COUNTRY DIRECTOR MENTOR Initiative SOUTH SUDAN

MENTOR South Sudan (Juba) with field missions to Warrap, Unity, Jonglei and Upper Nile Responsible to: Program Manager – The MENTOR Initiative HQ Duration: 12 months Start date: Immediately Fee: USD3500 to USD4200 depending on experience

The MENTOR Initiative (MENTOR) is a “not for profit”, charitable, non-governmental organisation devoted to reducing death and suffering from malaria in humanitarian crises. The MENTOR Initiative is currently providing ongoing emergency support to the most vulnerable communities in Liberia, Angola, Kenya, Somalia, the Central African Republic and Southern Chad.

The Country Director for the South Sudan emergency programmes will be leading and coordinating the MENTOR Initiative technical and operational support teams to allow for a success implementation of an extensive vector borne disease (VBD) control programme in the four States of Warrap, Unity, Jonglei and Upper Nile which includes VBD case management training and vector control activities. This post will work with MoH, UN, NGO and FBO teams, at field and capital level, to help ensure that all vulnerable host, IDP and refugee populations in target areas have access to effective VBD prevention and case management services in case of epidemics and/or large population movements.

The main responsibilities of this post include the following.

1. Technical support and direction: The CD will be responsible for the technical design and delivery of the South Sudan emergency response, drawing support and advice for specialist areas where needed from HQ and other sources, to reinforce the quality of the programme activities:

   • In close collaboration with MENTOR HQ, oversee and support the organisation and implementation of VBD case management training courses in Juba and in the four targeted States. This includes review of training manuals and related case management and prevention tools.
   • With the MENTOR technical team, manage the mapping exercise of epidemic prone areas in the four targeted States.
   • With the MENTOR technical and operational support teams, oversee the set-up of an epidemic contingency stock for both VBD case management and prevention campaigns.
   • Responsible for the continued data collection and analysis in order to work towards an efficient and timely VBD epidemic response delivery. This includes the elaboration of a detailed health map covering the targeted areas including information in regards to number of functional health facilities, availability of health care providers, access to drugs and medical equipment etc.
   • In direct collaboration with the MENTOR technical team, overall responsible for the provision of clinical support with VBD diagnosis and proper case management to stakeholders in case of epidemics.
   • In direct collaboration with the MENTOR technical team, overall responsible for the efficient roll-out of vector control campaigns using appropriate prevention techniques (Indoor Residual Spraying, larviciding, distribution of Insecticide Treated Plastic Sheeting) and supported by extensive and well adapted IEC/BCC.
   • Ensure standardization of the IEC/BCC in relation to VBD present in the targeted area, including information on vector control, correct diagnosis and treatment seeking.
   • Ensure standardization of M&E protocols for both case management and prevention related activities
   • Where deemed suitable by the organization, work in collaboration with the Director to support the implementation of targeted field studies.

2. Operational support The CD supervises that the South Sudan programme operates using the organisation’s existing standardised systems and procedures within all aspects of operational support:

   • Responsible for the implementation of MENTOR finance field systems (working in close collaboration with the Grant Manager at HQ level) to ensure the set-up of financial parameter schedule for the mission, timely and accurate monthly financial reporting to HQ, adequate cash flow and regular follow up on budget expenditure and planning. All financial reporting is to be reviewed and approved by the CD before submission to HQ.
   • Oversee that standard MENTOR administrative procedures and forms are adhered to and used for regular administrative matters and, in particular, in regards to the initial set up of capital and field bases as well as registration of the organisation within relevant official authorities.
   • Ensure proper implementation of logistics procedures for warehousing and asset management, fleet and fuel management, communications systems and maintenance, procurement (international and national) and overall programme logistics support for VBD control activities (ensuring strong coordination between technical and operational support teams).
   • Ensure that HR management systems are in place (in line with local labour laws) to ensure transparent recruitment procedures, set up of internal rules and regulations, performance reviews, complaints systems, salary scale, local payroll etc.
   • In close collaboration with HQ and the field logistics team, responsible for the set up and adherence to Security procedures and practice. This includes writing security guidelines for South Sudan, strict respect of general security rules (vehicle usage, curfew, appropriate behaviour etc) by all team members and daily gathering and analysis of security related information.

3. Coordination and team management

   • Internal: o Direct line management of technical and operational support coordinators with the MENTOR team in South Sudan as well as of short term technical advisors sent to the field to support the MENTOR South Sudan emergency response. o In collaboration with HQ, ensure that a clear and efficient organogram is set up during the initial program implementation phase, that the organogram is communicated and explained extensively to all team members and that it is updated as and when needed. o Responsible for briefing expatriates upon arrival in country, carry out performance evaluations as required and ensure a formal debriefing for all expatriates leaving the South Sudan mission. o Overall responsible for the respect and adherence by expat and local team members to the MENTOR code of conduct including policies in regards to sexual harassment. o Oversee and organise regular technical and general team meetings
   • External: o Ensure that MOUs are established with partners (MoH, national and international NGOs, UN agencies). o Oversee the organisation and/or participation in relevant (cluster) coordination meetings. o Ensure a transparent and efficient exchange of data, context reports etc with relevant stakeholders.

4. Grant management, Programme Reporting and Proposal Development

   • Ensure that all South Sudan grant related team members are aware of grant reporting requirements and provide regular internal reports and that these are responded to.
   • Participate directly in the elaboration of narrative and financial reports to donor partners in line with their specifications and schedule deadlines.
   • Work with the HQ Director and Program Manager to regularly assess with partners new opportunities and developing needs for disease control. As required, develop funding proposal for these.

5. Communication

   • Internal: o Ensure that regular situation reports are provided to HQ. In the initial phase, this would be on a weekly basis, and later, once operations are established, on a bi-weekly basis. o Responsible for the setup of efficient mechanisms to ensure that information is shared appropriately and extensively across the mission and with HQ.
   • External: o Ensure that MENTOR is represented at relevant district/regional/national level meetings with the government and NGO / UN partners to help inform and support a co-ordinated approach to VBD control in the South Sudan emergency o Responsible for the elaboration and dissemination of press/media briefing notes as and when agreed with the Director to ensure comprehensive understanding of the VBD risk in the target area and the MENTOR response. o Ensure that agreed media related field visits are hosted and facilitated

Job Requirements: Masters in subject area At least 5 years field experience in a similar environment VBD/malaria experience preferred but not mandatory Organised, self starter, able to build and maintain partnerships Experience in managing teams in the field in insecure environments Experience in overseeing and managing budgets and administration systems Proven capacity in donor reporting and liaison Proven capacity to train others Flexible and willing to learn Excellent team worker and communications skills Practical, hands on approach Fluent English Familiarity with NGO working environments and standard procedures. Ability to work long hours Honest, conscientious and reliable

How to apply:

Send a CV and letter of motivation to recruitment@mentor-initiative.net No CV only application will be considered