Myanmar: Program Coordinator Myanmar

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.

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 diverse communities in Rakhine State. To implement this project, the IRC will partner with the Danish Refugee Council and Relief International. Each organization will be focusing on key geographic areas for project implementation, with synergies around learning and key technical skills by each organization. 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;
• Foster trust and engagement between neighboring communities on issues of shared concern.

The projectwill address these objectives through a conflict-sensitive, 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.

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 IRC project technical leads, directly manage project implementation in the two IRC target locations and provide technical guidance across the IRC and partner program teams across four townships. The Program Coordinator will conduct frequent trips to Yangon and to the field sites in Minbya, Mrauk U, Pauktaw and Rathedaung. This position will report to the IRC Deputy Director of Programs in Yangon

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide program leadership, strategic planning, management and quality assurance across program team.
2. Support development and implementation of the annual work plan, liaising directly with and incorporating input from program partners.
3. Responsible for project implementation in IRC target townships of Rathedaung and Minbya through supervision of Township Project Managers.
4. Budget holder for IRC component of the program.
5. Monitor and evaluate program performance through regular tracking and analysis of financial, programmatic and M&E data, daily communication with the field teams, and periodic travel to field sites.
6. Monitor program finances and monthly pipelines, and provide guidance to program partners concerning program expenditures and budget projections.
7. Review and evaluate program work plans, program performance and evaluation plans; ensure their timely implementation.
8. Represent IRC and the Rakhine Early Recovery Activity program in donor, government, partner, and community relations and at regional events.
9. Engage in personnel decision-making, including screening and interviewing candidates for key technical positions.
10. Develop scopes of work for, support selection of, and supervise the work of technical consultants.
11. Support coordination of program implementation activities with internal and external partners and stakeholders including with State and Township level government officials, Program Partners, development and humanitarian actors and USAID.
12. Coordinate with program partners, the M&E Manager and the Reporting and Communications Officer to produce high quality reports and learning documents, including case studies.
13. Ensure all staff are aware of the IRC Way, Do No Harm, and humanitarian principals.
14. Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Internal

Reports to: Deputy Director of Programs

Supervise;

• CDD Coordinator providing technical assistance across project partners.
• M&E Manager providing M&E oversight and support across project partners.
• Training Manager providing on-job training and support to IRC field teams
• Rathedaung Project Manager responsible for implementation of project activities in Rathedaung
• Minbya Project Manager responsible for implementation of project activities in Minbya

Myanmar Country Director; Deputy Directors of Programs and Operations; WPE Coordinator; Programme Design and Grants Coordinator; M&E Coordinator; Finance Controller; IRC ACME Technical Assistance team (Governance, Economic Recovery and Development and WASH) and humanitarian and early recovery teams in and around Sittwe.

External

Danish Refugee Council and Relief International for program implementation, reporting, M&E and coordination.

USAID; other humanitarian and development actors in the areas of operation and Sittwe; government from the village to the state level.

Supervise Baseline Consultant.

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; 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.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and time management skills. Proven ability to work under pressure and deliver in a timely manner and within budget limitations.
• 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
• Excellent written and spoken English

IRC leading the way from harm to home.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.

http://chm.tbe.taleo.net/chm03/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=IRC&cws=1&rid=13132