PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
International Medical Corps (IMC) will work alongside the International Rescue Committee to implement a three-year integrated protection intervention focusing on mitigating and responding to child protection and gender-based violence risks in the Far North region. The project will aim at providing a safe and secure environment for women and children among Nigerian refugees and vulnerable households from host communities to both reinforce the community protective environment and strengthen access to basic services for the most vulnerable and at-risk individuals. Building on IMC & IRC’s child protection experience, the two organizations will focus on two components. The first component will aim at strengthening the protective environment for children, through building local capacities of key actors including government actors, community members and caregivers on protection including mental and psychosocial impact, to facilitate behaviour change in communities and with caregivers. Considering that behaviour change can only be achieved through a sustained intervention, these activities will be implemented over athree-year period and the strategy for Y2 and Y3 will be adapted according to the progress reached in Y1 and Y2, respectively. Capacity building will be scaled up throughout the three years of the project with increased support in Y2 and Y3 of local structures (government and community-based actors) to lead and coordinate activities. Youth empowerment activities for vulnerable youth will be integrated into the protection response aiming to strengthen their resilience and facilitate the development of life skills. The second component will focus on emergency response to child protection risks faced by vulnerable and at-risk children affected by the conflict and will be implemented through case management, development of safe learning and healing spaces and support for civil documentation.
The two organizations will build on their existing GBV programming in the Far North to enhance the safety, security, wellbeing and empowerment of women and girls, following the same integrated approach proposed for child protection. IMC and IRC will strengthen the protective environment for women and girls through dedicated activities carried out with women and girls such as the Girl Shine approach for girls and support of women-led Community Based Organisations (CBOs) for women. CBOs will be selected in Y1 and reinforced in Y1 and Y2 to support prevention and response services in Y2 and Y3; in Y3, based on the capacity checklist to be carried by IMC and IRC, CBO focal points will take the lead in providing psychosocial services, case management and referrals. IRC and IMC will continue to provide monthly support through operational meetings to discuss the progress of activities, challenges encountered, and additional support required. Empowerment and behaviour change curriculums such as Girl Shine or “Economic and Social Empowerment” (EA$E) will be implemented over three years and CBOs will be involved in the implementation of these activities in Y2 and Y3 to ensure local empowerment. Sensitization activities will be implemented over the three years, and the strategy for Y2 and Y3 will be adapted based on progress achieved in Y1 and Y2 in developing community conceptions on GBV. Case management and psychosocial (PSS) services for GBV survivors will be conducted including mental health support. Local capacities will be enhanced through training of key government and health staff on Clinical Care for Sexual Assault Survivors (CCSAS), Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), mental health as well as the improvement of the coordination mechanisms.
The partnership between IMC and IRC will allow for: 1) the delivery of a common approach to protection risk mitigation and response to improve the project’s holistic impact; 2) increased geographic reach; and 3) the strengthening of community-based approaches focusing on building local capacities for prevention and response of GBV & Child Protection risks. Within this common approach, the partnership will improve the delivery of protection services through evidence-based programming models and sharing of best practices and lessons learned from several years of programming in the Far North. Both IMC and IRC will implement the same integrated approach in different locations, building on each other’s technical capacities and experiences. IMC will leverage six years of child protection programming for refugees in the Far North, sharing lessons learned and best practices with IRC. IRC’s experience and expertise as one of the lead organizations in GBV response in the Far North since 2016 will ensure that innovative approaches such as Girl Shine or EMAP (already implemented through other funding sources) are mastered and implemented by IMC. IMC will work with IRC to increase the geographical coverage of the response through specific geographic focus by each actor. The project locations have been jointly selected based on the severity of need, response gaps including the number of refugees, the possibility for referrals, and to complement existing programming to maximize the impact.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Country Program Manager is responsible for supporting the implementation of program activities, supervising of program staff and field teams, ensuring correct use of program resources, and administration of overall programs.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without reasonable accommodation:
MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Management
• Work closely with Country Programs Coordinator to determine the operational needs of the program within the scope of the grants
• Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions & resources to achieve objectives and contribute to country wide strategy development.
• Analyze data gathered and propose alternative strategies of program implementation
• Implement and maintain prescribed reporting systems to monitor and evaluate the objectives, indicators and outcomes of the country programs
• Contribute to production of proposals for new projects
• Confers with and advises staff, and others key stakeholders to provide technical advice, problem solving assistance, answers to questions and program goals and policy interpretation;
• Ensure program implementation is on time, target and budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impact.
• Conduct regular field visits to evaluate program effectiveness, to develop improved methods; share findings with the program coordinator to advise the general direction of the program
• Convey relevant information from program coordinator and senior management to program staff in order to keep them informed and engaged in strategic direction of the program
• Work with field site teams and logistics to procure program supplies within program budgets
• Compile program and donor reports and assists with development of future programs as needed
• Work with staff to produce timely and high-quality data and reports.
• Liaise closely with local authorities, donor and partner agencies to ensure program compliance with donor policies and regulations and complementary with other agencies’ efforts
• In collaboration with grants and management personnel, identify funding opportunities and contribute to the design of new program concepts. Draft concept notes, working budgets, assessment reports, and results framework.
• Maintain flexibility to take on added responsibility as and when needed
• Where or when applicable, work closely with IMC and other external implementing partners to determine the operational needs of the program within the scope of the grant.
• Where or when applicable, in coordination with IMC and other external implementing partner focal points, set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions & resources to achieve objectives
Human Resources Management
• Supervise staff to ensure their smooth and effective operations
• Assist in the selection and training of qualified program staff and recommend promotions, disciplinary action and termination of staff
• Ensure ongoing capacity assessment of program staff
• Lead the development of capacity building plans to all program staff
• Monitor program staff performance according to their job description and set objectives.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews.
• Provide technical oversight and training to staff, with an emphasis on national staff capacity building.
• Ensure compliance to local labor laws including working hours
• Maintain open lines of communications with all field staff
Training/ Capacity Building
• Determine training needs for the programs’ staff
• Train national staff in order to build capacity and ensure sustainability of programs
• Advocate and plan for professional development for all staff
Working Relationships
• Maintain frequent communication with Program Coordinator to ensure program activities and objectives are communicated
• Maintain regular coordination with program support officer to ensure smooth operational processes are in place and are supporting the implementation of the program activities
• Work with Logistics staff to ensure the coordination of programs supplies are within budgeted targets
• Attend coordination meetings which are relevant to country activities
• Interface with national government and relevant agencies as necessary
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning
• Integrate MEAL approaches and activities into program plans and operations, outlining how MEAL will be implemented at each stage of the program cycle.
• Support country MEAL team in establishing MEAL system, data collection tools, and a formal mechanism to capture, monitor, respond to and act on feedback and complaints from communities.
• Ensure all staff and volunteers receive basic communication and complaint handling skills training.
• Ensure their staff know how to receive, record, and refer (to the CBFRM) feedback and complaints should they be approached by a member of the community.
• Ensure their staff know how to provide basic informed consent (explaining what happens to feedback/complaint, timeline, how they can contact IMC, how/when they should receive a response from IMC, rights/limitations regarding anonymous complaints, etc.).
• Based on findings, lessons, feedback and assessment data generated from MEAL system, identify and utilize the best approaches to provide communities with relevant and actionable life-saving and life-enhancing activities and information.
Security
• Ensures application and compliance of security protocols and policies
• Work closely with Security Management Teams and CD to ensure that Standard Operating Procedures and assist in the revision of security plans when requested.
Representation
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders – including community leaders, NGOs, UN agencies, community-based organizations and other International Medical Corps sectors to enhance cooperation and coordination
• Attend coordination meetings which are relevant to country programs
• Represent the organization at task force meetings, assessment missions, camp coordination meetings, UN coordination meetings, INGO coordination meetings as appropriate
• Contribute to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the organization, notably through the application of the organizations Code of Conduct, ethics, values and stand-point with regard to internal and external actors
Perform other duties as assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed in this document are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and not necessarily all inclusive.
Code of Conduct
As applicable to this position, an individual must promote and encourage a culture of compliance and ethics throughout the organization and maintain a clear understanding of International Medical Corps’ and donor compliance and ethics standards and adheres to those standards.
If this is a supervisory position, one must set an example of ethical behavior through one’s own conduct and oversight of the work of others; ensure that those who report to you have sufficient knowledge and resources to follow the standards outlined in the Code of Conduct & Ethics; monitor compliance of the people you supervise; enforce the Code of Conduct & Ethics and International Medical Corps’ policies, including the Safeguarding Policy and the Protection from Harassment, Bullying and Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace Policy, consistently and fairly; support employees who in good faith raise questions or concerns.
Safeguarding
It is all staff shared responsibility and obligation to safeguard and protect populations with whom we work, including adults who may be particularly vulnerable and children. This includes safeguarding from the following conduct by our staff or partners: sexual exploitation and abuse; exploitation, neglect, or abuse of children, adults at risk, or LGBTI individuals; and any form of trafficking in persons. Staff are also responsible for preventing violations to our Code of Conduct and Ethics, which may involve Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption or Harassment. If you see, hear or are made aware of any violations to the Code of Conduct and Ethics or Safeguarding Policy, you have an obligation to report.
Equal Opportunities
International Medical Corps is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Typically, a Bachelor’s Degree in related field is preferred. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
EXPERIENCE
• Typically, 5+ years of relevant and progressive NGO project and personnel management experience in humanitarian or development contexts, including a minimum of 2 years of international work experience in an operations management role
• Experience in project management in the humanitarian sector
• Profound cross-cultural awareness and insight into health care issues
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions independently
• Extremely flexible, and have the ability to cope with stressful situations and frustrations
• Ability to relate to and motivate staff effectively
• Familiarity with design and programming processes of different donors
• Ability to work collaboratively with donor agencies, international organizations, and other foreign and domestic government officials and partners.
• Skills and knowledge in program sustainability and capacity building, public private partnerships and project monitoring and evaluation (both quantitative and qualitative methods)
• Creativity and the ability to work with limited resources
• Excellent decision-making skills
• Team player and strong communication skills, both oral and written
• Proficient in computer applications, especially with MS Word and MS Excel, MS PowerPoint
ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL OR LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
French is required
Misconduct Disclosure Scheme
All offers of employment at International Medical Corps are subject to satisfactory references and background checks. International Medical Corps participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme from the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response (SCHR). In accordance with this, we will request information from an applicant’s previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures
How to apply
https://internationalmedicalcorps.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/160