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Environmental Health Coordinator- CAR
Source: International Rescue Committee (IRC)
| Deadline: | 10 Dec 2008 |
| Organisation: | International Rescue Committee (IRC) |
| Location: | Central African Republic |
| Type: | permanent |
| Salary: | TBA (000's USD) |
| Description: | Violence in 2006 and 2007 has had disastrous effects on the population of the Central African Republic (CAR), particularly in the northern region. This comes on top of a decade of deep structural crisis, which along with numerous coups attempts over the last ten years, has resulted in the destruction of state institutions, infrastructure, and most of the economy. Despite positive steps towards stability after the elections of 2005, recent conflict in the north and particularly the northeast, along with increased insecurity and political instability, pushed one million people across the line from generalized poverty to a humanitarian emergency crisis in 2007.
The IRC responded to this worsening situation by initiating operations based out of Kaga Bandoro in the Nana-Gribizi prefecture. Initial programming focused on health care and water and sanitation services, and later extended into the sectors of protection, education, gender-based violence, and other core competencies. Although IRC's initial programs were geared towards emergency response, the overarching strategy also sought to develop human capacity and strengthen community and governmental structures. This will help to make services more sustainable and lay the foundations for longer-term relief and development programming. The activities operate both in rebel-controlled areas, where there are still approximately 20,000 IDPs, and in government-controlled areas in and near Kaga Bandoro and Bocaranga towns. Preserving IRC's neutrality and impartiality, and an appropriate balance of services between government-held and rebel-held areas, is essential for IRC's continued access to affected populations.
In April 2008, the IRC opened a second field site in Bocaranga, in the Ouham Pendé prefecture of CAR. This area of the country received extremely limited humanitarian response in 2007 due to insecurity, and therefore the needs are enormous. We started with NFI distribution to approximately 12,000 households and now set-up projects in Protection, Education, GBV/Reproductive Health and Watsan/Hygien Promotion, all closely related.
Although IRC's initial programs in CAR have been geared towards emergency response, the overarching strategy also sought to develop human capacity and strengthen community and governmental structures. This will help to make services more sustainable and lay the foundations for longer-term relief and development programming. IRC has quickly established a strong reputation in CAR and the program for 2009 is ambitious, with important transformations outlined in each sector in Kaga Bandoro and Bocaranga and a stronger organizational and internal functioning. All programs are funded by multiple donors, including UE, UN agencies, governmental donors, and private foundations. As EH coordinator you will follow the implementation of our EH Programmes funded by ECHO, UNICEF, the Emergency Response Funds (ERF) and the King Baudoin Foundation and work on the design, proposal writing and strategy of additional interventions in CAR. You will join a dynamic team and challenging Programme made up of 16 expatriates and more than 100 national staff. RESPONSIBILITIES: The Environmental Health Coordinator will be responsible for the design, implementation and management of the Environmental Health Program in CAR, working in close collaboration with the Field Coordinator, Operations Coordinator, and Finance Controller. The Environmental Health Coordinator will be based in Kaga Bandoro and Bocaranga, with limited travel to Bangui for the coordination and as needed. Plan and coordinate the implementation of all interventions related to Environmental Health. This includes water provision and protection, sanitation infrastructure, NFI distribution and hygiene awareness programs. Design and implement a Monitoring and Evaluation plan for all Environmental Health activities. This system should ensure that activity, impact and output data is captured in an accurate and efficient manner, and that programs are continually tailored to optimize quality and impact levels. Directly supervise team of environmental health staff. Develop and implement a staff capacity building strategy that prioritizes and enables staff managers through training and delegation. Provide technical supervision of all IRC environmental health projects. Promote the quality of the IRC's health programs. Conduct needs assessments and define program direction. Initiate and assist with project proposal submissions. Monitor evolving needs of the target communities and adjust the programmatic priorities as necessary. Ensure that Environmental Health programs utilize standardized protocols, policies and guidelines, as proscribed by the Ministry of Health, Hydraulics, WHO and Sphere Guidelines. Ensure that all environmental health activities are consistent with established best practices. Work closely with the finance, programs and logistics teams to ensure proper project planning, proper budget management and timely procurement of all materials. Represent IRC to UN, international and national NGOs, and Ministry of Health / Department of Hydraulics, conducting environmental health programs to ensure most appropriate program decisions and culturally appropriate activities. Represent IRC to local communities, government departments, international agencies, local partners and donors. Oversee implementation of grants and reporting systems and management of budgets, including budget forecasting, development of spending and work plans. Other duties as required. REQUIREMENTS: Degree in civil engineering; advanced degree a plus. At least 3 years of international experience developing and implementing water, sanitation and hygiene promotion projects in an emergency or development context required. Fluency in English and French required. Experience developing staff capacity and implementing formal, regular staff trainings. Experience conducting assessments and in using participatory approaches. Experience working with and supervising staff in an international, multi-cultural setting. Excellent management, project planning, and organizational skills required. Ability to write clear and concise reports and experience managing budgets. Able to work independently while being a strong team player; Strong computer skills and computer-based data analysis skills required. Ability to work in unstable security environments with very basic living conditions, and under administrative and programmatic pressures. |
Contact Details
| Name: | The International Rescue Committee |
