Project manager (food security)

Role and responsibilities

Effectively manage a food security project with Disaster Risk Reduction activities. Ensure that beneficiary participation and community relations are enhanced in all phases of the project. Overseeing community development plans, farmer training, kitchen gardens and nutrition training and DRR activities, plus livelihoods support. Manage and train national staff working on the project. Work with a wide range of stakeholders in the food security and agriculture sectors to get their input and involvement in the programme.

Project overview

The projects Medair is implementing in 2012 are: WASH projects in Central Highlands (CHL) and Badakhshan (BDK), Nutrition project in BDK, Emergency response mechanism in CHL and BDK. Food Security projects in CHL are new projects in 2012 but build on previous Food Aid projects in the area in previous years. The project forms part of a consortium with another NGO in a different area.

Key activity areas

Technical / management

• Design detailed project activities, in collaboration with project partners (another international NGO) including community engagement plans, designing training for farmers with technical input, stakeholder engagement and a broad variety of other project activities to ensure the successful delivery of the programme.
• Update and manage a comprehensive activity plan.
• Monthly reporting to the Projects Coordinator (PC) with monitoring and evaluation updates against project objectives and budget analysis.
• Donor relations, regulation and reporting to donors according to the schedule in the project proposal following specific donor guidelines for this project.
• Support the PC and other Project Managers (PMs) in the development of new proposals and emergency response activities.

Logistics and finance

• Coordinate with the logistics department, and ensure all project-related equipment and supplies are procured according to the specific donor rules for this project and available on site in a timely fashion.
• Coordinate with the finance department to ensure accurate accounting of project finances as well as effective cash-flow.

Staff management

• Oversee all staff based in the food security project, including recruitment, appraisal, management, general well-being, job descriptions, work schedules, discipline etc. in coordination with the PC and the support team in Kabul.
• Provide training to all Nationally Recruited Staff working on the project.
• Facilitate regular project meetings to assist information sharing between project staff.

Communications and public relations

• Maintain a transparent, honest and supportive communication structure with the Medair team.
• In consultation with the PC, develop and maintain relationships with local authorities and NGOs on site, with the objective of raising public awareness of Medair and ensuring good cooperation and partnerships.

Security management

• Responsible for the safety and security of Medair assets and personnel on site of operations.
• Adhere to the security guidelines employed by Medair on site.

Qualifications

• BSc/MSc or equivalent in a relevant field, e.g. Engineering, Land and Water Management, Agriculture, Rural Development

Experience / competencies

• 2 years’ minimum experience post-qualification in a project management position
• 2 years’ experience in Land and Water management related field desirable
• Training delivery or teaching experience desirable
• Knowledge of food security programming, including agricultural extension techniques, livelihoods approaches, land and water management OR experience in a similar technical field with ability to quickly absorb and retain information, and apply existing information desirable
• Willingness to learn another language (translators will be used on the project) desirable
• Knowledge of working with GIS desirable, Good report writing skills
• Problem solver, dynamic, mature attitude desirable; Able to prioritise clearly; Enforce procedures; Oversee multiple tasks; Desire to be stretched, professionally, personally and spiritually
• Aptitude for community mobilisation and capacity-building ; Diplomatic and sensitive to cross cultural issues
• Capacity to work under pressure, in an insecure environment and to tight deadlines; Proactive

Medair standard working requirements for the field

• Experienced professionals in a relevant field
• Committed Christians
• Commitment to Medair values (faith, hope, accountability, integrity, dignity, compassion)
• Overseas intercultural experience
• Strong English communication skills (spoken and written)
• Working knowledge of French (spoken and written) for French-speaking roles
• Single or married (with no children under 18). If married, your spouse must also apply.
• Competent with Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Successful completion of Medair Relief & Rehabilitation Orientation Course (ROC)
• Reflect the vision and values of Medair when interacting with team members, local staff, beneficiaries and external contacts
• Able to live and work with a multicultural team under difficult conditions
• Strong character traits, including emotional stability, adaptability, ability to handle stress, cultural and gender sensitivity, honesty, and physically fit

Benefits

• A salary based upon the grade of the position and the experience of the position-holder
• Full briefing at our Swiss headquarters, as well as an in-country briefing
• Security training for those going to particularly insecure environments
• Accommodation, food, and transportation in-country
• Return flights to and from the country programme (one return flight for every year of service)
• Rest and recuperation (R&R) leave (including travel, accommodation, and food)
• Annual leave and additional benefits for those who commit to longer contracts: up to four weeks additional paid leave every 12 months, and re-entry allowance
• Comprehensive medical and emergency rescue insurance, with up to 60 days post- assignment coverage, including debriefing

Working conditions

• This project is run out of Medair’s base in Kabul and requires extensive field travel to the Central Highlands area. Security is always a concern and the team is regularly updated on the current security status.
• The CHL project locations are located in rough, rugged terrain. Most travel in the field will be done by car but at times certain villages might only be reached on foot. Good physical health is essential.
• This post requires particular sensitivity to cultural issues especially in dress and behaviour, especially when working with women.
• Preferably male considering the social culture aspects, since this PM will be frequently supervising the projects in CHL alone with national staff, but female applicants will also be considered.