Somalia Country Programme Manager - Mines Advisory Group

[Admin]

This is an excellent opportunity to take on a senior management role in a renowned international organisation, in a challenging, dynamic and exciting context during a great period of programme growth and development.

At MAG (Mines Advisory Group), we deliver practical and positive solutions that assist the process of peace and stability in both conflict and former conflict countries. During the past 15 years we have safely found, removed and destroyed millions of landmines, small and large bombs, missiles and other tools of armed conflict. By freeing up millions of acres of land we are the precursor to the development and economic growth of conflict-affected countries throughout the Middle East, South East Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe.

The postholder will be responsible for MAG?s Somalia programme, and will be expected to spend up to 50% of their time in Nairobi, working out of MAG?s regional office, interacting with donors and other relevant stakeholders, as well as engaging in business development activities. When based in Somalia work is currently centred in the administrative capital of the Puntland region, Garowe, where a unit of the local police force receive Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) training and technical support in conjunction with the Puntland Mine Action Centre (PMAC). MAG has also deployed three roving Community Liaison (CL) teams in the region, delivering risk education and collecting data on contamination levels. MAG has recently registered with the Somaliland authorities and is actively seeking to develop a long term presence in this North Western region of Somalia, regular travel to Hargeysa should also be expected.

MAG is looking to recruit an experienced Country Programme Manager, who will have overall responsibility for MAG?s work in Somalia. As the most senior manager in country, and reporting to the Regional Operations Manager at MAG?s UK HQ, you will be responsible for project design, development, implementation and management. With a focus on expanding existing operations, the post holder will spend a proportion of their time in Nairobi and within the wider region developing and maintaining relationships with donors, government agencies and other stakeholders. In addition, you will constantly be seeking opportunities to develop and improve MAG?s work in an evolving political and security context.

The postholder will have demonstrable overseas work experience at a senior level, this will include responsibility for project design, development, monitoring and evaluation. The successful candidate will also possess excellent project management skills and the ability to build effective relationships with local authorities, donors and national staff.

In addition, the postholder will be able to demonstrate an ability to work independently and be managed from a distance. The post holder will be managing projects and staff across geographically diverse sites and therefore need to be strong team player with excellent management skills. A patient, tactful and diplomatic approach will be required in this challenging environment. Previous experience in the humanitarian mine action sector is not required, and therefore experienced programme managers from any development sector are welcome to apply.

MAG takes its responsibility for the security and wellbeing of its staff very seriously. Due to the current situation in Somalia, living arrangements will involve restricted movement and access to recreational activities is limited the post holder will therefore be living and working in close proximity to other MAG staff. Due to this, the postholder is eligible for the MAG hardship allowance of an additional ?2,000pa paid monthly with salary. They will also be entitled to three, paid one week breather breaks, in addition to their annual leave, meaning they will have circa 10 weeks away from the programme per year.

Experienced programme/project managers from any development sector are encouraged to apply. The salary for this role is ?28,995 - ?32,634pa, plus a hardship allowance of ?2,000pa and circa US $9,000pa per diem. MAG will also provide 3 international flights per year, and 6 weeks of annual leave, which rises to 8 with service. There are also 3 weeks of additional ?R&R? with this role, in addition to leave.

For further information about the role, and details of how to apply, please visit the MAG website at www.maginternational.org by the closing date of 12 May 2011.