About the role:

 This is a 12 month, new role with unaccompanied terms based in Kouango sub-prefecture, Ouaka prefecture, Central African Republic (CAR) with a salary of Grade 3 €35,811 – €39,979.

You will report to the Area Coordinator and will manage a team of six, with line management of the Programme Officer Cash for Work (who manages 4 Cash for Work Assistants) and the Programme Technical Assistant for Cash. You will work closely with the FSL Program Manager, M&E Team, Program Technical Assistants, and departments of Finance, Systems and Programmes.

We would like you to start in September 2018.

Job Background:

The “Humanitarian Response for Newly Conflict-Affected IDPs from Basse-Kotto Arriving in Eastern Kouango” is a €1,9 million programme funded by US OFDA to be rolled out in Central African Republic, Ouaka Prefecture, Kouango Sub-Prefecture, from September 2018 until August 2019. The programme seeks to provide support for newly conflict-affected IDPs and vulnerable host communities in Kouango Sub-Prefecture through access to agricultural inputs, direct cash assistance, and Cash for Work activities.

Your purpose:

You will develop, manage and coordinate the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the “Economic Recovery and Market Systems” (Cash for Work) and “Shelter and Settlements” Cash Assistance (Cash Transfer) components of the USAID OFDA programme in Kouango, CAR.

You will be responsible for:

Programming & Programme Management

• Provide proactive leadership and management to add value to existing programming, promote best practices, contribute to on-going learning, and develop new programming in line with the country strategy.
• With the support of the AC, the finance and systems team (Logistics, HR, IT) ensure an effective, efficient and timely execution and management of the programme in line with the programme proposal and donor’s requirements
• Ensure programme quality throughout the programme implementation and monitoring, according with Concern’s Programme Quality Guidelines.
• In cooperation with the M&E Team and Program Technical Assistants, ensure a transparent targeting of beneficiaries among IDPs and Host Families, respecting the principles of accountability and protection of participants according to Concern Programme Participant Protection Policy (P4).
• Actively contribute in the application of Concern Complaints Response Mechanism (CRM) for accountability toward the beneficiaries.
• Ensure the programme addresses the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable.
• Ensure the implementation of all the M&E activities related to cash for work and cash transfer with the support of M&E department.
• Ensure timely and detailed planning, implementation and follow up of activities for Cash for Work, including beneficiary selection, technical assessment of roads and bridges rehabilitation, preparation and validation of Bills of Quantities and technical drawings and specifications; organization of workers rotations and payment schedule of beneficiaries.
• Ensure adherence to the guidelines of the Cash Learning Partnership and Cash Working Group as well as respect of the key principles of Cash for Work Programming.
• Ensure the bridge and road rehabilitations are conducted as per international Engineering Standards and best practices.
• Ensure appropriate planning, implementation and follow up of cash transfer activities, and appropriate assessment and management of risks related to cash transfer.
• Ensure cash distributions are properly documented and meet technical quality, accountability, security and protection standards in compliance with Concern and donors’ regulations.
• Ensure beneficiaries are aware of the purpose of the cash transfer through appropriate communication and sensitisation sessions before and during cash transfers.
• Conduct needs assessments and market analysis in the programme area.
• Provide technical assistance and support the technical design and delivery of cash-based interventions in other Concern CAR programme areas.
• Contribute to the development of any technical guidance related to cash distribution activities.

Staff Management

• Recruit, manage, and build capacity of programme staff ensuring that there is a clearly defined structure, up-to-date job description, and reporting mechanisms for each team member.
• Ensure that all Cash programming staff are managed in accordance with Concern’s policies and procedures and ensure that all staff fully understand, and are committed to, the organization and the programme’s mission, vision, values and strategic aims.
• Assist with the provision of or coordinate the training necessary for the delivery of good quality activities.
• Agree clear performance objectives for all direct reports, and ensure all team members have appropriately set objectives, and that performance reviews are undertaken in a timely manner.

Budget Management

• Manage the programme budget, including monthly monitoring and reporting of expenditure against budget, in accordance with Concern financial procedures and guidelines.
• Develop a clear work and expenditure plan and ensure that the programme is implemented within the agreed/approved budget and timeframe.

• Apply Concern procurement procedures to ensure value for money and accurate financial reporting.

Reporting

• Produce a monthly report of the technical programme, highlighting key progress, achievements and challenges.
• Ensure high quality reports are developed for donors and partners on time, based upon the internal reporting calendar.

Representation/Coordination

• Liaise with the other technical programmes to ensure Concern’s work is both integrated and complimentary.
• Develop and maintain good professional relationships State Authorities, international agencies, NGOs, partners and other stakeholders working in the Economic Recovery and Market System and Cash Assistance sectors in the area.
• Participate in management discussions and strategic decisions as a member of the Enlarged Senior Management Team.
• Assist in the development of effective, innovative actions in advocacy to achieve a larger and more sustained impact through the programme.

• Organize the presence / represent Concern at the Cash Working Group, where Concern is currently national co-lead, and at other relevant clusters (e.g. NFI, Livelihoods, Food Security clusters)Other
• Participate in the Kouango Security Focal Group ensuring close analysis of context and programmatic decision-making based upon context evolution.
• Oversight of programme security and ensure all programme staff strictly comply with the Security Management Plan and SOPs; and develop cash specific security SOPs when and where necessary.
• Provide timely security information/updates/alerts to the Area Coordinator.
• Adhere fully to the commitments and rules of Concern’s Programme Participant Protection Policy and Code of Conduct (P4 and CoC), including the respect of confidentiality.
• Undertake any other relevant duties as may be assigned by the Area Coordinator or SMT members.

Your skills and experience will include:

• Qualification in relevant technical discipline (Bachelor or Masters Level).
• At least three years of increasingly responsible management of programmes, specifically on cash for work, cash-based programming or cash transfers in rural areas.
• Experience of working in challenging, insecure areas and willingness to work and live in a remote environment.
• Relevant experience in supervising, managing/coaching and training others.
• Experience in dealing with local authorities, national and international NGOs/UN agencies.
• Familiarity and knowledge of finance, logistics and administration.
• Experience of monitoring and reporting of budgets across a programme and ensuring effective and accountable use of funds.
• Demonstrably strong understanding of Monitoring and Evaluation processes and tools.
• Proven analytical, planning and time management skills.
• Proven ability in report writing, research and documentation and experience in proposal writing.
• Computer literate and sound knowledge of Word and Excel.
• Excellent communication skills in French both written and verbal, and working knowledge of English.
• Desirable:
• Recent work experience in CAR or similar contexts
• Technical knowledge on road and bridge rehabilitation
• CaLP Cash Transfer Programming (CTP) certification

We would also like:

• Familiar with the project management cycle
• Familiar with logistics and administrative processes
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload, using initiative when appropriate
• Ability to cope with stress, work under pressure often to strict deadlines
• Flexibility, adaptability, sense of humour, and patience
• Ability to motivate and develop skills of others
• Facilitation and interpersonal skills
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to assess problems and recommend solutions
• Logical, methodical, and thorough