experience in Security management with NGOs
• Previous experience in remote managed project is an advantage
• English (working language) : fluent with excellent writing capacities
• Somali is a clear advantage
• Excellent knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet
• GIS basic knowledge is a plus

5/ Person Specification

• At least 30 years old.
• Excellent writing capacities
• Resistant to high stress
• High working capacity
• Respect of tight security and behaviour rules
• Reactivity and adaptation to a very moving context
• Taste for geopolitics and complex contexts
• A clear taste for tough challenges

6/ How to apply:

All cover letter, CV and contact details for 3 referees must be sent to the following email address: jobapplication@solidarites-kenya-som.org by closing date, 13th July 2011.

Please clearly indicate the position you are applying for in the title of your email.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Solidarites international is an equal opportunity employer

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