Gaza Office Programme Coordinator

HELPAGE International is a global network of not-for-profit organisations with a vision of a world where older people fulfill their potential to lead active, dignified, healthy and secure lives.
HELPAGE started working in the Gaza Strip in February 2009 following the December 2008 – January 2009 conflict. It is providing a humanitarian response for older people including provision of food, psychosocial support, livelihoods support and physical rehabilitation.
HelpAge  seeks  an experienced and committed professional for the posts of
 

The Gaza office programme coordinator is responsible for Gaza programme planning, implementation and development. Managing the Gaza based staff participate in fundraising and supervision and support for directing the works of projects staff to ensure the effective, timely and efficient development of the program in Gaza.
Duration: 27March -30 November 2011, extension if funding available

Key responsibilities:
Strategy/Programme development:
1-To cooperate with the oPt Programme Director in defining an appropriate and effective strategy for HelpAge’s work in Gaza, ensuring the stability of all programme activities.
2-To ensure an effective and efficient humanitarian response for older people that is accountable to beneficiaries, donors and other stakeholders.
3-To represent HelpAge or ensure appropriate delegation, in relevant cluster groups, UN inter-agency meetings and other co-ordination fora and ensure that programme activities are coordinated with relevant authorities, UN agencies and NGOs as directed by oPt Programme Director. 
4-In close consultation with the oPt Programme Director identify and explore new operational and strategic opportunities for the programme in Gaza and together develop plans for current and future activities in Gaza.
5-To work with the oPt Programme Director in the collection of required data and information, and to prepare concept notes, proposals and reports to donors relating to Gaza which are to be submitted to the oPt Programme Director  in a timely manner to be forwarded to the WWE EPC in London for input from relevant departments and for approval.
6-To advocate on behalf of older people in Gaza  in order to promote their inclusion in programmes outside the reach of HelpAge’s activities
7-To take on the responsibilities as a project coordinator of a specific project if required due to budgetary constraints.

Programme planning, implementation, monitoring:
8-Ensure and participate in monitoring visits and documentation of monitoring visits
9-To provide the oPt Programme Director with regular and timely updates on programme activities and relevant contextual developments. This includes;
a-Weekly written narrative updates following the monthly/weekly template
b-Monthly sitreps ; following the template
c-Monthly financial report/cash book and cash count
d-Updates on external meetings/workshops
10-To document programme knowledge and best practice as well as success stories and pictures and bring to the oPt Programme Director so that it can be shared within HelpAge International.
11-Be fully responsible for the management of all projects in Gaza office in a timely manner to ensure they are implemented to the high standard and quality.
12-Ensure all programme activities are implemented in accordance with technical and budgetary requirement in compliance with HelpAge and donor requirements and that no activities or purchases are made outside of the approved plans.
13-Ensure that partner NGO staff are implementing the activities required according to the plan;
a-Regular Field visits/activity visits are conducted and findings are documented
b-Meetings are conducted, at least once a month with partner NGO project coordinator, accountant and executive director.
14-Draft contracts for national partners and submit to oPt Programme Director for review and approval
15-Ensure that contracts with national partners are completed as well as payment procedures, documentations, and reports in a timely manner for reporting to the donor.

Human resources:
16-To work in coordination with the oPt Programme Director in the management of staff in Gaza.
17-Participate in the recruiting process in coordination with the oPt Programme Director
18-To support, coach and guide staff in Gaza in the implementation and monitoring of programme activities, ensuring staff are kept abreast of security procedures and other operational guidelines.
19-Identify staff training needs and opportunities and forward these to oPt Programme Director for approval and further action. 
20-Draft TOR’s and contracts for volunteers and/or consultants and submit to oPt Programme Director for review and approval
21-Follow HelpAge’s procedures for timely performance appraisals of Gaza based staff and forward to the oPt Programme Director
22-Ensure adherence to oPt Safety Plan by Gaza staff and visitors

Other duties:
23-Ensure HelpAge’s practice complies with the OPT law, including labour law.
24-Appropriately manage the Gaza supplies in collaboration with the Admin/Logistic/Security Officer
25-To ensure the security and maintenance of HelpAge property in Gaza.

Any other duties as required by oPt Programme Director.
Essential Qualifications/skills:
-Substantial professional experience in at least one of the following fields in emergency contexts: public health, livelihoods, protection.
-Strong understanding of humanitarian policy and principles and challenges
-Strong communication and diplomatic skills including representation, networking and negotiation
-Technical and managerial competence in needs assessments, implementation planning and monitoring
-Experience of leading and managing teams
-Proven ability to write proposals, concept papers and reports
-Proven capacity to budgets with multiple funding sources
-Experience of working with local partner organisations and of working in collaboration with other INGOs
-Able to prioritise work and meet tight deadlines.
-Fluent written and spoken English.
-Understanding of the social, political, and economic context of Palestinian territories specially Gaza Strip.
Desirable :
-Knowledge and experience of ageing and issues facing older people in emergencies

Interested applicants are requested to submit the following;
1)A resume in English
2)Contacts of 3 references of whom at least one has been the direct supervisor
3)A cover letter, in English, explaining interest and suitability for the position.

Please submit your application package by e- mail to Sonja van Osch, Programme Director HelpAge oPt [email protected]  not later than Tuesday15th, March2011 . Applications received after this date or that do not meet the qualifications above will not be considered. Only short listed candidates will be contacted for interview.

HELPAGE International promotes the principle of Equal Opportunity for all.