Country Coordinator Job Vacancy: European Committee for Agricultural Training (CEFA)

CEFA is a Non-Governmental Organisation of International Voluntary Service.

CEFA gives priority to projects aiming at food self-sufficiency and meeting the primary needs of the population (food, water, health, education, social organization).

Each project tries to couple productive interventions with actions aimed at cultural and social improvement.

Closing date: 20 Jul 2009

Location: Kenya - Nairobi

The CEFA Somalia Coordinator is the key member of CEFA Somalia Senior Management Team. This position will be presently based in Nairobi, Kenya.

He/she will have wide responsibilities for developing, overseeing and upgrading the Country Office programming across its broad spectrum of humanitarian initiatives.

The position will fit a dynamic, self-driven, results-oriented leader/manager looking for a unique opportunity to develop and be responsible for delivering innovative strategies aiming at supporting agricultural development in Somalia.

This position calls for independent decision-making, a high degree of competence, the exercise of leadership and a willingness to be actively involved in the execution as well as the management of the program with the project managers.

CEFA Somalia Management and Development:

• Maintain a regular flow of information between CEFA Somalia and CEFA headquarters in Bologna, following instructions received from the Desk Officer and consulting him whenever necessary.
• Maintain and strengthen networking and working relationships with donors, Projects’ Staff and Country Office staff.
• Represent CEFA Somalia
• Work with project managers to develop viable proposals to donors and contract requirements and best practice; innovate from and add value to existing projects.
• Active development of viable proposals and accurate budgets, together with CEFA Somalia Desk Officer and CEFA Somalia Administrator, to develop viable proposals for submission to donors that are conceptually coherent, of high quality and consistent with best practice.
• A working knowledge of donor requirements and formats is needed to follow-up and assist in the preparation of technical reports by the project managers.
• Direct and oversee the management of the Country Office and human resources involved.
  

Projects / Contract Management:

• Direct oversight of all projects being carried out in the field to ensure high quality implementation, compliance with donor and contract requirements and best practice.
• Direct oversight of project expenses and procurements to ensure cost overruns are avoided.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation and donor reporting
• Ensure effective monitoring and evaluation is carried out for each project
• Promote and ensure the implementation of cross cutting themes, such as cross sector synergies between projects.
• Direct and supervise project managers in their relationship and negotiations with donors, counterparts and partners as appropriate.
• Direct the Country Office strategic planning process in coordination with CEFA HQs in Bologna and key staff on the field.

External Relations:

• Maintain active networking and cooperative relationships with key stakeholders.

Working Conditions:

This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, the capital city of the country. Nairobi is an international regional center. As such, it has a large expatriate population with full international services.

Required Attributes:

• Willingness to follow directions received from HQs and coordinate with HQs before taking decisions
• Conceptual understanding of humanitarian needs and rights-based programming
• Political awareness and ability to handle sensitive issues with diplomacy and to cultivate productive relationships
• Ability to integrate knowledge with broader strategic, policy and operational objectives.
• Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources.
• Excellent English writing skills. Knowledge of Italian language would be a strong asset.
• Strong budgeting skill
• Familiarity with CEFA and international donors’ policies, procedures and guidelines
• Able to operate in an autonomous, self-structured work environment and meet deadlines
• Commitment to working with and mentoring field staff
• Ability to lead through teamwork
• Proven capabilities in staff supervision, project management and program development
• Ability to operate computer program applications
• Familiarity with the following subject would be considered an asset: Agricultural development, Market development, Food Security
• A previous experience in Africa is necessary, and a direct knowledge of Somalia would be highly appreciated.
  

Qualifications:

• A university degree in a development related field
• At least a 3 years’ experience in an international development setting

How to apply

Please send a detailed CV and motivation letter to:

Luciano Centonze - Somalia Desk Officer
CEFA
l.centonze @ cefaonlus.it
info @ cefaonlus.it

Reference: CEFA Somalia Country Coordinator