Emergency programme consultant, Iraq

Christian Aid is working with others to end poverty in the Middle East. At the heart of this vision is the transformation of the lives of people living in poverty, empowering them to have a brighter future. We are looking for a dynamic and highly motivated person for the emergency programme consultant, to support Christian Aid’s humanitarian response to the Syria crisis.

The objective of the consultancy is to support implementation of Christian Aid’s strategic response to the Syria emergency in the Kurdish Region of Iraq. The consultant is expected to contribute to the realisation of this activity by working with local partners in Iraq; assisting them to plan, implement, monitor and evaluate quality projects that are aligned with Christian Aid’s Syria response strategy.

The consultant will be managed by a Syria Emergency Programme Manager (EPM) based in London. Details of services to be provided by the consultant are as follows:

Overall:

• Liaise closely with the Syria Emergency Programme team in London, keeping Christian Aid informed of developments relevant to the programme
• Develop and submit a monthly work-plan and maintain an accurate record of time worked and deliverables achieved
• Coordinate and assist with media and communications requests from Christian Aid
• Lead the planning and facilitation (including logistical and translation assistance) of emergency programme visits to Iraq by Christian Aid
• Contribute to, and comply with, Christian Aid security and emergency preparedness plans in Iraq

Local partner support:

• Monitor local partner implementation of emergency projects
• Conduct regular field monitoring visits to partner projects within the Kurdish Region of Iraq
• Ensure that partners have adequate monitoring and evaluation systems in-place for the Christian Aid emergency projects
• Support partners to meet proposal development and reporting deadlines
• Share information including lessons learnt and best practice between partners (maintaining confidentiality where appropriate and as requested by Christian Aid and partners)

Coordination:

• Network and build professional linkages with relevant actors in the Syria emergency response arena including donors, government and non-government contacts
• Represent Christian Aid’s Syria emergency response at select local coordination and technical working group meetings

Consultant specification:

Applicants must have a degree or equivalent in a relevant technical discipline, with good knowledge of emergency relief and recovery in Iraq and/or the wider Middle East. They should also have practical knowledge of emergency project management, experience of working in partnership with non-government organisations and the ability to coordinate with a range of humanitarian actors. Applicants should be fluent in English and Kurdish, with Arabic language proficiency considered an advantage. They should be a self-starter, able to take initiative within the limitations of the programme and able to work effectively with remote management. Their time will be spent with partners or working from home, so it is essential that they have access to the internet, email and Skype.

The consultant is expected to start in June 2014 for an initial period of 12 months with the possibility of extension. They will be Sulaymaniyah-based, with regular travel in the Kurdish region of Iraq and approximately four weeks of international travel per annum. The consultant is expected to work three to four days per week, 12-16 days per month, for a fee of up to $120 per day.

For more information on Christian Aid, please visit our websitewww.christianaid.org.uk

To apply for this consultancy, please send your CV and a covering letter to Lucretia Batchelor, Syria Emergency Programme Manager, atlbatchelor@christian-aid.org

Closing date: Saturday 24 May 2014

Interview date: Thursday 29 May 2014