Iraq: Programme and Partnership Manager

Oct 24, 2016 | GOAL
View Original

The overall objective of the post is to provide, leadership and management of REAL, including supervision of the portion of the programme implemented by a local partner. The Programme Manager reports to the CD. The post will involve regular travel to field sites.

GOAL began working in Iraq in 2015.  In collaboration with a local partner, GOAL distributed NFIs to displaced households and undertook a market assessment of the agricultural sector.  The  Resilient Economy through Agricultural Livelihoods (REAL) program, funded by BPRM,  will be GOAL’s first large scale program in Iraq,  REAL will support livelihood development in the dairy market in KRI through vocational and business training, apprenticeships, grants to small businesses and market linkages in two districts.   A second market will be identified in year 1 of the program.

Main responsibilities

Program Management

  • Working in close collaboration with the CD, local staff and local partner manage the program and ensure program objectives are met on time and within budget.  Prepare program reports as required. 
  • Lead the preparation of a program work plans and activity budgets in collaboration with the program team.
  • Ensure that the program develops and maintains a robust monitoring system consistent with the monitoring plan developed for the program proposal. 
  • Manage the project budget through reviewing field monthly funds requests, approving expenditures in accordance with GOAL policies and reviewing monthly budget versus actual reports.
  • Actively participate in the annual planning process for the country program.

 

Supervision of project staff

  • Review job descriptions for all programme staff and provide support drafting JDs for any new field based positions.  Lead recruitment of programme staff as needed. 
  • Directly supervise 5-6 program staff.  Ensure work plans are in place for all project staff to reflect mutually agreed expectations and objectives.  Conduct periodic staff reviews.
  • Frequently travel to all project areas to monitor staff performance and achievements against work plans and provide on-the-job feedback and initiate corrective measures as needed.
  • Prioritize and recommend technical and management training needs for field staff.
  • Foster a stable and participatory working environment by promoting experience sharing and lessons learnt.  Foster teamwork between various departments.

 

Partner Management

  • Develop a strong working relationship with the local partner characterized by open communication, regular information sharing and feedback, and joint problem solving.
  • Work with the partner to ensure that their activities are closely integrated with GOAL’s activities and REAL’s strategy is unified and achieved.
  • Monitor the partner’s performance. Conduct site visits to evaluate their progress.  Review monthly and quarterly reports to ensure the program in on track and procurement and financial practices are compliant with donor rules and regulations. 

 

New Programming Initiatives

  • Identify new opportunities for GOAL food security/livelihoods programming through problem identification with field programme staff, needs assessments, and liaising with other actors in the FSL sector.
  • Accompany the CD to meetings with potential donors in the food security, nutrition and livelihoods sectors.
  • Prepare strategy statements and proposals as opportunities emerge.

 

Represent the GOAL programme

  • Establish and strengthen working relationships with Government, Donors, Coordination mechanisms, INGOs, LNGOs and local stakeholders, including the private sector
  • Ensure GOAL is represented and an active member of the Food Security Cluster, Emergency Livelihoods and Social Cohesion cluster and Governorate and National Level.

Requirements (Person Specification)

Essential

  • Masters level degree (or Bachelors level degree complemented by experience, see below) in agriculture, international/community development, or closely related discipline.
  • Minimum of three years of prior experience with an international development organization managing agricultural/livelihoods projects under complex operating environments.
  • Understanding of marking market work for poor approaches.
  • Demonstrated practical project management experience covering all aspects of the project cycle from design through to evaluation.
  • Strong analytical skills and fluent writing skills. Experience of proposal writing, log-frame development and donor reporting.
  • Excellent IT skills including strong knowledge of MS Word applications.
  • Excellent communications, interpersonal and training skills and track record of building/developing cohesive teams.
  • Ability and willingness to travel to locations outside Dohuk and live in basic conditions.
  • Flexible/Motivated.
  • Willingness to take responsibility for personal security and adhere to GOAL’s security guidelines.

 

Desirable

  • Experience/knowledge of Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
  • Experience in cash transfers.
  • Relevant training/experience in vocational training, business development, community microfinance methodologies and emergency planning.