Oxfam | Emergency Food Security & Vulnerable Livelihood (EFSVL) ADVISOR (INT10097) | Damascus Syrian Arab Republic

Oxfam is a global movement of people working together to end the injustice of poverty.

The Role:

Oxfam GB is looking for Emergency Food Security & Vulnerable Livelihood (EFSVL) Advisor

JOB PURPOSE:

To provide strategic and technical support to the EFSVL teams and Area Managers in the design, implementation and monitoring of Oxfam’s EFSVL strategy in Syria. This will involve contextual analysis, EFSVL sector assessments, planning, internal and external coordination/representation, supporting the implementation/follow-up of Oxfam’s EFSVL strategy in Syria and integrating EFSVL into multi-sectoral programming with WASH, gender and protection. The role will influence strategic decision-making within the EFSVL strategy in line with the Oxfam’s overall strategy for Syria. The country team has recently finalized the Country Strategy for the next five year focusing on building resilient communities through live-saving and early recovery interventions. Hence, the post holder will therefore lead the implementation of the strategy from the EFSVL perspective

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic technical advice and support for programme design and implementation

• With the input from WASH, gender and protection colleagues, provide technical and advisory support to the EFSVL team and as needed, to national partners to enhance a solid and systematic contextual understanding of programmatic areas, people’s needs and capacity as well as power dynamics. This will require inputting in the triangulation and analysis of information from a variety of sources;
• In close coordination with other programme teams and based on assessment and contextual analysis support the development of context appropriate detailed operational plans and budgets for the delivery of activities aimed at increasing food security, restoring livelihoods and creating enabling environments for communities to increase their resilience.
• Provide technical inputs in project and proposal development, and provide support, where required, to write donor and programme reports;
• Work closely with other programme teams, especially the MEAL team, to enhance social accountability and ensure ongoing monitoring of Oxfam’s programme activities, in both accessible and inaccessible areas;
• Provide strategic and technical advice to develop creative solutions to the delivery and monitoring of EFSVL activities, in both accessible and inaccessible areas;
• Explore and promote technological options (like e-vouchers, Last Mile Mobile Solutions, bank transfers…) for scale up and for increasing effectiveness and efficiency of EFSVL programming;
• Design or identify tools and approaches for use in food security activities, livelihoods support and market monitoring, participate/lead in market assessments and in any other assessment as needed;
• Ensure policy team is informed of potential EFSVL issues which require internal and /or external advocacy support, and that the EFSVL work is well represented in all communication material and media.

Capacity building:

• Work closely with Area Managers to identify capacity building needs for EFSVL team members and develop context appropriate initiatives for individuals and teams using a variety of approaches.. Support technical capacity building assessment, planning and initiatives of relevant external stakeholders (LNGOs, relevant Ministries, etc.)
• Support on identifying EFSVL-related capacity building opportunities for Oxfam staff and local partner organisations; support the development and implementation of capacity building plans and design and deliver training as appropriate. This includes identifying staff secondments and team/partner participation in global/regional learning events as well as on-the-job capacity building.
• Take the initiative in documenting lessons learned, best practices and case studies to shape in-country strategies and programme approaches and contribute to broader sector learning.

Contribute to programme quality standards

• Supporting the team to ensure that the programme is inclusive of marginalised and vulnerable individuals and communities that it promotes the full and equal participation of women and that accountability to affected communities is central to the ways of working;
• Provide technical advice and support for the implementation of EFSVL activities in Syria – including ensuring coherence, standardized approaches, programme quality, and integration with other sectors. This also includes providing support on ensuring Oxfam and sector minimal standards are met;
• In close coordination with other technical sectors, provide leadership and technical support to the EFSVL team to enhance a consolidated, solid and systematic contextual understanding of programmatic areas, people’s needs and capacity as well as power dynamics. This will require inputting in the triangulation and analysis of information from a variety of sources.
• Ensure effective, quality and timely programme execution and operationalise processes by providing guidance and leadership to matrix-managed technical EFSVL team in hubs on agreed timeline that they are fully able to do be self-sufficient or have obtained longer-lasting capacity improvements without the post holders’ direct supervision.
• Linking the Syria team with the wider Oxfam confederation through making use of the resources available, using the learning from other countries, understanding and incorporating the broader Oxfam policies and procedures into the Syria programme;
• Support the EFSVL team in risk analysis and mitigation activities prior to programme implementation, and provide strategic steer on amending activities and approaches where necessary;
• Support the EFSVL team in safeguarding, safe programming and gender risk analysis and mitigation activities prior to programme implementation; provide strategic steer on amending activities and approaches where necessary.
• Support programme, project and partners’ teams in developing and applying appropriate monitoring, verification, evaluation and learning (MEAL) tools in relation to Oxfam’s EFSVL work in Syria;
• In close coordination with other programme teams (WASH, protection, gender) and based on assessment and contextual analysis contribute to developing multi-sector context appropriate detailed strategy, operational plans and budgets for the delivery of humanitarian programme that model and promote integration and effective community engagement with full participation of women and excluded vulnerable persons.
• In close coordination with other sector leads and technical teams ensure that Oxfam’s humanitarian programme is sensitive to the context while addressing the need of the most vulnerable and remains impartial;
• Provide technical support and advice in the development and implementation of national programme evaluations, learning events and specific programme related research activities;
• be familiar with and abide by Oxfam’s Code of Conduct and other regulatory codes such as the Red Cross Code of Conduct, Partners in Aid Code, Oxfam International Protocols and the Inter- Agency Field Co-operation Protocol.

Coordination and representation

• Represent and strategically position Oxfam within external UN/(I)NGO and Government fora; develop alliances with organizations and other relevant stakeholders working in EFSVL with a view to enhancing coordination;
• Provide strategic and technical input in sector specific external coordination mechanisms (FSC, CWG) and contribute to effective relationships with relevant stakeholders (MoSA, MoLA, MoAAR, INOGs and Syrian NGOs).

What we are looking for:

We’re looking for a candidate who cares about Oxfam’s mission to end poverty and is personally aligned to our feminist principles and values of empowerment, accountability and inclusion in all you do.

An ideal candidate for the role will also be / have:

Experience, Knowledge & Competencies:

Essential:

• Influencing
• Humility
• Mutual Accountability
• Agility, Complexity, and Ambiguity
• Systems Thinking
• Strategic Thinking and Judgment
• Self-Awareness

In addition:

• Higher Education in a relevant field (Agriculture, Rural Development, Economics or Development Studies);
• Minimum of 5-7 years’ international and/or national experience in the humanitarian sector delivering food security, livelihoods and/or cash programming in conflict settings;
• Experience working in an advisory/coordinator and supportive capacity, providing effective support to a multidisciplinary and multicultural team;
• Experience working with local partners in remote or hard to reach settings;
• Experience in food security, livelihood and market analysis and use of results to inform strategy and activities design; with the capacity to remotely lead assessments;
• Experience developing log frames, and robust M&E systems for EFSVL & cash programmes with clear indicators of success and putting in place accountability mechanisms
• Knowledge of a wide range of methods and approaches that can be used for rights-based food security, livelihood, and market-based programming; including in-kind food aid, CTP in emergencies, early recovery activities in rural settings;
• Thorough understanding of cash transfer modalities and mechanisms, analysing feasibility and risk of CTP;
• Strong analytical and planning skills, including critical thinking beyond the programmatic but within the regional context; understanding of risks, power analysis and stakeholder mapping;
• Strong coordination skills including the experience in representation with Government and other external actors, in a sensitive political environment. Diplomacy, tact and negotiating skills are essential;
• Ability to work under pressure, ability to prioritize and commitment to meet deadlines;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including high-level interpersonal and representational capabilities; fluency in written and spoken English is essential;
• Strong commitment to the aims and objectives of Oxfam, including strong commitment to gender equality and social justice;
• An understanding of gender and diversity considerations within key areas of responsibility and commitment to addressing inequalities in the programme

Desirable

• Understanding of relevant issues, particularly in the Syria and Middle East context;
• Written and spoken Arabic is an advantage;
• Ability and willingness to work in insecure environments and remote field locations;
• Experience of having worked in conflict settings with remote access / limited access is an advantage.
• Experience of working with local/civil society organizations and/or community based organizations

We offer:

We offer a competitive salary and a range of additional benefits to staff including flexible working options, generous pension scheme, annual leave, additional leave allowances, company sick pay, life assurance and a range of other benefits.

From the day you join Oxfam we invite you to stretch and learn in your role. Our wide range of Learning & Development opportunities includes in-house courses, e-learning modules, on-the job learning opportunities, coaching and mentoring, and much more.

You can read more about all Oxfam has to offer here.

How to apply:

As part of your online application, please upload your up to date CV and Cover Letter explaining your suitability against the essential criteria in the job profile.

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom Oxfam GB engages. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Oxfam GB also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

About us

Oxfam is a global community who believe poverty isn’t inevitable. It’s an injustice that can be overcome. We are shop volunteers, women’s right activists, marathon runners, aid workers, coffee farmers, street fundraisers, goat herders, policy experts, campaigners, water engineers and more. And we won’t stop until everyone can live life without poverty for good.

Oxfam GB is a member of international confederation of 21 organisations working together with partners and local communities in the areas of humanitarian, development and campaigning, in more than 90 countries.

A thriving diverse Oxfam:

It’s people power that brings about change. To play our part as a global organisation working to overcome poverty and inequality, we need equality, diversity and inclusion across our community of staff, partners and volunteers. Together, we’re committed to becoming a more diverse workforce, better able to tackle the global challenges that face our world today.

To do that:

• We need to dismantle the unequal power structures that exist everywhere, this including Oxfam and the wider development and charity sectors.
• We need an inclusive Oxfam where everyone can bring who they are to our work and feels celebrated for the differences they bring.
• We want and need everyone, and that means we need you.