Program Manager II Disaster Risk Reduction Technical Quality Coordinator, Blantyre, Malawi

Job Title: Program Manager II – Disaster Risk Reduction Technical Quality Coordinator (DRR TQC) Location: Blantyre, Malawi Req. #: I500
Background: CRS/Malawi's largest project is the Wellness and Agriculture for Life Advancement ((WALA). This is a five-year Multi-Year Assistance Program (MYPA) which began in June 2009. WALA is funded by USAID's Food for Peace Office (FFP) and has seven (7) participating PVOs implementing a comprehensive food security project in eight southern districts of Malawi. Experience has shown that a well prepared disaster preparedness plan developed in partnership with communities whereby a community develops its own disaster management plan in advance of potential disasters; will mitigate and reduce the impact of a disaster. In order to ensure that targeted communities have mechanisms for disaster preparedness, response and mitigation, WALA will be working with community based organizations in developing plans for mitigation measures and develop communities' capacity to respond to shocks. In addition, WALA is responsible for developing a disaster preparedness plan to define how each of the PVOs will respond should a disaster occur and to ensure that the capacities, roles and responsibilities among all WALA PVOs are mutually understood. Each WALA PVO is responsible for providing technical expertise for different sectors under the MYAP. For each of the three strategic objectives of the project a Technical Working Group (TWG) led by a Technical Quality Coordinator (TQC) has been established to ensure that the objectives are achieved and to support program quality and adherence to agreed implementation strategies and plans. The TWGs provide opportunities for cross-learning as well as technical advice and support to the consortium. The working groups meet regularly to discuss and exchange information about technical issues affecting the implementation of activities, conduct field visits to learn from one another where necessary, and advise the Coordination and Technical Capacity Hub (CATCH) accordingly. The working groups endeavour to foster partnerships with other stakeholders particularly; those supported by USAID Mission and the GoM line ministries.
Job Summary: The Technical Quality Coordinator (TQC) for DRR is responsible for ensuring the provision of adequate technical support to the DRR interventions of all seven PVOs to maintain coordinated programming throughout Malawi. 100% of the TQC's time will be committed to technical assistance to WALA. The TQC is responsible for leading the DRR Technical Working Group (TWG). CRS is looking for a suitable qualified candidate who can work with the WALA team at CATCH in providing technical backstopping, developing strategic guidelines and standards of operation for WALA DRR.
Key WALA DRR program activities include but are not limited to:

• The development of community led disaster management plans and accompanying WALA supported small projects to promote disaster mitigation and response plans
• Identification/ refinement of trigger indicators (TIs) and Emergency Thresholds (ETs), monitoring and action plans in WALA supported communities.
• Develop/update WALA disaster management plan to ensure that all WALA PVOs understand the emergency response capacities, roles and responsibilities and processes for accessing WALA resources for emergency response should a disaster occur.
  
  Job Responsibilities: Program Quality through Technical Support: Provide technical guidance and support to WALA consortium, specifically the DRR Advisors and key staff responsible for implementing the MYAP Strategic Objective 3, IR 3:1: 273 Targeted communities have strengthened mechanisms for disaster preparedness, response and mitigation.
  
• Serve as the key technical lead to WALA consortium members in the areas of DRR activities and ensure the high quality composition of the DRR interventions.
• Provide support to seven consortium members to develop key activity plans and accompanying performance standards for all phases of implementation and performance indicators (going beyond IPTT) for each quarter to successfully achieve SO3 IR3:1 activities and identify bottlenecks and propose possible solutions to consortium members in achieving WALA's targets.
• Support DRR staff in the seven consortia to successfully implement activities according to their detailed activity plans.
• Monitor and report on progress and ensure that challenges are addressed in a timely fashion.
• Chair DRR Technical Working Group meetings and coordinate its activities.
  
• Manage the budget for program area specific activity and timely procurement of materials and services
• Collaborate with other CATCH departments (Monitoring & Evaluation, Livelihoods, MCHN, and good governance team,) to ensure effective integration of DRR with other WALA program sectors
  
• Establish working relationships with line ministries (Malawi Disaster Risk Reduction commission, IMVAC), UN agencies (WFP), PVO's such as FEWSNET in DRR related issues representing WALA
• Participate in national and international forums related to DRR programming representing WALA.
• Promote learning and innovation
• Actively participate in WALA CATCH meetings and workshops
• Identify additional funding opportunities for enhancing program or pilots and prepare donor concept notes as needed
  Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff): These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.
• Serves with Integrity
• Models Stewardship
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• Promotes Learning
  
  Key Working Relationships:
  Reports to: Deputy Chief of Party, WALA program Internal: CRS staff, WALA CATCH staff including Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, Head of M&E and Learning, DCOP, Finance and Administration.
  External: USAID Mission, Other Title II Cooperating Sponsors, Implementing Partners, Ministry of DRR of Malawi branches, and other local community based organizations.
  Qualifications:
  
• Advanced university degree (Master degree level) in social science preferred.
• Minimum of seven years professional work experience at the national and international levels in DRR planning, management, monitoring and evaluation and work experience through partner organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization.
• Ability to oversee a wide range of staff, manage work plans and keep activities to task deadlines.
• Knowledge of USAID Title II funded programs ( MYAP, SYAP, MCHN, etc)
• Current knowledge of the latest developments and technology, in the field.
• Proven ability to conceptualize, develop, plan and manage programs, as well as to impart knowledge and teach skills.
• Previous experience integrating DRR with agriculture, health and nutrition programming
• Leadership and teamwork abilities.
• Strong analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of the local language is an asset. Travel: The position requires travel to program areas (more than 60% of time) to provide consortium member-specific technical support.
  Disclaimer Clause: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position
  
  To apply, visit www.crs.org/about/careers
  EOE/M/F/D/V