Project Manager (Livelihoods - Food Security) at Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a Danish international non-governmental organisation, which promotes and supports durable solutions to the problems faced by refugees and internally displaced people all over the world. DRC is present in more than 30 conflict territories around the world assisting displaced people with shelter, food, income generating activities, and wide range of other assistance. It is of utmost importance for DRC to work in compliance with the DRC Accountability and Quality Management system and national legislations. Smooth, reliable and effective operational systems are preconditions for DRC to maintain its position as a trustworthy and reliable partner for our donors and an accountable organisation towards our beneficiaries.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Project Manager (Livelihoods - Food Security)

Location: Maiduguri, Borno

Overall Purpose of the Role

• To ensure the effective implementation of DRC’s food security programming, currently funded by WFP and targeting upwards of 150,000 beneficiaries across NE Nigeria with GFD and supplementary feeding and cash-based transfer
• The Project Manager (Livelihoods - Food Security) will be expected to ensure timely, accountable and protection-sensitive delivery of the food distributions, mentor and manage field staff, ensure open lines of communication with WFP and with DRC Safety Unit and foster cross-sectorial linkages with shelter/NFI, WASH and protection where relevant
• The Project Manager (Livelihoods- Food Security) is responsible for reporting on program delivery to internal and external stakeholders, in collaboration with the Head of Programme, Area Programme Manager, Quality Assurance Manager and MEAL Coodinator
• Program development will also be a key aspect, looking at relevance and appropriateness of distribution modalities and working with the Emergency Coordinator, Head of Programmes and donors, particularly with a view to contingency planning for lean/rainy season, developing more of a Food Security strategy linked to different modalities of implementation (such as Cash Transfer Programming) as well as mutually reinforcing Livelihoods and Recovery activities.

The Job

• To ensure the effective implementation of DRC’s food security programming, currently funded by WFP and targeting upwards of 150,000 beneficiaries across North East Nigeria with GFD and supplementary feeding and cash-based transfer
• The Livelihoods Manager - Food Security will be expected to ensure timely, accountable and protection-sensitive delivery of the food distributions, mentor and manage field staff, ensure open lines of communication with WFP and with DRC Safety Unit and foster cross-sectorial linkages with shelter/NFI, WASH and protection where relevant
• The LHM-FS is responsible for reporting on program delivery to internal and external stakeholders, in collaboration with the Head of Programme, Area Programme Manager, Quality Assurance Manager and MEAL Specialist
• Program development will also be a key aspect, looking at relevance and appropriateness of distribution modalities and working with the Emergency Coordinator, Head of Programmes and donors, particularly with a view to contingency planning for lean/rainy season, developing more of a Food Security strategy linked to different modalities of implementation (such as Cash Transfer Programming) as well as mutually reinforcing Livelihoods and Recovery activities.

Responsibilities
Project implementation and General Management:

• Overall responsibility for the management of Food Distributions by DRC Nigeria. This includes consideration of timeliness and accountability of distributions planned, as well as practical aspects (HR/personnel, logistics, safety, reporting, distribution process monitoring, PDM and other evaluations of impact, mainstreaming of protection, consideration of Age, Gender and Diversity in distributions etc)
• Overall responsibility for meeting donor targets and compliance requirements through activities, means of undertaking activities, and in all documentation (financial, logistics etc).
• Line manage national food security staff, conducting performance reviews, setting objectives and ensuring expected performance criteria are met
• Adapt the FS team structure according to needs, resources and capacities
• Ensure high quality project implementation in accordance with donor and DRC regulations as well as in line with agreed log frames/indicators, budgets, procurement plans, and work plans.
• Oversee the expanding WFP-funded programming in Borno state (GFD and supplementary, potentially to include cash transfer in some locations)
• Work closely with Safety Unit and logistics to ensure Duty of Care and staff/beneficiary safety considerations for all field travel, including sometimes to less secure locations
• With finance ensure that activities and expenses are regularly monitored and, as needed, action plans with follow-up are developed to correct any over- or underspending in a timely manner.
• Ensure effective information management from FS programming, working with MEAL Specialist, ensuring data protection where relevant
• Ensure that the FS program is well documented and that the institutional memory of DRC Nigeria is preserved.
• Work closely with Logistics and Procurement Specialists and Supply Chain unit in order to ensure that proper documentation and accountability of supplies is in line with donor requirements and best warehousing / distribution practices.

Coordination and Representation:

• The Project Manager (Livelihoods - Food Security) lead on coordination at Maiduguri level with WFP, whereas the LHM-FS Pro-actively communicate and coordinate with other DRC teams (programmatic and support functions) to ensure safe, timely, effective and accountable achievement of objectives and targets.
• Regular coordination and liaison with WFP in deep field locations, the FS Sector Working Group partners and other actors in the field including ICRC and MSF, contributing to shaping the overall FS strategy of the NE Nigeria response. This includes contingency planning for lean/rainy season and any new emergencies.
• Maintain strong links to WFP programme, logistics and M&E teams in Maiduguri to facilitate joint planning and smooth distributions from central warehouse to end point
• Represent DRC in meetings relevant to DRC’s FS work in Nigeria, including at meetings with partners, donors, government officials and cluster/coordination meetings.
• Ensure DRC’s programming approach is known and correctly understood by all stakeholders.
• Pro-actively liaise and build good rapport with INGO, UN, local authority officials, community representatives, and any other relevant stakeholders.
• Facilitate reporting and information sharing through protection sector and other coordination mechanisms back to DRC management – provide and collect information to inform the whole response
• Lead on monthly reporting to WFP (MDR), and contribute significantly to development of end of project narrative reports

Strategy:

• Continuous liaison with other actors (INGO, NNGO, UN, local authorities, civil society) and other DRC sector teams for context analysis to inform strategic approach
• Contribute to the development of DRC Nigeria FS strategy ensuring relevance to the country SPD, context and cluster strategy.
• Roll out the strategy through effective programming and ensure its integration into the DRC Nigeria response as a whole.

Donor Relations / Funding:

• Reports in a consistent and timely manner to DRC managers and donors with regard to project progress and future plans.
• Represent the organization where appropriate with implementing partners, government, and donor entities at field level – mainly WFP. Help build strong relationships with donors and UN agencies at field level to ensure predictable funding for DRC’s FS programming in Nigeria.
• Monitor developments and determine strategic opportunities related to the FS sector
• Contribute to development of high quality proposals according to DRC Nigeria priorities as identified in its country strategic planning.

Team Management:

• Provide appropriate and timely feedback to program staff regarding their performance, including annual staff performance appraisals. Identify with food security staff their needs and opportunities for professional development.
• Develop job descriptions and recruit qualified food security staff (national).

Project Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Reporting:

• Participate as required in project kick-off, close-out and review meetings. Ensure documentation and follow up of action points in a timely manner.
• Include the participation of beneficiaries and communities, particularly those most vulnerable or at-risk, in all stages of the project cycle where appropriate.
• Ensure that all FS activities are included in project M&E plans and work closely with M&E Manager to ensure learning is institutionalised in programming. Ensure key lessons learned are incorporated in new FS project proposals.
• Strengthen accountability activities for food/cash distributions, ensuring that feedback from all relevant stakeholders is considered in programme design.

Experience and Technical Competencies
Essential:

• Minimum 5 years of working experience in a humanitarian context and experience in complex emergencies and high-security environments
• Minimum 3 years’ technical experience in food security programming, including managing WFP-funded projects
• Demonstrated success in building systems for tracking and reporting on food/commodity distributions
• Understanding of protection principles, conflict sensitivity
• Solid experience in staff management in a cross-cultural environment required
• Proven ability to build external relationships with diplomacy, tact and professionalism in a complex and demanding environment.
• Proficiency in common computer packages and financial software i.e. Word, Excel, Power point etc.
• Must show ability to work in an isolated and challenging environment.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in Nigeria or similar context with conflict/access analysis ability

Education:

• A University level Degree in relevant subject

Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken English

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC’s vision and values.

We Offer

• Contract length: 9 months contract
• Level: M.F Level 2
• Designation of Duty Station: Maiduguri, Borno State. Non-family Duty station
• Start Date: 1st December, 2019
• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies.

Application Closing Date
23rd October, 2019.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online
 
Note

• All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English.
• If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please contact [email protected]
• Applications sent by email will not be considered.
• Kindly note that due to the urgency of the position, DRC/DDG Nigeria will conduct interviews on a rolling basis.