Senior Women Protection and Empowerment Program Manager

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest humanitarian agencies in the world, providing relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of oppression and violent conflict. IRC has worked for over seven decades and today is involved in over 42 countries worldwide. We address both the immediate, lifesaving needs of conflict affected people in an emergency and the reconstruction needs in post conflict societies. IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and thorough accountability to those we serve.

The IRC implements programs to help women and girls live free from violence in over 20 countries affected by conflict and natural disaster. IRC’s Women’s Protection and Empowerment (GBV) global team supports programs, creates opportunities and works in partnerships in pursuit of a world where women and girls are valued members of their communities and live free from violence.

IRC started Gender Based Violence programming in Somalia in 2013, with a capacity building program for local GBV service providers in Nugaal and Mudug Region. Currently, IRC’s GBV programme is focusing on the medical response to sexual assault survivors, psychosocial support, GBV prevention, case management, and capacity building in Banadir, Mudug and Nugaal Regions.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The senior WPE Program Manager will direct and oversee all aspects of IRC’s WPE program in Mogadishu and Dhusamareb, which includes response services (focus on clinical care for sexual assault survivors and case management) and capacity building of local service providers. With direct management support from the Field Coordinator and technical support from the WPE Coordinator, the senior WPE Program Manager will ensure that the goals and objectives of the projects are met in a timely and effective manner. Specific responsibilities include oversight of technical service delivery, monitoring and evaluation, professional development and training of WPE staff, and project cycle management of grants and budgets. She will provide appropriate mentorship to WPE officers and promote coordination among the local stakeholders. The senior WPE Program Manager will administratively report to the Field Coordinator and technically report to the WPE coordinator.

Responsibilities:

Project Management, Implementation, and Monitoring

• Assume primary responsibility for daily project management and implementation, and ensure compliance with the donor agreement and project proposal, proactively notifying the Field Coordinator and WPE Coordinator if issues arise.
• Co-lead project planning, and oversee program implementation and budget expenditures to ensure effective use of resources against planned activities and expected outputs.
• Ensure adequate project monitoring and evaluation systems are in place to collect information and consolidate data to demonstrate impact and inform ongoing program design.
• Set-up M&E systems to monitor program implementation in coordination with the WPE coordinator
• Compile and prepare quality monthly and periodic project progress reports, as well as the final report, and feed in other information as required.
• Assist in the program development and design process through assessments, proposal writing, and budget development.

Capacity Building

• Develop and implement capacity building plans for local partners;
• Working with the WPE Coordinator to identify resources and materials, plan and lead trainings and capacity building to staff and partners.
• Provide ongoing mentorship and guidance to staff and partner agencies to ensure programming meets best practice standards and guidance around GBV in humanitarian settings.

Coordination and Advocacy

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders – including Government, community leaders, NGOs, UN agencies, community based organizations and other IRC sectors to enhance cooperation and coordination;
• Participate in IRC Somalia regular meetings, reviews, strategic planning; and assist in the preparation of new initiatives for the WPE program in Somalia.
  Represent IRC in relevant coordination fora (e.g. GBV Working Group, Protection Cluster) at Somalia level;

• Ensure that information from coordination meetings is shared internally and with other sectors, as appropriate

• Ensure regular communication with IRC WPE Coordinator, Field Coordinator and other departments regarding the project’s progress and processes.

• Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop IRC programs;

Requirements:

• At least 2 years program management experience in the field of gender-based violence working with conflict-affected populations in emergency settings
• Proven experience in effectively managing, motivating, coaching and mentoring staff
• Strong budget management, grant writing, monitoring and evaluation and multi project management experience
• Demonstrated ability to work with and build the capacity of local stakeholders such as local NGOs, health service providers;
• Excellent English writing skills required.
• Master’s degree in Gender/ Women Studies, social work, public health, international affairs or other appropriate fields is preferred (or a BA in one of these areas with substantive experience in a similar field).
• Experience in managing GBV programs in Somalia is preferred and knowledge of Somali language is required.