Somali National Contract

(One-Year Contract)

Introduction to NCA: Norwegian Church Aid (‘NCA’) is one of the largest aid organisations in the Nordic region. We are there in disasters and emergencies to provide water and critical assistance to those affected. Together with our international network and partner organisations in the ACT Alliance we are able to reach millions of people each year and help make a positive difference around the world. We are determined to work towards eradicating injustice, and we therefore work passionately with advocacy, long-term development in local communities and providing emergency assistance. As we see more and more people impacted by disasters, we now have an even stronger focus on providing more people with emergency relief and access to clean water. We believe that people in need must be helped, and we will not stop fighting for a just world.

In Somalia, NCA provides assistance to IDPs, refugees, returnees and host communities affected and has been present in Somalia since 1993. In Somalia, NCA implements programmes in the thematic areas of GBV, WASH, Peace building, Climate Smart Economic Empowerment and Education for Peace and Sustainable Development as a contextual programme.

Information about the position: NCA is seeking an Area Coordinator, for our Somalia Programmes, to be based in Puntland, Somalia. This is a one year Somali National contract, that may be renewed,subject to funding and performance.With a start date of as soon as possible.

Purpose of the Position:

To provide leadership and ensure regular contextual analyses are undertaken and used to inform management and programming decisions; position NCA as partner of choice through internal and external engagement, ensure strategy implementation, operational and programmatic planning, and monitoring; ensure operational effectiveness by executing projects on time, on target and on budget and same time ensuring area plan aligns with NCA strategy, Government priorities, donor standards, local priorities and in conformity with national and local laws; spearhead resource mobilization and new business development; ensure effective systems for risk management, audit compliance and good stewardship are in place and in use; lead advocacy and networking; ensure effective staff management and capacity building and ensure a safe and secure working environment for staff. The Area Coordinator will oversee a portfolio of multi sector projects, providing leadership in design, implementation, integration, reporting and fund-raising, ensuring effective delivery through partners and also serve as the field-level representative for all NCA programs, ensuring coordination and information-sharing mechanisms are in place with relevant government, partners, community, cluster working groups and INGO stakeholders and that the NCA national staff or partners takes leadership roles whenever possible in these forums.

Main Responsibilities

1.1 Ensure regular contextual analyses are undertaken and used to inform management and programming decisions

1.1.1 Provide an updated contextual analyses / situational report of the region on a quarterly basis. This will be discussed in the extended SMT meetings and appropriate recommendations made and actions taken.

1.1.2 Ensure NCA staff have an up-to-date understanding of the area’s socio-economic situation, trends, needs and gaps, and who does what and where (3W).

1.1.3 Ensure (4/3Ws) are filed in shared with the relevant stakeholders as required (on monthly / quarterly?).

1.1.4 Ensure the area has an updated EPRP based on the hazards and threat mapping and analyses

1.1.5 Conduct programme review of the geographic and thematic footprint with a view to consolidating and stabilizing NCA presence in the region.

1.2 Position NCA as Partner of Choice through Internal and External Engagement

1.2.1 Establish, maintain, and improve active and regular working relationships with other NGOs, UN agencies, ACT members, Clusters, working groups, consortia, etc. at area level ensuring maximum visibility of NCA

1.2.2 Establish, maintain, and improve active and regular working relationships with State Government and local authorities and where necessary non-state actors and obtain required authorizations and buy-in for NCA’s activities at area level

1.2.3 Ensure NCA is represented in key clusters, working groups, NGO coordination bodies, etc. at area level and share with Extended SMT, reports from such meetings

1.2.4 Participate in donor meetings at area level and communicate relevant information to the Head of Operations, Technical Advisors, Head of Programs, and other relevant staff.

1.2.5 Coordinate with the State Government to ensure that NCA programmes are aligned to the strategic direction of the country to remain relevant and appropriate to government policies, strategies, plans, priorities, and regulations and ensure that NCA is aligned with and compliant to government requirements

1.2.6 Promote NCA visibility and interests in the area by representing NCA in government, donors, CSO coordination and other relevant stakeholders’ forums to enhance cooperation and coordination.

1.2.7 Strengthen existing NCA information-sharing mechanism to promote coordination, knowledge, and visibility.

1.3 Strategy Implementation, Operational and Programmatic Planning, and Monitoring

1.3.1 Ensure Country Office Strategy is contextualized, understood by staff and partners, and implemented in conjunction with key stakeholders.

1.3.2 Take a lead role in implementing NCA’s country program strategy in the area identifying strategic opportunities for expanding NCA’s work in the area and identify new opportunities for intervention.

1.3.3 Cultivate an atmosphere of trust for the creation and delivery of high quality, effective and accountable programming.

1.3.4 Spearhead integrated programming and proposal development, develop and monitor integration plans.

1.3.5 Ensure strategic programmatic and operational plans are in place, operationalized and continuously improving (e.g., area growth plan, Annual Budget, Integration Plan, resource mobilization plan, EPRP).

1.3.6 Support adherence to key humanitarian standards and sector standards, actively following up on Technical Team Leads recommendations and monitoring uptake.

1.4 Ensure Operational Effectiveness

1.4.1 Manage a portfolio of multi-sector grants to ensure they end on-time, on-target, within budget, and meet the highest quality reporting standards.

1.4.2 Develop of culture of excellence with regards to the planning and implementation of projects: monitoring project implementation rates to ensure on-time completion and programmatic. taking active measures to improve performance and reporting.

1.4.3 Ensure proper coordination with support sectors (logistics, HR, safety and access, finance) and Programs to promote information sharing, effective implementation, and joint program design and planning.

1.4.4 Ensure Global and Country offices systems, guidelines and strategic initiatives communicated, and in use by all staff, partners and parties acting on behalf of NCA.

1.4.5 Take measures to ensure that all programs and projects within the area of jurisdiction are adequately supported by ensuring support services, safety and access, programmatic technical support, M&E and technical capacity are adequately provided to ensure quality implementation of projects.

1.4.6 Follow up budget execution to ensure efficient and effective utilization of resources (money, staff time and community contributions including their time)

1.4.7 Foster a culture of trust and mutual respect, encouraging local staff engagement in planning, management, and decision- making.

1.5 Resource mobilization and new business development

1.5.1 Support the programme to identify funding possibilities including funds channelled through the line ministries at area level. This includes strengthening relationships with the government, donors, and other stakeholders to ensure continuous delivery of services

1.5.2 Support the Programs team in proposal conceptualization (problem statement, targeting of beneficiaries, locations, partners identification, consensus from local authorities and Government) within the framework of the country, regional and global strategy.

1.5.3 Contribute to budget design and ensure budget needs at area level have been taken into consideration.

1.6 Ensure effective systems for risk management, Audit Compliance and Good Stewardship are in place and in use

1.6.1 Ensure all NCA key policies (PSHEA, SC, Anti-Fraud, CoC, and procedures are in place, disseminated and in use by staff and all other stakeholders who represent NCA.

1.6.2 Cultivate an atmosphere of good stewardship that promotes efficient use of organization resources and accountable NCA in the region.

1.6.3 Ensure awareness of, and full compliance with, donor and government requirements, including the timely preparation and submission of quality narrative and financial reports, timely acquisition of appropriate registration documents for NCA operation in the region.

1.6.4 Work closely with Finance, HR, Logistics teams, support Program teams to develop, manage and monitor project budgets, ensuring value for money and that project expenditure is within agreed budgets and comply with NCA procedures and resources are optimally utilized.

1.6.5 Spearhead risk assessment, planning, ensure control measures are in place and in use and facilitate the implementation of audit all recommendations.

1.6.6 Lead in the identification and resolution of challenges which impact audit compliance and/or contribute to risk to NCA and partners

1.7 Advocacy and networking

1.7.1 Advocacy, lobbying, liaison and networking with Puntland government line ministries and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that NCA is actively engaged in relevant strategic processes in relevant sectors at federal level

1.7.2 Follow the development of Puntland government policies on thematic programmes and identify and evaluate programme risks and take appropriate action

1.7.3 Organize meetings with Puntland government officials and field visits for donor and staff in collaboration with the field teams and partners as required

1.7.4 Work collaboratively with NCA field offices and partners who are based at Puntland State level to provide linkages to federal level processes and vice versa.

1.7.5 Ensure all personnel related issues for the staff are carried out in accordance with NCA policies. This includes recruitment, performance review and capacity development.

1.8 Staff Management and Capacity Building

1.8.1 Ensure good quality staff are attracted, retained, and developed in the region.

1.8.2 Effectively line manage and mentor staff under his or her leadership, ensuring a shared vision, teamwork, effective communication and active engagement in decision-making and management approaches.

1.8.3 Ensure effective people management systems (PDR, leave system) are in place, monitored, and in-use.

1.8.4 Implement existing performance management mechanisms, ensuring good participation and quality results to promote staff engagement and a culture of excellence.

1.8.5 Ensure staff grievances and disciplinary action are addressed in a timely manner in alignment with NCA policy.

1.8.6 Cultivate an atmosphere of national staff empowerment and motivation leading to their active participation in program initiatives.

1.8.7 Cultivate an atmosphere of mutual accountability, ensuring staff behavior models and promotes trust and teamwork.

1.9 Ensure Safe and Secure Working Environment

1.9.1 Ensure security mitigation measures in-place and in-use.

1.9.2 Ensure adherence to Core Security Requirements.

1.9.3 Take leadership in the timely implementation of security recommendations.

1.9.4 Promote a culture of security awareness and risk reduction among staff.

1.10 Other duties / functions assigned to the position

1.10.1 Member of the extended Senior Management Team (SMT)

1.10.2 Coordinate humanitarian response by NCA including monitoring the humanitarian context, providing timely updates, participating in coordination forums, and fundraising efforts such as proposal development and appeals. This is until the position of a humanitarian coordinator is filled substantially

1.10.3 Work closely with the Safety and Access Officer to ensure full compliance with security plans and procedures

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

§ A degree in Development/Humanitarian Studies, Project Management, or relevant Sector specialty (with proven experience of team management).

§ At 10 years’ experience in relief and development, of which 5 must be at a senior management level in complex / protracted emergencies and recovery operations.

§ Proven ability to manage a large and diverse program portfolio with multiple donors.

§ Familiarity with EU, ECHO, USAID, BHA, UN (WFP, UNICEF, OCHA, UNFPA, UNHCR), NORAD, DANIDA grant compliance and procedures. Willingness to assume other project tasks as required.

§ Capacity to provide solid leadership and decision-making skills for efficient and effective program implementation.

§ Strong problem solving, interpersonal and negotiation skills.

§ Knowledge of humanitarian industry including sphere standards, NGO code of conduct, PSHEA and Child safeguarding policies, and humanitarian charter.

§ Experience in staff security and safety management for humanitarian organizations in complex and insecure environments is a must.

§ Very strong organizational, management and communication skills.

§ Experience in program design, monitoring and evaluation in a complex humanitarian context.

§ Proven financial, logistics and procurement management skills.

§ Proactive problem-solver able to unravel and solve multiple complex challenges.

§ Strong inter-personal skills, and proven team-player.

§ A decisive manager, especially when it comes to performance and people management.

§ Proven ability to manage competing priorities.

§ Able to work in a cross-cultural environment with a multi-national staff with varied skill sets.

§ Cross cultural sensitivity, balanced worldview, emotional maturity, and the ability to cope with stressful work conditions.

Work Environment/Travel:

Work environment: 100% Field Based in with frequent travels to meet beneficiaries and program partners.

Travel: Considerable amount of travel is required within the program area.