Technical Specialist- Project Implementation Somalia(Ts-Pi) at VSF Germany

Department: Programme

Responsible to: Country Director

Supervision: Project Managers

What you will do as Technical Specialist - Project implementation (TS-PI)

The Technical Specialist- Project Implementation (TS-PI) is responsible for providing overall technical and managerial leadership for program development and implementation, ensuring timely achievement of program goals and objectives, quality outcomes and effective use of resources.

This position will be based in Nairobi with regular field visits to Project locations to strengthen VSFG’s presence and participation in the humanitarian community at the state and federal levels, with particular emphasis on increasing VSFG’s technical network and profile in Somalia.

As a key VSFG technical person, TS-PI will liaise with donors, host government officials, and UN/multi-sector coordination focal points, representing VSFG in all relevant sector coordination meetings and provide feedback/advice to field program staff and the Country Director (CD).

The TS-PI has direct responsibility for design and development of quality proposals for resource acquisition, in timely and effective manner. H/She will review concepts notes and/or proposals and project reports from project managers ensuring technical accuracy of content prior to submission to RON and donors.

As a member of the Senior Programme Team, the TS-PI will assist the CD in shaping the strategic direction to ensure quality design and implementation VSFG program. S/he will directly supervise the technical project managers and responsible for capacity building of national staff.

Specific keys roles

• Strengthening VSFG’s Networking and Coordination 15%
  • Coordinate with stakeholders- donors, government departments, international agencies and NGOs on VSFG operations in the country.
  • Attend relevant program sector technical coordination meetings
  • Facilitate clear and technical linkages between Nairobi and the field ensuring adequate participation in of VSFG in coordination forums.
  • Leadership
  • Assist the CD in shaping the strategic direction of the VSFG program in Somalia, ensuring quality programs are designed and implemented.
  • Support in developing a Resource Acquisition Strategy and effectively support delivery of programs.
  • Assess the needs and propose potential areas of program expansion; sectors, locations, as appropriate.
  • Participate in Programme Team meetings contributing to problem-solving and decision-making on strategic direction.
  • Review technical project documents; narrative and financial reports, information leaflets and brochures.
  • Conduct performance technical appraisals for technical programme staff.
• Program Development 20%
  • With support from CD lead aspects of proposal development with staff, community and partners.
  • Facilitate interactions between VSFG key program staff, to secure funding in-country donors UNOCHA, FAO, etc.
  • Proactively analyze humanitarian trends and opportunities, and facilitate needs assessment in a timely manner.
  • Follow up with project managers for key lessons for dissemination to relevant stakeholders and donors.
  • Jointly with staff and stakeholders develop an exit strategy to ensure the sustainability of projects achievements
• Program Implementation and Accountability 25%
  • Ensure programs are aligned with VSFG Country Strategy, sectoral standards and humanitarian guidelines.
  • Provide guidance and support to staff/local partners to ensure quality implementation of projects.
  • Monitor program implementation and prompt reporting and resolving of issues that are of concern to the programme.
  • Ensure that adequate M&E tools and harmonized methodologies for monitoring and reporting are in place.
  • Monitor budget with Project Managers for compliance with donor requirements and VSFG financial guidelines.
  • Provide opportunities for effective learning and sharing of innovations through meetings among program teams.
  • Conduct regular visits to field offices and project locations to monitor program performance.
  • Provide feedback to staff on projects progress and gaps identified for improvement and capacity building.

Reporting .

• Design and manage plans reporting for all grants and ensure contribution from staff during reporting.
• Review narrative and financial reports to ensure quality and conformity with VSFG and donor guidelines before submission to donor.
• Provide regular program updates to CD and /or HQ for submission to VSFG donors.

Qualifications, skills and experience we are seeking

• At least a Bachelor Degree in Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture, Animal Production, Rangelands/Natural Resources Management, Public Health, or Social sciences. A Master’s degree qualification will confer an added advantage.
• 5-7 years’ INGO experience in relief/emergency/development work with roles in program design, development, and accountability.
• Strong leadership skills, experience in planning and management of programs and ability to manage change.
• Knowledge of humanitarian response and development, programme concepts frameworks, standards and strategies.
• Proficient in developing project logical frameworks, M&E systems and implementation in community settings.
• Demonstrated experience in program design, planning and implementation using participatory methodologies.
• Proven skills in communications, presentation, inter-personal relations with fluency in written and spoken English
• Experience in implementing projects funded by donors; BMZ, EU, ECHO, UN-OCHA, FAO will be of added value.
• Experience in working and coordinating with NGOs, government agencies and local stakeholders.
• Experience working in Somalia or similar environments preferred.