Concern worldwide is looking for Area Coordinator (0558) -Tonkolili, Sierra Leone

About the role:

 This is a 24 month, replacement role with unaccompanied terms based in Magburaka, Tonkolili with a salary of Grade 4 €39,219 – €43,577

You will report to the Programmes Director and will provide overall management of the Magburaka team (including line managing operations staff – Finance, HR and Admin).  You will work closely with the Education/Livelihoods/Health Programme Coordinators and the Integrated Programme Coordinator.  You will also line manage the Field Manager in Port Loko.  You will work closely with the Country Director, Programmes Director, Systems Director, Country Financial Controller and Programme Accountant. We would like you to start as soon as possible.

Your purpose:

You will coordinate the effective and professional day to day management and development of Concern Sierra Leone’s Tonkolili and Port Loko bases and manage the Systems and Financial departments in the Sub-Office in Magburaka.

You will be responsible for:

Programme Implementation

• Oversee the day to day operations of Tonkolili and Port Loko within the agreed plans and budgets.
• Support the Programme Director and relevant programme management in overseeing and operationalizing the field implementation of the Integrated Programme.
• Liaise with other INGOs, LNGOs, Government representatives, UN agencies in the area etc.
• Develop and manage relationships with local implementing partners.
• If required in the future, support senior management in the selection of new potential target areas for programme intervention. Support the process of development of new programme proposals for the area(s) if appropriate.
• Attend Country Management Team (CMT) meetings and brief the CMT on the programme and situational context (e.g. local government developments, security situation, and humanitarian situation).
• Take responsibility for the implementation of and rollout of Concern policies and values within Tonkolili and Port Loko – including Code of Conduct, Programme Participant Protection Policy (4P), Child Safeguarding, Anti-Trafficking in Persons Policy, Anti-Fraud Policy, Accountability commitments, Equality Policy, etc.

Financial Management

• In conjunction with Sector Coordinators, support the planning and preparation of programme budgets and budget revisions. Develop accurate transport and administration budgets for donor proposals and as part of Concern’s annual budget processes work with teams to ensure donor budgets include the required systems support for programme implementation.
• Monitor and manage expenditure of programmes/operations in Tonkolili and Port Loko against approved budgets, engaging in corrective action as necessary. Manage transport and administration expenditure and budgets for Tonkolili and Port Loko operations, ensuring resources are optimally utilized and spending is in line with Concern financial procedures and Donor requirements.
• Maintain effective financial controls to minimize risk of fraud or other irregularity, including reporting and follow up of any cases of fraud that might occur in line with Concern policy and procedures.
• Compile Cash Flow Forecast (CFF) for Magburaka and submit to the Country Financial Controller on a timely basis each month, ensuring that financial resources meet the monthly demand. Ensure regular, daily, weekly and monthly cash counts.

Logistics Management

• Ensure logistics procedures are being followed across procurement, warehousing and vehicle management. Conduct spot checks and other monitoring methods – fuel, stocks, etc.
• Ensure all Tonkolili and Port Loko projects have timely procurement plans in place which are being adhered to.
• Oversee the implementation of the Health and Safety Policy in the Office and Team Houses.

Security Management

• As the Security Focal Point for Tonkolili; monitor and report on security incidents and ensure that security focal groups are meeting regularly in line with Concern’s Security Management Plan.
• Identify security training needs as they arise and oversee the logistics manager in the supervision of office guards.
• Ensure that security protocols are understood and adhered to by both expatriate and national staff.

People Management

• Manage HR issues at local level and seek advice from the HR department and Systems Director when necessary.
• Develop and maintain an organogram for staff within the area, update it monthly and ensure that reporting relationships are clearly defined.
• Assist with the recruitment of local staff.
• Performance manage staff who report directly to the Area Coordinator. Be responsible for staff development, coaching and mentoring to enhance the capacity of staff.  Ensure that all staff have a PDR at least once a year.  Identify needs and organize relevant training to meet identified needs in collaboration with the PC/SD/CFC/HR.
• As appropriate and using the Concern staff manual, manage all disciplinary and grievance issues in the area and seek assistance from the HR department if necessary.
• Plan and manage staff leave to ensure effective cover in place throughout the year.
• Ensure Concern policies and guidelines are adhered to by all staff and that local partners either have similar effective policies and guidelines or adhere to those of Concern.
• In agreement with the PD/CD, nominate an acting Area Coordinator to take overall responsibility in your absence.

Equality and Accountability

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of highest stands of accountability through good communication and information sharing within and outside the programme area(s) including with partners. Ensure adherence to Concerns Accountability Plan for Tonkolili and Port Loko districts.
• Take active measures to address equality issues, particularly relating to gender, in relation to Concern operations and programmes within Tonkolili and Port Loko.

Reporting

• Provide internal monthly reports to Programmes Director and other reports as necessary (e.g. security incident reports, input to country programme Annual Reports, etc.).

Networking/Representation

• Represent Concern with local government authorities, community leadership and other key actors in Tonkolili, including relevant coordination meetings.

Undertake other related duties as may reasonably be assigned by the PD.

Your skills and experience will include:

Essential:

• Relevant bachelor level degree.

• Relevant overseas experience in development at Programme Coordinator/ Management level.
• Experience/understanding of humanitarian principles and action.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Experience in Monitoring and Evaluation techniques.
• Strong financial management skills.

Desirable:

• Masters in relevant discipline.
• Previous experience working in the health, Livelihoods or Education sector or in operations management.

We would also like:

• Leadership skills and ability to lead and work as part of a team.
• Ability to work with distant supervision.
• Flexibility, adaptability, sense of humour, and patience.
• Facilitation and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure often to strict deadlines.
• Ability to assess problems and recommend solutions.
• Methodical and thorough approach to work.
• Training and capacity building skills.
• Cross cultural awareness and sensitivity to cultural differences.
• Awareness of gender issues and commitment to addressing inequality.
• Empathy with organisational goals.
• Good knowledge and competence in computer applications (i.e. Microsoft, Word, Excel, Email).
• Ability to motivate and develop skills of others.

Due to the urgency of this position, applications will be short listed on a regular basis and we may offer posts before the closing date.