Eastern Africa – Regional Program Manager at COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale

COOPI is looking for a Eastern Africa Regional Program Manager

Since 2020, COOPI Cooperazione Internazionale has established the East Africa Regional office based in Nairobi with the purpose to monitor and support 5 country missions within the region: Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan and Malawi. The East Africa regional office is part of the wider decentralization process that took place in COOPI since few years. This decentralization process is aimed to ensure the closer HQ presence and to build stronger relationships with potential partners and donors.

Purpose of the role

The role has responsibility at regional level, under the supervision and in cooperation with the Regional Coordinator, for the monitoring of active programmes in the 5 countries.
The role is also responsible for regional positioning and monitoring of institutional and private donors, including the planning and implementation of new projects and partnerships, as well as the search for new opportunities and funds.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the monitoring of programmes active in the East Africa region and related to the mentioned countries (Sudan, Ethiopia and Malawi);
In collaboration with the Heads of Mission (Sudan, Ethiopia, Malawi) the role ensures the correct implementation of the programmes and the validation of the reports according to the timing foreseen by the internal regulations and the donors;
Participates actively in the monitoring of new project proposals, in cooperation with programme roles at national coordination level and at headquarters;
Provides technical support to Project Coordination and Country Coordination, identifying strategic and operational needs and proposing solutions to identified needs to ensure their implementation;
Contributes to research and writing of proposals for private funding (foundations or others) for the co-financing of projects;
Develops regional partnerships aimed at improving the quality of COOPI’s work in the region and presenting proposals to funders;
Searches for analytical documents, data and studies carried out in the region, by national and international agencies and other NGOs, in order to update the list of current events on a regular basis;
Identifies needs, using the information collected, in cooperation with the national coordinators, not already met by humanitarian interventions in order to present new actions;
Facilitates the exchange of necessary documents and support projects between the different COOPI country offices and headquarters;
Participates in regional coordination platforms relevant to the organisation.

Requirements

Essential

University degree (postgraduate degree required);
A minimum of 5 years’ working experience in writing, implementing and coordinating humanitarian projects with international NGOs;
Demonstrable experience in coordinating teams in the humanitarian and development sector;
Experience with donors (ECHO, UNICEF, FAO, OCHA, WFP, AICS, European Union, UNHCR, UNDP etc.);
Strong familiarity with the humanitarian cluster system;
In-depth knowledge of humanitarian standards (ex. Sphere standard);
Excellent report writing skills;
Proficiency in English language;
Advanced IT skills.

Soft skills

Strong managerial and organisational skills;
Proactive attitude in planning and coordination with multiple actors, institutions, donors and coordination tables;
Goal-oriented and problem-solving attitude;
Good leadership skills aimed at managing and motivating multidisciplinary and multi-ethnic work teams;
Positive attitude in managing complex situations under stress;
Diplomatic skills.

Plus

Knowledge of Italian;
Previous experience in East Africa.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the application closing date, once a sufficient number of applications have been received. Please note that only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted on rolling basis and the vacancy will be closed when filled, thanks for understanding.