Syrian Arab Republic: EMERGENCY RELIEF PROGRAMME (ERP) COORDINATOR
Country: Syrian Arab Republic
Closing date: 09 Aug 2013
SOS Children’s Villages (SOS CV) International is a dynamic social development organisation active in over 132 countries worldwide, to meet the needs and protect the interests and rights of orphaned and vulnerable children.
SOS CV International alongside with its member organisation SOS CV Syria, both with a mandate to provide humanitarian aid in Syria, are dedicated to provide emergency relief to those in need under the current Syrian crisis.
Following a number of smaller scale relief programmes in various areas of Damascus, SOS CV is in the process of scaling-up and expanding its humanitarian operations. To this end, we are looking for an Emergency Relief Programme Coordinator (ERPC) for an approximate duration of 12 months on a full-time basis to oversee the effective up-scaling and roll-out of our humanitarian aid projects across various locations in critical need of support in Syria. The ERPC will be responsible for a safe, efficient and accountable management of all aspects of operations throughout the humanitarian programme cycle. The incumbent will be responsible to the representative of the international organisation (Project Director Syria), and work alongside and in close cooperation with our Syrian member organisation. Working location will be Damascus, and provided security situation allows, with in-field visits of programme locations.
Due to security reasons, male candidacy will be encouraged.
Due to the urgency of this position, applications will be short listed on a regular basis and we may offer this post before the closing date. .
THE CHALLENGE
The Emergency Relief Programme Coordinator
Represents the SOS Emergency Relief Programme (ERP) in Syria
Assures implementation of the ERP in Syria in alignment with SOS internal regulations, procedures and policies, reporting regularly to the line manager and functional managers.
Is responsible for security management and regular risk monitoring and assessment
Mobilizes the material resources necessary for the programmes to run effectively and supervises the administration of these resources.
Coordinates the project teams in place and ensures their security on the mission.
Is responsible for the financial management of the various projects and overall financial reporting
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS
Coordination and Strategic Orientation:
Monitor and analyse the humanitarian, political, cultural, social and economic context
Operationalize the strategic aims of the ERP
Define a plan of action for putting this strategy in place
Propose new operational directions as contexts change
Operational Management:
Guarantee the coordination, development, monitoring and evaluation of projects implemented as part of the ERP in line with the SOS Disaster Management Network directives and the legal framework of Syria
Ensure the relevance, quality and consistency of projects in the ERP
Ensure that all projects in the ERP put in place the necessary procedures to ensure accountability to beneficiaries and to donors
Ensure SOS is integrated in partnerships and coordination teams in Child Protection and all Emergency relief sectors relevant to our ERP in Syria
Resource Management:
Propose and manage field logistics and planning
Ensure the financial resources and means necessary for the completion of projects are mobilized efficiently, effectively and transparently
Human Resource Management:
Manage all aspects of HR in the ERP (recruitment, payroll, security of staff etc.)
Ensure all staff are fully briefed and aware of their roles and responsibilities and the mission of SOS
Provide strong leadership and support to all project co-workers and staff in the field
Ensure that SOS HR policies and procedures are applied and adhered to
Directly manage the project coordinators in the ERP
Security:
Responsible for ensuring the security of all teams and property on the ERP, under the supervision of the line manager who has judicial responsibility
Monitor and analyse the security situation and ensure that teams clearly understand it
Ensure every new arrival on the mission receives a geopolitical and security briefing
Ensure that documents and procedures, such as risk assessment and security analysis, relating to security are regularly updated
Ensure that everyone complies with security rules and procedures in the ERP
Donor relationships and reporting:
Responsible for providing line manager and functional support with regular sit reps and reports for donors in accordance with donor requirements
Strengthen relationships between SOS and financial donor representatives in the field
Internal and External Communication:
Ensure that documents used for internal and external communication produced by the ERP are of good quality and adhere to internal SOS communication standards and procedures
Organize and attend coordination meetings on a regular basis
Representation:
Represent SOS ERP in Syria in all dealings with other aid workers, local political and administrative authorities, the civil society and the media
Attend humanitarian forums and relevant coordination meetings as and when necessary for operations
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Competences Skills and Qualifications (essential)
Strong skills in PCM and the use of its processes and tools throughout the project life cycle, including in particular logical framework approach, budgeting, M&E and progress reporting to management and donors
In-depth understanding of managing risks and changes in humanitarian projects
An ability to analyse information quickly and accurately alongside good problem-solving skills in situation of crisis.
Thorough knowledge of and able to apply the SPHERE minimum standards in emergencies and the Do-No-Harm (DNH) approach.
Knowledge and experience of the national and international humanitarian sector, including policy implementation, funding and working within coordination systems such as OCHA.
Sufficient knowledge of the region and ability to quickly understand local context.
Extensive experience of managing teams in multiple locations and able to build positive rapport with people quickly.
Strong communication skills with excellent written and spoken Arabic and English.
Experience of liaising with governmental authorities, including drafting MoUs
Skills and Qualifications (desirable)
Understanding of the causes, dynamics and consequences of conflict and emergencies
Strong diplomacy, leadership, networking and negotiation skills.
Knowledge of child safe-guarding and protection issues in emergencies.
Knowledge of WASH, food security, nutrition and health sectors a strong asset
Working knowledge of French an asset.
Experience
Proven management ability, including ability to motivate and develop skills of others. Must be able to make sound management decisions in difficult situations and also be able to work in a participatory manner with colleagues.
Minimum 4 years overseas experience working with an international humanitarian / development NGO, with strong programme management, team management and financial management experience.
A relevant qualification (post graduate level) and previous experience within the region.
In accordance with the organisation’s child protection policy, all employment is subject to applicable background checks, including criminal record checks where possible.
How to apply:
If you are interested in this position, please send your application, detailed CV and motivation letter along with three traceable references to the following email address: co.afme.hr@sos-kd.org . Only short-listed applicants will be contacted
