Area Coordinator - DRC

Closing date: 18 Apr 2018

About the role: This is a 12 month, new role with unaccompanied terms and conditions based in Mbuji Mayi, Kasai Oriental, with frequent travel to Lomami Province with a salary of Grade 4.

You will report to the Programmes Director and will line manage the Food Security Project Manager, Logistics and Admin Officers, Area Finance Managers (based in Mbuji Mayi and MweneDitu), Storekeeper and work closely with the M&E Manager, Emergency Coordinator, Systems Director, Country Financial Controller and other Area Coordinator.

We would like you to start in May 2018.

This role is subject to the approval of funding.

Your purpose:

To oversee, develop and manage Concern's programmes as well as human resources, finance, logistics, administration, security, and representation functions in Lomami and Kasai Oriental provinces. In fulfilling his/her responsibilities, including budget holding, s/he will work with other senior managers to ensure that the programmes are carried out in line with Concern’s policies and procedures. The Area Coordinator, based in Mbuji Mayi will ensure effective representation of Concern to local authorities, communities, NGOs and other stakeholders in the region.

You will be responsible for:

Programme Implementation

  • Coordinate the planning, quality implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programme activities within the agreed budgets, time frames and donor guidelines and requirements, in close liaison with the Programmes Director (PD).
  • Through regular field visits, monitor programmes regularly and support programme managers to evaluate their progress against agreed programme objectives.
  • In conjunction with all budget holders, track and monitor programme expenditure and ensure effective budget management in line with Concern and donor financial procedures.
  • Contribute to the planning of the Concern programmes including inputting into the Country Strategic Plan, Annual Plans (financial and human resources) and Budget Revisions in consultation and collaboration with the senior management team.
  • Liaise with relevant stakeholders in Kasai Oriental and Haut Lomami (i.e. sectoral clusters, local NGOs, INGOs, government departments etc.) on programme related issues ensuring that Concern’s activities and areas of implementation are known by the relevant parties.
  • Work with and support the PMs and the M&E Manager to develop and implement a PM&E system to measure the results and impact of Concern’s programmes.
  • Ensure the integration of Concern’s accountability commitments under the Core Humanitarian Standard in Concern’s operations, including an effective complaint response mechanism.

Finance, Admin and Logistics

  • Monitor and manage programme expenditure and budgets, ensuring resources are optimally utilized and spending is in line with Concern financial procedures and Donor requirements.
  • Manage day-to-day cash management and ensure cash transactions and management are in line with Concern procedures.
  • Oversee the day-to-day management of logistics (including transport), administration and human resources functions in line with organizational policy and best practice.
  • In conjunction with line management and SMT, oversee and manage longer-term planning within logs, admin and HR functions.

Team Management

  • Lead and manage assigned staff, contributing to their capacity building and career development.
  • Coach all team members to ensure they fully understand outcomes which are expected of them, through Concern’s Performance Development Review (PDR) system.
  • Ensure all Concern policies and guidelines are adhered to by staff and local partners e.g. Programme Participant Protection Policy, Equality, Anti-Fraud and Whistleblowing Policy and report actual or suspected cases of breaches to senior management for action.
  • Guide the Human Resources Officer to develop, maintain and implement the HR strategy.
  • In conjunction with the Administration and Logistics Coordinator and the programme staff, identify human resource requirements, and manage and oversee the process of recruiting and developing national staff in line with organizational policy and best practice.
  • Follow Concern standards and procedures in terms of supervision, recruitment and evaluation of staff under his/her supervision.

Security and Representation

  • Act as Security Focal Point in operational areas.
  • Monitor the context and keep PD/CD updated on any changes.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with the relevant local authorities and key stakeholders.
  • Ensure the implementation of the Security Management Plan and propose updates, as required.
  • Ensure that security protocols are adhered to by all staff under said jurisdiction.
  • Ensure that staff are trained and comply with security procedures and protocols at all times.
  • Represent Concern with local authorities and/or other members of the humanitarian community;
  • Other areas as indicated by line manager or the Country Director.

Your skills and experience will include:

Essential:

  • Masters in social sciences, humanitarian/development studies or a related discipline, or undergraduate degree
  • At least 3 years' overseas experience in a managerial capacity within the sector, preferably in Africa
  • Experience in managing a diverse team composed of national and international staff in an a complex working environment
  • Very good working knowledge of English and fluent French or vice versa
  • Good capacity in community mobilization and knowledge of participatory approaches.
  • Security Management Skills and Experience
  • A proven record of effective project and people management.
  • Sensitivity to cultural differences, and the ability to work in a wide variety of cultural contexts.
  • Excellent teamwork skills and the ability to build good relations both internally and externally.
  • Experience in report and proposal writing.
  • Proven financial management and budgeting skills.
  • Good command of procurement regulations and practice.
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • Commitment to Concern’s ethos and values.
  • Sound IT skills, including Word and Excel.
  • Able to use initiative and work with limited supervision, organized, motivated and reliable.
  • Flexible, adaptable and patient with a positive attitude and good sense of humour.

Desirable:

  • Experience of livelihood, resilience and WASH programmes
  • Experience of planning and implementing emergency response programmes
  • Training/capacity building experience
  • Knowledge or experience of the Core Humanitarian Standard and complaint response/handling mechanisms
  • Ability to train local staff and to motivate and develop skills of others

How to apply:

All applications should be submitted through our website at by closing date. CV’s should be no more than 4 pages in length.

Due to the urgency of this position, applications will be short listed on a regular basis and we may offer posts before the closing date.