Area Coordinator , Yemen

Department: Coordination Position: Area coordinator Contract duration: 6 months Location: Ibb, Yemen Starting Date ASAP

I. Background on ACTED

ACTED is an independent international, private, non-partisan and non-profit organization that operates according to principles of strict neutrality, political and religious impartiality, and non discrimination. ACTED was created in 1993 to support populations affected by the conflict in Afghanistan. Based in Paris, France, ACTED now operates in 30 countries worldwide, with over 200 international and 4000 national staff. ACTED has a 100 million € budget for over 350 projects spanning 8 sectors of intervention; including emergency relief, food security, health promotion, economic development, education & training, microfinance, local governance & institutional support, and cultural promotion. For more information, please visit our website atwww.acted.org.

II. Country Profile and Background of the operation

On the 3rd of October, the first ACTED emergency team arrived in Sana’a, Yemen, to assist in relief activities in response to the ongoing crisis in Sa’ada governorate, North of the country. An assessment of the situation is underway and depending on the fundings, the initial activities will probably focus on the provision of emergency shelter and non-food items (in partnership with ShelterBox, a disaster relief charity which provides humanitarian aid worldwide in the form of shelters) and livestock protection in the camps where internally displaced people are currently residing. All actions will be undertaken in close collaboration with humanitarian stakeholders present in the area as well as local authorities. Since early 2004, tribal groups referred to as “Al Houthi” have engaged in an armed conflict with the

Yemen military and government-backed tribal fighters in Sa’ada Governorate. Since June 2009, military operations rapidly extended from Sa’ada district to the neighbouring districts and governorates, resulting in massive displacements of populations. Available information estimate that approximately 150,000 persons are currently displaced, including the populations displaced during previous fighting.

Six weeks after the escalation of the conflict, the humanitarian situation of civilians in the conflict zone and surrounding areas has become alarming. As a result of the intense fighting, humanitarian access still remains very limited. On the 2nd of September, the humanitarian community launched a Flash Appeal for USD 23.7 million, of which so far only 16% has been funded.

III. Position Profile

1. Ensure ACTED Representation in the area of activity

• Representation vis-à-vis provincial authorities: Participate in official meetings to ensure maximum visibility vis-à-vis provincial authorities.
• Representation vis-à-vis Donors: Establish and update contact details of potential Donors active in the area of activity; Participate in Donor meetings at provincial level and communicate relevant information to the Country Director; Circulate the Annual Report.
• Representation amongst other international organisations: Participate in inter-NGO Coordination meetings and those of UN Agencies (OCHA, UNDP, UNICEF, FAO, etc.), and any other relevant inter-governmental institution at provincial level; Ensure maximum visibility of the Agency amongst the NGO community at provincial level; Lead the production of reports and ensure the timeliness and accuracy of information provided, as well ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information.

More generally, the project manager is expected to contribute to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the organisation, notably through the application of ACTED’s mandate, ethics, values and stand-point with regard to other actors.

1. Contribute to the development of a global intervention strategy and to support its implementation at provincial level

• Analyse the context and develop strategic plans, in consultation with the Country Director: Gather and analyse information regarding opportunities and risk; Define an operational strategy for finances and HR.
• Implement the financial strategy: Oversee drafting of projects and budget development; Lead fund-raising and negotiations with Donors in the area of intervention; Lead the application and adherence to contract terms and requirements; Supervise overall financial commitments and financial risk.
• Implement the operational strategy: Supervise Project Managers of the area of intervention in project implementation; Help the various teams in negotiations with provincial/local authorities and partners; Ensure global coordination and complementarity amongst projects within the area of intervention; Assess activities and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Oversee reporting procedures: Develop a reporting schedule with regard to Donor deadlines; Plan and supervise the development of narrative and financial reports; Ensure adherence to FLAT procedures.

More generally, communicate systematically to the Country Director the development of the area strategy and its implementation.

1. Oversee Staff and Security

• Guide and direct the staff of the area of intervention: Organise and lead coordination meetings; Prepare and follow work plans; Ensure a positive working environment and good team dynamics (solve out potential conflicts); Promote team working conditions in the limit of private life; Adapt the organigramme and ToRs of personnel according to the area development; Undertake regular appraisals of directly supervised colleagues and pass appraisal forms to the Country Administrator with recommendations (new position, changes to contract or salary etc.);
• Contribute to the recruitment of expatriate staff: Follow recruitment procedures: plan recruitment needs in advance; draft ToRs for open vacancies; if necessary undertake phone interviews with candidates; When requested by HQ, undertake interviews of expatriate candidates living in the area of intervention.
• Oversee staff security: In cooperation with the Area Security Officer, monitor the local security situation and inform both Country Security Officer and Country Director of developments through regular written reports; Update the security guidelines in the area of intervention; Ensure that security procedures are respected by the whole staff.

IV. Qualifications

Master Level education in a relevant field such as International Relations or Development Extensive project management experience (management, planning, staff development and training skills) in emergency and/or development programmes At least four years of previous work experience in a high management position Proven capabilities in leadership and management required Excellent skills in written and spoken English Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills, and flexibility in cultural and organizational terms Knowledge of local language and/or regional experience an asset Ability to work well and punctually under pressure

V. Conditions

• Salary defined by the ACTED salary grid; educational level, expertise, hardship, security, and performance are considered for pay bonus
• Additional monthly living allowance
• Free food and lodging provided at the organisation’s guesthouse/or housing allowance (depending on contract length and country of assignment)
• Transportation costs covered, including additional return ticket + luggage allowance
• Provision of medical, life, and repatriation insurance + retirement package

How to apply:

Please send, in English, your cover letter, CV, and three references to jobs@acted.org Ref : AC/YEM/SA