Specialist, Regional Program - LEARN_LN at International Medical Corps

PROJECT DESCRIPTION 

• The Local Engagement and Response Network (LEARN): Strengthening Localized Multi-sectoral Readiness and Response to Infectious Disease Outbreaks in Humanitarian Settings (LEARN) project, is a capacity building project of Local and National Non-Governmental Organizations (LNNGOs), to improve the capacity of local first responders, by establishing and supporting networks of representative of all sectors; and working to contextualize, localize, and strengthen their capacity to respond to infectious diseases outbreak and emergencies. The project aims to (i) support LNNGOs as they engage and coordinate with critical ID coordination platforms and public health institutions; (ii) improve LNNGO readiness and multi-sectoral response to ID outbreaks; and (iii) improve LNNGO ability to ensure the capacity of community-based structures and workforces are strengthened, so that there will be an overall improvement in the timeliness, reach, and coverage of readiness and multi-sectoral responses to ID outbreaks of epidemic or pandemic potential in humanitarian settings. The project will target 80 L/NNGOs across 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and MENA.
• Reporting directly to the LEARN Deputy Chief of Party, the Regional Program Specialist will manage the roles and responsibilities outlined below. The successful applicant will have a demonstrated track record working on U.S. Government-supported programs. Prior experience or understanding of infectious disease, health systems, risk communication and community engagement is highly valuable. The applicant will also have experience working effectively as a part of diverse staff teams, and contributing to successful collaborations with donors, organizational HQ, regional, and country program offices, host-country ministries of health, and civil society. 

JOB SUMMARY  

• The Regional Program Specialist for the LEARN project will oversee and provide crucial technical and management guidance for the capacity development of Local and National Non-Governmental Organizations (LNNGOs) in responding to infectious disease outbreaks. This role is pivotal in ensuring the capacity development of selected LNNGOs in support of effective networks of local first responders in LEARN's priority countries. With expertise in Risk Communication and Community Engagement, as well as infectious disease response programming, the specialist will contribute to improving LNNGO readiness and multi-sectoral response to outbreaks.
• The Regional Program Specialist will provide technical support on program design and implementation, adhering to International Medical Corps (IMC) quality principles and donor guidelines. They will actively contribute to preparing annual program plans and reports, and support program coordination across the LEARN project consortium. The specialist's program management abilities and technical expertise will play a crucial role in achieving project deliverables and objectives while improving the timeliness, reach, and coverage of multi-sectoral responses to infectious disease outbreaks across sub-Saharan Africa.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist LEARN project leadership in the effective administration and management of operations across Human Resources, Finance, Compliance, IT, Logistics, Procurement, Volunteer Engagement, Communications, and Program Quality, ensuring highly efficient program implementation. 
• Support the development and implementation of and attend IMC’s project kick-off meetings with the selected LNNGOs as well as monthly and quarterly LEARN project management meetings, and other meetings at direction the DCoP and program leadership team.
• Assist consortium members with the understanding of required policies and procedures as per the requirements of the donors and best practices (procurement, financial reporting, child safeguarding, etc.)
• In collaboration with the CoP and DCoP, serve as the primary liaison with members of other International Medical Corps departments who are not assigned to the Regional Team but who provide programming, logistical, legal, security, human resource and communication oversight, input and/or supervision, including country program teams.
• Raise the profile of International Medical Corps, its work and the LEARN program through active participation in forums, conferences, workshops, outreach events, and communication opportunities, as needed.
• Foster excellent working relationships with stakeholders, including consortium members.
• Act as liaison for the LEARN program with the partners and LNNGOs, advocating for the needs of the program.
• Foster a continuous understanding of the program operating environment.
• Collaborate seamlessly with HQ and regional program staff to ensure the timely update, accuracy, and relevance of all reporting, program data, and financial information.
• Provide robust support to LEARN project and assigned country leadership, ensuring effective monitoring, evaluation, and learning for planned and implemented programs through regular communication and as needed, field visits.
• Support as needed the deployment of technical expertise, helping to ensure the meticulous design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs in all assigned country programs.
• Collaborate with program leadership to develop comprehensive budgets and work plans, maintaining a vigilant approach to effective budget monitoring, reporting, and financial management for assigned countries.
• Support timely and adequate cooperation with Grants and Finance teams regarding review and approval of agreements (MOUs, contracts, etc.). 
• Facilitate program team with, in consultation with Grants and Finance teams, sub partner relationships, including subcontract management and review/approval of sub reports. 
• Facilitate liaison with the Marketing and Development Department, ensuring a thorough review of all outgoing media communications for assigned countries.
• Champion the implementation of robust safety and security management policies in accordance with relevant IMC global personnel safety and security policies. Collaborate with the Security Advisors to receive and monitor incident reports from country programs, ensuring diligent follow-up and compliance.
• Provide essential support to project leadership on intricate legal issues, necessitating organizational review and risk management.
• Perform problem solving and mitigation as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed in this document are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and not necessarily all inclusive.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without reasonable accommodation.

Job Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
• Minimum 5 years of work experience in the humanitarian sector/with NGOs, with at least 3 years of field-based experience in the health and program management sectors.
• Good skills and experience in all aspects of program cycle management - design and development, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation
• Experience in organizational capacity development, training, mentoring, and coaching
• Proven experience in field-level representation with key stakeholders and co-ordination with other NGOs/UN.
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills and the ability to think and plan strategically.
• An excellent team player with good skills in teamwork and a consultative approach to decision making.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, including a good track record of report writing
• Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact, and diplomacy
• Full professional proficiency in English, both spoken and written; professional proficiency in Arabic is a plus.
• The capacity and willingness to be extremely flexible and accommodating in difficult and sometimes insecure working circumstances.
• Commitment to the values, mission, and principles of International Medical Corps
• Typically, a bachelor’s degree in public health, Social Work, International Relations, Business Administration, International Development. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate. 
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from management and field programs. 
• Outstanding organizational skills. 
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. 
• Excellent self-motivation skills. 
• Experience in effectively dealing with international and headquarters staff, and the ability to deal with a broad spectrum of people. 
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions independently. 
• Excellent ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast paced and constantly changing environment. 
• Be flexible and possess the ability to cope in stressful situations. 
• Be creative and possess the ability to work with limited resources. 
• Strong analytical and research skills. 
• Ability to assess field program needs. 
• 75% travel required.