Job Vacancies @ International Rescue Committee (IRC) – 3 Positions
International Rescue Committee is recruiting to fill the following positions:
1.) WGPE M&E Officer
2.) Community Officer
3.) Program Manager
See job details and how to apply below.
1.) WGPE M&E Officer
Job Description
4 Off Hill Cot Road, Freetown
Sierra Leone
Tel: (232) 76-471-796
E-mail: [email protected]
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Position: WGPE M&E Officer
Grade: 8B
Location: Kenema
Reports to: WGPE M&E Manager
Application Deadline: 25th May 2022
BACKGROUND:
Present in Sierra Leone since 1999, IRC supports Sierra Leonean institutions – government, civil society, community-based organizations and private sector – to provide improved social services, decrease youth unemployment and mitigate gender-based violence. The IRC does this through programs and partnerships designed to improve the life of women, youth and children by implementing Health, Education, and Women and Girls’ Protection and Empowerment programming.
WGPE Program Vision: Women and girls live in a world where they are valued, and able to :live free from violence and inequality; pursue their potential, and exercise their rights to their own safety, equality and voice.
JOB SUMMARY
Reporting to the Monitoring & Evaluation Manager, the M & E Officer is responsible for the collection and accurate inputting of information collected by the project field staff, and for supporting the overall data entry aspects of the program. He/she will provide direct support to the M & E sector in creating/maintaining the corresponding data-collection tools and systems. The M & E Officer will work closely with the M &E Manager to maintain quality assurances of data collected. She/he will do follow-up monitoring visits to communities as required. S/he will be based in Kailahun with travel to operating communities.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
- Position Reports to: WGPE M & E Manager
- internal: WGPE Coordinator, Country Program MEL Coordinator, Site Manager, WGPE Program Manager, Field Manager
- External: MGCA, Kailahun District Council, Partners
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program/Project Design and learning:
- Assist the WGPE M&E Manager to develop and ensure the designated project has tested monitoring tools that capture both program activity and indicators progress.
- Ensure records are checked during meetings for accuracy and provide support where necessary and share data with program managers.
- With support from the M&E Manager and/or M&E Coordinator, collect program field level information required by IRC, donors and/or stakeholders; and establish and maintain project level information management system.
Monitoring
- Ensure on time execution of projects major monitoring and evaluation events including but not limited to data quality audit and field data supervision.
- Document findings from data quality audits and store in project files to ensure collective and sustainable access.
- Provide technical assistance to staff and or partner organization on information management system, proper data collection and record keeping.
- Provide consistent, supportive supervision to strengthen staff performance as necessary to meet monitoring objectives.
- Provide M&E inputs for reports written during project implementation at the field level.
Reviews & / Evaluation
- Provide summarized monthly data analysis showing target against progress over time
- Follow up with Senior Officers on programme quality improvement action plans. Ensure action points are followed up and relevant measures taken and incorporated into programming; and verify entered data for completeness, correctness, and consistency and follow up on any data quality issues.
- Periodically lead in the presentation of M&E data trends during reflective practice forums at field office/ project level and gather lessons from project implementation processes.
- Support the implementation of processes to review the quality of existing project data, information collection methods and the suitability of the existing data for the provision of sound baseline information.
- Maintain a tracking spreadsheet for M&E activities and events – baselines, assessments, reviews, evaluations – tracking trends and recommendations, progressing their implementation where appropriate.
Database management, Information Management and Reporting
- Provide and maintain MIS content/requirements and feedback to project team and document progress on indicators/achievement of targets using Indicator Performance Tracking Tables (IPTT)
- Submit data set to update country office wide program database, IPTT, & Comet on monthly basis.
- Maintain and regularly update project monitoring reports, including lessons learned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education (Knowledge):
- Diploma in Statistics, Computer Science/IT/or any sector or sub-sector related field.
Experience:
- At least two years’ experience working in monitoring and evaluation.
- Experience working in Women and Girls programs especially in rural settings.
- Ability to clearly convey concepts to populations with limited numeracy and literacy skills.
- Excellent training and mentoring skills with ability to work as part of a team with diverse backgrounds.
- Familiarity with result framework analysis and M&E plan implementation.
- Experience in conducting assessments.
- Strong experience working with community groups.
- Strong data collection, analysis and report writing skills.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Mandatory:
- Best practice in monitoring and evaluation.
- Proficiency in basic computer operations and data entry, including Microsoft Excel
- Strong writing and organizational skills.
- Good verbal communication skills in local languages and working knowledge of English.
- Willingness to travel frequently to field sites.
- Committed to the mission and principles of the International Rescue Committee.
- Good understanding of gender and child rights.
- Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work within a team environment.
- Ability to work independently, think analytically and take initiative in solving problems.
- Good judgement and negotiation skills.
- Must be results driven.
- Must be able to ride a motorbike and hold a valid driving license.
2.) Community Officer
Job Description
4 Off Hill Cot Road, Freetown
Sierra Leone
Tel: (232) 76-471-796
E-mail: [email protected]
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Position: Community Officer
Grade: 8B
Location: Kenema
Reports to: WGPE Site Manager
Application Deadline: 25th May 2022
BACKGROUND
Present in Sierra Leone since 1999, IRC supports the Sierra Leonean institutions – Government, Civil Society, Community-Based Organizations and Private Sector – to provide improved social services, decrease youth unemployment and mitigate gender-based violence. This is done through programs and partnerships designed to improve the life of women, youth and children by implementing Health, Education, Youth and Women and Girls’ Protection and Empowerment programming. IRC has a Country Program office in Freetown, and regional Field Offices in Kenema, Kono, Bo and Kailahun.
In Sierra Leone, women face barriers to entering the labour market because of social pressures and restrictive gender norms, resulting in their economic exclusion, limited ability to access capital and financial resources, and limited ability to have decision-making power in the homes. These challenges have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many women especially those in rural areas, who are economically active, participate in micro and small business enterprises. However, women’s current socio-economic status and role in society, and their access to decision making – both within their households and in the public arena – are hindered by the dominance of men which is dictated by social norms, customs, and traditions. Even though women are in control of the day-to-day household spending power in Sierra Leone, they lack financial decision-making power and are behind in terms of financial inclusion. Additionally, women who are involved in micro and small business enterprise do not have the ability to access appropriate finance, either through informal or formal means such as banks.
The Women and Girls Protection and Empowerment (WGPE) sector will be implementing the Kenema Market Recovery 2 project in Kenema City, Kenema District. The aim of this project is to enable female market vendors who have been impacted by COVID-19, to reshape and pivot their business models so that they can continue to earn and grow their income to support their families. Interventions include entrepreneurial skills development, access to financial services and products, as well as providing an enabling and culturally suitable environment for the women.
Job Overview/Summary
Working under the supervision of the WGPE Site Manager, the Community Officer will ensure high quality delivery and implementation of project activities with communities. This will involve initiation, training and monitoring of women’s savings and loans associations, gender discussion groups and awareness raising activities on infection prevention and control mechanisms.
Major Responsibilities
- Establish positive relations with the target communities and target groups, facilitating the formation of self-selected women’s Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) in each community.
- Assist in conducting initial and periodic information/advocacy sessions with community leaders and local authorities to build awareness, understanding, and support for all program activities.
- Plan, organize, and carry out facilitation activities with each VSLA group, in line with the project’s timeline and implementation model, and as adapted to the needs of each group.
- Conduct regular monitoring, mentoring, and support visits to each community/VSLA group, and collect portfolio data on a regular basis, in line with the implementation plan and timeline.
- Participate in initial TOT trainings and periodic refresher trainings. Utilize training materials and resources provided by the program to improve the quality of VSLA activities as appropriate.
- Together with the community facilitators, co-facilitate the EASE Project’s intra-household ‘discussion series’ activities in each target community with VSLA members and their spouses.
- Attend initial trainings and periodic refresher trainings on the discussion series implementation model and utilize additional materials provided to enhance these activities as relevant.
- Conduct trainings in business skills development and work with the WGPE Site Manager and Senior Program Manager on the distribution of business grants to clients.
- Conduct regular data collection in line with tools provided and give regular reports on activities and other information as required. Attend all EASE team meetings and site meetings as required.
- Prepare individual work plans and review them with supervisor; give and receive regular feedback on community activities and notify supervisor of any problems or issues that arise.
- Handle financial and other resources for specific community activities as required, ensuring that all activities are implemented in line with IRC financial and procurement procedures.
- Attend staff meetings, trainings, and special events as required by IRC management.
- Any other tasks as assigned by the WGPE Site Manager for the smooth running of the project.
REQUIREMENTS:
Education (Knowledge):
- Diploma/Certificate in Development studies + experience or equivalent
Experience:
- Experience working at a grassroots level with community groups in a variety of settings and contexts, using participatory facilitation approaches.
- Preferred experience working with livelihood and/or economic strengthening activities at the community level including micro-credit, savings mobilization, savings, and loan groups.
- Preferred experience working with services that either specifically target women or address gender differences in access to and management of resources at the community and household level.
- Training and/or practical experience in programs that address gender issues and/or gender-based violence issues.
Other Skills:
- Excellent listening, communication, and observation skills; ability to work constructively with a wide range of community groups in various environmental contexts.
- Good training and group facilitation skills, especially using participatory approaches.
- Good mathematical and basic bookkeeping skills and ability to train both literate and non-literate groups in basic numeracy and other related skills to conduct VSLA activities effectively.
- Ability to plan and maintain an organized working style, yet able to handle new events and situations effectively as they arise.
- Must be willing and ready to travel frequently to communities, and work in very basic conditions.
- Must always demonstrate strong integrity, able to honor commitments, and maintain consistency between words and actions.
- Ability to write and speak in English; and to accurately complete records and other documentation.
- Have the ability to ride a motorbike and hold a valid motorbike rider license.
Mandatory Abilities:
- Committed to the mission and principles of the International Rescue Committee.
- Operational/Financial management – understands IRC policies and systems and applies them effectively, developing sound financial plans and budgets and can effectively obtain, allocate and utilise resources.
- Results driven – ensures goals, objectives and deadlines are met.
- Respectful in the organisation and with external interactions; sensitive to ramifications of decisions.
- Self-Management – Knows own strengths and weaknesses and acts accordingly, copes well with pressure and adapts and learns.
Standards for professional Conduct (IRC Way)
The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, 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.
3.) Program Manager
Job Description
4 Off Hill Cot Road, Freetown
Sierra Leone
Tel: (232) 76-471-796
E-mail: [email protected]
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Position: Program Manager (Economic Recovery and Development)
Grade: 7B
Location: Freetown with frequent travel to IRC District
Reports to: WGPE Coordinator
Application Deadline: 25th May 2022
BACKGROUND
The International Rescue Committee, one of the world’s largest humanitarian agencies, provides relief, rehabilitation, and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of natural disaster, oppression, and violent conflict in 42 countries. The IRC is committed to bold leadership, innovation, and creative partnerships. Active in public health, education, livelihoods, women’s empowerment, youth development, and protection and promotion of rights, IRC assists people from harm to home. The IRC has been implementing specific programs to promote and protect the rights of women and girls affected by gender-based violence (GBV) in Sierra Leone since 2001. The IRC country program is managed from the head office in Freetown and has field offices in Kenema, Kono, Bo, and Kailahun.
JOB SUMMARY
This position of Program Manager (ERD) will be based in Freetown with frequent travel to IRC districts of operation. This position will work closely with the WGPE Senior Program Manager and district field managers and will report directly to the WGPE Coordinator. The IRC seeks a dynamic individual who will provide overall technical expertise to the WGPE team and partners on the implementation of Economic and Social Empowerment (EA$E) approaches as well as cash assistance to vulnerable girls and women to support them in meeting their basic needs.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
- Position Reports to: WGPE Coordinator
- Position directly supervises: None
- Receives technical support from: WGPE Coordinator, WGPE Senior Program Manager, M&E Coordinator, M & E Manager, Field Managers
- Other internal: Deputy Director of Programs
- External: Government, INGOs, NGO and other key partners, donors, and stakeholders
RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Management, Capacity Building and quality
- Oversee implementation of the ERD aspects of the project which include tracking the Economic and Social Empowerment (EA$E) components of the workplan, Livelihoods Programming including Cash Assistance, apprenticeships, and enterprise support.
- Train and support IRC program staff and partner staff on the EA$E approaches (business skills training, VSLA, and gender discussion groups) and tools.
- Prepare and organize the cash distributions in liaison with the relevant RI staff (logistic and finance department) and with the Money Transfer Service Provider including the preparation of the beneficiary list, relevant supporting documents, etc.
- Conduct regular supportive field visits to the districts and communities where programming is implemented to provide technical support, guidance and mentoring to the IRC and Partner teams.
- Ensure there is a free flow of information sharing and support.
- Lead in the recruitment of a suitable vocational training college for the vocational skills component of the project.
- Ensure that program is accountable to women, keeping them and their meaningful participation and partnership in the program at the center of all aspects of the work and practice of the teams
- Proactively communicate and collaborate on a regular basis with the M&E Coordinator.
- Support project budget oversight as necessary.
Monitoring and Evaluation, Reporting
- Work closely with the WGPE Senior Manager and M&E Coordinator to ensure all ME&L tools related the Engaging Men in Accountable Practices (EMAP) and EA$E approaches are in-line with the program framework, model and guiding principles.
- In close collaboration with the M&E Manager, ensure that the project has a clear Post Distribution Monitoring framework, and that indicators and data are properly collected and processes.
- Provide programmatic input into all program report and documentation.
Coordination, Advocacy and Representation
- Support the development of donor reports and external resources using monitoring data and feedback.
- Participate in internal cross-sectoral coordination efforts around GBV prevention, men and boys’ engagement, economic empowerment programming.
- Represent IRC in various fora as requested
- Ensure professional ongoing and regular coordination, collaboration, and partnership with the MoGCA, the Community of Practice on VAWG, other relevant/key stakeholders, national coordination mechanisms and pillars, and other relevant actors
Business Development
- Support co-design sessions that involve potential partners and are responsive to client needs
- Support the development of concept notes and proposals related to ERD programming expansion and continuation, including budgets, logical frameworks, relevant indicators, and written narratives.
Other
- Undertake all other tasks as requested by the supervisor
QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Education to Bachelor or Master’s degree level in Economics, Business Administration or equivalent field experience in Cash Assistance and Livelihood.
Specific technical experience and skills:
- 5 year-experience in humanitarian, development, or similar organizations
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to speak at least one key local language in the target communities a plus
- Good inter-personal skills
- Specific experience in gender sensitive programming, VSLAs, business skills training, cash disbursement and men and boys’ engagement.
- Strong understanding of how patriarchy, gender inequality and crisis impact upon the lives of women and girls and their experiences of violence, and how GBV intersects with traditional socio-cultural beliefs, traditions, and practices in Sierra Leone.
- Good and proven independent worker, able to take initiative, be a proactive problem solver, but also able to ask for help as needed.
- Strong networking skills and ability to constructively engage with a variety of stakeholders (INGOs, government officials, community leaders, women’s groups).
- Experience working with communities using highly participatory, inclusive and sustainable approaches.
- Excellent practical individual and group training and facilitation skills that respect professional boundaries, with diverse individuals and groups.
- Excellent empathy, listening and effective communication skills.
- Willing and ready to travel frequently to communities, and work in very basic conditions.
Mandatory (General) Abilities:
- Committed to the mission and principles of the International Rescue Committee.
- A good, motivated team player with a positive attitude who can motivate and encourage others.
- Results driven – ensures goals, objectives and deadlines are met.
- Applies effective utilization of resources.
- Self-Management – Knows own strengths and weaknesses and acts accordingly, copes well with pressure and adapts and learns; willingness and ability to work in a frequently changing and demanding context.
- Interpersonal skills – Listens willingly and respectfully to the concerns of all groups and individuals and provides feedback, gaining commitment by persuasiveness does not demand.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks; proven self-initiative and problem-solving abilities.
- Lives up to commitments and works towards the aims and principles of the IRC, showing consistency between words and actions and always acting with integrity.
Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, 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.
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