ARC Program Director, Somalia - Minneapolis

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Program Director - Somalia

American Refugee Committee International (ARC)
The American Refugee Committee is an international nonprofit, nonsectarian organization that has provided humanitarian assistance and training to millions of beneficiaries over the last 30 years. ARC works with refugee communities in 7 countries around the world, helping people regain control of their lives. The people ARC serves have lost everything to events completely beyond their control. ARC provides shelter, clean water and sanitation, health care, skills training, microcredit education, protection and whatever support we can to let people begin again.
Closing date: 31 Jan 2011
Location: Somalia - Minneapolis

American Refugee Committee

POSITION TITLE: Program Director, Somalia
COUNTRY PROGRAM: Somalia (based in Minneapolis and Somalia)
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Program Development
STATUS: Full-Time

APPLICANTS MUST ALREADY BE ELIGIBLE TO WORK IN THE UNITED STATES.

DEPARTMENT/COUNTRY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION/MISSION

American Refugee Committee’s (ARC’s) program in Somalia is dynamic in that it works closely through partnerships (particularly implementing organizations in Somalia as well as the Somali Diaspora particularly in and around Minneapolis) and is not managed remotely from an office in neighboring Kenya.

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

This incumbent will be expected to hold the attributes necessary to be an effective representative, liaison person and eventually full-fledged director of ARC-Somalia. They will need to have the flexibility to prioritize and change to the needs of a country start-up.

Most importantly, they will be expected to navigate the very complex relationships and competing interests to create an effective working space in which ARC activities can take place and grow. For this reason, emphasis will be placed on the candidate’s prior contextual understanding; knowledge about the humanitarian sector will be provided as part of an extended orientation.

MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY
PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Liaison
Liaise and build relationships between ARC, donors, Diaspora groups and other stakeholders.
Direct fundraising activities under supervision of ARC/HQ.
Actively engage with media and other stakeholders in conjunction with the Program Development unit.

Program Development
Assess current and potential needs of refugee and other vulnerable populations in the program areas of income generation, primary health care and other sectors as appropriate.
Design new community-based initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of the beneficiary population.
Identify new programs and operations in Somalia and the region, prepare assessment missions and reports and develop new projects as need and resources dictate.
Develop new proposals and seek funding support from relevant donors and follow-up on proposals as required.
Represent ARC with donors, the host government, international and national organizations.
Liaise and promote cooperation with other agencies and governmental entities.
Participate in inter-agency and governmental meetings as required.

Program Management

Oversee all aspects of the programs including:
Addressing current needs of the refugee and returnee populations.
Assessing future requirements and opportunities which would help refugees and displaced populations return home, and developing plans for current and potential programs, assuring effective coordination of all parties involved.
Make program modifications and/or additions as appropriate.
Ensure proper monitoring and evaluation of program activities.
Coordinate all aspects of programming with other ARC programs and initiatives as appropriate.

Administration
Liaison with headquarters and ensure headquarters policies and plans are carried out.
Maintain frequent and positive communications with headquarters.
Monitor the security situation and dictate security protocols and procedures Communicate and oversee the establishment and implementation of program objectives, activities, evaluations, and assessments.
Ensure proper maintenance of procurement and inventory systems consistent with donor and ARC policies and guidelines.
Monitor and ensure that all administrative procedures are observed.

Human Resource Management
Select, orient and supervise all staff at the country level.
Ensure staff are properly trained and performance expectations are clear Maintain personnel files and ensure policies are up to date.
Conduct performance assessments and provide coaching and feedback timely and appropriately.

Financial Management
Monitor all financial expenditures including accounts payable, petty cash, wire transfers, etc.
Ensure all fiscal controls and funder-required policy controls are carried out Prepare and forecast budgets and funding needs for upcoming year.
Oversee cash management and recordkeeping in accordance with donor regulations.
Ensure financial reports are submitted in a timely manner.
Prepare and submit activity reports to donors as well as monthly updates to headquarters.
Any other duties assigned.

EDUCATION, TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
University degree in a relevant field; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum 7 years of related experience working in programs in complex emergency or post-conflict settings with management and supervisory responsibilities in program administration at senior management level required.
Extensive knowledge of Somalia and in particular its socio-political context with a unshakeable commitment to humanitarian principles.
Excellent abilities to analyze, report, present and negotiate with key stakeholders.
Excellent organizational, administrative and management skills.
Advanced English required and Somali language abilities; readiness to travel and work in Somalia.

KEY BEHAVIORS & ABILITIES
Demonstrated ability to lead and display initiative as well as follow and being a member of a diverse team.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Extremely flexible with the ability to cope with stressful situations.
Willingness to travel and live in remote and security difficult situation.
How to apply
www.arcrelief.org
Reference Code: RW_8CLMHW-12