Job Vacancies @ International Rescue Committee (IRC) – 2 Positions

The IRC and Climate Change

The IRC is acutely aware of the lasting damage climate change will cause, and the catastrophic consequences climate change will have for people around the world, especially those already living in crisis, and the already vulnerable. The IRC aims to meet the climate and environment-related needs of clients, while also tackling the negative environmental impact of its operations. As part of this effort, the IRC has developed an ambitious IRC Climate Action Plan to reduce IRC’s carbon footprint and reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The IRC has also recently commissioned its Program Quality Support Unit (PQSU) to engage with all country programs, regional staff and technical units to map existing practices, capacities, and needs.

As part of IRC’s Climate Action Plan, IRC Sierra Leone has adopted and utilizes the Green Procurement Guidelines across all its operations, and will participate in the global PQSU engagement, but the country team wants to do more. Under IRC Sierra Leone’s strategic plan, the country team has decided to invest time and resources into better understanding and responding to the challenges posed by the climate crisis in Sierra Leone. Specifically, the country team wants to: Conduct a mapping of climate change-focused hazards to better understand how these hazards affect clients across IRC’s program areas and how they impact on program outcomes across the districts where the IRC directly implements projects. Conduct an expert assessment to better understand the environmental impact of IRC operations nationally. The results of the mapping and expert assessment will inform future program design and help to identify measures to reduce the negative environmental impact of IRC’s operations nationwide. Purpose of Consultancy The IRC is looking to hire a consultant with expertise in climate change, hazard mapping, disaster risk reduction and environmental protection to 1. Conduct a mapping of climate change-focused hazards to better understand how these hazards affect clients across IRC’s program areas (Health, Education and WPGE) and how they impact on program outcomes across the districts where the IRC directly implements projects (Freetown, Bo, Kenema, Kailahun, and Kono); and 2. Conduct an expert assessment to better understand the environmental impact of IRC operations nationally.

Climate Change-Focused Hazard Mapping Assess the climate change-induced risks (hazard, vulnerability and exposure) and damages (shocks and stresses) in IRC’s areas of operation. Utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) software to develop hazard maps which display the climate change-induced risks (categorized, i.e. by probability and/or severity) and damages (categorized, i.e. by severity) by geographical location. Conduct an environmental impact assessment of the climate related damages. Conduct a vulnerability and capacity analysis of communities and districts. Analyze all sources of information to understand and explain the situation within the report, and to recommend evidence-based, feasible, creative interventions to prevent and curb the negative effects of climate change-induced risks and damages. Recommendations should include no and low-cost improvements that can be acted on immediately as well as more costly or complex improvements that could be considered for the future. Produce a clear and concise synthesized final report on findings and recommendations (see below for details).

Environmental Impact Assessment Quantify the environmental impact of IRC operations nationally (i.e. by measuring the footprint of IRC operations (carbon, water or ecological). Conduct a cost-benefit analysis of different ways of working (current operations and possible future operations). Recommend evidence-based, feasible, creative interventions to reduce the negative impact/ footprint of IRC operations. Recommendations should include no and low-cost improvements that can be acted on immediately as well as more costly or complex improvements that could be considered for the future. Produce a clear and concise synthesized final report on findings and recommendations (see below for details). Methodology The consultant is expected to utilize a mixed methodology approach to implement both activities (the climate change-focused hazard mapping and the environmental impact assessment). The consultant is also expected to integrate the two activities as much as possible to improve time and cost-efficiency of the consultancy. For both activities the consultant should conduct: Literature/ desk review - of relevant global and national publications and IRC literature (including proposals, operational policies and guidelines, budgets and expenditure documents, and final reports); Field work - including visits to IRC offices in all five operational districts in Sierra Leone and a selection of communities in each district; Consultative meetings - with relevant IRC Sierra Leone staff, stakeholders and clients; Focus Group discussions - with community leaders, members and IRC clients in Sierra Leone; Debrief/ feedback meetings - with IRC Sierra Leone’s senior management team at the end of the consultancy. On execution of the assignment and following discussion with IRC it is up to the consultant to develop the detailed methodology within their inception report. The inception report must include a workplan and schedule, and outline when and how the work will be conducted for the entire period of the consultancy. The report must also factor in the IRC responsibilities (as noted below) so that the IRC team know when IRC contributions (i.e. vehicles, review and feedback on draft synthesized reports etc) are needed. Deliverables The consultant will be responsible for delivering the following items. An inception report including detailed methodology, workplan and schedule, on execution of the assignment. A synthesized draft and final report on the climate change-focused hazard mapping which includes: The findings from the: assessment of climate change-induces risks and damages; the environmental impact assessment; and the vulnerability and capacity analysis. GIS hazard maps; Detailed analysis of findings; Recommendations. A synthesized draft and final report on the environmental impact assessment which includes: Quantification of the environmental impact of IRC operations nationally; Cost-benefit analysis of different ways of working; Recommendations.for feasible and creative interventions to reduce the negative impact/ footprint of IRC operations. IRC Role The IRC will be responsible for providing the following: Return flight to Sierra Leone (if consultant not based in Sierra Leone); Accommodation in Freetown (if consultant not based in Freetown); Briefing the consultant once contracted and providing all necessary IRC literature; Providing the consultant with a focal point in Freetown who can support them as they plan and implement the consultancy; Approving the consultant’s inception report on execution of the assignment; Connecting the consultant with a focal point in each of the IRC offices in all five operational districts who can support field work; Providing transportation to operational districts as per the workplan and schedule; Providing accommodation in the operational districts as per the workplan and schedule; Reviewing and providing feedback on first draft of both synthesized reports; Bringing together the senior management team for a debrief/ feedback meeting at the end of the assignment.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Disaster Risk Management, Environmental Sciences, Community Development, or a related discipline, from a recognized academic institution (Master’s degree or higher an asset). Minimum of five years of related work experience, including experience in hazard mapping, GIS mapping, vulnerability and capacity assessment or rural appraisal methods, and environmental impact assessment (10+ years an asset). In-depth knowledge and understanding of disaster risk reduction, resilience building, environmental protection and climate change. Familiarity with the Sierra Leone and West African context (experience working in Sierra Leone and West Africa preferable). Excellent analytical skills. Proven report writing skills

Treatment of Information and Confidentiality All data and information received for the purpose of this assignment is to be treated confidentially and is only to be used in connection with the execution of these terms of reference. All intellectual property rights arising from the execution of these terms of reference are assigned to the IRC. The contents of written material obtained and used in this assignment may not be disclosed to any third parties without the expressed advance written authorization of the IRC.

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2.) Deputy Team Leader

Job Title: Deputy Team Leader

Sector: Program Administration

Employment Category: Proposal

Employment Type: Full-Time

Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone

Job Description

The IRC is seeking a qualified Deputy Team Leader for the anticipated five-year FCDO-funded Health Systems Strengthening in Sierra Leone (HSS-SL) project. The budget for the project is TBC but the FCDO have indicated that it will be up to GBP 65million. The Deputy Team Leader will be responsible for providing contract management, operational, financial management and partner management oversight and support. Working in close collaboration with the Team Leader and key project staff, the Deputy Team Leader will ensure that HSS-SL delivers to time and cost against forecasts and budgets. The Deputy Team Leader will work under the oversight of the IRC in Sierra Leone, and will be based in Freetown, with frequent travel to project locations.

Background:

he International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading humanitarian and development organization working in more than 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. Present in Sierra Leone since 1999, the IRC supports Sierra Leonean institutions – government, civil society, community-based organizations and private sector – to provide improved social services. Our work is designed to improve the life of women, youth and children through high quality Health, Education, and Women’s Protection and Empowerment programming.The IRC - along with its consortium partners – is planning to bid for the upcoming FCDO-funded Health Systems Strengthening in Sierra Leone (HSS-SL) project. The IRC is the incumbent lead of the NGO “Unite” consortium for the FCDO Saving Lives in Sierra Leone (SLiSL) phase II programme (2018-202

•  , which is the predecessor of HSS-SL. The HSS-SL project will support the Government of Sierra Leone to improve the quality, availability and accessibility of reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services through a comprehensive systems strengthening approach at district level and national level. Scope of work: The Deputy Team Leader will provide contract management, operational, financial and partner management oversight and support for HSS-SL. They will support the Team Leader to ensure project performance through monitoring of activity progress, robust financial management, partner management and contract compliance. The Deputy Team Leader will be responsible for supporting the team (including partners) to achieve project targets in compliance with FCDO and IRC requirements, policies and best practices relating to subcontracts and grant management, project implementation, and contract close-out. Grant and partner management are a key part of the role. The Deputy Team Leader will conduct regular monitoring visits to the districts to ensure compliance, coordination, and management of project activities. They will develop, review and monitor - in coordination with key project staff - annual workplans and performance plans to ensure that priorities are on track. They will also work closely with the project’s Finance Manager to develop annual budgets, monitor project expenses, and prepare budget forecasts and financial reports for the donor. In addition, the Deputy Team Leader will play a key role in Risk Management for the project. The Deputy Team Leader will work closely with the Team Leader and Finance Manager to deliver to time and cost against forecasts and budgets. They will support donor reporting through both formal and informal debriefings, as well as consolidating and editing annual and quarterly reports – working closely with the Team Leader and other key project staff. Finally, they will liaise directly with the donor to provide project updates, discuss obstacles, performance plans, and progress against targets, deputizing for the Team Leader as needed. The Deputy Team Leader will support and mentor project staff, creating a work environment that promotes teamwork, trust, mutual respect, and empowers staff to take responsibility.This position reports to the HSS-SL Team Leader. It is contingent on the IRC being awarded funding; we anticipate that the project will begin in 2023.

Requirements:

•  10 years+ of increasingly responsible experience of programme management for large and complex multi-partner, multi-year development projects (at least $20million in value)
•  Excellent working knowledge of FCDO projects, regulations, compliance and reporting requirements; experience of working on FCDO contracts (as well as grants) is desirable
•  Advanced degree from an accredited university in public health management, social sciences, international development or related field
•  Demonstrated experience overseeing and managing programmatic budgets (at least $20million in value) for institutional donors such as FCDO, USAID, EU, World Bank
•  Substantial partner management experience, including experience of managing partnerships with INGOs, local partners and private sector actors
•  Experience working in the Sierra Leone and/or West Africa context is desirable
•  Adept in work-planning, budgeting, adaptive management and risk management
•  Outstanding leadership, communication, analytical, and organizational skills
•  Demonstrated innovation and success in staff capacity-building
•  Strong written, oral presentation and facilitation skills in English required
•  Highly motivated, possesses strong sense of integrity and a positive attitude
•  Willingness to travel within Sierra Leone, as needed Safety & Security SituationAll staff must comply with all IRC Sierra Leone security policies and procedures. Standards for Professional Conduct: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Equality, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation. IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability. #LI-GR2

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