Jobs at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Job Overview

The Team Leader (TL) will be responsible for the overall technical, financial and operational management of the HeRoN project and ensure effective collaboration with all consortium members implementing the project over the remaining 1 years of the project period, providing the necessary guidance and monitoring to guarantee that the implementation of the program is carried out in accordance with the agreed action plan between IRC and donor contract regulations. S/he will provide high quality coordination, analysis, and strategic technical directions to the implementation of the project to the Consortium Management Unit Team, Steering Committee, Government Stakeholders, various health partners at various levels, donor and other development partners in ensuring the delivery of the project objectives, on time delivery and targets within budget and high-level accountability to beneficiaries. 
 
The HeRoN Team Leader will work closely with and under the supervision of the IRC Deputy Director of Programs (DDP), as well as in close coordination and collaboration with the Consortium Steering Committee composed of heads of programs from IRC, AAH and SFH, IRC  Country Director, IRC Deputy Director Field Management (DDFM), IRC Senior Program Coordinators, IRC MEAL Coordinator and IRC Senior Grants Coordinator. S/he will supervise key consortium program team members (as detailed further below) to ensure accountability for the project and donor rules and regulations with relevant teams and organizations. 

Major Responsibilities

Technical Quality Assurance and Strategic Oversight 

• Provide overall technical leadership, financial oversight and operational management of the program. 
• Serve as the consortium’s representative to the donor, State Ministry of Health (SMoH) and other technical agencies and organizations 
• Provide high quality leadership and strategic vision to the consortium, with hands on management ensuring program activities achieve the greatest coverage and impact possible, coordinated inputs and technical/managerial quality and programming that is data driven and adapts and changes with the context.
• In coordination and collaboration with IRC MEAL Coordinator work with the consortium to develop and ensure a strong MEAL system in place for the consortium that adheres to program quality standards and procedures
• Ensure a culture of Client Responsiveness though policies that facilitate client responsiveness through resource allocation, advocacy, and project design and by requesting and using client feedback data to make decisions.
• Regular coordination with the supplier implementing the FCDO contract aspects of their Health Business Case
• Representation to donors and partners including government officials, CSOs, INGOs and development partners.
• Engagement and coordination with humanitarian and development coordination mechanisms, ensuring regular program updates to partners and stakeholders and promotion of joint planning and implementation.
• Program implementation in compliance with FCDO regulations, agreements signed with partners and IRC internal policies and procedures.
• Mobilize and ensure transparent and constructive communication with Consortium partners and IRC management in responding to donor requests.
• Support the implementation of IRC’s Partnership (PEER) system across all areas of sub-award management of consortium partners. 
• Will work closely with the DDP and Senior Grants Coordinator for follow on new opportunity for the HeRoN project and ensure that program design is evidence based and uses theories of change that place crisis-affected people and their voice at the center of IRC's programs.

 
Program Management, Implementation Oversight and Compliance

• Lead and ensure quality of Project Cycle Meetings throughout the remaining project period, and ensuring that the continuous implementation meetings and learning meetings are planned and conducted in a timely manner with full participation of the consortium and all relevant stakeholders/staff 
• Provide leadership to the consortium for timely and high-quality implementation of programs, and promote regular reviews of program progress - both internal and external - and budget spending (i.e., through tracking spending plans, BvA meetings, etc).
• Responsible for project management, oversees the implementation, follow up and effective monitoring of IRC and partners’ Program work, expenditure, M&E and procurement plans, organizing, among others, joint and regular monitoring and review meetings, assessing progress and proactively identifying challenges and solutions in order to attain program outcomes. 
• Monitors the use of the budget and ensure sound financial management and the use of funds.
• Actively contributes to the development and review of program approaches, making concrete recommendations for changes in partners' activities, approaches, and areas of action as appropriate. 
• Ensure that programs and partnerships are implemented in compliance with USAID regulations as well as IRC internal policies and procedures.
• Work closely with the Senior Grants Managers to ensure that the consortium partners understand key compliance for donors and IRC internal rules and regulations, and any red flags are addressed immediately.
• Conduct frequent field visits to all project sites for monitoring, quality control and program staff mentoring and coaching.
• Ensure the production of clear and quality donor reports, both narrative and financial, by the consortium 

Promote Project Learning and Analysis

• Create an environment of continued learning, encouraging innovation and auto-critical analysis, capitalizing on lessons learned to inform programmatic and strategic decisions and contributes to the knowledge base of the sectors covered by the program.   
• Work with the M&E team to build and foster a culture of learning and reflection that uses data to design and adapt programs.
• Coordinate with other HeRoN consortium partners and Health partners at all levels on key assessments and learnings

 
Coordination & Representation

• Lead the consortium in developing public messaging and profile of the project.
• Represent the consortium in external relationships with the donor, various relevant government line ministries, technical agencies and organizations and key events relating to the project.
• In coordination with the Consortium Steering Committee and DDFM, assist in organizing donor visits by supporting staff in the smooth design and running of field visits.

Staff Performance Management, Learning & Development:

• Overall management of a team of diverse staff, cultivating and maintaining a work environment that promotes collaboration, trust, mutual respect, and empowers staff to take responsibility
• Hire, supervise, and build the capacity of team members in relevant technical and management competencies.
• Develop and implement management capacity building approaches and plans to strengths of the consortium team. 
• Coach, train, supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting annual performance objectives, providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Approve and manage all time, attendance and leave requests to ensure adequate departmental coverage; ensure monthly, accurate timesheet submission and carry out probationary reviews.
• Hold high-quality meetings with each direct report on a regular and predictable basis, at least monthly.
• Provide a measurable development plan including on-the-job learning with the aim of strengthening technical capacity, exchanging knowledge within the team and providing guidance on career paths. 
• As required identify staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these in accordance with the National Staff Employment Policies.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Promote and monitor staff care and well-being. Model healthy work-life balance practices. Support appropriate interventions in response to identified staff care needs of both national and international staff.
• Demonstrated experience in supervision both international and national staff and look for opportunities to support staff in their career growth, where appropriate. As part of succession plan and nationalization goals, identify, train and develop capability and capacity of national staff to successfully transition role and responsibilities, by the end of assignment.
• Adhere to and act in accordance with the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures and communicates through word and example a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations.

Key Working Relationships

• Position Reports to:  Deputy Director of Programs
• Indirect/Technical Reporting: Consortium Steering Committee, Country Director and HQ Health & Nutrition TAs. 
• Position directly Supervises: HeRoN Deputy Team Lead, Senior Pharmacy Manager, Consortium Senior M&E Manager, Consortium Finance Coordinator, Senior Consortium Manager and Senior Project Manager - HeRoN

Job Requirements

Education: 

• Master’s degree in relevant health related subject, post-graduate medical degree (MPH, MD, RN, PA, or midwife), or other relevant degree

Work Experience:

• Demonstrated expertise in health and nutrition service delivery in insecure environments and areas affected by crisis.
• Minimum of 10 years of increasingly responsible experience in humanitarian and development program management
• Validated leadership and strategic planning capabilities.
• Experience running large, geographically dispersed teams and working in tandem with local and international partners.
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing inter-institutional coordinating functions within a multi-cultural operating environment.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills with evidence of ability to productively interact with a wide range and levels of organizations (government, private sector, NGOs, research institutions).
• Demonstrated good judgment and decision-making skills.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written).
• Excellent IT skills (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to handle a large and dynamic workload, work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Previous work experience in Africa, field experience in Nigeria is preferred.
• Strong internal and external communications skills, experience with advocacy an advantage
• Nigeria nationals or long-term residents are particularly encouraged to apply.

Demonstrated Technical Skills:

• Provide high quality leadership and strategic vision to the consortium, with hands on management ensuring program activities achieve the greatest coverage and impact possible, coordinated inputs and technical/managerial quality and programming that is data driven and adapts and changes with the context.
• Demonstrated experience in program management, project design and use of project design tools.

Demonstrated Managerial/Leadership Competencies:

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills with evidence of ability to build and maintain good relationship with people in wide range and levels of organizations (consortiums, government, private sector, NGOs etc).
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Ability to handle a large and dynamic workload, work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Delivers quality results for clients, partners and colleagues.

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Job Overview 

The Consortium Team Leader will provide overall leadership, management, and the strategic vision to the implementation for the “Integrated Emergency, Recovery and Resilience Response for Crisis-affected Persons in MMC and Jere LGAs, Borno State, Nigeria” project and ensure effective collaboration with all consortium members implementing the project over the 24 month project period, during all phases of the project, providing the necessary guidance and monitoring to guarantee that the implementation of the program is carried out in accordance with the agreed action plan and IRC and donor regulations. S/he will provide high quality coordination, analysis, and strategic directions to the implementation of the project to the Consortium Management Team, Steering Committee, Government Stakeholders, and other partners in ensuring the delivery of the project objectives, on time delivery and targets within budget and high-level accountability to beneficiaries.  

The Consortium Team Leader will work closely with and under the supervision of the IRC Deputy Director of Programs (DDP), as well as in close coordination and collaboration with the Consortium Management Committee composed of heads of programs from IRC, NRC and DRC, IRC Country Director, IRC Deputy Director Field Management (DDFM), IRC Senior Program Coordinators, IRC MEAL Coordinator and IRC Senior Grants Coordinator. S/he will supervise key consortium program team members (as detailed further below) to ensure accountability for the project and donor rules and regulations. S/he will effectively manage project processes and systems according to IRC and donor standards in coordination with relevant teams and organizations.  

Major Responsibilities 

Technical Quality Assurance and Strategic Oversight 

• Provide overall technical leadership, financial oversight, strategic vision of implementation and operational management of the program 
• Provide high quality leadership, coordination and strategic vision to the consortium, with hands on management ensuring program activities achieve the greatest coverage and impact possible, coordinated inputs and technical/managerial quality and programming that is data driven and adapts and changes with the context.
• In coordination and collaboration with IRC MEAL Coordinator work with the consortium to develop and ensure a strong MEAL system in place for the consortium that adheres to program quality standards and procedures
• Ensure that through area-based approach there is optimal delivery of a comprehensive package of essential cross sectoral services to the targeted beneficiaries
• Lead the harmonization of approach by the consortium, e.g case management referrals, registration, modality selection, referrals, etc.
• Lead the strategic coordination with government services and systems
• Mobilize and ensure transparent and constructive communication with Consortium partners and IRC management in responding to donor requests
• Support the implementation of IRC’s Partnership (PEER) system across all areas of sub-award management of consortium partners. 

Program Management, Implementation Oversight and Compliance

• Lead and ensure quality of Project Cycle Meetings throughout project period, including ensuring that opening, implementation, learning and close-out meetings are planned and conducted in a timely manner with full participation of the consortium and all relevant stakeholders/staff 
• Provide leadership to the consortium for timely and high-quality implementation of programs, and promote regular reviews of program progress - both internal and external - and budget spending (i.e., through tracking spending plans, BvA meetings, etc).
• Responsible for project management, oversees the implementation, follow up and effective monitoring of IRC and partners’ Program work, expenditure, M&E and procurement plans, organizing, among others, joint and regular monitoring and review meetings, assessing progress and proactively identifying challenges and solutions in order to attain program outcomes. 
• Monitors the use of the budget and ensure sound financial management and the use of funds;
• Actively contributes to the development and review of program approaches, making concrete recommendations for changes in partners' activities, approaches, and areas of action as appropriate. 
• Ensure that programs and partnerships are implemented in compliance with BHA regulations as well as IRC internal policies and procedures
• Work closely with the Grants Managers to ensure that the consortium partners understand key compliance for donors and IRC internal rules and regulations, and any red flags are addressed immediately 
• Conduct frequent field visits to all project sites for monitoring, quality control and program staff mentoring and coaching
• Ensure the production of clear and quality donor reports, both narrative and financial, by the consortium 

Promote Project Learning and Analysis

• Create an environment of continued learning, encouraging innovation and auto-critical analysis, capitalizing on lessons learned to inform programmatic and strategic decisions and contributes to the knowledge base of the sectors covered by the program.   
• Work with the M&E team to build and foster a culture of learning and reflection that uses data to design and adapt programs.
• Coordinate with other BHA consortium in MMC/Jere for key assessments and learnings
• Take lead to ensure there is harmonization of surveys or assessment by the consortium with other BHA consortium partners in MMC/Jere especially for food assistance (FA) and multipurpose cash assistance (MPCA).
• Collaborate with other BHA consortium in MMC/Jere for key learnings and best practices within the consortium and other donor consortiums

Coordination & Representation

• Lead the consortium in developing public messaging and profile of the project
• Represent the consortium in external relationships with the donor, various relevant government line ministries, technical agencies and organizations and; key events relating to the project
• In coordination with the Consortium Management Committee and DDFM, assist in organizing donor visits by supporting staff in the smooth design and running of field visits

Staff Performance Management, Learning & Development:

• Hire, supervise, and build the capacity of team members in relevant technical and management competencies.
• Develop and implement management capacity building approaches and plans to strengths of the consortium team 
• Coach, train, supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting annual performance objectives, providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Approve and manage all time, attendance and leave requests to ensure adequate departmental coverage; ensure monthly, accurate timesheet submission and carry out probationary reviews.
• Hold high-quality meetings with each direct report on a regular and predictable basis, at least monthly.
• Provide a measurable development plan including on-the-job learning with the aim of strengthening technical capacity, exchanging knowledge within the team and providing guidance on career paths. 
• As required identify staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these in accordance with the National Staff Employment Policies.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Promote and monitor staff care and well-being. Model healthy work-life balance practices. Support appropriate interventions in response to identified staff care needs of both national and international staff.
• Demonstrated experience in supervision both international and national staff and look for opportunities to support staff in their career growth, where appropriate. As part of succession plan and nationalization goals, identify, train and develop capability and capacity of national staff to successfully transition role and responsibilities, by the end of assignment.
• Adhere to and act in accordance with the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures and communicates through word and example a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations. 

Job Requirements 

Education: 

• Master or equivalent experience in development studies, international relations, Humanitarian Assistance, Political Sciences, Social Administration, or other relevant degrees etc.

 Work Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive senior management experience in managing integrated, multi sectoral programs in humanitarian and development program 
• Demonstrated and strong experience managing a consortium of international NGOs as Team Leader or Project Director level
• Demonstrated experience in Area Based Approach to programming
• Experience in managing USAID funded program is strongly preferred
• Should possess minimum 7 years of international assignments experiences in humanitarian and development work
• National candidates are also encouraged to apply and should have minimum of 10 years of experience in senior management role
• Demonstrated experience and ability to build and maintain relationships with governments, technical line ministries, donors, other donor-funded projects and stakeholders, local organizations, private sectors and partners
• Experience working in Sub Saharan Africa especially in West Africa

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Overall Goal of the consultancy

The main goal of the consultancy is to gain a better understanding of the conflict context and dynamics in Northwest Nigeria and provide evidence that can shape IRCs understanding of the conflict dynamics in Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto states as well as position IRC to be able to develop proposals and programming that is conflict sensitive based on the principle of ‘Do No Harm’. In addition to that the conflict analysis will identify and support in rolling out the required capacity necessary for designing, delivering effective conflict sensitive. programmes in the targeted states and communities, to maximize its positive impact on the current conflict.

Aim of the consultancy

The main aim of the consultancy is to dig into the root causes and comprehensive understanding of the persistent ongoing conflict environment and context in the NW. To identify the key stakeholders involved in the conflict, their interests, and the extent of their influence.To identify dividers and connectors for each type of conflict Assess the impact of the conflict on the population especially the farmers, herders, men, women, youths, boys, girls and marginalized communities etc To identify existing conflict resolution mechanisms, including traditional and formal justice systems, and their effectiveness Provide evidence-based data and information that will inform future programming’s/interventions in NW (Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina) Provide recommendations on conflict sensitive programming (i.e. how to best mitigate dividers and build on connectors) and the gaps that exist in the 3 states. Provide recommendations on how to effectively promote peacebuilding and conflict transformation in Northwest Nigeria, based on the findings of the conflict analysis. Provide recommendations to IRC and its partners on future programming/ intervention to ensure that the program design and implementation is well informed by the conflict context and dynamics and addresses the root causes of the conflicts and the associated needs (both immediate and long terms)

The analysis should also examine current IRC’s and partners program activities, how they are being done and its impact on the conflict communities in the 3 states. At the end of the assignments organized a workshop for the IRC northwest and management team to develop a concrete workplan, concretizing on how to implement the recommendations from the Conflict Analysis report for improved conflict sensitivity in each of our current programs and in future programs.The consultancy work will be focused on an in-depth examination of the conflict, its characteristics, causes dynamics and key players the potential impact on IRC’s and its partners programmes on the conflict, and its target groups and potential opportunities for program designs and improved targeting of IRCs current and future programs.  This will also include organization capacity assessment and the training needs analysis for design and delivery of a conflict-sensitive programming. The analysis will be carried out in the 3 states in NW Nigeria, Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto.

Methodology

IRC Deputy Director for Programs will be responsible for the overall management of the assignment, with the MEAL Coordinator being responsible for the coordination and providing day to day support to the consultancy process and working closely with the consultant. The IRC Senior Technical Advisor for Governance and systems strengthening will provide technical oversight and guidance over the tools and methodology being used for the consultancy and the final report.

The consultant will carry out the analysis according to the ToR and will include necessary conflict sensitivity tools and exercises to meet study objectives. some of these tools and areas of enquiry include, but are not limited to, the following: (a) secondary literature review/desk research, (b) Key informant interviews, and (C) focus group discussions, (D) observations (e) Data analysis etc. A detailed methodology, including the design of data-collection tools and formulation of specific questions will be developed by the consultant.

Output & Deliverables:

 The consultant will be expected to produce the followings:

• Inception report containing a detailed conflict analysis methodology with accompanying workplan and tools to achieve all the objectives that provides an overall conflict analysis its characteristics, causes, dynamics and consequences for women, men, youths, girls, and boys.
• Training workshop for data collectors
• A synthesized report with a focused analysis on the following areas: i) the conflict environment and its interaction with humanitarian and development Programs ii) Gaps in conflict sensitive programing iii) highlight of opportunities for improving conflict sensitive programming.
• Presentation of analysis results and recommendations to IRC SMT, technical Coordinators and NW program team (provide the power point)
• Conduct sensitization on conflict and context analysis, and the importance of the principle of Do No Harm in program design and implementation.
• Develop a workplan for the implementation of the Conflict Analysis report.

Payment Rate and Schedule:

The payment rate will be based on competitive offer and value for money. Meanwhile the payment schedules will be based on deliverables in the contract, set time period or schedule and invoice submission: 

• 40% down payment upon signing contract.
• 30% once draft report is produced.
• 30% once the report is finalized.

Qualifications

The consultancy is open to individual or team of national and international expert consultants. with specialist knowledge and research expert in conflict analysis and peace building. The consultants should have the following qualification, skills and experience:

• Minimum undergraduate university degree in conflict studies, Peace building, law, social sciences, or development studies.
• A relevant 5 years of significant background and experience in conflict sensitivity analysis and ethical qualitative research and analysis on conflict issues, causes or approaches to conflict transformation (essential).
• Proven consultant with strong and evident background in conflict analysis and resolutions, peacebuilding, adaptation, and resilience programming.
• experience in conducting context and conflict analysis and development of tools for the integration of Conflict Sensitivity related dynamics into the strategic and operational framework.
• Conflict sensitivity expertise in complex humanitarian contexts, preferably in sub-Saharan Africa
• Knowledge on the history of conflict dynamics in NW will be an advantage.
• Fluent in English, written and oral as well as proficiency in local language from NW Nigeria is an advantage.
• Excellent writing skills and ability to articulate the linkage between findings, analysis, and program recommendations.