Orphan Child Welfare Program (OCWP) and FSL Coordinator (national position) - IQ Talent Marketplace

PURPOSE OF DIVISION:

Through capacity building and through technical and programme support, the International Programme Division keeps the organization focused on the socio-economic and humanitarian needs of vulnerable people.
The division reinforces IR’s implementing structure to enable these people and their communities to develop themselves sustainably, and ensures that the organization is prepared to respond promptly and effectively to humanitarian crises.

The division increases the organization’s ability to tackle poverty by developing and fostering partnerships and institutional relationships effectively and proactively, and by ensuring transparent and timely reporting to the organization’s donors.

 

JOB PURPOSE:

The Orphan Child Welfare Program (OCWP) and Food Security livelihood (FSL) Coordinator is responsible for leading the Child wellbeing department and livelihood programme (currently delivering 1:1 orphans’ sponsorship and Gifts intervention) and serves as the FSL expert in the country.  Takes the lead role in designing and development of the child welfare and FSL programme, including concept notes and proposal development. Leads on internal and external coordination and representation at national level and proposal development. Provides technical support to Programme staff in thematic areas. 

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Has regular contacts with the OCWP staff and other Programme staff in the thematic areas, the Country Director, Head of Programmes. Works closely with the Project Coordinators and field staff to ensure successful implementation of the programme in area of specialism.   

 

SCOPE AND AUTHORITY

Scope of the Role:

The job holder is accountable for fulfilling his or her roles and responsibilities in line with Islamic values and principles of fairness, humanity, honesty, respect and fair treatment of his/her colleagues and staff. The OCWP  & FSL Coordinator role models the OCWP and FSL Programme.

Responsibility for Resources: Plan and manage the OCWP Programme and FSL human resources (project staff) as well as the financial resources (sponsorship, orphan direct support “ODS” and  FSL  budgets)  

 

 

 

Key Accountability 1: Strategy and Programme Development

• Actively participate in the development and review of Islamic Relief – Iraq Strategic Planning, Country Annual Plans. Ensure that the Child Welfare and FSL strategic direction is in line with the IRW Global Strategy and the IR Iraq’s  Country Strategic Plan
• Design programmes and projects for OCWP and FSL in line with Country Strategic plan.
• Develop timely and high-quality project concept notes and proposals, seeking opportunities to expand the programme, taking a participatory approach involving all relevant stakeholders. Ensure quality proposals that are relevant responsive to the needs of orphans and vulnerable children in IRW operational areas
• Work with the Head of Programmes and Country Director to identify opportunities to diversify the funding base in the OCWP and FSL through developing existing or new relationships with donors and partners.
• Coordinate the development of new concept notes & projects within OCWP including FSL, while ensuring the effective implementation of existing programmes in line with agreed quality standards.

• Ensure that cross-cutting themes (e.g. gender, safeguarding children, etc.) are effectively mainstreamed within the OCWP and FSL programme, working with the relevant staff to achieve this;Ensure sustainable livelihoods opportunities for economic empowerment for  families with Orphan and Vulnerable Children through:
• Helping parents to generate income through engaging in potential Income Generation Activities (IGAs)
• Empowering orphan youth through vocational skill training and support them with tool kits and equipment to enable sustainable job creation.
• Support mothers with orphan children through Village Saving and Loan Association, e.g., micro-finance small business projects

 

Key Accountability 2: Programme Implementation

• Ensure OCWP and FSL staff has clear job descriptions with performance objectives periodically set and reviewed referring to SMART performance indicators.
• Oversee OCWP and FSL day-to-day work, support and contributing to timely and quality delivery of the Orphans Child Welfare and FSL Programme activities
• Ensure the implementation of plans and activities according to IRW Policies and procedures.
• Liaise and coordinate with Admin /finance and logistics sections to ease Orphans visit /Orphans payment procedures in coordination with the Finance and Admin departments.
• Ensure that the Orphans web-based Database (Al-Yateem System) is used appropriately, staff are timely uploading Biodata and Annual Progress Reports (APRs) and queries on state of orphans.

Key Accountability 3: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Reporting

• Closely monitor the progress and impact of the programme through close communication with OCWP Officers and Assistants – Assist the project team in gathering data on a regular basis using relevant data collection tools.
• Coordinate with HQ and MEAL Coordinator to develop and maintain appropriate tools for monitoring the sponsorship end-use and effectiveness
• Implement monitoring systems for the various OCWP activities. Initiate quality monitoring and evaluation plans for newly developed projects (if any)
• Undertake regular random monitoring visits to sponsorship programme areas and FSL projects and provide feedback to line manger ensuring concerns and lessons are captured and documented
• Draft and compile internal and external reports adhering the agreed reporting templates – ensure high quality of reports (i.e. ensure compliance with IRW and donors’ requirements).
• Ensure the timely submission of reports to HQ, Donors and other relevant stakeholders.

 

Key Accountability 4: Human Resources and Partnership Development and Management

• Leads recruitment for team with support from the HR team.
• Ensure OCWP and FSL staff has clear job descriptions with performance objectives periodically set and reviewed referring to SMART performance indicators.
• Carry out periodic performance appraisals to all project staff, identify areas for performance development and support HR and planning and delivering the recommended capacity building plan.
• Identify opportunities for partnership in the area of OCWP and FSL and support documentation and sharing of lessons learned from programmes between sub offices.
• Contribute to the design and rollout of OCWP capacity building for IRW staff and partners’ staff, including training, and other modalities of learning, both at Country Office and in the field;
• Manage staff in the OWC team – Hold regular one to one meetings to review progress.
• Monitor and track staff annual leave, ensuring regular breaks are taken.

Key Accountability 5:  Representation, Communication and Advocacy

• Under the guidance of the line manager, develop and maintain relationships and effective communications with relevant stakeholders, including donors, local government, national networks and other agencies working in the Country. 
• Whenever requested, to represent Islamic Relief Iraq to the National and State government authorities, UN and NGO forums and partners working in the field of child welfare and child protection.
• Participate in meetings of technical working groups of food security and livelihoods.

Key Accountability 6: Financial Resources Management

• Develop, finalise and monitor the OCWP Programme and FSL budget.
• Follow with HQ on transfer of quarterly and gifts sponsorship. Coordinate with Finance team on timely disbursement of the sponsorship
• Work closely with the programme team and Finance team to ensure the programme expenditures are closely monitored

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

 

ESSENTIAL

Qualifications

• University degree or its equivalent in, Agriculture, Child Protection & Welfare related studies; e.g. Social Science, International Development, Gender & Development, Public Administration, food security and livelihoods or other related field

Experience

• Minimum 3 year-experience with International/National NGOs and/or UN agencies, particularly in Child Protection, Child Welfare; Orphan Child Sponsorship; food security and livelihoods
• An in depth understanding of international development
• Experience of developing concept notes and proposals for a variety of donors

• Experience of managing and mentoring staff and building capacity of local partners
• Familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals, Sphere Standards, Do no harm policy, Red-Cross/Red-crescent Code of Conduct, Humanitarian Accountability Programme etc.

Skills

• Expertise in Orphan child welfare and Food Security and Livelihood programming
• Good interpersonal skills including the ability to listen to other peoples’ views and perspectives.

• Strong analytical skills
• Able to build the capacity of project and local partners team
• Ability to represent, liaise and negotiate at different levels (national, provincial, local). 


• An ability to work under pressure with limited support. 

• Excellent written and spoken English; able to write high quality reports and project proposals.
• Excellent knowledge and practice of Microsoft Word and Excel 

• Committed to Islamic Relief Worldwide values and code of conduct 

• Willing and able to travel to field locations for up to 30% of the time
• Sensitivity to cultural differences

 

DESIRABLE

• Experience as Technical Programme Expert in child welfare/FSL programming
• Experience in CSOs’ collective actions on Child Welfare or relevant field.

Dear Applicant: If you are reliable, service minded, dedicated and a highly motivated professional, with a strong commitment to IRW’s values and beliefs, please apply by downloading the application pack from below link and forward the filled and completed form to:  [email protected] before the closing time & date (Thursday, 04:00 pm, 16 February 2023).

IR Iraq Application Form (Full Name).doc

• Please write the position title: Orphan Child Welfare Program (OCWP) and FSL Coordinator (national position) in the subject of the email. 
• CVs will not be accepted.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.