JOB DESCRIPTION

International Humanitarian Roster
Job TitleHumanitarian Programme Coordinator

LocationPacific Island country in Melanesia/Polynesia/Micronesia

background
background

Oxfam New Zealand (ONZ) is an independent humanitarian, advocacy and development agency affiliated to Oxfam International. We work with people caught in extreme poverty in many regions overseas, by providing practical support to achieve essentials like safe water, basic education and a reliable food supply. When natural disasters or conflicts strike, our efforts are focused on saving lives and helping communities recover.

The geographical focus for ONZ’s humanitarian work is in the Pacific. Oxfam Australia (OAU) is the other Oxfam affiliate operational in this region which means if a disaster strikes, we will coordinate efforts. Currently OAU is the Oxfam lead for any humanitarian assessment and response operations undertaken in Melanesia while ONZ is the Oxfam humanitarian lead in Polynesia/Micronesia

JOB PURPOSE

Be responsible for conducting ongoing humanitarian needs and capacity assessments and for and for managing and implementing Oxfam’s humanitarian programme and strategy. The role is responsible for leading Oxfam’shumanitarian staff in country,representing Oxfam to government, UN agencies, NGOs, the media and other external bodies, and coordinating with designated local partners.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Assessment, representation and coordination

  • Manage and supportongoing assessments of the emergency situation and programming needs, in light of the changing humanitarian context and Oxfam’s planning requirements. Make recommendations and proposals toONZhead officein a timely manner.
  • Work with Oxfam’s partners to ensure appropriate information collection to support any needs or impact assessments being undertaken.
  • Liaise with and represent Oxfam to government officials, relevant local authorities, the Red Cross, UN agencies and/ or any other NGOs/ INGOsthat are operational on the ground.This includes:
  • Developing and maintaining good working relationships.
  • Ensuring compliance with the relevant legislation.
  • Representing Oxfam at coordination meetings and other fora as required.
  • Ensuringthat Oxfam activities are understood and publicised.
  • Providing information and inputs to assist with ongoing assessments and coordination activity, as necessary.

Programme development

  • Ensure that Oxfam develops a strategic and value added niche in the locations and sectors in which it has chosen to work, through the implementation of a humanitarian with its designated partner organisations.
  • Ensure a clear strategic direction is followed, in line with relevant country and regional objectives.
  • Ensure that there is a sound strategy for capacity building of counterparts in partner organisations so that the desired programme outputs are achieved.
  • Develop,if necessary,advocacy strategies that will support appropriate policy and/or practice changes that may be required.

Programme management

  • Ensure programme implementation conforms to proposals and beneficiary needs, as agreed with the donor(s) and local partners.
  • Ensure sound financial management of the programme including regular and timely narrative and financial reporting, against objectives and budgets as appropriate, for ONZ and donors, and ensure the establishment of adequate financial controls.
  • Ensure effective systems for monitoring evaluation and organisational learning are established.
  • Ensure longer term rehabilitation and development initiatives are feasible and appropriate.
  • Manage security including staff safety, security and evacuation (medical/security) and esure procedures are drawn up, implemented, revised and updated to reflect prevailing situation.
  • Ensure that the humanitarian programme is developed and implemented in a consultative, participative, culturally appropriate and gender sensitive way and is in line with Oxfam’s values.

Learning and communication

  • Co-ordinate and work effectively with Oxfam staff in Auckland on programmatic issues and concerns.
  • Ensure the effective communication of programme impact tokey stakeholders, both inside and outside Oxfam.
  • Keep informed of relevant programme issues and contribute to any wider programme learning.

Human Resources

  • Where Oxfam establishes a humanitarian programme, be responsible for leading and managing any Oxfam programme staff deployed or recruited for that programme. This includes participating in the recruitment and induction of new team members, supervision and performance management of direct reports, delegating authority where appropriate, and ensuring that staff are appropriately supported.
  • Ensure the recruitment and contracting of local staff complies with local labour and tax laws.
  • Ensure staff receive appropriate in-country briefings and induction, including security briefings and briefing on the local customs and culture on appointment or arrival in country.
  • Provide appropriate guidance and direction to team members and monitor the timeliness and quality of their outputs.
  • Enhance the capacity of partners and locally employed staff so that they can work effectively within the local humanitarian/development context.
  • Ensure appropriate stress management and staff wellbeing support mechanisms are in place, are understood and followed by staff.

Financial management

  • Manage the humanitarian programme budget in country, including cash flow forecasting.
  • Ensure effective financial management and administration of all funds. This includes preparation and monitoring of budgets and the timely submission of accounts and reports.
  • Ensure the accurate and timely production of financial reports required by donors and ensure the effective tracking and reporting of donor monies.

Policy

  • Ensure that Oxfam’s quality standards are adhered with regards human resource, finance and programme management.
  • Ensure that Oxfam follows all the statutory requirements of the host government, and international codes of best practice, including Sphere standards, the Red Cross Code of Conduct and People in Aid Code of Good Practice.

General

  • Undertake any other responsibilities that may be assigned or delegated that are in keeping with the scope of the role.

COMPETENCES

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

  • Good understanding and experience of emergency contexts
  • Experience of humanitarian programme management(WASH or livelihoods) gained with a reputable INGO, preferably in the Pacific region
  • Good knowledge and/or experience of needs assessment, programme design, implementation, monitoring & evaluation, and donor reporting
  • Sound knowledge of Oxfam’s programming approach (and of its policies/procedures - desirable)
  • Experience in budgeting, budget monitoring and expenditure forecasting
  • Experience of staff managementincluding recruitment, performance management and learning & development
  • Experience of working in multi-functional and/or cross cultural teams
  • Experience of working withand building capacity of indigenous organisations/counterparts
  • A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent commensurate experience
  • Good knowledge of and commitment to the practical application of the Sphere guidelines and standards as well as other relevant international humanitarian standards such as the NGO/Red Cross Codes of Conduct
  • Knowledge of the culture and customs and of at least Pacific nation and/or language
  • Experience of reporting to NZAID (desirable)
  • Experience of working in start up situations (desirable)
  • Familiarity with using VHF and satellite phones (desirable)
Professional/technical skills
Proven project management and report writing skills
  • Strong analytical and numeracy skills
  • Good IT skills and sound knowledge of Microsoft applications, particularly Word and Excel
  • Security awareness
  • Holder of a valid driver’s licence (manual gears)

Personal Attributes

  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Able to communicate clearly and effectively (verbally and in writing)
  • Able to transfer skills/knowledge and work effectively with and through others
  • Able to effectively lead,motivate and influence others
  • Able to network, establish and maintain effective working relationships
  • Self motivated and able to take the initiative
  • Results orientation
  • Strong team working skills
  • Able to work effectively cross culturally and tolerate the views or perspectives of others
  • Able to work well under pressure and to deadlines
  • Able to work effectively in ambiguous, difficult or complex environments/ situations
  • Able to manage stress in self and others
  • Adaptable & flexible
  • Mature and sensible
  • Resilient
  • Commitment to Oxfam’s values

HOURS

Out of hours or weekend may be required for which appropriate compensation leave will be awarded either during or at the end of the field assignment in accordance with ONZ’s policy.

TRAVEL

The role may require in country travel as the requirements of the role dictate. All Oxfam staff are required to heed the advice of local authorities in relation to security issues and follow local security guidelines. Staff must also be prepared to make their own assessments of potential hazards or dangers during field trips in the knowledge that ONZ will always respect and support a decision to continue or withdraw from any part of a field trip or activity for reasons related to personal security.

.

Created: October 2010

Last updated: August 2015