Project Manager

Veterinarians without Borders/ Vétérinaires sans Frontières - Canada (VSF-C) is seeking Expressions of Interest from dynamic, culturally sensitive individuals who are interested in managing a new project and representing VSF-C in East Africa. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, working closely with project partners, the Project Manager will oversee the implementation of a Food Security and Livelihoods Protection Project in South Sudan funded by the Canadian International Development Agency. In addition, the successful candidate will provide direction and leadership in the development and implementation of VSF-C’s programs in Africa including project scoping, strategic direction, partner liaison and all aspects of project cycle management. Responsibilities include: Leadership and Operations, Project Management, Technical Support and Capacity Building, Communication and Financial Management.

VETERINARIANS WITHOUT BORDERS - CANADA

VSF-Canada works for, and with, those in need to foster improvements in the health of animals, people and the environment. Working with governments, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, local communities, farmers’ groups and international agencies, VSF-C helps improve the livelihoods of communities throughout the world. VSF-C envisions a healthy world for people, animals, and our shared ecosystems and seeks a world where communities have the capacity to:

1. Produce, market, and consume their food in a sustainable, equitable, and safe manner;
2. Balance the threats posed by emerging diseases with their social and cultural values;
3. Develop solutions to health threats that respect local culture, animal welfare, and natural ecology;
4. Build successful local and international partnerships that promote and protect the health of people, animals, and the ecosystems that sustain them; and
5. Respond effectively to the challenges posed by environmental, climatic and socio-economic change.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Aims: To address chronic food security, nutrition vulnerabilities and to protect critical livelihood assets of communities in Maban, Upper Nile State, South Sudan using livestock-oriented programming. The project aims to improve the immediate food security needs of host and refugee populations in Maban, Upper Nile as well as address some of the underlying vulnerabilities in target communities and contribute to building their resilience to withstand future shocks.

Partners: VSF-Canada (lead agency), VSF-Germany (implementing agency), government and local agencies in South Sudan

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Core project activities: In order to address the severe food insecurity and nutritional gaps of some of the most vulnerable households, the following program activities are proposed: (1) mass vaccination campaign to protect livestock assets, (2) reduction of human health risks from animal-origin disease transmission and infection, (3) destocking of small livestock to create immediate cash infusion into the local economy and the target households directly, (4) support for livestock value addition and diet diversification through meat voucher program and poultry production program, and (5) planning and developing natural resource agreements developed between host and refugee communities.

 ESSENTIAL EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Relevant degree (e.g. community development, agriculture, animal or public health). Advance degree desired.
• At least three years of practical experience working with an international NGO managing development or humanitarian response projects where there is evidence of both accountability & managerial know-how
• Understanding of country political and social-economic and cultural context.
• Ability to work and travel in country of assignment as well as regionally.
• Preferred candidates will have current/previous experience working in East Africa, preferably in South Sudan
• Comprehensive experience managing budgets
• Experience designing and implementing evaluations of international development projects

SPECIAL SKILLS, APTITUDE OR PERSONALITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong leadership skills
• Close familiarity with the project management cycle, logistics and administrative processes
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload, using initiative when appropriate
• Ability to cope with stress, work under pressure often to strict deadlines
• Flexibility, adaptability, sense of humour, and patience
• Ability to motivate and develop skills of others
• Facilitation and interpersonal skills
• Good diplomatic and networking skills; ability to effectively manage a variety of internal and external relationships, including relationships with donors
• Good team player; flexible and capable of working with a multinational team
• Excellent analytical, planning and time management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communications in English
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Management:

• Provide leadership and guidance to the project team in the development of project activity plans and regularly review progress. • Manage the project successfully ensuring that it is meeting its intended aims and objectives and achieving expected outcomes. • Ensure that development-oriented approaches including participatory development, capacity building and sustainable methodologies are adopted in implementing the programme. • Ensure participation of the community in the implementation of programme at all stages. • Ensure that the project is carried out in accordance with VSF-C policies and procedures and complies with all requirements of the funding agency. • Ensure timely submissions of all reports to the funding agency are made in accordance with requirements and deadlines.

Financial management:

• Manage the project budget, including regular monitoring of expenditure against budget, in accordance with VSF-C financial procedures and guidelines and funding policies and regulations. • Ensure good cash flow and procurement planning • Review financial reports and feedback to VSF-C finance staff and project team on discrepancies on a monthly basis • Develop a clear work and expenditure plan and ensure that the project is implemented within the agreed/approved budget. • Ensure oversight of cash payments and management of programme inputs to ensure transparent use of resources

Monitoring & Evaluation:

• Coordinate performance monitoring frameworks and evaluation designs and activities • Together with the project team, develop and plan implementation of baseline data collection •Review baseline data and integrate into evaluation plans and designs. • Ensure project team is trained in M&E methodologies and undertaking their related roles and responsibilities. • Ensure that quality project reports are produced and submitted to appropriate audiences in a timely manner. • Supervise short term consultants, and draft and/or review field evaluation reports

Other:

• Identify and develop new opportunities for strategic partnerships, program development and funding. • Coordinate VSF-C activities, maintain and develop good inter-institutional relationships within the region with public and private agencies including CIDA, ILRI, IDRC, and others (e.g. other VSF organizations, government agencies, local community service/non-government organizations, universities, FAO, WHO, etc.). •Ensure effect security measures and protocols are appropriately planned for and addressed within regional programs. • Represent and promote VSF-C activities in Africa and contribute to regional networking and communications including through attendance at relevant conferences and networking events • Contribute to VSF-C organizational learning and development. • Identify further sources of financial and other support for VSF-C activities in the region, and help with obtaining that support.

This position is contingent on funding. Funding to be announced by mid to late March, 2013.

How to apply:

Please submit a CV and a letter of motivation with salary range expectation to careers@vetswithoutborders.ca with attention to Erin Fraser by March 15th, 2013.