Darfur Agriculture and Livelihoods Program Manager (217623-927)

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: With funding from OFDA Mercy Corps Scotland is implementing a one year and multi-sectoral program to support IDPs in South Darfur. Mercy Corps Scotland has already been programming WASH activities in three camps near Nyala town and plans to expand programming into agriculture, livelihoods and small business development within the camps and nearby villages as part of an early recovery effort to integrate IDPs into the economic and social fabric of Nyala and to decrease dependency on humanitarian actors.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: The Agriculture and Livelihoods Program Manager reports to the Darfur Program Manager and liaises with the WASH team in Nyala and the Khartoum head office. S/he will be responsible for managing the implementation of the OFDA livelihood program in South Darfur. S/he will lead on program design and implementation, administration, fiscal and grant management of the program of this portion of the grant. S/he is required to work closely both with the government organs at all levels, donor and UN agencies, partner INGO, NGOs / CBOs and communities. S/he will be responsible for providing technical leadership and support to livelihood and agricultural projects in addition to developing strategies for agriculture and business development and to providing capacity building for local staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assist Darfur Program Manager with strategic planning and technical direction of the program to guarantee program impact and institutional growth.

• Assist the Darfur Program Manager with financial and grant management ensuring compliance with regulations and procedures, reporting and, maintaining working relationships with the government, partner agencies and NGOs on technical aspects of the program.

• In coordination with program managers, partner agencies, translate the program concept and spirit into measurable activities / tasks for the program staff striving for innovative programming with practical and sustainable impact on the ground.

• Provide direction and leadership in program implementation focusing on a coordinated approach that fosters complimentary delivery of services to the communities by the different project sectors and partner agencies.

• Foster strong working relationships with local government authorities and communities ensuring Mercy Corps (and partners') activities closely match community priorities and directly respond to needs of the target communities.

• Represent Mercy Corps Scotland and ensure government coordination and participation in programming and public relations and visibility for Mercy Corps donors.

• Supervise Project Managers, technical projects staff; building their capacity to deliver quality services to beneficiaries.

• Ensure projects are designed within MC Scotland project briefing guide and delivered on time, while paying attention to beneficiary priorities and sustainable livelihoods.

• Provide technical leadership and support to agricultural projects, ensuring MC Scotland’s programming fit into the community and state plans, preparation of work plans, supervising implementation and supporting agricultural and livelihood project staff.

• Provide technical leadership on the development of livelihood activities including income generation, cash for work, market development, livestock and forest management practices as prioritized by communities and local authorities through technical best practices and targeted trainings.

• Contribute to development and review of country program specific strategic plans.

• Ensure all program reports are comprehensive, accurate and within schedule; weekly reports, monthly reports, quarterly reports and annual reports.

• Manage and monitor program budgets on a monthly basis and ensure expenditures are properly planned within elaborate project briefing.

• Coordinate with Finance Manager to ensure Budget balances are properly prepared and presented in user-friendly format.

• Develop and ensure (in coordination with the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit) timely and smooth monitoring of program progress and impact and make program adjustments accordingly.

• In consultation with the Mercy Corps Human Resources Department, oversee staffing requirements including recruitment, deployment and staff development.

• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps Scotland.

• Other duties as assigned by the Darfur Program Manger, Deputy Country Director or Country Director or anyone acting on his/her behalf.

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 as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

Mercy Corps 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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Project Officers, Field Officers

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Darfur Program Manager

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Program, M&E, Finance and Operations Staff

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Masters degree in Social Sciences, Agriculture, Business Management, or other relevant field experience.
• Relevant professional experience managing and implementing large multi-year projects in Africa.
• Demonstrated understanding of the NGO sector, public sector planning in African countries.
• 3 – 6 years of experience focused in the management of development programs involving rural communities to promote sustainable development.
• Experience in project management related to economic development, agriculture and community mobilization is required.
• Experience working with displaced populations and understanding their special needs.
• This position requires high computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.
• Willingness to be based in Nyala, Sudan.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Working knowledge of Arabic and/or other Sudanese languages preferred.

• Familiarity with and experience managing projects compliant to OFDA/USAID regulations.
• Experience managing staff and ability to work with a multi-ethnic team in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Experience living and working in unstable or conflict areas.
• The incumbent should be able to keep abreast socio-political developments in order to inform management and take requisite actions to ensure staff and assets safety.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

Flexibility, adaptability and public relations skills are integral success factors in this position. The incumbent must have wide ranging knowledge in livelihoods, capacity building and institutional strengthening and hands-on experience in relief and development projects to be direct programming. He / she must be able to prioritize; conceptualize the consortium principles and strategize on how to translate them into deliverables within the stipulated project period.

LIVING CONDITIONS:

The position will be based in Nyala, South Darfur, Sudan, with travel by air to and from locations in Sudan—mainly Khartoum. Living conditions are basic, with items available on the local market (Nyala is the second largest city in Sudan); accommodation is in shared housing. Post-holder will have access to satellite communications. Malaria is endemic. R&R and hardship provided. Darfur security risks prevail.

Mercy Corps 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. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Please apply directly at:

http://mercycorps.silkroad.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjo....

Mercy Corps is an AA/EOE.