Solidarités International is a French humanitarian organization which provides aid and assistance to victims of war or natural disaster. For over 30 years the association has focused on meeting three vital needs – water, food and shelter – by carrying out emergency programmes followed by longer-term reconstruction projects. Whilst fully respecting the assisted populations’ customs and culture, Solidarités International’s programmes are implemented through the joint expertise of around 180 expatriates and 1500 local managerial staff and employees. Solidarités International is currently present in Africa (Central African Republic, Southern Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, Liberia, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Zimbabwe), in Asia (Afghanistan, Thailand, Bangladesh, Myanmar) and in Haiti.
CONTEXT OF INTERVENTION
Solidarités International has been working in Liberia since December 2003 after the end of the civil war, implementing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion Programs (since 2004) and Food Security Programs (since 2006). The mission has progressively moved from emergency to development approach to support Liberian communities.
Lately, with the influx of Ivorian refugees into Liberia, Solidarités International has started to implement emergency programmes at the border with Ivory Coast to respond to the basic needs of the refugees.
Solidarités International’s Liberia mission consists of one Coordination Base in Monrovia (the capital of Liberia) with 4 expatriates and 20 national staff, and four Operational Bases :- 1 in Gbarnga : with 2 expatriates and 20 national staff- 1 in Zwedru (opening ongoing) : with expected 4 expatriates and 32 national staff- 1 in Harper (scaling up ongoing) : with 7 expatriates and 40 national staff- 1 in Barclayville (sub-base of Harper) : with 1 expatriate and 20 national staff
The Field Officer will be based in Harper, the capital of Maryland, with frequent trips to Barclayville. Harper is an isolated town situated 20 km from the Ivory Coast border. Barclayville, the capital of Grand Kru, is situated 100 km from Harper.
So far the situation in Harper has been relatively calm; however, the conflict in Ivory Coast might destabilize areas at the borders of Liberia, following possible movements of armed elements across the border. As the situation is evolving rapidly in both humanitarian and security terms, security is one of the main concerns.
OUTLINE OF POSITION
The Field Officer is in charge of implementing activities as described in the proposals.
S/He supervises the operational teams that come under his/her responsibility.
S/He ensures that all activities that are implemented are carried out well and to a high standard and, if necessary, proposes adjustment or improvements to guarantee a high standard.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Activity relevance, quality and creation:
• Propose a technical approach, assist with the financial layout, workforce and logistics for the activities that are to be implemented
• Implement activities in accordance with Solidarités International technical requirements and financial donor criteria
• Collect information and assist in the quality analysis of the activities carried out
• Ensure that the purpose of the activities meets the requirement for durability and that all established norms and standards are complied with
• Ensure that the activities for which s/he is responsible reach the required results
Activity relevance, quality and creation:
• Propose a technical approach, assist with the financial layout, workforce and logistics for the activities implemented
• Implement activities in accordance with Solidarités International technical requirements and financial donor criteria
• Collect information and assist in the quality analysis of the activities carried out
• Ensure that the activities for which s/he is responsible obtain the required results
Implementation and operational monitoring:
• Plan and supervise the implementation of the activities for which s/he is responsible, in accordance with the deadlines and technical specificities that have been set
• Use management, monitoring and evaluation tools in the activities, particularly all the RRMP tools useful for the assessment, implementation and monitoring of the WASH activities
• Supervise operational teams, contracted companies and communities, monitor the efficient use of resources provided
• Assist in creating committees, training and monitoring them
• Adhere to, measure and monitor activity and result indicators
• Pre-empt any difficulties linked to carrying out the activities and facilitate problem solving
• Propose that activities are adapted as the context and indicators change
• Prepare a list of personnel, material and financial resources with the program manager according to the set schedule
• Provide the logistics department with lists of stock that has been decentralized for the activity
• Ensure compliance with national and international norms and quality standards relating to his/her activities
Human Resources Management:
• Support the Program Manager in solving problems between team members, or between teams and partners, communities and beneficiaries
• Identify and pass on team training needs, activities, etc.
• Supervise and support the teams that come under his/her responsibility
• Act as the liaison in the field between the various Team Leaders
• Assist in the performance reviews of those staff s/he supervises directly
• Put security measures in place during the implementation of activities and ensure compliance with these rules by staff under his/her supervision
Reporting / communication / representation:
• Pass on to the relevant person any information on the security context, or any event that may have potential consequences on Solidarités International activities and team security
• Write up reports on the progress of activities for which s/he is responsible
• On request, participate in meetings and workshops relating to his/her field of activity and write up minutes for them, if necessary
• Fill out and update the activity sheet provided in the Tool box
• Archive his/her monitoring tools and files in the Solidarités International office, where they can be accessed by the line manager
• Facilitate communication between Solidarités International and communities, authorities, beneficiaries and other parties in the area
• Communicate with Team Leaders on activity results
• Provide oral and written translation for the coordination team during meetings or site visits
• Write up handover and transition reports before the end of his/her employment contract
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Education: hydraulic or civil engineering or other WASH-related diploma (“BTS”, degree / master’s)
Experience: At least one similar mission in a humanitarian context, experience in Watsan project management including design and planning, budget control, evaluation and reporting, experience in team management
Technical skills and knowledge: Strong knowledge of the water and sanitation sector in post-emergency humanitarian situations, mapinfo or other mapping software knowledge would be an asset
Transferable skills: Efficiency, rigour, organized, strong communication skills, diplomacy, autonomy
Languages: Fluent English is mandatory, French appreciated
Other desirable qualities: Adaptability to changing work environment and possible volatile security situation; ability to work under pressure and manage a heavy work load
CONDITIONS
Voluntary position: monthly indemnity from 800 to 900 euros according to experience, and monthly Per Diem of 500 USD.
Solidarités International will cover accommodation and travel expenses from the expatriate’s home country to the site of the assignment.
• Social and medical cover: Expatriates benefit from an insurance package which reimburses all healthcare expenses (including medical and surgical expenses, dental care and ophthalmological expenses, repatriation) and a welfare system including war risks. Essential vaccination and antimalarial treatment costs are refunded.
• Vacation: During the assignment, a system of alternation between work and time off is implemented at the rate of one break every three months. For a one-year assignment, the expatriate will have a break during the 3rd and the 9th month (with 500 euros allocated by Solidarités). He or she will also be entitled to go back to his or her home country for a 15-day period after six months spent on the mission (Solidarités will cover travel costs).
HOW TO APPLY
Please send us a CV and cover letter, either through our website or via the following link: https://emea2.recruitmentplatform.com/syndicated/private/syd_apply.cfm?I….
