Coordinator / Country Representative for Haiti, based in Port-au-Prince At IMPACT Initiatives

IMPACT AND REACH

REACH was born in 2010 as a joint initiative of two international NGOs ( IMPACT Initiatives and ACTED ) and the United Nations Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT). The objective of REACH is to promote and facilitate the development of information products that improve the decision-making and planning capacity of the humanitarian community in emergency, reconstruction and development contexts. REACH facilitates information management for aid actors through three complementary services: (a) needs and situation assessments facilitated by REACH teams; (b) situation analysis using satellite imagery; and (c) provision of databases and (web) mapping facilities and related expertise.

IMPACT Initiatives is a humanitarian NGO based in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization manages several initiatives, including the REACH initiative. The IMPACT team is composed of specialists in data collection, management and analysis and GIS. IMPACT was launched at the initiative of ACTED, an international NGO headquartered in Paris and present in around thirty countries. The two organizations have a strong complementarity formalized in a global partnership, allowing IMPACT to benefit from ACTED’s operational support in its areas of intervention.

COUNTRY PROFILE

Ranked 163rd out of 191 countries in the Human Development Index (HDI), Haiti is experiencing a deterioration in the socio-economic, political and security context that has recently contributed to exacerbating structural problems. This deterioration is reflected in particular by the impoverishment of households, linked to a particularly high price inflation rate while the country depends on 60% of food imports and the rise in insecurity.

Initially concentrated in certain neighborhoods of the city of Port-Au-Prince, the activities of armed gangs have intensified and spread throughout most of the metropolitan area (ZMPAP), as well as in departments such as Artibonite, thus exposing a significant proportion of Haitian households to abuses and internal displacement.

Haiti is one of the top 10 countries in the world most exposed to natural disasters. The 2021 earthquake that struck Haiti on August 14 had devastating effects on people’s livelihoods and the country’s infrastructure. In addition, during 2022, social unrest due to the fuel crisis and the cost of living swept across the country.

We are currently looking for a Country Coordinator to supervise our team in Haiti.

Department : IMPACT

Title : Country Coordinator / Representative

Contract duration : 12 months

Work location : Port-au-Prince

Start date : as soon as possible

FUNCTIONS

Reporting to the IMPACT Executive Director in Geneva, the Country Coordinator/Representative is responsible for representing IMPACT, managing and developing IMPACT’s programs in [country and/or, as applicable, region]. He/she leads the IMPACT team to achieve program excellence and ensure the highest level of impact and accountability, while ensuring compliance with IMPACT guidelines, policies and standards across the mission. The CC/CR is in regular contact with HQ, ensuring that organizational risks are promptly and clearly communicated to the Managing Director, Country Programs and Operations Director, and other relevant HQ officials. He/she will promote the organizational vision and core values across the mission and actively partner with HQ to contribute to the implementation of IMPACT’s global strategies.

In his/her assignment, the Country Representative/Coordinator will be hosted by ACTED and will report directly to the ACTED Country Director and his/her delegates for all administrative, security, logistical and financial matters. He/she will therefore fully respect ACTED’s rules and regulations on security, human resources, administration and logistics and, in coordination with ACTED, ensure that all IMPACT staff comply with them.

RESPONSIBILITIES

DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGY

Context analysis: ensure that IMPACT has an up-to-date understanding of:
1. The socio-economic situation of the country, the impact of a crisis and the aid/humanitarian situation;
2. The mechanisms for planning, coordination and response of aid/humanitarian assistance, as well as the main actors in aid/humanitarian assistance.
Develop and oversee the implementation of a country strategy for the mission and play a leading role in identifying strategic opportunities to strengthen IMPACT’s work in the country; in particular:
1. Consolidate and strengthen ongoing programming and operations;
2. Ensure that IMPACT activities are relevant and have a measurable impact on humanitarian aid/response;
3. Identify new areas where IMPACT can add value to humanitarian aid/response;
4. Monitor opportunities for IMPACT program development and intervention strengthening;
5. Identify funding opportunities to consolidate, strengthen and/or expand country programs;
6. Formalize a national strategy in alignment with global/regional strategies, priorities and programs.
Ensure that each unit within the mission develops and pursues a unit strategy aligned with the objectives of the country strategy

FUNDRAISING

In close coordination with IMPACT HQ, approach donors to identify funding to support IMPACT programmes (including, where appropriate, REACH, PANDA and, with ACTED, AGORA) in the country;
Oversee the conceptualization of the project proposal (problem statement, logical framework) within the framework of the national, regional and global strategy, review with ACTED and/or other relevant national partners, as appropriate, and submit the proposal to HQ Grants Department for validation;
Oversee the design of the budget, in close consultation with ACTED (where applicable), and submit to the IMPACT HQ Finance Department for validation;
Ensure the application of IMPACT guidelines on the proposal, budget and contract design;
Advise the Grants Department on the specific approach/regulation of funders;
Negotiate proposals and/or contracts with donors, in close coordination with IMPACT HQ and in consultation with the ACTED Country Director (in case of joint proposal/contract).

PROGRAM PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION

Ensure that all IMPACT programmes contribute to better aid planning and are aligned with IMPACT global and country strategies;
Ensure that all programmes are planned in accordance with relevant project objectives and the IMPACT research cycle and other relevant guidelines;
Oversee all stages of program implementation, receive regular updates from team members providing inputs as needed, and conduct field visits to program sites for monitoring, quality control, and mentoring and coaching of program staff;
Ensure that all programs are conducted in coordination with IMPACT HQ and, where appropriate, are validated. For all research, review mandates, data and draft deliverables, evaluation, data and GIS teams to ensure they meet expected standards before being sent to IMPACT HQ for validation. Ensure the quality and accuracy of technical information provided and the confidentiality and protection of information collected;
Maintain regular liaison with ACTED (as appropriate) to facilitate the provision of logistical, administrative and security support to facilitate the implementation of the programme, as well as ensure that IMPACT teams comply with ACTED security and other relevant FLAT regulations during programme implementation;
Ensure the required level of coordination with partners in the planning and implementation of programs;
Ensure that synergies are established and implemented between the different IMPACT programme units in the country, and establish links with other IMPACT countries where appropriate;
Keep track of progress and delays of any program implementation. Ensure that delays or problems identified for specific programs are reported to headquarters in writing and orally in a timely manner.

PROJECT CYCLE MANAGEMENT

Grant and Project Management
1. Ensure timely organization of project kick-off, review/update and end-of-project meetings;
2. Monitor product realization, cash burn rates and ensure project completion timeliness through review of BFUs, Project Information Sheet and Project Reports;
3. Ensure that contractual obligations are met in terms of deliverables as well as narrative and financial reporting requirements, in close coordination with HQ Grants management and (where applicable) with ACTED PD and Finance departments;
4. Ensure that contractual monitoring and evaluation indicators are identified and monitored in a timely manner;
5. Provide ad hoc support to project implementation through troubleshooting and removal of blocking points;
6. Ensure adequate contribution to project and proposal tracking tools through timely submission of the Report Tracking Tool (RFU) updated monthly.
Financial management
1. Anticipate financial risks and financing gaps;
2. Monitor project budgets to avoid under/overspending, in liaison with IMPACT HQ and (where applicable) ACTED Finance departments;
3. Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, in relation to IMPACT HQ and (where applicable) ACTED finance;
4. Ensure accurate monitoring and budget forecasting of expenditure, in liaison with and IMPACT HQ Finance (where applicable) with ACTED finance;
5. Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to HQ Finance, including monthly submission to HQ of updated Budget Tracking Tables (BFU) for all projects and staff allocation tables.
Assets and IT management
1. Ensure good management of assets;
2. Ensure appropriate IT systems, data backup and protection against malware;
3. Ensure sufficient and reliable means of communication;
4. Ensure regular liaison with the IMPACT HQ hub and (where applicable) ACTED logistics and IT services;
5. Ensure the implementation and maintenance of the country server for secure storage and sharing of internal documentation;
6. Ensure and regularly monitor server usage by all team members in accordance with IMPACT guidelines.
External audit monitoring
1. Support the preparation of external audits in close collaboration with HQ Finance.

TEAM MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP

Leadership
1. Provide leadership across the mission, as well as within the country management team;
2. Transmit IMPACT’s values and vision and their implementation at the national level, and help managers and all staff to do the same.
Personnel management
1. Ensure that IMPACT staff, as well as national staff working in IMPACT programmes (including REACH, PANDA and relevant parts of AGORA) understand and are able to fulfil their roles and responsibilities related to country operations and links with headquarters;
2. Ensure that all staff have clear and regularly updated mandates, work plans and key performance indicators against which their performance will be assessed;
3. Promote team spirit, productivity and staff well-being;
4. Coach and support the team to build capacity, improve efficiency and performance, and monitor the career management of international and national staff working in IMPACT programs;
5. Promote the growth and development of staff within the organization, actively linking with headquarters to provide feedback and support retention and internal mobility. This includes identifying and building the capacity of staff with potential to progress to leadership positions;
6. Management of interpersonal conflicts (internal and external);
7. Ensure regular updates with HQ HR on staff potential, career management, training opportunities, contractual issues, difficulties encountered or expressed by staff in the field;
8. Ensure that communication and liaison with headquarters is established immediately in the event of an HR issue;
9. Ensure that country staff receive appropriate induction and training upon arrival/hiring;
10. Ensure that country staff receive regular training on IMPACT’s Code of Conduct and policies.
Unit model
1. Ensure that organizational units are established across the mission, in close collaboration with headquarters
2. Ensure that all staff in a given unit are given clarity on their roles and responsibilities
Administration and human resources management
1. Ensure transparent and timely recruitment of national staff working in IMPACT programmes (in coordination with ACTED where appropriate) and contribute to the recruitment of international staff upon identification of headquarters;
2. In coordination with IMPACT HQ and (for national staff, where applicable) ACTED country human resources, proactively adapt staff structure to needs and funding;
3. Develop and update the country organizational chart and staff recruitment plan, using templates provided by HQ, in line with the needs of the country strategy and existing budgetary and programmatic requirements;
4. Ensure regular performance evaluation and career management;
5. Ensure accurate and timely HR reporting to IMPACT headquarters;
6. Liaise with HQ HR to provide regular updates on IMPACT international staff, as well as national managers working in IMPACT programmes;
7. Ensure timely completion of attendance sheets, leave plans and exit forms for departing staff.

COORDINATION AND INTERNAL COMMUNICATION

Internal communication
1. Facilitate internal communication within the team and the sharing of information for a positive working environment;
2. Ensure the implementation of regular internal team meetings, in accordance with IMPACT internal communication guidelines;
3. Ensure regular reporting to IMPACT Headquarters through the Monthly Coordination Report, as well as direct reporting to the Grants, Finance, Human Resources and Programs departments at Headquarters;
4. Ensure that any risks to IMPACT programming, projects or staff are communicated as early as possible and understood by the IMPACT Country Programme Director and the relevant Head of Department at HQ, including, where appropriate, the Executive Director.
Coordination with ACTED – valid in all countries where IMPACT teams are hosted by ACTED
1. Coordinate regularly with the ACTED Country Director through weekly meetings and submission of monthly updates;
2. Ensure regular coordination with ACTED Project Development, Finance and other FLAT departments at all stages of project development and implementation, including consultations for donor discussions, participation in project launch and lessons learned meetings, joint drafting of monthly internal updates (BFU, RFU, allocation tables, etc.), and drafting of donor reports or change requests;
3. Ensure compliance of all IMPACT personnel with ACTED FLAT and security procedures. Facilitate coordination between IMPACT programs and ACTED Area Coordinators as appropriate;
4. Ensure that all IMPACT staff, as well as staff working under IMPACT supervision (in REACH/AGORA/PANDA projects), are fully aware of and comply with ACTED regulations in terms of administration, logistics and security;
5. Ensures that IMPACT movements are coordinated and validated by the ACTED Security department, in the frequency and manner requested by the latter;
6. Regular liaison with ACTED administration and finance to plan travel as well as leave and well-being of IMPACT staff under his supervision;
7. Inform and coordinate immediately with IMPACT HQ HR and ACTED CD if IMPACT staff, as well as staff working under IMPACT supervision, do not comply with ACTED regulations, particularly in terms of safety.

EXTERNAL COMMITMENT

Establish, maintain and improve active and regular working relationships with coordination platforms (clusters, sectors, working groups, NGO forum, HCT, etc.), UN agencies, donors, NGOs, consortia, universities, etc.
Promote regular and proactive input of IMPACT and its programmes in key aid decision-making forums (including HCT, donor coordination meetings, inter/cluster meetings, etc.) and for key decision-making stages (HNO/HRP, financial exercises, etc.);
Ensure that IMPACT and its programmes are well understood by key aid stakeholders and that potential partnership options have been explored where appropriate;
Ensure IMPACT participation in key coordination forums and maintain a collegial, coherent and shared approach to external relations by IMPACT staff at national and sub-national levels;
Identify potential opportunities and develop donor relationships as appropriate;
Capitalize on and strengthen relationships with key IMPACT global partners at the country level; ensure that all issues that may impact global partnerships are communicated and understood by IMPACT Directors
Maintain a positive perception of IMPACT by external partners, donors and coordination platforms.

DISSEMINATION OF PRODUCTS AND EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION

In close coordination with HQ, lead the dissemination of research/program products/deliverables, including through in-country presentations, website articles, newspaper articles, IMPACT social media content, targeted emails, meetings, etc., in accordance with IMPACT dissemination and communications guidelines.
Support IMPACT HQ in disseminating the country mission globally, including providing updated information for the website and social media, organizing/participating in HQ events, briefings and roundtables;
Centralize all media contacts at the country level; ensure that all media exchanges are subject to prior written validation by the Headquarters Advocacy Director.

RESPONSIBILITY TO COMMUNITIES AND BENEFICIARIES

The staff member is responsible for ensuring that all relationships with the communities we work with are conducted in a respectful and consultative manner. Ensure that communities are properly consulted and informed about IMPACT’s program objectives, activities, grantee selection criteria and methodologies. This is the responsibility of every IMPACT staff member.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION

The IMPACT CC will maintain the strictest confidentiality on all data collected and associated processes. He/she will actively take measures to prevent unauthorized sharing of any information and data belonging to IMPACT and its partners, or collected during his/her mission at IMPACT.

(COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE) CONTRIBUTE TO GLOBAL STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS

The Country Representative will engage regularly with IMPACT Directors and Global Leads to contribute to and engage with IMPACT’s overall strategic priorities. This may include supporting the development of global guidelines or trainings; active engagement in COPs; supporting the development of IMPACT’s operations in other countries, including providing remote and surge support; external representation and engagement with global stakeholders; and other tasks as determined with the Executive Director.

REQUIRED CONDITIONS

Academic Excellent academic qualifications, including a Masters degree in a relevant discipline (international relations, political science, social research, economics, development studies or similar)
Management Experience Previous experience in a senior management role in an INGO in the field. Proven track record in successfully managing international and national teams in humanitarian contexts
Familiarity Help System Familiarity with the help system and the research community;
Communication/Reporting Skills Excellent communication and writing skills for effective reporting, including proven experience contributing to high-level presentations/briefings.
Years of professional experience At least 5 years of relevant professional experience or proven progression within IMPACT
Research skills : Excellent research and analytical skills is an asset. Experience in evaluations. M&E, field research is an asset.
Computer skills : Proven knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Knowledge of R, SPSS and/or STATA or other statistical analysis software is an asset
Multitasking skills Ability to multitask under tight deadlines, across multiple research cycles in a complex environment;
Degree of independence A self-reliant person with a proven ability to work independently
Intercultural work environment Ability to work in an intercultural environment requiring flexibility;
Experience in the geographic region Previous experience in the [relevant] region is desirable;
Language skills Fluency in English and French required
Security Environment Ability to operate in a complex and challenging security environment

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

For this position, the salary is between CHF 3,420 and CHF 3,600 per month (before income tax), etc. plus a monthly living allowance of USD 500.
- NB – IMPACT salaries are strictly determined by our salary scale based on the grade of the position and the education level of the staff. A location-dependent security and/or isolation adjustment is then applied to account for the fact that some staff members must work in difficult locations where living and working conditions are much more difficult than elsewhere.
Accommodation and food in a guest house.
Membership in a Swiss private pension fund (Swisslife – approximately 9.975% of staff gross salary), health insurance, life insurance and repatriation assistance
This base is not a family duty station
Airfare every 6 months and visa fees covered (in-country travel and business expenses are fully covered)
R&R after 2-3 months (airfare up to $500 + $200 living allowance) if duty station allows
Contribution to baggage transport: between 20 and 100 kg, depending on the duration of the contract (+ baggage and personal property insurance)
Annual leave of 36 days per year. Public holidays of the country of assignment. Leave for family or compassionate reasons, if applicable.
Pre-departure initiation – 3 days at IMPACT Initiatives headquarters in Geneva + one week of pre-departure training at ACTED headquarters in Paris, including a 4-day on-site security training;
Enrollment in the IMPACT Initiatives Research Foundational Learning Programme within the first 3 months of contract start
IMPACT prioritizes the psychological safety of its staff and the health insurance provided covers, among other things, up to €1,000 per year in psychosocial counseling costs.