Program manager II - emergency response & protection sector coordinator

Vacancy No: I 08 050

Background

CRS has worked in Zimbabwe since 1989 and its $23 million program currently serves more than one million beneficiaries. As the country enters its tenth year of economic recession, the government is increasingly unable to maintain public services. The health system, water and sanitation system, infrastructure, and agricultural extension services are deteriorating at a rapid pace. Two results have been an increase in the number of water-borne disease outbreaks, including cholera, and increased community vulnerability to natural disasters, such as flooding and drought. In addition, Zimbabweans continue to suffer from the negative effects of Operation Murambatsvina, a 2005 government “clean-up” in which 700,000 people lost their homes or livelihoods. CRS is among seven NGOs who have responded to the increased urban vulnerability created by this operation. In addition, CRS manages two protection projects, one rural and one urban, that help community members prepare and protect themselves from current and future shocks. In the case of a major national emergency, CRS Zimbabwe plans to respond in partnership with the Church and in preparation, it is working to develop the Church’s emergency response capacity.

As part of the agency-wide effort to be an industry leader in emergencies, and to meet the growing needs of Zimbabwean communities, CRS Zimbabwe requires an Emergency Response & Protection Sector Coordinator who can ensure that its existing and future emergency programming is of high quality; effectively and appropriately assess, report upon, and respond to new emergency situations; and especially to continue to strengthen the emergency response capacity of the Church.

Specific Responsibilities

Representation and Growth

• In the area of Emergency Preparedness and Response, maintain frequent and productive communication with current and future donor agencies and foundations, with support from the Head of Programming and Country Representative.
• Identify and follow-up on potential funding opportunities, develop CRS fundraising strategies, and create strategic alliances.
• Lead the development of evidence-based, innovative Emergency Preparedness and Response concept notes and proposals, with assistance from field teams, Head of Programs and the region.
• Foster key professional relationships with the Church and other local partners, line ministries, and non-governmental agencies.
• Understand Church structures and implementation methods and find creative ways to partner with the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference.
• Oversee program documentation activities that enable CRS to promote its expertise and successes and that facilitate learning within the organization.
• Plan field visits to Emergency Preparedness and Response programs for donors, partners, and other visitors.

Emergency Preparedness and Response Systems

• Continually monitor and update the CP strategy for emergency preparedness & response. Monitor and analyze trouble spots in country and keep CP and Security Officer abreast of developments.
• Support the implementation of emergency preparedness activities in country program (early warning systems, contingency planning, etc) as requested by the CR.
• Provide rapid assessment of emergencies/outbreaks.
• Provide Sitreps and/or other communication tools as requested by CR.
• Provide training – or facilitate the organization of training - to CP and church partners in emergency preparedness, protection, response, and post-conflict resettlement and recovery as needed/requested.

Program Quality

• Assist project managers with planning of Emergency Preparedness and Response project activities and set high quality performance targets ensuring adherence to technical standards, best practices and donor guidelines.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure effective program coordination and integration where feasible and strategic.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to CRS program staff and partners and maintain communication regarding the program with RTAs and headquarters, as appropriate.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to SPP process.
• Comply and/or utilize agency systems and tools, such as the Project Tracking System, ProPack, SARO’s Proposal Guidelines, and country program and regional strategic plans.
• Ensure that all Emergency Preparedness and Response projects apply CRS partnership principles.
• Ensure that all Emergency Preparedness and Response projects include and follow appropriate M&E systems, allowing for the documentation of best practices, lessons learned, and successes, and the use of M&E information and documentation to continually improve programming.
• Assist project managers with preparing internal and external reports and ensure they are following country program and donor guidelines.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise staff in the Emergency Preparedness and Response projects to ensure efficient and quality implementation of project activities and to help ensure proper staff and systems are in place.
• Supervise staff in the Emergency Preparedness and Response projects to ensure effective project budget management and good stewardship of resources.
• Enhance the capacity of emergency programming staff in the region through formal trainings, on-the-job trainings and sharing of emergency guidelines and manuals.
• Work closely with project staff to develop annual, quarterly, and monthly work plans and achieve identified targets.
• Ensure that project staff provides timely and accurate information for APP.
• Proactively seek and promote appropriate training/mentoring opportunities for staff and ensure sharing of knowledge and skills across the sector.
• Assist Head of Programs and project managers in the recruitment process for any new Emergency Preparedness and Response staff, including developing job descriptions and interview test questions with project managers, participating in the interview process, and providing orientation to the new staff.

Key Working Relationships

Internal:  Country Representative; Head of Programs; other department heads; project managers; Regional RTAs, ERT, and headquarters staff

External:  The local Church, local partners, line ministries, international and local NGOs, UN Agencies, and donors.

Personal/Professional Skills

• Able to create positive change through partnerships
• Strong people and representation skills
• Proactive; will take the initiative
• Ability to work independently
• Visionary and strategic thinker

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in international studies, development, or related field or work.
• Minimum three years emergency response experience, preferably in Africa
• At least three years in a management position, supervising staff, in an international or intercultural environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of CRS programming standards for emergencies (Emergency Preparedness & Response handbook, PQ statement for emergencies), and principles of crosscutting themes (peace building, capacity building, gender).
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in core sectors of humanitarian relief, including Sphere Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response, UN guidelines, etc.
• Prior experience working with donors and successfully securing funding from a range of donors and funding mechanisms is highly desired, including but not limited to USAID, Pepfar, Global Fund, UN agencies and private foundations.
• Ability to professionally represent CRS to other organizations. Experience collaborating with Catholic Church partners a plus.
• Proven ability to function effectively as part of a multi-cultural team.
• Excellent communication skills and writing skills, particularly in proposal and grant preparations.
• Strong ability to think and plan strategically.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English
• Computer proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.