Program Officer

Organization: NEAR (Network for Empowered Aid Response)

(Hosted by Adeso – African Development Solutions)

Position: Program Officer

Reporting To: NEAR Chief of Staff

Working With: NEAR Secretariat

Duty Station: Remote

Duration: 12 months (with possibility of renewal)

Starting Date: As soon as possible

ABOUT NEAR

NEAR (Network for Empowered Aid Response) is a movement of local organizations with a bold ambition – to reshape the top-down humanitarian and development system to one that is locally driven and owned, and is built around equitable, dignified and accountable partnerships. NEAR is a membership based organization with members coming from four regions: Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East.

ABOUT ADESO

NEAR is currently hosted by Adeso, an expanding and vibrant African based international development and humanitarian organization. Adeso and NEAR both aspire to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: Influencing policy change and enacting systemic change through innovative solutions led by local and national actors.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Program Officer will play a significant role in the operations of NEAR, by coordinating and delivering human resources, administrative, and financial assistance and support to the NEAR Secretariat. The Program Officer will report to the Chief of Staff.

SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Human Resources

· Support the hiring process for key roles in the NEAR Secretariat. Draft and post job descriptions, review CVs and shortlist candidates, prepare hiring paperwork, and assist in the inductions of new staff and consultants.

· Prepare contract extensions and modifications.

· Track leave, planning, and administrative days for all NEAR Secretariat Consultants and Staff.

· Regularly update NEAR’s staff and consultant list, and ensure HR files are complete and saved on NEAR’s SharePoint.

· Assist in the development of an HR guidebook, that efficiently outlines HR processes and policies.

Finance and Administration

· Support the procurement of required goods and services.

· Handle all travel arrangements for NEAR Secretariat staff and consultants, in compliance with NEAR and Adeso travel policies and procedures.

· Support the development of budgets, both for donors and NEAR’s annual organizational budget.

· Assist in the preparation of quarterly Leadership Council (i.e. Board of Directors) meetings.

· Assist NEAR’s Executive Director in meeting planning and preparation.

· As needed, support and manage budget modifications, realignments, extensions, and renewals.

Grants Management

· Keep records of grant applications, grant awards, grant amendments, and grant reporting.

· Draft sub-grant and sub-award agreements, and ensure compliance with the sub-grant agreements.

· Regularly update NEAR’s grants tracker and program development tracker.

· Develop a calendar of grant application and reporting deadlines and ensure appropriate Secretariat staff and consultants are notified of upcoming deadlines.

· Assist in the development of a Grants Administration guidebook.

Other

· Create team calendar or a mechanism for information sharing with the Secretariat.

· Perform other related tasks as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

· At least 3 years of relevant experience working in international development or the non-profit sector

· Experience in program management, operations, administration, human resources, and/or grants management.

· Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills, and clear, concise written communication skills required.

· Outstanding organization skills with a high level of attention to detail.

· Able to work independently, be flexible and engage with organizations and individuals from various cross-cultural contexts.

· Fluency in both written and spoken English. Other language skills a plus.