Job Description and Person Specification

Transcription

1 Job Title: Regional Coordinator (East Africa Food Crisis) Directorate/Cluster: Programmes and Global Engagement Cluster Unit/Team: Humanitarian Action and Resilience Team (HART) Grade and Salary: TBC Contract Type: Fixed Term 12 months Location: Nairobi Budget Holder: Yes No Reports to: (incl reporting) matrix Head of Humanitarian and Resilience Team Direct Reports : Matrix Reports: None None Operational Remit: Global Regional XCountry Specific Global Secretariat DBS (CRB) / Police Check: Job Role Yes No This is a challenging and multi-faceted role and the successful candidate will sit at the apex of ActionAid s East Africa food crises response. The Regional Coordinator will represent the three country programmes (Kenya, Somaliland and Ethiopia) in key Sector and Cluster meetings and networks in Nairobi, the candidate will build ActionAid s profile as a humanitarian actor, as well as establishing key relationships with donors as a pre-requisite for securing new institutional funding for a sustained response. ActionAid s humanitarian policy and advocacy work, derived from both the East Africa region and more widely, will be developed and utilised as a key tool in furthering ActionAid s humanitarian agenda and profile. Role Overview: The foundation of the success of this work are the key Disasters Emergencies Committee (DEC) funded projects in Kenya and Somaliland and the work funded by ActionAid s Disaster Preparedness and Response Fund (DPRF) in Ethiopia. The coordination of these projects, donor compliance, and the incorporation and dissemination of best practice are vital tasks. Drawing upon experience of humanitarian and protracted emergency response, the successful candidate will adapt to the changing nature of the East Africa food crisis as it evolves throughout 2017 and into 2018, building ActionAid s profile and helping to ensure the organisation is recognised as a key humanitarian actor in the region and beyond. 1 Job Desciption Template : AAI Grade E Grade H / HR & Ops / 2017 Purpose of Role: The proactive representation of ActionAid in agreed Nairobi based forums and networks ensuring ActionAid is visible and recognised as a key humanitarian actor. Establishing relationships with key contacts in donor organisations as the basis for resource mobilisation to support a sustained response. The coordination and support of DEC funded projects in Somaliland and Kenya and DPRF funded work in Ethiopia. This includes bringing together key specialist staff from across ActionAid to support affected countries and help shape the long-term strategic direction of the programme in

2 subsequent phases. The development and utilisation of ActionAid s policy outputs (briefings, messaging, communication materials etc.) to further ActionAid s humanitarian agenda, especially the positive role of women and women s organisations in emergencies. Areas of Responsibilities (Please list the key responsibilities for this role in about 6 key performance areas) Key Activities (Please list all the key activities under each responsibility in no more than 5 bullet points. Ensuring that they are specific to the key performance area) 1. Strategic Leadership & People Management 2. AAI Values Practice & Strategy Change Priorities Ensure adherence and delivery of AAI Talent Management for respective Directorate including recruitment, selection, retention, development and succession planning Conduct probation, performance management according to HR timelines ensuring high performing staff Functional and general management contribution to the senior leadership team taking a whole GS and Federation perspective Develop a team culture that values collaboration internally, cross functionally and in partnership with countries Leading Innovation and Change Establish a culture of excellence in respective team that values experimentation and continuous improvement Feminist Leadership: Championing feminist leadership principles and values including commitment to diversity and inclusion (race, gender, power) AAI Values Practice: Ensure personal and team culture that demonstrates all of AAI values including: Mutual Respect, Equity and Justice, Integrity, Solidarity with People Living in Poverty and Exclusion, Courage of Conviction, Independence and Humility 2 Job Desciption Template : AAI Grade E Grade H / HR & Ops / 2017

3 1. Coordinate ActionAid s engagement strategy for the East Africa Food Crisis response, ensuring effective relationships are developed at regional level and profile is built for ActionAid s priorities. Ensure ActionAid is represented in agreed meetings (e.g. UN Sectoral / Cluster meetings), and networks (e.g. Somalia NGO Consortium) proactively building relationships and disseminating key information and approaches to respective ActionAid teams. Support and liaise with country teams in Kenya, Somaliland and Ethiopia to follow-up and submit key information (e.g. 5Ws) as per Sector / Cluster requirements as the basis for effective participation, improved visibility, influence and recognition for ActionAid. Encourage and support ActionAid s thematic leads (Protection, Food Security, Agriculture etc.) to engage and participate in relevant Sectors / Clusters, and other agreed forums and meetings. Inform and contribute to wider discussions and processes related to the development of ActionAid s regional East Africa Food Crisis Strategy. 2. Support and deliver resource mobilisation for the drought response. 3. Delivery on Strategic Priorities (Directorate/Cluster-specific - maximum 5 KPIs) Establish contacts within prioritised donor organisations as the basis for relationship building and resource mobilisation, with due consideration given to the programmatic priorities in ActionAid s response countries and alignment with ActionAid s humanitarian signature. Identify opportunities and undertake specific follow-up actions in conjunction with ActionAid country teams in order to strengthen bilateral donor relationships as the basis for resource mobilisation. Where necessary and based upon donor intelligence, advise on donor requirements respective of funding opportunities, and aspects of contract management, and support funding staff to develop concept notes and proposals where opportunities arise. Undertake a donor scoping exercise to identify potential donors who are aligned to ActionAid s priorities and ways of working. 3. Maintain oversight of DEC Projects in Kenya and Somaliland and DPRF projects in Ethiopia. Ensure progress of DEC projects to the requisite standards and timeframes as per ActionAid s contractual obligations. Where there is a lack of progress this should be escalated through the appropriate channels such as the donor lead (ActionAid UK) and Oversight Committee meetings. Assume direct responsibility for effective monitoring, evaluation and finance processes ensuring that the required information for DEC is 3 Job Desciption Template : AAI Grade E Grade H / HR & Ops / 2017

4 obtained and consolidated for timely submission to ActionAid UK, including for narrative and financial reports. Proactively share information about the DEC projects to relevant policy and communication colleagues to inform engagement with donors and supporters and wider discussions about ActionAid s humanitarian response and signature. In collaboration with ActionAid UK, ensure compliance to DEC contractual obligations, including for example monthly draw-downs. Contribute towards the development of Phase 2 Plans for DEC projects in Somaliland, Kenya and potentially Ethiopia. Support country teams to implement their DEC funded projects, including through specific capacity building initiatives which draw off broader ActionAid support. Provide oversight and support to DPRF projects in Ethiopia, ensuring accountability and reporting is aligned to ActionAid s policies and procedures. 4. Support the development of ActionAid s humanitarian policy and advocacy with regards to the drought crisis and represent this externally. Contribute towards the development of a regional advocacy strategy, in conjunction with ActionAid UK, that establishes linkages and synergies between ActionAid s policy and advocacy work in the three response countries and more widely (e.g. policy and advocacy work undertaken from the UK) influencing UN agencies, donors, and other stakeholders, through the promotion of ActionAid s humanitarian signature and mission. Engage and inform Nairobi based NGO networks through participation in working groups and other forums to influence donor funding policy and practice and decisions made by other stakeholders, including the promotion of ActionAid s humanitarian signature. Sustain the dialogue between Nairobi based policy discourses related to the East Africa Food Crisis and policy initiatives undertaken by other parts of the ActionAid Federation, including in ActionAid UK and the International Humanitarian Action and Resilience Team (IHART). Education, Language & Qualifications Educated to graduate level with minimum 5 years of experience in managing humanitarian and development programs in complex humanitarian contexts. Fluency in written and spoken English. Essential Knowledge, skills and Experience 4 Job Desciption Template : AAI Grade E Grade H / HR & Ops / 2017 Skills and Qualifications Essential: Proven ability to work creatively, innovatively and effectively with limited direct supervision in a multi-cultural context/ environment, including identifying and realising opportunities

5 Le ad in Job Description and Person Specification through which to further ActionAid s funding base and agenda. Understanding particularly of women s rights, livelihoods and protection programming in natural disaster settings and a proven ability to support community-centred programs. Experience of establishing and cultivating strong donor relationships that have delivered increased income. Experience of preparing quality narrative and financial reports for institutional donors. Proven ability to work with government authorities, the UN humanitarian system, NGOs, development agencies and community groups during emergency responses. Applied knowledge of project cycle management including proven experience of leading monitoring and evaluation processes including with a variety of approaches and methodologies. Strong background working with partners in cross cultural settings and supporting the professional development of local organisations and staff, including the provision of training, mentoring and coaching support. A strong commitment to ActionAid s vision, mission and values, especially the rights based approach and the principles of equal opportunity. Understanding of, and commitment to, humanitarian principles and minimum standards for disaster response. Consultative and empowering working style and willingness to learn from others. Strong oral and written communication skills as the basis for influencing. A high level of computer competency (excel, word, power-point etc.) as the basis for producing high quality products for external audiences. Willingness to travel as required. Ability to work well under pressure and in response to changing needs. Desirable Knowledge, skills and Experience Understanding of humanitarian leadership competency framework/s Able to adapt quickly in difficult circumstances Competency Profile Strategic Perspective Demonstrate alignment of the Organisation s strategic priorities and goals. 5 Job Desciption Template : AAI Grade E Grade H / HR & Ops / 2017

6 Leading Others Leading Self Job Description and Person Specification Change Management Decisiveness and Agility Leading Teams Building Collaborative Relationships Communication Leading with Purpose and Credibility Uses effective strategies to facilitate organisation change initiatives and overcome resistance to change by involving others, listening and building commitment. Prefers quick and appropriate actions in many management situations, able to adapt and respond to fast changing eco system/environment Attracts, motivates, and develops high performing teams. Builds productive working relationships with co-workers and external parties, whilst valuing diversity (gender, race, culture). Expresses ideas clearly and concisely; disseminates information about decisions and plans proactively. Acts in accordance with stated values; has strong commitment to develop, promote and practice AAI s values Innovation and Taking Initiative Takes charge and proactively seeks new ideas, experiments with new processes/practices that capitalizes on opportunities 6 Job Desciption Template : AAI Grade E Grade H / HR & Ops / 2017