Programme Officer – Livelihoods, DRR/CCA and Livestock

Duty Station: Fashoda/Panyikang/Malakal – Upper Nile State – Republic of South Sudan

Starting Salary: $35,498 USD

Contract: One-year fixed term, renewable subject to funding

Job Profile

The Programme Officer shall be based in Partner office Caritas Diocese of Malakal (CDoM) in Fashoda/Panyikang/Malakal and works closely with the Partner Humanitarian Coordinator and CAFOD & Trocaire in Partnership (CTP) Project Coordinator and CTP Programme Team. In liaison with the Project Coordinator, the postholder is responsible for ensuring quality development and implementation of the THRIVE Programme in Fashoda and Panyikang Counties focusing of the thematic areas of livestock development, disaster risks reduction, climate change adaptation, early warning system, being implemented by thus contributing to the delivery of CAFOD’s overall programme strategy. The Programme officer shall also coordinate the implementation of the THRIVE programme in Fashoda and Panyikang Counties including line management of CDoM Project Officers (Livelihoods, DRR/CCA, Livestock) including linkages with THRIVE Consortium Technical Leads to ensure quality programme delivery and partner capacity building. This entails leading in the provision of technical input/ support in the thematic areas of livestock development, disaster risks reduction, climate change adaptation, early warning system, anticipatory action on day-to-day management, planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting and representation and adherence /compliance to FCDO and CTP programme management and development standards.

The post holder will work closely with CDoM partner staff developing, nurturing partnerships and providing or facilitating capacity development of partner staff, The incumbent will jointly participate in UN and local coordination mechanisms including local authorities and other relevant stakeholders. The Programme  officer will be responsible for building effective working relationships with peers and colleagues in  CTP such as Programme Officers, Business Development Lead, Programme Quality Coordinator, THRIVE Social Cohesion and Peace Building Technical Lead, THRIVE DRR&CAA Technical Lead, Finance and Administration Department of CTP as well as cross-divisional and cross-organisational functions linked to work with THRIVE Consortium Teams.

The post-holder will be field-based, hosted by CTP Local Implementing Partner (CDoM) in Malakal with frequent travels to project locations in Fashoda and Panyikang Counties in liaison with the CDoM Humanitarian Coordinator and CTP Project Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities

THRIVE project and/or programme accompaniment and support (50%)

• In line with the direction set by South Sudan Country Strategy and the objectives of the capacity development plan, support and accompany CDoM to strengthen capacities and delivery in the overall technical thematic areas on livestock development, disaster risks reduction, climate change adaptation, early warning system, anticipatory action in the THRIVE Programme. This includes working with the partner staff to identify areas of learning and support required throughout the programme cycle.
• Jointly responsible with partner staff for the effective implementation, monitoring, evaluation (including facilitating external evaluations) and reporting on in line with jointly agreed standards (programme cycle management) and donor requirements.
• Ensure that project planning and implementation is managed effectively and efficiently, on time and on budget ensuring delivery of high-quality assistance in with THRIVE Programme Goal, Theory of Change (ToC), Impact, Outcomes, Outputs and Activities ensuring delivery is done in accordance with acceptable quality standards, CTP project management procedures and donor requirements.
• Lead CDoM staff on preparation and submission of different types of programme documents and reports such as quarterly reports, monthly reports, activity reports, assessment reports, sitreps, 5Ws reports, briefings etc, working together with CDoM Partner Staff and key stakeholders.
• Invest in partners’ capacities, by jointly identifying needs, developing plans to strengthen capacities, identifying sources of support, and allocating resources. This can be through a facilitator or by direct provision of specific capacity strengthening support.
• Nurture and sustain relationships and effective communications with relevant stakeholders, including local government, national networks and other agencies working in the THRIVE operational areas.
• Effectively communicating with other project consortium teams and actively participating in consortium meetings/workshops including working groups meetings as instructed.
• Play a leading role in regular collection of programme field information, assessments, evaluations, surveys and to contribute to maintaining appropriate M&E systems, tracking of programme activities, as well as to improve coordination, learning, knowledge management systems, prioritization of needs and ensure that this informs current and future programme development.
• Promote, capture, and disseminate learning on the THRIVE Programme in support of media advocacy work for CTP in-country and HQ and document these in the form of case studies and community stories of change.
• Realise CTP principles by acting in line with CAFOD partnership standards, and by promoting and supporting partners’ adherence to jointly agreed accountability, gender, safeguarding, supply chain management/procurement good practice, and other standards, as these emerge.
• Contribute, where appropriate and in agreement with CDoM, to advocacy and information work in support of partners efforts, with relevant stakeholders in the country, region and/or globally.
• Keep up to date with evolving context and trends, both within the relevant operational areas and across country.
• Effectively use CAFOD programme management information systems and ensure programme and project information is up to date.
• Within delegated limits of authority and responsibility ensure proper security assessment and prevention measures for both CDoM and CTP staff and beneficiaries are in place in relation to all field activities.

Thematic focus (40%)

• Complement partners’ thematic understanding on livestock development, disaster risks reduction, climate change adaptation, early warning system, contributing to the development of relevant interventions that bring about positive change.
• Oversee together with the partner’s Project Officers the daily implementation of the programme in the operational areas working with local stakeholders and communities.
• Provide technical support on livestock development, disaster risks reduction, climate change adaptation, early warning system to partner’s staff working for the project.
• Develop and review programme activity plans together with Partner’s Project Officers and share them with the Project Coordinator for guidance.
• Support formal and informal platforms through organising forums at the community and county level with stakeholders as required and according to expected project outcomes and outputs of the project.
• Identify/form/strengthen informal community groups such as Community Action Groups (CAGs) and Payam Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and facilitate strengthening/training of the institutions as per the project activity components.
• Ensure activities are properly designed, appraised, implemented, monitored and evaluated.
• Enhance collaboration between project participants, community stakeholders and relevant line departments at County levels and line ministries at State level.
• Enhance community mechanisms and ability to prevent, mitigate and respond to disputes resulting from implementation of programme activities.
• Providing overall leadership and representation at County Level in coordination with CDoM Staff and CTP staff.

Managing effective relationships (5%)

• Develop, nurture, and manage relationships with CAFOD and other stakeholders in line with the principles and standards set in CAFOD’s Partnership Policy, guidance and tools.
• Work to regularly assess the quality of CAFOD’s relationship with the partner (CDoM) supporting effective communication channels and developing measures to address shortcomings.
• Make appropriate recommendations so that the partner has the tools and support required to successfully implement the capacity development plan.
• Undertake CTP work in a manner that upholds the organisational value and integrity, and dignity and value for beneficiaries.

Staff management (5%)

• Lead, manage, support and direct line-managed staff (and staff under shared management arrangements), including setting objectives, conducting annual performance development reviews, providing coaching, and ensuring team members have individual development plans. 

Accountability

• The post-holder reports to the CTP Project Coordinator based in Juba, South Sudan.
• The post-holder has line management responsibility for CDoM Project Officers (Livelihoods, DRR/CCA, Livestock development).

Safeguarding

All CAFOD staff share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture, including identifying the key actions they should take given their role and responsibilities. 

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Understanding our context

• Demonstrates an understanding of the Catholic Church.
• Demonstrates behaviour in line with CAFOD’s vision, mission, and values.
• Understanding international development: Understanding and experience of Emergency, resilience, and Peace Building programming and programme

Working together

• Skilled in working with people of varied backgrounds, cultures, and abilities.
• Builds collaborative relationships across CAFOD and with external partners, donors, and suppliers.
• Working with others/Communicating - Provides clear guidance and support to colleagues; ability to influence others (including senior managers) without direct authority and sometimes at a distance. 
• Promoting best practice while understanding the context.
• Adapting training and learning to suit the different audience and delivering it in a sympathetic way (staff and partners).
• Managing ourselves, working with others; Communicating; Able to communicate with colleagues and partners at a distance.
• Looking outwards; Understanding of effective and values-based partnership work between northern and southern organisations and communities.

Making change happen

• Can communicate complex issues simply and clearly to ensure understanding.
• Recognises what needs to be done, makes decisions and acts– even in challenging circumstances.
• Taking the lead - Provides a clear sense of direction and purpose for colleagues; motivates others to get things done.
• Have the right attitude to get change done when it is very challenging to do so – understanding different approaches with different people and circumstances, when to apply a different strategy, and being always respectful to achieve the change required.

Job Specific Competencies

• Education background University first or second degree in rural development, Agri-business, natural resources management, livestock development, veterinary agriculture, community development and another related field.
• At least 4 years technical & practical implementing experience delivering quality programmes in South Sudan on Livestock development, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, early warning systems, anticipatory action, livelihoods and resilience building.
• Ability to conduct quality risk and conflict analysis and integrate it into programme monitoring and strategy.
• Experience using programme cycle management tools effectively to deliver work within an agreed programme framework.
• A creative problem-solver, strong analytical skills – experience of integrating strong advocacy into programme strategy.
• Experience in undertaking structured need assessment using household economic analysis, use of participatory community led approaches, Multisectoral Sectoral Need Assessment tools
• Sound understanding of development and humanitarian quality standards e.g., Humanitarian Charter, LEGS, Do Harm Principles and Approach, CaLP, Market System Development, SPHERE, Core Humanitarian Standards, Protection mainstreaming, and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Code of Conduct.
• Good knowledge and experience of working with and through partnership organisations. 
• Able and committed to working with and developing the capacity of local partners organisations/ National NGOs.
• Ability to work both independently as well as part of a close-knit team; an ability to work towards institutional goals, and proven examples of delivery of tasks while operating under pressure.
• Experience in budget development, project budget management and monitoring.
• Fluent in written and spoken English and fluent in spoken Juba Arabic.
• Ability to work and travel in insecure environments and to manage one’s own personal security and the security of partners.
• Computer literacy i.e., familiar with MS Word, Excel, Power point and knowledge of information and data base management.  

Desirable

• Good understanding of local context and ability to adapt to the Upper Nile (Malakal/Fashoda/Panyikang) context and local languages.

Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults

CAFOD recognizes the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect.  CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse.  CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount.  Any candidate offered a job with CAFOD will be expected to adhere to CAFOD’s Safeguarding policy and sign CAFOD’s Code of Conduct as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, and appropriate screening checks can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. CAFOD also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of, and consent to, these recruitment procedures.