Background
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, with 192 member National Societies. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, our work is guided by seven fundamental principles; humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
Organizational Context
The Secretariat’s headquarters is organized into four main Business Groups in Geneva, and five Business Groups in the field, namely; Americas (Panama City); Africa (Nairobi); Asia/Pacific (Kuala Lumpur); Europe (Budapest); Middle East and North Africa (Beirut). The Africa Regional Office is organized in Country Cluster Support Teams (CCST) covering the National Societies in Eastern Africa, Indian Ocean Islands and Djibouti, Southern Africa, West Coast, Sahel and Central Africa as well as Country Offices in Sudan, Republic of South Sudan, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Niger and Central Africa. The Southern Africa Country Cluster office supports 9 South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Mozambique was hit by two category 4 tropical cyclones (Idai and Kenneth) in one season. Mozambique National Disaster Management Institute (INGC) indicated that 1.5 million people were affected, including more than 140,000 people displaced – many sheltered across 139 evacuation centres, spontaneous settings and makeshift shelters at peak emergency moment. Some 603 people have been confirmed dead as a result of the cyclone, according to the most recent reports issued by INGC. At the same time, more than 1,600 people were injured, and more than 230,000 houses were damaged and destroyed. Tropical Cyclone Idai has also affected Mozambique’s food security and livelihoods in the long term, due to extensive damage to standing crops immediately before the harvest season due in the months of March-April as well as loss of seeds and tools . The entire southern Africa region has been facing the effects of the ongoing El Niño with below-average cumulative rainfall and abnormally high temperatures for the 2018/19 season. The whole southern Africa region has suffered from sustained drought in recent years. Cyclone Idai hit the coast on March 15, 2019, affecting the provinces of Tete, Manica, Zambézia and Sofala in central Mozambique. The cyclone caused damage to these areas, resulting in significant damage and destruction of shelter, health, water and sanitation facilities, as well as large swathes of crops. The areas most impacted are mainly rural, where over 90% of people depend on agriculture and fishing. The loss of productive assets and the destruction of agricultural and fisheries infrastructure is weakening the restoration of livelihoods. Therefore, throughout the recovery phase, food supply must be associated with an investment in restoring resilient livelihoods. IFRC has launched an Emergency Appeal on 19 March for CHF 31 million which was revised on 06 May for CHF 32 million to assist 172,500 people affected by cyclones Idain and Kenneth for 24 months. The Emergency Appeal operation focuses on shelter, livelihoods and basic needs, health, WATSAN, protection, gender and Inclusion and Disaster Risk Reduction and national society capacity strengthening in emergency.
Job Purpose
Under the technical supervision and guidance of Project Coordinator, Food Security and Livelihoods, the Project Officer, FSL will be responsible for the implementation, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of the food security and rural livelihoods component, to achieve programme objectives with the targeted communities affected by Cyclone Idai. The job contribute to increase their self-reliance through a variety of activities ranging from covering the basic needs to supporting food security, replacement of productive assets, identification and support of income generating activities, loan and saving groups and community projects aiming to protect and support livelihoods. In the urban context, the activities will aim to improve the income sources through vocational training, employability, and support to IGA’s while connecting with the social protection system to protect livelihoods and cover basic needs.
In agreement with line manager, the job holder will implement the project activities aiming to a high standard in a timely and professional manner. She/he will also provide guidance to staff and volunteers reporting to him/her.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
With the support of the Project Coordinator, FSL:
- Active participation in field assessments (logistic organization, identification of needs, monitoring) to adapt the Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) interventions to the needs.
- Support beneficiary’s identification and selection processes and ensure that gender and protection approaches are mainstreamed.
- Plan and support the activities of the field supervisors to conduct the implementation and monitoring of all activities at field level as laid out in the plan of action, using the defined methodologies and at the required quality standard.
- Provide technical guidance and tools, identify gaps, establish clear objectives and monitor field supervisors’ progress and performance.
- Ensure the data and the sources of verification are properly filled, collected and filed.
- Coordinate volunteers’ activities and participation when required
- Facilitate relations between Red Cross and the local communities in the realization of projects objectives.
- Maintain coordination and appropriate information sharing and communication lines with partners and stakeholders at field level to avoid duplication and maximize synergies.
- Manage the effective and proper use of assets, financial resources and facilities according to standard procedures.
- Assist Livelihoods Coordinator in the preparation of all documents and forms necessary for the implementation and the follow up of the food security and livelihoods project.
- Regularly monitor project activities, compile and submit regular project updates and provide timely inputs and feedback to the Livelihoods Coordinator.
- Facilitation of (or assist in the facilitation of) trainings for volunteers and beneficiaries when needed and appropriate for its background
- Support the implementation of the mechanisms in place for Community engagement and accountability
- Any other tasks as may be required for operational support directed by the line manager or designate supervisor
Education
- Relevant educational and/or professional backgrounds in either rural development/ humanitarian work/ agricultural livelihoods
- University degree or higher in bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Fisheries, or Rural Development, or Environmental Science or any related field
Experience:
- Minimum 2 year of professional experience in the implementation of rural development programmes (Required)
- Experience working with international or local NGO’s
- Experience in project management including project planning and monitoring, tracking project progress and achievements
- Experience with budget planning and expenditures monitoring
- Experience in managing and supporting teams
- Experience in market-based and value chain development projects
- Experience working with farming field schools, agricultural associations, saving and loan groups, income generating activities
- Ability and proven experience in transferring knowledge and skills through formal and informal training
- Experience of working and coordinating with other stakeholders, local governmental authorities, partners, food suppliers, traders, …
- Experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection
Knowledge, skills and languages
- Strong commitment to team work and ability to work with teams of volunteers
- Ability to work independently and under pressure in a responsible manner
- Willingness and ability to cope with frequent travels and/or be based in field locations
- Knowledge of with climate-smart agricultural practices / Disaster Risk Reduction
- Advanced computer skills (Windows, MS Office, Outlook, Internet, etc.)
- Problem solving abilities
- Dedication, commitment and integrity
- High motivation for improvement and ability to deliver in a challenging environment
- Fluently spoken and written Portuguese
- Knowledge of languages spoken in Moatize, Tete Province (chewa, nhúngue, sena) (Preferred)
Competencies and values
- Accountability, Courage, Diversity, Integrity, Professionalism, Collaboration, Building Trust, Empowering, Mentorship
Others: National Society and National (Local) Authorities Relations, Teamwork, Communication
Comments
- The Federation is an equal opportunity employer.