Protection Consortium Senior Coordinator at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Requisition ID: req6543
Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Sector: Program Administration
Employment Category: Fixed Term
Employment Type: Full-Time
Open to Expatriates: Yes

Job Description

• IRC began working in Nigeria in October 2012 in response to a widespread flood disaster. Since then, IRC has expanded its program scope and size with the aiming of making the greatest possible contribution to meeting humanitarian needs in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states in North East Nigeria. IRC’s response includes integrated health, reproductive health and nutrition services, protection including women’s protection and empowerment, child protection, environmental health, economic recovery and development, and education.
• The humanitarian crisis in North East Nigeria is, at its heart, a protection crisis and this position is the lead staff member for the main protection consortium working on the response, supported by DFID. IRC is the lead agency, and together with four other INGOs - Plan International, Translators Without Borders, the Norwegian Refugee Council and the Danish Refugee Council - we are implementing this two year (2019-2021) consortium titled ‘Promoting Rights and Supporting Protection Needs in north East Nigeria (ProSPINE +)’.
• This is an extension of a previous three year project, with a similar consortium which was also led by IRC. This is an-all protection focused program being implemented in three states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. ProSPINE+, and is a combination of a direct protection response and case management; capacity building support to government and community based protection structures and referral pathways; plus advocacy to key stakeholders in the Nigerian government, and other relevant actors, to improve the policy environment. ProSPINE+ also has an emergency response mechanism.

Scope of Work:

• The Senior Coordinator, Protection Consortium is responsible for the overall leadership and management of all ProSPINE+ consortium activities in North East Nigeria. As the focal point for the consortium, they will ensure timely, high-quality technical program implementation, monitoring, evaluation and accountability.
• This includes providing strategic coordination and guidance to the consortium staff and protection teams of all agencies to ensure that planned outputs are of high quality, and that the program is driven by data and learning.
• They are responsible for coordinating and sharing relevant information with the Protection Sector Working Group, of which IRC is also NGO Co-Lead, and for maintaining productive regular contact with all consortium partners, the Steering Committee, and the donor.

Key Responsibilities
Leadership and program management:

• Take the lead in planning, coordination, follow up and ensuring timely and quality implementation of program activities with consortium agency sector leads.
• Provide strategic and practical guidance in unifying approaches between programs and consortium members in different geographical areas.
• Maintain regular contact with the consortium Steering Committee, made up of the consortium members’ Country Directors, and plan and organize their regular meetings to be as strategic and useful as possible.
• Lead the development of consortium-wide protection analysis and protection monitoring reports using data collected by partner organizations.
• Conduct regular field visits to ProSPINE+ program sites and remain on top of developments in the fluid context of North East Nigeria, and ensure that ProSPINE+ responds effectively to changes.
• Ensure the rapid and effective functioning of the ProSPINE+ emergency mechanism.
• Organize regular, effective meetings of the Program Management Committee in order to discuss program progress, resolve issues, and feed into Steering Committee meetings.
• Provide technical and managerial direction and guidance in line with the program’s expected outcomes.
• Develop and update key project deliverables using results based protection approaches and tools.
• Develop specific strategies for cross-cutting themes (e.g. capacity building, gender equality, persons with disabilities) for the programs.
• Maintain open and effective communication amongst the consortium and project team members.
• Ensure that program activities in the areas of social cohesion, protection and capacity building in target Local Government Areas in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states are conducted in a timely and professional manner in line with the program workplan and in coordination with national and local authorities, as well as other partners, as appropriate.
• Coordinate with local bodies to facilitate the participation of local communities in the planning and implementation of activities, ensuring that their feedback is proactively gathered and programs are adjusted accordingly.
• Undertake periodic reviews of program activities, implementation and outcomes to ensure and improve effectiveness, efficiency, achievement of results and compliance with procedures.
• Foster a culture of learning and reflection that uses data to design and adapt programs.
• Finalize and draft monthly program reports, financial, interim and final reports in coordination with the Grants Team, to share with the donor.
• In conjunction with the Finance Team, develop and monitor the project budget, ensuring spending is on-track, and ensure regular reporting to the donor.
• Organize donor visits by supporting staff in the smooth design and running of field visits.
• Any other duties assigned by the line manager.

External representation, communications and advocacy:

• Build and maintain constructive and effective relations, communications and ways of working with the Protection Sector Working Group.
• Lead the development and implementation of a results-focused consortium wide-advocacy plan.
• Raise the profile of the work of ProSPINE+ through developing and implementing a communications plan and ensuring that products such as protection monitoring reports are shared with key targets, and followed up for their action.
• Develop strategic partnerships with local organizations as appropriate.

HR and staff management:

• Manage the consortium M&E Manager and supervise, guide and evaluate the work of external consultants, as required.
• Help to drive a culture of ambitious, responsible and committed leadership amongst the ProSPINE+ team.
• Support staff through close attention to staff care, mentoring, and development.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem solving options, and ensure the integration of team members into relevant decision-making processes

Qualifications

• University Degree at minimum, preferably in Development Studies, Migration Studies, Law, International Humanitarian Law, Humanitarian or Human Rights Studies, Sociology, Psychology, or another related field.
• At least five years of international protection humanitarian experience with an international humanitarian aid organization in complex emergencies, with exposure to coordination roles.
• At least five years of field-based experience managing staff and programs, particularly in complex emergencies and insecure environments.
• Operational and field experience in project management in the area of government capacity building, return, reintegration and/or recovery in post-conflict situation.
• Proven experience in managing expatriate and national staff, and in mentoring of national staff and with strong commitment to staff capacity development.
• Demonstrated qualities of leadership, sensitivity to cultural settings, communication skills, commitment, and sound judgment.
• Experience in working with donors, including establishing regular and successful communication.
• Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Willingness to travel regularly in country.
• Commitment to women’s rights and IRC’s vision, mission and values.

Desirable:

• Demonstrable experience in a cluster or consortium lead role.
• Familiarity with DFID donor guidelines.
• Experience in advocacy and communications.

Specific Security Situation/ Housing:

• The Protection Consortium Senior Coordinator will be based in Maiduguri, Borno, Nigeria with travel throughout the sites where IRC has a presence.
• The security situation in North East Nigeria continues to be volatile; candidates should be prepared to lead a consortium working in insecure environments.
• This is a non-accompanied position, and the Protection Consortium Senior Coordinator will live in shared housing.