Program Coordinator, Durable Solutions

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home. Background IRC established programs in Iraq in 2003 to address the overwhelming needs of displaced people in Iraq and the neighboring countries. Since re-establishing its presence in Iraq in November 2007, the IRC has been assisting thousands of internally displaced families in the northern, central and southern governorates in Iraq in the sectors of protection, gender based violence, shelter, education, and emergency humanitarian assistance. Since 2008, displaced families have begun to return, however communities continue to experience violence and hardship, both in places of displacement and in areas of return. IDPs and returnees, often living in IDP settlements, continue to lack access to essential services, face problems related to return or (re-)integration with critical livelihood needs. Scope of Work The IRC is seeking an experienced program coordinator with a strong background in protection programming to lead a project aimed to promote durable solutions for displaced people in Iraq, provide them with access to a sustainable livelihood and to increase access of survivors of gender-based violence to quality service providers. The project coordinator will manage a diverse team of experienced professionals in the field of protection; gender-based violence; and child/youth protection and livelihoods. The project will be implemented in IDP settlements in Baghdad and require strong coordination with the leadership structures in these camps, with local Iraqi NGOs working on services for survivors of gender-based violence, and local and provincial councils. Superior diplomatic skills, both for internal coordination and for dealing with Iraqi counterparts are essential for the position. The program coordinator will be based in Baghdad and directly oversee a Protection Manager, a Livelihoods Manager and a Women’s Protection and Empowerment/GBV manager. The selected candidate will report to the Deputy Country Director for Programs. Responsibilities Strategic Leadership • Primarily responsible for leading the Durable Solutions project and providing programming and management support/guidance to the staff working on the protection (incl. advocacy), the GBV and the livelihoods components on the project • Successfully coordinate the work of the national/international managers responsible for their respective technical components (protection, GBV, Youth and Livelihoods/Protection) towards project integration and mutually reinforcing project strategies
• Provide strategic leadership and vision to the overall project direction, with a special emphasis on leading through initiative and adaptation should the security situation/operating context substantially change during the implementation period. Project Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation • Work closely with technical coordinators in country and HQ-based technical units to ensure quality implementation and coordination of the project activities and that the project targets are being met in line with the project documents • Manage and coordinate the implementation the project activities across the 3 programming components • Coordinate with in-county M&E and grants teams to implement a stringent monitoring and evaluation system to closely monitor project progress and measure the quality of project implementation • Review the relevant budgets on a monthly basis (budget versus actuals) and manage these budget sections strategically, in close relation with the primary managers. Liaise with the Finance section to finalize financial reports. Reporting and Liaison • Regularly draft (project progress) reports to senior country management team • Prepare high quality, timely donor reports per reporting schedules and as required. Representation and Advocacy • Provide input into IRC’s advocacy efforts as and when required by senior country management • Meet regularly with IRC colleagues and partners involved in advocacy issues; • Represent the IRC at protection coordination fora in Baghdad, if required by the country management team Requirements • Advanced university degree, preferably in Human Rights, International Law, International Relations or related field • Minimum of 5 years relevant experience including managing protection-related and/or human rights programs • Preference to candidates with a sound understanding of livelihoods programming (including revolving loan schemes) • Diplomatic skills and ability to handle sensitive situations diplomatically • Demonstrated ability to write concise, analytical and well-argued reports • Ability to work well in unstable security environments, and under intense administrative and programmatic pressures while maintaining a sense of humor. Must demonstrate flexibility to adapt to changing environments; • Must be able to work independently while being a strong team player. • Fluency in English; knowledge of Arabic preferred. • Knowledge of /work experience in Iraq strongly preferred Specific Security Situation/Housing : Must comply with all IRC security policies and procedures applicable to international staff. As of posting, field access and travel is feasible but limited, and candidates should expect limitations on movement. Shared housing of good standard is provided in Baghdad. Please apply at:http://tbe.taleo.net/NA2/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=IRC&cws=1&rid=7305