Regional Coordinator (STREAM) – Bishkek, Dushanbe or Tashkent – with frequent travel in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan

For this position exceptionally, applications should be sent directly to this address: to [email protected]

ACTED

Created in 1993, ACTED is an international non-governmental organization pursuing a dual mandate of emergency response and development interventions in 40 of some of the world’s most vulnerable countries affected by conflicts, disasters or socio-economic hardship. With a team of 7,000 national staff and 400 international staff, ACTED implements 500 projects a year to support more than 20 million beneficiaries, notably in hard-to-reach areas.

ACTED goes to the last mile through programs and approaches that look beyond the immediate emergency towards opportunities for longer term livelihood reconstruction and sustainable development. Guided by the motto “Think Local, Act Global” and its 3Zero –Zero Exclusion, Zero Carbon, and Zero Poverty – strategy, ACTED puts local territories at the centre and provides a tailored support to local needs.

ACTED Central Asia

ACTED has been present in Central Asia for over 25 years. ACTED opened in Tajikistan in 1996 and currently has a coordination office in the capital Dushanbe and operational offices in Khujand, Murgab and Ayni. In Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, ACTED has been operating since 1999, with coordination offices in both capitals, Tashkent and Bishkek, and operational bases in Jalalabad and Osh.

Across Central Asia, ACTED’s focus is on participatory, inclusive and multi-sectoral community-development efforts. ACTED is implementing a wide range of programming in all three countries to develop the capacity of civil society organisations, local authorities and the private sector to build strong and resilient communities.

ACTED is committed to the promotion of a 3Zero world of Zero Exclusion, Zero Carbon, and Zero Poverty. ACTED has been active in Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) since the mid-1990s, helping to address the region’s main challenges and fostering opportunities for sustainable and inclusive development, especially in rural and remote communities. This includes a special focus on Natural Resource Management (NRM) / Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) as well fostering peaceful cross-border cooperation.

ACTED Central Asia is launching a new 3-year programme entitled STREAM (Sustainable Trans-boundary Resource Allocation Mechanisms for Peace in the Fergana Valley). The programme will be implemented in all countries which share the Fergana Valley (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan). In cooperation with implementing partners, IMPACT Initiatives and International Alert, the programme will be guided by the principles of do no harm and conflict and gender sensitivity, follow a participatory and inclusive development approach, and utilise adaptive programming to respond to the evidence base and ensure the effectiveness, inclusiveness, impact and sustainability of the programme.

The programme has the following overall objective (OO) and specific objectives (SO):

• To contribute to improving the sustainable use of natural water and land resources across all riparian communities (OO1)
• Water efficiency at the local level is improved and competition over resources reduced (SO1)
• Dialogue and cooperation between local authorities and experts at the regional level will be enhanced through mutual trust and transboundary information, platforms and dispute resolution processes (SO2).

In addition, the anticipated results (R) are as follows:

• An in-depth understanding of root causes (including climate stress) is developed and used to restart regional dialogue (R1)
• Stakeholders are empowered to make NRM more conflict sensitive at the community level, while also reducing pressure on natural resources, feeding into increased regional dialogue (R2)
• Transboundary dialogue and cooperation at the community and government level is strengthened by further improving data collection, operating infrastructure and raising awareness (R3)

ACTED is now searching for an experienced Regional Programme to lead the Programme.

Note, final recruitment is contingent on award of the programme to ACTED; a decision expected in late August 2022.

You will be in charge of

Overall management of the STREAM programme (estimated 01.10.2022 – 30.09.2025) including:

Programme Planning

• Develop overall programme implementation strategy, systems, approaches, tools, and materials
• Organise programme kick-off and close-out meetings
• Plan the various stages of programme implementation and set direction by prioritizing and organizing activities and resources to achieve programme objectives
• Coordinate all research activities in close collaboration with implementing partners, consultants as well as relevant stakeholders

Programme Implementation Follow-up

• Oversee and manage the implementation of the programme ensuring that technical quality and standards are considered and respected during programme(s) implementation
• Organise regular programme coordination meetings with programme team
• Ensure budget utilization and physical target achievements are reviewed at least once a month as per work plan
• Ensure programme implementation is on time, target and budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts
• Ensure that the programme is implemented in accordance with relevant ACTED technical guidelines and standards
• Conduct regular contextual analysis, anticipate and mitigate risks and trouble-shoot any unforeseen challenges during the programme implementation
• Regular update the work plan, output tracker, PMF and other documents relevant for effective programme management

Administration and Operational Management of Programme Implementation

Finance

• Review the BFU(s) and provide accurate forecasts with BOQs
• Forecast monthly cash requirements of the programme and submit to AC

Logistics

• Contribute to the development of Procurement plans
• Ensure programme team send accurate and precise order forms in a timely manner
• Contribute to quality checks and procurement committees to finalise suppliers’ selection according to applicable scenario
• Ensure programme team confirm the quality of material selection if and when applicable
• Ensure a proper management and use of the programme assets and stocks
• Plan team movements based on available fleet and applicable policies

Administration/HR

• Participate in the recruitment of technical staff (development of organigrams, ToRs, elaborating the tests and reviewing them; interviews etc.)
• Ensure that programme staff understand and are able to perform their roles and responsibilities
• Follow-up the work plans and day-to-day activities of the programme staff
• Manage the programme staff in cooperation with Area Coordinators
• Ensure a positive working environment and good team dynamics
• Undertake regular appraisals of staff and follow career management
• Manage interpersonal conflicts
• Ensure capacity building among staff in relevant sectors

Transparency

• Ensure programme records and documents (beneficiary list, donation certificates, attendance sheets etc.) are adequately prepared, compiled and filed according to ACTED procedures
• Ensure staff awareness of, and respect of, ACTED’s code of conduct and FLATS procedures

Security

• Ensure that each member of the programme team is aware of security issues, policies, SOPs and they follow them accordingly
• In cooperation with the relevant Security focal point, monitor the local security situation and inform the Country Director or Area Coordinator of developments through regular written reports;
• Contribute to the updating of the security guidelines in the programme area of intervention;

External Relations

• Lead or coordinate communication and liaison activities to actively consult and involve relevant stakeholders – national and local government, donor(s), beneficiaries, key informants, partners, etc. – in all stages of programme design and implementation
• Identify entry points and establish and maintain good relations and coordination with national level government authorities in all three countries throughout the duration of the programme
• Cultivate good relations with key development actors, local and international, including all relevant government authorities, through regular attendance at technical and bilateral meetings
• Ensure at all times contact with beneficiaries is conducted in a sensitive and respectful manner
• Where relevant, liaise with donors and work closely with partners on programme updates, site visits and other communication
• Identify opportunities to collaborate and coordinate efforts with other organizations to ensure our activities build upon – rather than replicate – the work of others

Quality Control

• Assess the activities undertaken and ensure efficient use of resources;
• Undertake regular field visits to provide technical guidance and supervision as well as regularly monitor the progress of programme activities
• Ensure lessons learned are documented, shared and reflected in programme planning and decision making
• Advise on, and assist with, programme reviews conducted by AMEU
• Ensure quality control, analysis of added-value and impact, identification and capitalization on best practices and lessons learnt and provide relevant feedback for new programme development
• Identify and analyse gaps, ACTED’s added value, synergies and opportunities in the areas the programme(s) is / are implemented and pass relevant information to the N+1

Reporting

• Provide regular and timely updates on progress and challenges to supervisors and other team members
• Draft (internal) narrative reports and contribute to the development of financial reports through regular budgetary follow up.
• Contribute to drafting of (external) programme progress reports, ensuring the quality and accuracy of technical information provided

Expected skills and qualifications

• Master’s level degree in relevant field (water management, climate studies, environmental peacebuilding, environmental development, development studies, international relations, conflict resolution, sociology, anthropology etc.)
• Relevant professional training for the position;
• At least 5 years of experience in the related thematic areas, e.g. climate change adaptation, cross-border initiatives, local governance, IWRM or NRM, land or pasture management, peacebuilding, etc.;
• Track record of implementing multiple multi-million projects with diverse donors; experience with USAID will be an advantage;
• Professional experience in Central Asia or CIS countries, preferably in the three target countries;
• Demonstrated managerial competences and experience in managing and coordinating multi-country programmes comparable in size and scope;
• Strong managerial skills, including result-oriented management, strategic planning, human resources and financial management skills; strong experience in steering and mentoring; strong interpersonal, intercultural, networking and communication skills;
• Proven track record in cooperating with a large number of state and non-state stakeholders and in strengthening/building the capacities of key local partners;
• Demonstrated knowledge and working relationships with relevant (esp. state) actors will be an advantage;
• Experience conducting and or coordinating large scale research using a range of methods and tools;
• Knowledge of adaptive programming and solid understanding of key principles (do no harm, etc.);
• Excellent in both spoken and written English;
• Working knowledge of Russian is preferred;
• Knowledge of Kyrgyz, Tajik or Uzbek will be an advantage; knowledge of more than one a distinct advantage

Conditions

• Salary defined by the ACTED salary grid
• Contribution to a housing allowance of up to 75% of ACTED benchmark or Accommodation and food provided in ACTED guesthouse (if non resident)
• Pension, health insurance, life insurance and repatriation assistance (& unemployment insurance for EU citizens)
• Flight tickets every 6 months & visa fees covered (if non resident)
• Contribution to the luggage transportation: up to 100 kgs, depending on the length of the contract (if non resident)