Country coordinator Myanmar

Background:

Malteser International is the worldwide relief agency of the Sovereign Order of Malta for humanitarian aid. Its mission is not only to provide emergency relief, but also to implement rehabilitation measures and to facilitate the link between emergency relief and sustainable development.

Since 2001 Malteser International is operational in Myanmar, targeting communicable diseases, enabling access to and utilisation of comprehensive primary health care services, improving access to safe water and sanitation facilities in combination with disaster risk reduction measures especially for the most vulnerable and poorest people in neglected and disaster affected areas of the country.

Currently one country management and five programme teams consisting of 12 international and app. 350 national employees are implementing 14 projects in Yangon Division, Rakhine State, Shan State and the Ayeyarwaddy Division. Malteser International follows a strategy for long-term, pro-poor and sustainable aid to respond to the prevailing needs in Myanmar. All programmes/projects aim at strengthening capacities and coping mechanisms at household and community level to ensure sustainable improvements of urban and rural livelihoods.

In order to lead the Country Management Team in Yangon, Myanmar Malteser International is looking for an experienced country coordinator. As country coordinator you will represent Malteser International in Myanmar and provide overall leadership, strategic direction and operational management in line with Malteser International’s policies, procedures and guidelines. You will work closely together with the Country Management Team ensuring the smooth implementation and development of programmes and projects according to set targets and identified needs.

Main responsibilities:

· Coordinate and manage the overall planning and direction of Malteser International’s programmes and projects at country level and set country priorities in close coordination with HQ, Cologne
· Develop and maintain a coherent country programme strategy based on the three pillars of Malteser International’s profile in Myanmar: HEALTH, WASH and DRR
· Represent Malteser International at country level and develop/enhance key networking and partnership with relevant actors especially with UN-agencies, Government Agencies in Pakistan, international donors as well as international and national NGOs.
· Supervise and line manage the Country Management Team members as well as the Programme Coordinators / Project Managers for the different programme and project locations in Myanmar
· Establish and maintain systems and standards for monitoring and evaluation of programmes/ projects against their strategic objectives and initial design and conduct annually at least one monitoring visit to each programme / project location
· Ensure that programme/projects remain within the remit of their initial design, approved plans and budget and coordinate the preparation of amendments when necessary to achieve the programme/ project objectives
· Lead the country management team and ensure effective coordination and delegation of tasks between the Country Management Team (Health, WASH, DRR, Logistics, Finance) and Programme/ Project Teams in the development of proposals, amendments, interim and final reports
· Ensure that reports for both internal (monthly reports) and external distribution (donor reports as stated in agreements and contracts) are timely compiled and send to HQ, Cologne and that the content of external reports are consistent with Malteser International’s managerial and administrative norms and/or those of our donors
· Organise and/or undertake needs assessments as necessary in close coordination with HQ, Cologne
· Secure mid- to long-term funding for new programmes, identify new and maintain existing relations to in-country donors and undertake all in-country negotiations related to programming and contracts
· Maintain Malteser International’s emergency preparedness capacity as relevant to the humanitarian context in Myanmar and the region
· Arrange regular, documented Programme/Project Team meetings to discuss and plan programme/ project objectives and to improve the exchange on best practise and lessons learned between the different Programme/Project Teams in Myanmar
· Ensure field site security guidelines and evacuation plans are reviewed and updated quarterly by designated Programme Coordinators and Project Managers
· Ensure Malteser International’s presence in relevant events, meetings, conferences and manage external communications in collaboration with PR Desk at HQ, Cologne.
· Coordinate and supervise the management and development of international and local staff adhering to national and international staff guidelines, rules and regulations
· Provide consultancies to programmes in the region upon instruction by HQ, Cologne

Qualifications and experience:

· Several years working experience in humanitarian aid or development projects, minimum 5 years working experience in senior coordinating positions and within difficult operating environments
· Strong proven international project management skills and experience including project proposal development, logical framework, monitoring and report writing
· Previous experience in coordinating health care-, construction-, WASH-, and/or DRR-projects would be an asset
· An understanding of logistics and good experience in budget management
· Proven problem solving and organisational skills
· Proven communication skills including the ability to effectively motivate people and to diplomatically manage the relationship with local partners, different authorities and donors
· Excellent ability to lead a team and to promote a productive working environment
· Good organisational skills, flexibility, diplomatic and negotiation skills
· Strong communication skills, with excellent written and spoken English. Knowledge of German is an asset.
· Focused individual with capacity to plan and manage in a multiple deadline-working environment
· Good training/capacity building and management skills
· Strong initiative and leadership skills