Program Development Officer

The Program Development Officer (PDO) leads and coordinates the Rapid Response Activity the portfolio of rapid response small grants activities, in accordance with program strategy. The PDO coordinates closely with the different program areas (especially procurement, grants, security and monitoring, evaluation and learning) related to strategy, activity identification and all phases of implementation. The PDO cultivates and maintains working relationships with key partners, local officials and community leaders in order to further context analysis, identify and design activities that further program strategy. Provides monitoring, evaluation and learning support on an ongoing basis for activities during implementation. This position reports to the Chief of Party and will be based in Ramallah.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the Chief of Party (COP), Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), Grants Manager, MSI HO Technical Director, United States Agency for International Development (USAID/West Bank-Gaza) to formulate program strategy and identify areas and population groups most vulnerable to adverse political pressures for program development.
• Travel to remote and often high-risk areas to reach the most strategically targeted communities for assessments when needed.
• Supervise the Field Coordinators working to support grants and activities.
• Provide capacity building and/or training to supervisees as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the COP and/or DCOP.

Develop Activity Ideas

• Lead in the identification of communities and stakeholder groups within the area of responsibility where program objectives can be met and draft activity ideas, empowering Field Coordinator positions to lead activity implementation.
• After activities have undergone initial review and considered viable, include proposed activity concept in the database.
• In collaboration with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager or Assistant, set indicators and a monitoring plan for each activity.
• Prepare grant packages for review by the COP and DCOP.

Liaise with Grantees and Counterparts

• Collaborate in preparing for and conducting regular project development and implementation meetings with USAID WB/Gaza.
• Maintain working relationships and liaise with project counterparts as well as international organizations, UN Agencies and local and national authorities as appropriate.

Track Activity Progress

• Collaborate in the response to ad hoc requests for information as well as frequent reporting to USAID.
• PDO systematically follows up on activities under implementation in collaboration with Field Coordinators including to anticipate and respond to any contingencies in the field and keep team members safe.
• Support Grants Manager with the review of final deliverables prior to submitting for activity close-out.
• Support MEL Manager with data collection, as needed, and with contributions to the final evaluation reports.
• Assist the Communications and Outreach Officer in preparing success stories/anecdotes on individual projects and other public information material, including photographs for both internal and external purposes.
• Use the project's database for activity management, including entering activity notes from site visits and other updates on activity implementation.

Jobs.ps, Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will be able to drive quick results and gradually work with minimal day-to-day supervision.  Will exhibit organizational skills, attention to detail, personal commitment, creativity, efficiency, flexibility and problem-solving skills. Further desired qualifications are as follows:

• University degree in Social Sciences and/or community development or, alternatively, combination of related education and professional experience is required.
• A minimum of three years of experience working in project development and implementation, preferably related to community development and/or conflict, post-conflict and peace-building issues required.
• Experience working with stabilization or rapid response programs is preferred.
• Demonstrated field experience in conflict-affected areas is required.
• Experience working in such roles with USAID-funded projects is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of program planning and implementation required.
• Advance knowledge of all Microsoft Office programs (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Determination, commitment, efficiency, creativity and adaptability required.
• Excellent communication skills as well as: a) proactive problem-solving abilities independently and with teams, b) a strong service orientation, and c) inter-personal skills, self-awareness and emotional intelligence is required.
• Understanding of complex socio-political environments, especially of post-conflict situations required.
• Ability to work under difficult conditions while maintaining security awareness required.
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously under pressure in a stressful environment and with colleagues from different cultural and professional backgrounds required.
• Willingness to travel in high-risk areas is preferred.
• Fluency in Arabic is required and professional proficiency in spoken and written English highly desireable.

Program Development Officer, Rapid Response Activity - Tetra Tech Careers (selectminds.com)