ThaiNGO

Location : Mae Sot

Duration of assignment : 1 year with possible extention depending on funding.

Background/IRC Summary:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is at work in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities. The IRC has been operating in Thailand since 1975 and currently provides assistance to displaced persons in Tak, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Mae Hong Son provinces.

 Job Overview/Summary:

The Senior Livelihoods Manager will coordinate and oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of IRC Thailand’s livelihoods programs in refugee camps and in urban areas where applicable. The Senior Livelihoods Manager will work closely with: (i) field-based program coordinators to ensure the integration of livelihoods activities into existing Health, Protection and Women’s Protection and Empowerment (WPE) programs; (ii) the Programs Unit in Bangkok to carry out initiatives according to program logical frameworks, and in partnership with corporations and academic institutions; IRC’s Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) Technical Advisors and Officers based in New York to ensure coordination and complementarily of programming, as well as appropriate technical rigor in program design and implementation. The Senior Livelihoods Manager will be responsible for the overall management of IRC Thailand’s livelihoods portfolio, which includes/may include enterprise development, vocational training/certification programs, internship/employment initiatives, cash/voucher programming, financial inclusion, micro-grant disbursements, agro-pastoralism and natural resource management, and other activities. The Senior Livelihoods Manager will provide support and input into new program designs and proposals as needed, and will oversee the performance of three Livelihoods Officers based in different field locations in Thailand.

 Main Responsibilities:

 Technical Quality and Program Development

• Provide direction and monitor Livelihoods Officers in their implementation of program work plans and quality of technical activities, including program budget oversight.
• Ensure appropriate methodologies and technical approaches are developed for all program activities – working with IRC’s ERD Technical Advisors/Officers to ensure global best practices are applied to programming.
• Ensure alignment of livelihoods programming with IRC Thailand’s Strategy Action Plan and the global Outcomes and Evidence Framework (OEF) and relevant theories of change.

• Identify opportunities for growth of livelihoods programming portfolio, including existing gaps/beneficiary needs and areas for innovation and expansion.
• Along with program staff and Technical Advisors/Officers, support the development of Standard Operating Procedures and Guidance Notes for program activities.

• Ensure regular monitoring and modification of program activities as required.

 Grant Planning and Monitoring

• Support the proposal development process for livelihoods-related programming as needed.
• Prepare high quality IRC and donor reports as per agreed-upon schedules on grant activities, objectives/indicators and achievements.
• Work closely and coordinate with IRC Programs, Finance and Supply Chain teams to ensure timely and compliant program activities and expenditures, including active participation in procurement, supply chain, grant, and other relevant meetings.
• Together with the M&E Coordinator, develop and implement a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework for all livelihoods activities, and address any arising issues/problems as appropriate.

 Human Resources Management

• Provide technical direction and managerial oversight of Livelihoods Officers, and well as advice and guidance to staff across other sectors (Health, Protection, WPE) on integrated programming inclusive of livelihoods activities.
• Set specific goals and expectations, and provide regular, positive and constructive feedback to direct reports.
• Build capacity of the team under his/her supervision in basic assistance and livelihoods support methodologies, as well as management capacity, both individually and through conducting/coordinating staff training exercises.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Ensure timely completion and submission of interim and annual employee performance reviews.
• If/as required, identify staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these in accordance with the National Staff Employment Policies.
• Responsible for adhering to IRC’s Global HR Operating Policies and Procedures.

 Coordination and Representation

• Develop and maintain effective coordination and long-term relationships with external stakeholders, including fellow agencies/NGOS, government departments and ministries, community-based organizations and partners, donors, and others in accurately and professionally representing IRC positions, promoting long-term strategies and resolving problems/conflicts.
• Work with the Programs Unit in Bangkok to actively advance IRC’s connections to economic actors/the private sector, seeking avenues for partnership, collaboration and coordination of activities to ensure sustainability of interventions.
• Regularly engage with the ERD Technical Advisor and other Technical Unit Advisors and Specialists to benchmark programming to IRC standards and ensure application of best practices.
• Participate in IRC and external working groups and communities of practice around livelihoods to advance livelihoods strategies, disseminate research and program successes, discuss implementation challenges, and share best practices.
• Support the sharing of information and learning across livelihoods-related programs based in Thailand (and Myanmar as appropriate).

 Job Requirements:

 Education: Bachelor’s degree in international development, economics, business administration, and/or related certification required

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years’ professional experience in humanitarian response, with specific experience in livelihoods and enterprise development approaches

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Demonstrated experience in livelihoods-related programming and implementation in the humanitarian/development sector
• Strong program/technical and budget management skills, including planning, reporting, and monitoring and evaluation
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English and Thai and/or Burmese/Karen, effective in representation and liaison with external parties
• Must be capable of applying skills and knowledge in a range of capacities, including direct implementation, advisory functions, and training and the transfer of technical knowledge and management skills to others
• Computer proficient, with experience using Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to analyze and synthesize complex materials and documents
• Ability to be flexible and work in a fast-paced environment under regular deadlines
• Ability to work effectively in a team as well as independently
• Understanding of working in a multicultural environment

Language Skills: Demonstrated fluency or near-fluency in English and Thai and/or Burmese/Karen required 

Certificates or Licenses: N/A

 Working Environment: 

The position is a NATIONAL post and will be based in the IRC office in Mae Sot, with travel to Bangkok and the Thailand-Myanmar border area as required.

 How to Apply: Application letter and most recent CV in English stating qualifications and experience should be submitted to the IRC Human Resources Department at Thailand.HR@rescue.org

Closing Date : 17 June 2017

All applications will be treated confidentially and not returned. The IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, national origin, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, marital status or physical or mental disability. The IRC is an equal opportunity employer.