Job Description:

PROGRAM OFFICER FOR WEST AFRICA/GREAT LAKES REGIONS

International Programs Department

 

BACKGROUND:

The IRC International Programs focus on relief, rehabilitation, and post conflict reconstruction support for refugees, internally displaced persons and those affected by conflict in different regions worldwide. IRC has worked for over seven decades and today is involved in over 23 conflict zones in the world.   We are committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and thorough accountability to those we serve. Our international programs focus on different sectors, including:  health, children affected by war, water and sanitation, infrastructure rehabilitation, community development, education, and refugee camp management.

 

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Program Officer for the West Africa/Great Lakes Regions core responsibility is to manage program support for eight countries in the region (Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Columbia). Additionally, the Program Officer for West Africa/Great Lakes will work in coordination with the other Africa regions to identify commonalities and strengthening linkages in the IRC Africa portfolio.  The Program Officer will also provide representation in IRC’s NY headquarters, Washington and European affiliate offices. In support of the overall enhancement of programs in West Africa/Great Lakes, the Program Officer will be tasked with strengthening regional funding opportunities with donors, development of partnerships, and advocacy initiatives. 

 

Based at Headquarters in New York, the Program Officer for West Africa/Great Lakes works under the supervision the West Africa/Great Lakes Regional Director and in coordination with both the Deputy Regional Director for Operations (DRDO) for West Africa/Great Lakes and the Deputy Vice President for Operations & Planning.   

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Coordination

·         Maintain a strong relationship with the RD and the DRDO – reporting on a regular basis and copying them on relevant communications – through an established communications protocol;

·         Liaise with the Technical Units and NY support Departments;

·         Coordinate with the Program Officer for the “ABC” & other  Africa regions for information sharing and to establish a coherent program support and backstopping function between headquarters and the field;

·         Conduct headquarters-based regional meetings.

Country Program Support through Coverage and Travel

·         In consultation with the Vice President for International Programs/DVP, assume decision-making responsibilities in the absence of Regional Director; support the CDs and increase level of involvement and tracking of issues for those regions;

·         Provide coverage for CDs and other key program/support functions in the field as requested, to assist with short-term gaps and emergency support;

·         Make two to three monitoring field visits per year as assigned, and submit written reports and recommendations based on these visits.

Program Design & Strategy Support

·         Review & provide substantive feedback on proposals/reports in coordination with Technical units;

·         Review budgets for proposals and operating budgets as needed in coordination with the Deputy Regional Director for Operations, Regional Controllers, assist in creating budgets when necessary;

·         Review the country programs’ annual budgets and strategic plans;

·         Stay informed about programmatic issues and security & political developments in the regions;

·         Facilitate follow-up on programmatic issues including updated FM01 standard internal reporting requirements and ensure accurate and timely financial and narrative reports to donors;

·         Facilitate follow-up with the Finance Department on relevant issues.

Donor Liaison

·         Liaise with the Development Dept, European Affiliates and Technical Units on funding opportunities for the region;

·         Assist the Regional Director in his/her in communication and advocacy with donors and developing funding strategies.

Advocacy

·         Support/lead advocacy efforts for the region in coordination with Washington and RDs;

·         Represent Regional Director at UN or DC advocacy, coordination meetings as well as with the IRC Board of Directors and Senior Management in NY as needed.

Human Resources

·         Liaise with the Human Resource Department on relevant issues for the region as needed;

·         Assist with recruitment under the direction of the Regional Director;

·         Assist with the creation and updating of orientation materials for new field staff;

·         Assist with new hire orientations.

Administrative Functions

·         Carry out necessary administrative functions as they relate to country program support.

·         This includes, but is not limited to: maintaining electronic files and grant files; process financial forms; maintain report tracking in coordination with the field; facilitate the proposal and budget review process to secure requisite approvals.

Other Key Areas of Responsibility

·         Partnerships: In coordination with DVP-Programs and the Grants Unit, serve as a liaison for US-based partnerships.

·         Early Warning/Early Response:  Liaise with the Emergency Response Unit and RD/Deputy to assist with effective assessment of potential emergencies and contingency planning, with particular emphasis on cross-regional support within the region.

·         Participate in special projects as needed and other tasks as assigned.

 

REQUIREMENTS:

·         Bachelors Degree + Masters Degree in a related field or at least 5 years comparable related experience;

·         Min. 5 years progressive NGO work experience, including a minimum of 3 years international work experience;

·         Min. 2 years senior program management experience, including supervisory experience;

·         Excellent written and oral communication skills;

·         Proven ability to effectively manage donor relationships;

·         Effective people management skills: ability to lead staff and promote productivity in a pleasant work environment;

·         Solid organizational skills: ability to be flexible & work well under pressure in a fast-paced multi-task team environment;

·         Good Computer skills: facility with MS Word, Excel, and email/internet software;

·         Ability to effectively communicate in French desirable.