IMPACT Country Coordinator At IMPACT Initiatives

BACKGROUND ON IMPACT

IMPACT Initiatives is a humanitarian NGO, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization manages several initiatives, including the REACH Initiative, which was created in 2010 to facilitate the development of information tools and products that enhance the capacity of aid actors to make evidence-based decisions in emergency, recovery and development contexts. The IMPACT team comprises specialists in data collection, management and analysis, GIS and remote-sensing which operate in 16 countries. IMPACT staff effectives are expected to reach 130 by the end of 2017. For more information visit: http://www.impact-initiatives.org/

We are currently looking for a Country Coordinator to oversee our team in Bangladesh.

Supervisor: IMPACT Executive Director

Position: Country Coordinator

Contract Duration: 12 months

Location: Cox’s Bazar (80%), with frequent travel to Dhaka (20%)

Starting Date: ASAP

COUNTRY PROFILE

In successive waves over four decades, stateless Rohingya refugees have been fleeing to Bangladesh from Rakhine State, Myanmar, where they have suffered systematic, ongoing persecution. Since August 2017, an estimated 745,000 refugees have arrived in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, bringing the total number to more than 900,000. The displacement marks the latest stage in one of the world’s most complex ongoing human rights crises.

Having been stripped of citizenship in Myanmar, the Rohingya have experienced decades of movement restrictions, heavy constraints on access to livelihoods and basic services, and denial of documentation in their areas of origin in northern Rakhine. This left the population acutely vulnerable even prior to displacement: by 2016, malnutrition rates in northern Rakhine were already at emergency levels, while the majority of the population was illiterate. In the military crackdown driving the displacement of August 2017, many Rohingya were forced to draw down their existing resources as they fled. Further, with credible reports of widespread human rights violations during displacement, many have arrived in Bangladesh with acute psychosocial and protection needs.

While they have found safe haven from persecution in Bangladesh, the Rohingya have faced new constraints on building self-reliant and dignified lives. Refugees are currently confined to 34 crowded spontaneous settlements, with limited freedom of movement, heavily restricted access to livelihoods and cash, and no provision of formal education. As a consequence, they remain in a highly precarious situation, dependent on humanitarian assistance to cover their basic needs, and vulnerable to natural disasters, trafficking, and the activities of criminal groups. At the same time, Cox’s Bazar District is among the most deprived areas of Bangladesh. The local community have expressed concerns that the refugee influx may have exacerbated the existing burden of unemployment and difficulties accessing essential services

in the region, as well as an overall lack of attention towards their needs. In areas where refugees and host communities live side by side, many are now accessing the same services and depend on the same labour markets, creating potential sources of tension as well as common vulnerabilities to hazards and shocks.

Since September 2017, IMPACT’s REACH Initiative has been deployed to Bangladesh to help meet the information needs of humanitarian actors operating in Cox’s Bazar District and build a better understanding of the needs of displaced and host populations. Supported by assistance from ECHO, UNICEF, and UNHCR, REACH is carrying out the following activities:

· Joint multi-sector needs assessment (MSNA): in collaboration with the inter-sector coordination group (ISCG), REACH works to implement comprehensive MSNAs of both refugee and host community populations to provide a rigorous evidence base for the humanitarian response planning process in line with the commitments of the Grand Bargain. As the process enters its second year, REACH is seeking to build on the institutional platform established in 2019 to strengthen gender and vulnerability analysis, better incorporate qualitative data, and better close feedback loops by involving affected populations in research design, data collection, and dissemination.

· Integrated support to the Cox’s Bazar WASH sector: Since 2017, REACH has been providing a package of assessment, monitoring, and analysis to support to the WASH sector at all points in the humanitarian programme cycle. Activities have ranged from regular household assessments, mapping and monitoring of almost 100,000 infrastructure points, and carrying out targeted thematic assessments on issues such as menstrual hygiene management. Moving into 2020, REACH will be working to build Sector and local partner capacity to implement assessments autonomously, while continuing to focus on providing rigorous evidence on core WASH needs and vulnerabilities.

· Support to disaster preparedness: REACH’s GIS specialists have supported the ISCG’s Natural Hazard Risk Assessment Task Force to produce hazard and risk maps identifying areas of refugee settlements at greater risk of natural hazards such as landslides and flooding. This work has been critical in ensuring site managers and planners have the information they need to mitigate the risks posed to refugees by the monsoon and cyclone season.

· In-depth thematic assessments: REACH works regularly with key sector working groups to implement thematic assessments in response to identified information needs. In 2019, this has included periodic monitoring of safety and access to services for the protection sector, a Joint Education Needs Assessment, and an ongoing Child Protection Needs Assessment.

FUNCTIONS

Under the supervision of IMPACT’s Executive Director in Geneva, the Country Coordinator is responsible for representing IMPACT and managing and developing IMPACT’s programs in Bangladesh. He/she leads the IMPACT team to achieve program excellence and ensure the highest level of accountability.

In his/her mission, the Country Coordinator will be hosted by ACTED and will fall under the direct responsibility and management of ACTED’s Country Director and his/her delegates for all Administrative, Security, Logistics and Finance issues. S/he will therefore fully abide by ACTED’s Security, HR, Administration and Logistics rules and regulations, and support ACTED teams in ensuring that all IMPACT staff abide by them.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Program Development and Fundraising

1.1. Context analysis: Ensure IMPACT has an up-to-date understanding of:

· The country’s socio-economic situation, the impact of a crisis and the aid/humanitarian situation;

· The aid/humanitarian planning, coordination and response mechanisms, as well as key aid/humanitarian stakeholders.

1.2. Program development and roll out: Take a lead role in developing, implementing and reviewing programme strategies and identifying strategic opportunities for strengthening IMPACT’s work in the country, and in particular:

· Consolidate and strengthen ongoing programming and operations;

· Ensure IMPACT activities are relevant and have a measurable impact on the aid/humanitarian response;

· Identify new areas in which IMPACT can add value to the aid/humanitarian response;

· Follow up on opportunities for IMPACT’s program development and strengthening of interventions;

· Identify funding opportunities to consolidate, strengthen and/or expand country programs;

· Formalize a country strategy in alignment with global/regional strategies, priorities and programs.

1.3. Donor relationship and Proposal development

· In close coordination with IMPACT HQ, approach donors to identify funding to support IMPACT’s programs (including, as relevant, REACH, PANDA and AGORA) in country;

· Oversee project proposal conceptualisation (problem statement, logframe) within the framework of the country, regional and global strategy, review with ACTED and/or other relevant country partners as relevant, and submit proposal to HQ Grant Management Unit for validation;

· Oversee budget design, in close consultation with ACTED (as relevant), and submit to IMPACT HQ finance for validation;

· Ensure application of IMPACT guidelines on proposal, budget and contract design;

· Advise Grant and Project Development Department on specific donor approach/regulations;

· Negotiate proposal and/or contracts with donors, in close coordination with IMPACT HQ and in consultation with ACTED Country Director (when joint proposal/contract).

2. Programs Management

2.1. Program Planning and Implementation:

· Ensure that all IMPACT programs contribute to supporting better aid planning and are aligned with IMPACT global and country strategies;

· Ensure that all programs are planned in line with relevant project objectives and with IMPACT’s research cycle and other relevant guidelines;

· Supervise all stages of program implementation, receiving regular updates from team members providing inputs when required, and conducting field visits to program sites for monitoring, quality control and program staff mentoring and coaching;

· Ensure that all programs are conducted in coordination with and, when relevant, undergo the validation by IMPACT HQ; For all research, review TORs, data and draft deliverables, supporting assessment 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 as well as the confidentiality and protection of collected information;

· Maintain regular link with ACTED (as relevant) to facilitate the provision of logistic, administrative and security support to facilitate program implementation, as well as ensuring that IMPACT teams comply to ACTED’s security and other relevant FLAT regulations during program implementation;

· Ensure the required level of coordination with partners in program planning and implementation;

· Ensure that synergies are established and implemented between various IMPACT program units in country, and link with other IMPACT countries when relevant;

· Keep track of progress and delays of all program implementation. Ensure that delays or identified problems for specific programs are reported to HQ in writing and orally in a timely manner.

2.2. Monitoring and Evaluation

· Ensure the development and application of a M&E system/plan for each program, in line with IMPACT’s M&E guidelines;

· Lead on internal and external program evaluations as necessary and ensure the execution of baseline, periodic, and final evaluations as necessary;

· Ensure learning by the country program from relevant best practice internally and externally both nationally and globally and make learning available for other programs; organise a program review workshop and document lessons leant at the end of each program.

3. Staff Management and Administration

3.1. Staff Management

· Ensure that IMPACT staff, as well as national staff working in IMPACT programs (including REACH, AGORA, PANDA) understand and are able to perform their roles and responsibilities related to country operations and links with HQ;

· Promote team building, productivity and staff welfare;

· Mentor and support the team to build capacities, and improve efficiency and performance, and follow career management of international and national staff working in IMPACT programs;

· Management of interpersonal conflicts (internal and external);

· Ensure regular update with HQ HR about staff potential, career management, training opportunities, contractual issues, difficulties faced with or expressed by field-based staff;

· Ensure linkages between HQ crisis support (psychologist, HR) and staff in the field;

· Ensure in country staff receives an appropriate introduction and training upon arrival/hiring.

3.2. Administration and HR management

· Ensure transparent and timely recruitment of national staff working in IMPACT programs (in coordination with ACTED where relevant) and contribute to international staff recruitment upon HQ identification;

· In coordination with IMPACT HQ and (for national staff, when relevant) ACTED country HR, proactively adapt the staffing structure to needs and funding;

· Develop and update country organogram and staff recruitment plan, in line with the needs of country strategy and existing budgetary and programme requirements;

· Ensure regular performance appraisal and career management;

· Ensure timely and accurate HR reporting to IMPACT HQ;

· Links with HQ HR to provide regular update on IMPACT international staff, as well as senior national staff working in IMPACT programs;

· Ensure timely attendance sheets, leave plans, as well as exit forms for departing staff.

4. Internal communication and coordination with ACTED teams

4.1. Internal communication

· Facilitate internal communication within the team and information sharing for a positive working environment;

· Ensure implementation of regular internal team meetings, as per IMPACT internal communication guidelines;

· Ensure regular reporting to IMPACT HQ through the Monthly Coordination Report, as well as direct reporting to HQ grants management, finance, HR and program departments;

· Ensure that any risk to IMPACT programming, projects or staff is as soon as possible communicated to and understood by IMPACT Executive Director and relevant HQ head of departments.

4.2. Coordination with ACTED – valid in all countries where IMPACT teams are hosted by ACTED

· Regularly coordinate with ACTED’s Country Director through weekly meetings and the submission of monthly updates;

· Ensure regular coordination with ACTED’s Project Development, Finance and other FLAT departments at all stages of project development and implementation, including consultations for donor discussions, participation in project kick off and lessons learnt meetings, joint drafting of monthly internal updates (BFU, RFUs, allocation tables, etc), and drafting of donor reports or amendment requests;

· Ensure compliance of IMPACT staff to ACTED FLAT and security procedures. Facilitate coordination between IMPACT programs and ACTED Area Coordinators where relevant;

· Ensure that all IMPACT staff, as well as staff working under IMPACT supervision (in REACH/AGORA/PANDA projects), is aware and fully abide by ACTED’s regulations in terms of administration, logistics and security;

· Ensures that IMPACT movements are coordinated with and validated by ACTED’s Security department, in the frequency and modality requested by the latter;

· Regularly links with ACTED administration and finance to plan movement, travel and in relation to IMPACT staff, as well as staff working under IMPACT supervision, leave and welfare;

· Immediately inform and coordinate with IMPACT HQ HR and ACTED CD should any IMPACT staff, as well as staff working under IMPACT supervision, not respect ACTED regulations, especially in terms of security.

5. Project and FLATS management

5.1. Grant and Project Management

· Ensure timely organization of project kick-off, review/update and end of project meetings;

· Monitor output achievement, cash burn rates and ensure a time completion of projects through review of BFUs, Project factsheet, and project reports;

· 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 (as relevant) with ACTED PD and finance departments;

· Ensure contractual monitoring and evaluation indicators are identified and tracked in a timely manner;

· Provide ad-hoc support to project implementation through trouble shooting and eliminating blocking points;

· Ensure adequate contribution to project and proposal follow up tools through the timely submission of monthly updated Reporting Follow Up (RFU) tool.

5.2. Finance Management

· Anticipate financial risks and gaps in funding;

· Control project budgets to avoid under/over spending, in link with IMPACT HQ finance and (as relevant) ACTED finance;

· Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, in link with IMPACT HQ finance and (as relevant) ACTED finance;

· Ensure accurate budget expenditure tracking and forecasting, in link with and IMPACT HQ Finance (as relevant) with ACTED finance;

· Ensure timely and accurate finance reporting to HQ finance, including monthly submission to HQ of updated Budget Follow Up tables (BFUs) for all projects, and staff allocation tables.

5.3. Asset Management

· Ensure proper asset management;

· Ensure proper IT systems, data back-up and protection from malware;

· Ensure sufficient and reliable means of communication;

· Regularly link with and report to IMPACT HQ hub and (as relevant) ACTED logistics and IT departments;

· Ensure implementation and maintenance of country server for secure storage and sharing of internal documentation.

5.4. External Audit Follow-up

· Support the preparation of external audits in close collaboration with HQ Finance.

6. External relations

· 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, academia, etc;

· Promote a regular and pro-active contribution of IMPACT and its programs in key aid decision-making forums (including HCT, donor coordination meetings, inter/cluster meetings, etc) and for key decision making milestones (HNO/HRP, donor financial years, etc);

· Ensure that IMPACT and its programs are well understood by key aid stakeholders and that potential partnership options have been explored when relevant;

· Ensure IMPACT participation in key coordination fora, and maintain a collegiate, consistent and shared approach to external relations by IMPACT staff at country and sub-country levels;

· Identify potential opportunities and develop donor relationships, as relevant;

· Capitalise and strengthen relationships with key IMPACT global partners at country level; ensure any issues that may impact on global partnerships are communicated to and understood by IMPACT Executive Director and relevant HQ head of departments in a timely manner;

· In close coordination with HQ, lead the dissemination of research/program products/outputs, including through in country presentations, website articles, journal articles, IMPACT social media contents, targeted e-mails, meetings, etc, in line with IMPACT Dissemination and External Communication guidelines. Support IMPACT HQ in global-level dissemination related to the country mission, including through provision of updated information for website and social media, organization/attendance to HQ level events, briefings and panel discussions;

· Maintain positive perception of IMPACT by external partners, donors and coordination platforms.

7. Contribution to global IMPACT strategy development and operations.

The Country Coordinator will regularly engage with IMPACT HQ Executive Director and global Managers to contribute to strategy development and support IMPACT’s operations from the distance or through surge to other countries.

8. Others

· Other tasks as requested by Executive Director.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

· Management of Program Cycles

o # of program cycles completed and completed in a timely manner

o For research, average number of days between start of data collection and final product validation, by type of product

o # of actors participating in program cycles by type

o # of actors accessing and using program products and reported level of satisfaction

o # of references to research findings in key humanitarian planning and response documents

% of research cycles with complete documentation folder (validated TOR(s)/Methodology note(s) for assessment(s) including all annexes; validated data set(s) and cleaning log(s); validated output(s).

· Staff Management

o Retention rate among international and national staff

o Progression in staff performance

· Internal communication

o Regular and timely holding of internal coordination meetings and submission of reports to HQ

· Project and FLATS Management

o % of projects completed on time without the need for an NCE

o % of projects with contractual targets/indicators met

o % ineligible expenses in overall annual budget and % change as compared to previous year

o % of over/under-spend in budget and % change as compared to previous year

o % of projects with completed internal documentation folder (project factsheet, with updates as per contractual changes, kick off minutes, end of project minutes, with end of project factsheet completed)

· External relations

o Number of institutional partnerships with clusters, IM working groups, coordination mechanisms, etc

· Program Development and Fundraising

o # of global IMPACT initiatives and pillars operational in country and % change from previous year

o % annual budget increase/decrease of the mission as compared to previous year

o Number of donors in portfolio and % change as compared to previous year

· Contribution to global strategy and operations

o # of deployments to support other operations

o Quality of contribution to HQ management meetings and to the development of global strategy and programmatic priorities

CONFIDENTIALITY

The Country Coordinator will maintain the strictest confidentiality on all data collected and related processes. He/she will actively take measures to prevent the unauthorized sharing of any information and data belonging to IMPACT and its partners, or collected during his/her assignment with IMPACT.

REQUIREMENTS

· Excellent academic qualifications, including a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (International Relations, Political Sciences, Social Research, Economics, Development Studies, or similar)

· Proven track record in successful management of international and national teams in humanitarian contexts

· Excellent analytical skills

· Fluency in both oral and written English, with experience in report writing at a graduate or professional level and excellent drafting skills

· Ability to work in a cross-cultural environment and strong capacity to work in intercultural teams

· Excellent team working and communication skills

· Familiarity with humanitarian and development contexts

· Ability to work independently and with initiative

· Ability to think creatively and use initiative to develop new tools and processes

· Experience in assessments, M&E, field research, evaluations