Technical Deputy Chief of Party

Job Description

The International Rescue Committee’s mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded over 80 years ago, the IRC is a leading humanitarian and development organization with a presence in more than 40 countries. Across contexts, the IRC is committed to delivering innovative, high-impact programs tailored to the needs of communities affected by crisis.

The IRC began working in Somalia in the early 1980s, initially to assist people seeking refuge in the aftermath of the Somalia-Ethiopian conflict. The focus of IRC Somalia programming is on Health, Nutrition, Economic Resilience, Recovery and Development, Governance, WASH, Women’s Protection and Empowerment interventions to crisis affected communities in most of the targeted locations. With headquarters in Mogadishu, the IRC oversees field offices in Dhusamareb, Gaalkayo and Garowe in Puntland, Galmudug and Benadir Region. IRC programming in Somalia adopts an integrated approach, in which each sector provides mutually reinforcing services to at-risk populations.

Objective

The IRC seeks a Technical Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for the anticipated five-year, multi-million-dollar USAID People Centered Governance Activity to promote more effective and legitimate local governance that offers a credible alternative to Al-Shabaab rule in southern Somalia. The project seeks to: 1) Enhance legitimacy of the Somali state by supporting districts to prevent and manage conflict impartially and promote greater participation of citizens in decision-making, particularly among women, youth and historically marginalized communities, and 2) improve the performance- or effectiveness - of the Somali state by supporting districts to mobilize and manage resources and identify and respond to citizen priorities.

The Technical DCOP will be responsible for supporting the Chief of Party (COP) in management of operational staff, providing technical leadership, capacity building, and overseeing the project’s operations.

Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project, and selection of final applicant is subject to USAID approval.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership of project activities; overseeing technical quality and ensuring that implementation strategies reflect best practices,

• Provide leadership in the development or adaptation of programming models which allow for greater participation of citizens in decision-making, greater responsiveness to their needs, priorities and demands, and stronger accountability within the health system

• Manage partnerships, both internally and externally to maintain collaborative partner relations and ensure effective delivery of project deliverables.

• Works with all staff and partners to identify key technical and organizational assistance needs and ensures adequate planning and implementation of activities

• Support operational reporting to USAID through formal and informal debriefings, annual and semi-annual reports, etc.

• Assist the COP in maintaining active and cooperative relationships with all key stakeholders, including government officials, project partners, other implementing agencies, and related institutions; serve as acting COP in COP’s absence

• Represent the project and the organization in the public and ensuring the distribution of information about project achievements and lesson learned.

• Support project staff by creating and maintaining a work environment that promotes teamwork, trust, mutual respect, and empowers staff to take responsibility.

• Act as the COP during his absence.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in international development, peacebuilding, public administration/policy, Law or related field.

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in crisis-affected contexts (preferably Somalia or East Africa), with five years in a managerial role on similar programs in developing countries, including substantial supervisory experience.

• Previous experience as DCOP or managerial experience of similar sized programs is preferred

• Experience working on and leading teams for USAID projects (contracts and/or cooperative agreements) and/or knowledge of USAID rules, regulations, and policies.

• Technical expertise in local governance, public finance management, social accountability, peacebuilding, and capacity building.

• Experience with adaptive programming and implementing conflict-sensitive approaches.

• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to develop relations with local counterparts, donors, and other stakeholders.

• Demonstrated success incorporating innovation and participatory, flexible, and gender-sensitive programming into project implementation.

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

• Ability to lead workshops, trainings, and strategic planning sessions

• Fluency in English required.

Please note that the JD is high level and indicative only at this stage and may be subject to change once the Terms of Reference for the programme is released and as the opportunity develops. This position will be contingent on the outcome of the bid.

Safety & Security Situation

All staff must comply with all IRC Somalia security policies and procedures.

Standards for Professional Conduct: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Equality, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.

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