Job Title: Program Officer
Reports To: Vanuatu Country Director
Location: Port Villa, Vanuatu with travel to the islands
Contract Type: Full time – local position
Starting Date: ASAP
Summary
This position is an exciting opportunity to join a growing organization in developing its general sector response. The Program Officer will oversee the strategic development and positioning of the organisation in Vanuatu primarily in the areas of protection, health and nutrition, and WASH while supervising the implementation of projects in various locations in these sectors.
Context
IsraAID is an Israel-based non-governmental organization that was founded in 2001 and has since its inception worked in emergency and long-term development settings in over 54 countries. IsraAID’s mission is to support people affected by humanitarian crises by partnering with local communities around the world to provide urgent aid, assist recovery, and reduce the risk of future disasters.
IsraAID has operated in Vanuatu since 2015 when the organization responded to Tropical Cyclone Pam, has since shifted its focus to implement a long-term strategy for all programs, including programs in WASH, protection, and health and nutrition. IsraAID’s work in Vanuatu promotes sustainable and inclusive solutions, giving special attention to hands-on training and community ownership, and working closely with community, provincial, and national leaders.
Key responsibilities
The Program Officer will lead implementation of the various programmes in Vanuatu and contribute to IsraAID Vanuatu’s larger multi sector strategy. They will provide strategic direction, and overall technical and management of these programmes. They will ensure it contributes to the organization’s strategic positioning in the country while ensuring it is context-appropriate, has a cross-sectoral approach, and above all in line with the do-no-harm policy of IsraAID.
Development, positioning and implementation of the health/nutrition strategy
Contribute to IsraAID’s overall response strategy by working with government partners and other relevant organisations.
Support the long-term capacity building and integration of IsraAID’s programs.
Project Management
· Supervise the overall implementation of project plans, ensuring adequate communication and organisation between local partners, international partners and staff
· Capacity to design and implement projects and project documentation.
· Oversee the implementation of existing and new multi sector projects, ensuring stability, high quality and timely delivery of all project objectives
· Work closely with logistics team, supply partners, donors and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the logistical elements of programs are well-executed
· Prepare project and donor reports in a timely manner and in compliance with internal and external requirements
· Ensuring the quality of projects are in line with IsraAID's minimum criteria and in line with global guidelines
· Work in collaboration with the project team and Country Director to oversee project implementation ensuring that services are delivered on time, on budget and in compliance with donor regulations
· Ensure that the program is implemented in ways responsive to communities and partners, and in line with IsraAID’s principles, values and strategic plan and procedures
· Ensure that all programme interventions continue to be informed by and integrated with all sectors to promote a multisectoral approach
· Periodically reassess projects to ensure they remain relevant, feasible and aligned with the IsraAID Vanuatu strategy
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning
· Support the development of tools for effective monitoring and evaluation of programs.
· Work jointly with the MEAL HQ unit and the IsraAID Vanuatu country team to develop and implement MEAL plans and systems in these programmes.
· Ensure appropriate, timely and accurate data collection against agreed indicators to enable both internal and external reporting
· Lead discussions with communities and beneficiaries on programme design and project review, as agreed with Technical Advisor, Field Coordinate/Project Manager(s)
Partnerships
· Foster a spirit of collaboration and trust with IsraAID local partners
· Actively explore partnership opportunities with actors in the community, regional, national and international levels
· Support partner organizations in programming and implementation
· Conduct periodic review of joint project plans to identify obstacles and the ways they could be mitigated
Grants Management
· Work closely with the Vanuatu country team to secure strategic funding opportunities and develop proposals based on identified gaps and needs
· In coordination with the Communication and Development Department, produce quality reports to ensure accurate, coherent and timely reporting
Human Resources and Staff Development
· Ensure regular communication with Country Director and other field staff
· Maintain fluid communication with Health Emergency PM, Heads of Sectors, and other relevant non-Country staff
· Provide support on the recruitment and management of health staff, including developing Terms of Reference (ToRs), staffing plan, participate in recruitment processes and performance evaluations where applicable
· Facilitate capacity building for team members and partners to develop Health expertise including coaching, capacity building, mentoring, and supervision
· Any other tasks as delegated by the Country Director
Representation, Advocacy & Organisational Learning
· Ensure proactive participation in cluster meetings, and relevant working groups and forums. Have a sound knowledge of how these meetings and working groups operate.
· Ability to attend and represent IsraAID at government department forums and meetings.
· Identify advocacy, funding and research opportunities for action.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
· Bachelor’s degree in one or more technical sectors (Health, WASH, Nutrition, Protection, Psychosocial Support) or other relevant fields.
· Minimum of 5 years’ experience working in humanitarian response and development, multi sector approach. Experience with an INGO preferred.
· Knowledge of the Vanuatu government strategic priorities for health and nutrition, WASH and Protection.
· Experience in working with local communities and capacity development of local staff and stakeholders.
· Ability to work flexibly in challenging situations.
· Cultural understanding of the Vanuatu context.
· Commitment to the aims and principles of IsraAID.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Bislama.
· Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)