Closing date: 22 Feb 2010 -- (CLOSED)
Location: Sri Lanka - Ampara, LK
Program Manager – Conflict Management and Mitigation (CMM) (216891-927)
PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps Sri Lanka is seeking to expand our current peace-building programs. Our approach to conflict mitigation is aimed at bringing together individuals of different ethnic, religious or political backgrounds, including marginalized groups such as women and youth, to encourage community-led and sustained peace-building initiatives.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Program Manager is responsible for the Conflict Management and Mitigation programs in Sri Lanka; primarily, this includes the administration, fiscal management, and grant management of a USD $600,000 USAID-funded project supporting conflict mitigation and reconciliation activities. Additionally, the Program Manager will oversee all aspects of the $ 65,000 Nike-funded Youth and Sports program in the same area, including components of material aid and events coordination. This position is currently funded through July 2010.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Manage conflict mitigation and reconciliation programs, and oversee all program activities in cooperation with staff trainers, local governance institutions, CBO partners, traditional peace authorities, and other project stakeholders.
- Financial and grant management ensuring compliance with regulations and procedures, reporting and, maintaining working relationships with the donor, government, partner agencies and NGOs.
- Supervise and guide activities and performance of project staff and oversee the planning and management of the activities and performance of the program team.
- Regularly coordinate with project staff to ensure smooth planning, preparation, implementation and joint monitoring and evaluation of program activities and achievements towards project goals.
- Liaise with other INGOs/CBOs doing complimentary peace building programs (or related programs such as DRR) and peace advocacy by participating in various networks to develop potential joint initiatives.
- Assist in proposal development and assessments for on-going peace-building activities in new, re- settlement areas.
- Increase staff capacity.
Organizational Learning
As part of Mercy Corps’ agency-wide Organizational Learning Initiative, all team members are responsible for spending 5% of their work time in formal and/or non-formal professional learning activities.
Accountability to Beneficiaries
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
- REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Country Director
- WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Finance Manager, Ampara Head of Office, HQ support and Technical Support Unit staff; and local partners
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
- MA or equivalent in social sciences, international relations, peace building, or other relevant field preferred,.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience implementing international development projects; preference given to candidates with extensive experience managing USAID-funded projects.
- Demonstrated success managing staff (national and international).
- Familiarity and experience with USAID regulations.
- Fluency in written and spoken English required; familiarity with local languages preferred.
- Strong knowledge of computers and software (MS Word, MS Excel) required.
- Ability to live and work successfully in remote and challenging settings with limited resources.
SUCCESS FACTORS:
The successful Program Manager must be able to work independently while being a strong team player. S/he will demonstrate the ability to communicate, take direction, assume leadership, and make rational decisions while working remotely from country leadership. S/he will possess effective communication skills and team-building techniques; and be highly motivated and demonstrate initiative and adaptability. The Program Manager will also possess strong diplomacy skills for managing a team with different backgrounds, abilities, and technical knowledge.
LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Ampara is a small town in a rural area of eastern Sri Lanka, with basic services available. Although considered safe, the ongoing conflict within the country does produce security incidences in the district, a situation that has not stabilized and may change. Ampara is an accompanied – spouse/partner only location.
Comfortable housing is provided. The town has several restaurants, banks and shops catering to the local and expatriate population. Travel to other parts of Sri Lanka is by road over uneven surfaces and requires time to travel any distance. Although basic medical services are available in the town, international-quality medical facilities are only available in the capital, which is 8-10 hours away.
Mercy Corps is an AA/EOE.
Reference Code: RW_7Z2BSQ-5
