Field Coordinator at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Description

BACKGROUND:
Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a prominent international organization working in relief, rehabilitation, protection, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression.

IRC has been present in Nigeria since 2012 when the organization responded to flooding in Kogi state.  In early 2014, IRC opened a field office in Mubi town of Adamawa state in NE Nigeria.  IRC has ECHO, OFDA, and Gates funds to respond to health, nutrition, GBV, and WASH activities.  In September 2014, IRC received additional funds to carry out emergency food distributions, shelter support, and NFI distributions to newly displaced IDPs in Yola, the capital of Adamawa state.IRC also received funds to carry out a child protection rapid assessment and program start up activities. IRC is now preparing for October 2015 opening in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state where activities will include WASH, health, nutrition, and protection-related work.

SCOPE OF WORK:
The Field Coordinator (FC) plays a key role in the overall leadership and management of the IRC Nigeria country office and is a member of the senior management team (SMT). Under the supervision of Country Director (CD), the Field Coordinator will be responsible for the overall field coordination, program support, and field office management working in close collaboration with other members of the senior management team including the Senior Program Coordinator (SPC), Deputy Director of Operations (DDO), Finance Controller, and CD.  The Field Coordinator will be based in Yola with travel to other field offices as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Field Operational Management

• Coordinate all operational functions in the Adamawa office to ensure overall management of Adamawa-based operational support team.
• Ensure operational support for program teams and coordinate with sector coordinators and managers for effective implementation of all project activities.
• Ensure health, safety and security protocols are followed at all times, and take corrective, timely actions as required and in consultation with the DDO and other SMT members
• Review IRC security plans on a regular basis and ensure they are up to date at all times.
• Support budget holders in review of budget vs. actual reports with operations staff and ensure appropriate action is taken in a timely fashion.
• Support and coordinate with Adamawa-based operations team as well as Abuja all aspects of supply chain support, including procurement, stock management, asset management, vehicle and equipment renewal, maintenance and repair (including communications and computer equipment).
• Oversee under the auspices of the Finance Controller and DDO the financial management of field office operations, and finance/logistics staff, including cash management and transactions, operational budget.
• Ensure complete and correct use of all finance forms and timely communication of financial issues to the financial controller.
• Ensure compliance with IRC and donor finance and logistics policies, including all aspects of procurement and asset management.
• Guarantee adequate communication and coordination between field locations, technical coordination staff and country office on daily activities as well as program and operational issues.
• Support emergency needs assessments and emergency program implementation in response to the developing humanitarian situation.
• Together with program and grant staff, develop programs and proposals for rapid and timely support of populations affected by conflict.

Strategic Planning

• Participate in the finalization of the strategic action plan (SAP) for IRC Nigeria Country Office (CO)
• Develop a Adamawa -focused operations plan to support the program activities and the scale up programming once SAP is validated and operational

HR and Staff Development

• Ensure the ongoing capacity building of operations team (SC, HR, Admin, IT & Security) through support to direct supervisors in ensuring staff performance evaluations and individual development plans
• Ensure appropriate support to the team through regular IDP site visits and replacement of staff if needed
• Support field staff in the implementation of personnel policies including coaching, performance evaluation, staff development, and disciplinary measures.

Coordination and Representation

• Support the SPC and program teams to ensure quality implementation of the IRC Nigeria program interventions.
• Represent IRC to UN, international and national NGOs, and attend coordination meetings as needed at the state level.
• Actively develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders at the state level including donors, government actors, local traditional leadership, beneficiary populations and their representatives, etc
• Establish and maintain networks with UN, INGOs, and local partners to promote strategic partnerships.

Requirements

• Masters degree required (management-related or general operations preferred);
• Minimum of 5 years experience managing operations and/or projects in developing countries, preferably in Africa;
• Demonstrated ability to manage field staff and remote field offices;
• Experience in logistics, HR/Admin, and security management
• Experience having managed operations (including security)  in conflict-impacted setting
• Excellent cross-cultural communication skills
• Excellent staff capacity building and training skills
• Strong problem-solving, analytical and decision-making skills;
• Strong computer skills;
• Flexibility, ability to work independently and meet deadlines

Specific Security Situation /Housing
Yola is security phase 3 (ORANGE) so the DDO will be expected to respect the various security protocols in place in country.  Phase 3 requires clear contingency planning in place with staff prepared should hibernation or evacuation be called.  A government curfew exists and remains 9pm to 6am, meaning expatriate staff have to be at the hotel/guesthouse in Yola no later than 8:30pm.  There are two shared guesthouses in Yola with similar accommodation available in the other field offices.