Programme Coordinator for the AWEPA Somalia Programme

AWEPA - Association of European Parliamentarians for Africa

Nairobi, Kenya and Mogadishu, Somalia

About AWEPA

AWEPA’s principle objective is to support and strengthen the effective functioning of parliaments in Africa as well as to keep Africa high on the political agenda in Europe. In Africa, AWEPA works from a development perspective to strengthen the core functions of parliaments: oversight, representation and legislation. It believes that strong parliaments in particular and good governance, transparency and accountability in general, are essential prerequisites for Africa’s development and ultimately its stability, peace and prosperity. 

In Europe, AWEPA members work to increase the commitment among parliamentarians and other political leaders towards important issues in Africa. AWEPA implements national and regional capacity building programmes for parliaments, their members and staff, by organising trainings, workshops, conferences and exchange visits.

Purpose of the function

The Programme Coordinator is the leader of the staff-members (consultants) in charge of the implementation of the Somalia Programme. The Somalia Programme is funded by the European Union and the Netherlands.

Description of tasks & responsibilities

• Manages the project to ensure that agreed targets, work plans, and contractual obligations are implemented, and suggests action accordingly when goals are not met or political circumstances make adjustments necessary;
• Follows the political developments in Somalia closely and ensures that the project activities remain relevant. Makes suggestions for new project activities;
• After consultation with the CAO, the Project Coordinator has a mandate (from AWEPA) to appoint the members of the staff and supervises the staff of the project and is responsible for human resources management (contracts, vacation requests, authorizes monthly salary payments, etc.);
• Prepares and calls for joint staff meetings for purposes of work planning and formulates medium-term strategies to achieve project targets;
• Monitors the budget of the project, and approves monthly financial reports prepared by the Administration and Financial Officer;
• Makes sure that all project documentation (TORs, reports, etc.) is complete and properly filed;
• Prepares in a timely manner narrative and financial reports for the donors of the project, and coordinates the preparation of outcome, output reports for AWEPA HQ and donors;
• Prepares new project proposals;
• Maintains contacts with partners and donors and assists with fundraising;
• Represents AWEPA in an objective, professional and non-partisan way during project activities, and in meetings with the Assemblies, donor community and other development partners.

Place in the organisation

The Programme Coordinator executes his/her responsibilities:

• On the Political Dimensions

In close cooperation and under the supervision of the Political Coordinator.

• On content and quality issues

In consultation with and under the supervision of the Deputy Director Bilateral Programmes (DDBP).

• On Financial, Administrative, HRM and other issues

In cooperation with the relevant AWEPA Departments, supervised by the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

The Programme Coordinator Reports to the Political Coordinator and CAO with a copy to the Deputy Director Bilateral Programmes.

Required knowledge and skills

Qualifications

• University degree;
• Excellent commend of the English language; and
• Interest in politics and development in relation to Africa.

Experience

• Three years of relevant working experience in an international environment, preferably in democracy, human rights or parliamentary development;
• Experience with project cycle management including monitoring and evaluation; 
• Experience of capacity building programmes;
• Experience with applications for fundraising; and
• Experience of working within a highly sensitive political environment.

Skills

• Demonstrated capacity for excellent organization and coordination skills;
• Very good drafting, research and communications skills;
• Good financial and planning skills;
• Very good people management skills;
• Ability to work independently, with attention to detail;
• Strong proactive attitude and sense of responsibility; and
• Flexibility is a key word for this position.

Other

• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise effectively; and
• Must underwrite the statutory aims of AWEPA.

What can AWEPA offer you?

A challenging job at a non-governmental organisation operating in an international environment. The employment period will initially be for six months with the intention to offer an extension. The Programme Coordinator will work on a fulltime basis and is based in Nairobi, Kenya and Mogadishu, Somalia. The salary will be set in accordance to relevant experience and background. 

Starting date: as soon as possible.

Application Procedure

Please send your cover letter and CV in English to Ms. Martien Meenhorst, recruitment@awepa.org by Friday 28th March 2014. 

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. 

For more information about AWEPA, please visit our website at www.awepa.org.