Project Coordinator - Somaliland (Merlin)

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Medical Emergency Relief International (Merlin)
Closing date: 31 Dec 2010
Location: Somalia

Job Description
Position: Project Coordinator
Responsible To: Country Director
Works With: All Management and Staff
Location: Somaliland
Contract Duration: 12 Months
Starting Date: ASAP
Salary: £24,600 - £25,350 per annum (dependant on relevant experience), inclusive of annual Cost of Living Allowance
Benefits: Insurance cover, accommodation, and annual leave entitlement of 24 days per annum rising to 30 days at the completion of 12 months of continuous employment with Merlin.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Due to the urgency of this position, applications will be short listed on a regular basis and we may offer this post before the closing date.

Please note that this is an unaccompanied position.

Merlin International Profile
Merlin specialises in health, saving lives in times of crisis and helping to rebuild shattered health services. Each year, Merlin helps more than 15 million people in up to 20 countries.

Context and Background
Merlin has been working in Somalia since 2003, and works in partnership with other agencies and the Somalia Support Secretariat. Merlin is currently implementing a communicable disease control programme in Puntland, three Global Fund programmes addressing HIV/AIDS, TB (in Puntland) and Malaria (throughout Somalia), and an emergency health and nutrition programme in Central Somalia. Merlin is also part of the Gedo Health Consortium that seeks to address key primary health care needs in five districts of Gedo region, in southern Somalia.

Merlin will start implementing a nutrition and emergency health project in Awdal region of Somaliland covering 4 health centres and running mobile clinics.

Main purpose of the role
The main purpose of the role is to provide programme support, development and implementation. Ensure relevant Merlin procedures and best practice are followed in relation to logistics, security, and human resource management.

Overall Objectives (scope)
• In conjunction with the Country Director and the Country health Director ensure timely and effective planning, organisation and quality implementation of the Merlin Emergency Health Response project in Awdal region Somaliland.
• To constantly monitor security conditions and ensure that the necessary systems, procedures and respect for these, are in place
• To promote Merlin’s objectives and respect the code of conduct.
• To respect Merlin’s internal procedures in carrying out the position responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage, supervise, coordinate and report on all project operations and activities.
• Manage the available resources in such a way that project objectives are met.
• Ensure work allocation is delegated appropriately to provide effective outreach services.
• Ensure that the health concerns of the community with regard to project activities are fully reflected in the planning and implementation of activities.
• Provide leadership and direction to the multi-disciplinary district teams, jointly with UN and other agencies, to maximise all efforts towards effective co-ordination of humanitarian activities.
• Monitor security and regularly update the management team.
• Draft security guidelines and ensure timely and effective implementation
• Supervise and support the implementation of health interventions as per the plans.
• With the support of the nurse/nutritionist recruit and manage all national staff, ensuring they have the necessary induction and support as appropriate.
• Have overall responsibility for project monitoring to ensure appropriate and effective project outputs including organizing baseline and evaluation activities.
• Work in close conjunction with the project staff and management team in coordination of activities.
• Ensure that the project is implemented according to the donor requirements and agreement.
• Prepare and submit project reports, including all support documentation, and ensure the timely submission of quality reports to the Country director.
• Prepare amendments as necessary and ensure the full compliance with financial and logistics procedures.
• In collaboration with the finance coordinator, control project budget and oversee project financial management. .
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to Nairobi.
• Establish communication and ensure collaboration with the local authorities, UN, NGOs, partners, community leaders and all other important stakeholders in the district.
• Represent Merlin at meetings, coordination bodies, stakeholders and community at local level.

Logistics

• Coordinate the logistics activities in the field with the other project team members.
• Responsible for maintaining Merlin’s stock control system, ordering system and procurement procedures.
• Ensure that Merlin procured materials and equipment are safely stored, properly utilized and accounted for per Merlin’s internal policies.
• Organize for the transportation-booking requirements of the project.
• Responsible for the management of hired vehicles.
• Supervise the work of personnel related to driving and to the maintenance of vehicles and related to handling goods.
• Ensure that the users of vehicles apply driver’s rules in accordance with road regulations in the country and with Merlin’s rules.
• Organize the logistical support for all Merlin supported health and training activities.
• Support logistics management of local office and guesthouse.
• Ensure that Merlin security guidelines are followed and report any security incidents as required.
• Monitor the security situation and update the management team on a regular basis as agreed upon.

Person Specification
Essential
Qualifications, experience and competences

• A university level qualification in public health, development, social sciences or other relevant area
• Previous field coordination and management experience of primary and community health care projects
• Proven problem solving and organisational skills
• Experience in budget management
• Diplomatic and an effective communicator at all levels
• Supportive personnel management style and ability to manage teams
• Strong leadership skills
• Strong communication skills, with excellent written and spoken English
• Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office
• Experience of establishing strong working relationships with colleagues from different functions and cultures
• Experience of a flexible approach to managing and prioritising a high workload and multiple tasks in a fast paced environment with tight deadlines
• Experience of proactively identifying and addressing issues
• An understanding of and commitment to Merlin’s mission and values

Desirable
Qualifications, experience and competences

• Strong background in humanitarian projects
• Qualification in Public/Community Health and/or Development studies is an advantage
• Previous experience in the region

Data Protection
Please note, on submitting your application, you are agreeing to Merlin holding and using the information that you have given for the purposes of recruitment and employment – should an offer be made. In order to process your job application, it may be necessary for your application to be sent to the Country Director (in the country you are applying for) for consideration. If you do not agree with this, please state so when applying.
How to apply
Please download an application form from our website www.merlin.org.uk Completed form should be emailed to applications@merlin-uk.org stating in the subject field the job title, country and reference number (if any).

Reference Code: RW_8AULFH-1