Economic Recovery & Development Coordinator job at International Rescue Committee
Job Description
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities which support them, as well as those who remain within their homes and communities. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we improve outcomes in the areas of health, safety, economic wellbeing, education, and power. Given the disparity faced by women and girls, IRC seeks to narrow gender inequalities and ensure social inclusion of all vulnerable groups in broader policies, processes and actions affecting their lives.
The IRC has been working in Uganda since 1998 supporting refugees, vulnerable host communities and various institutions in the country notably the government, community-based organizations, the civil society, and the private sector. Currently, the IRC in Uganda has presence across six sub-regions and six refugee settlements, implementing programming in the sectors of health, protection, and rule of law (PRoL), women’s protection and empowerment (WPE), economic recovery and development (ERD), and education. IRC Uganda also implements cross-cutting programming focused on systems strengthening and accountability to affected persons. As part of IRC Uganda’s strategic ambitions, the IRC works closely with local actors, including civil society organizations, local non-governmental organizations, local and national governments, among others, to strengthen their capacity and with intentions of transferring more resources for locally led implementation and support to our clients.

Scope of Work:
The IRC Uganda is currently seeking an Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) Coordinator to provide strategic direction, leadership, quality assurance and oversight of the livelihood’s portfolio in Uganda.
The ERD Coordinator will coordinate and oversee the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of livelihoods, with major focus on the Re:Build project funded by IKEA Foundation, the anticipated Kulea Watoto project funded by the Hilton Foundation, and other current and future economic recovery programs. The ERD Coordinator will liaise with other technical coordinators within IRC (particularly to increase collaboration and integration of ERD programming within other sectors); fellow agency, government, private sector, and community partners, as well as the Livelihoods and Cash Working Groups within the interagency coordination structure; and with IRC’s headquarter-based Economic Recovery and Development Technical Advisor and Officers to ensure coordination and complementarily of programming, as well as appropriate technical rigor in project design and implementation. The ERD Coordinator is responsible for overall management of the livelihoods portfolio, providing any and all support necessary to ensure successful implementation of ERD livelihoods assistance programming and proposal development/project design for prospective projects, which includes/may include enterprise development and employment initiatives, cash/voucher programming, financial inclusion, value chain development, agro-pastoralism/rural livelihoods, climate sensitive livelihoods (climate change and natural resource management), vocational training/certification programs, and other activities.
Based in Kampala, the ERD Coordinator reports to the Deputy Director of Programs (DDP) and directly manages the ERD managers. This position has close working relationships with the other sectoral technical coordinators, Grants Coordinator, MEAL Coordinator, Program Coordinator for Quality and Learning, Partnerships Coordinator, and members of the ERD Technical Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Technical Quality and Program Development
• Ensure alignment of livelihoods programming with IRC global strategy plan and relevant theories of change.
• Identify opportunities for growth of livelihoods programming portfolio including existing gaps/beneficiary needs and areas for innovation and expansion, including through market assessments.
• Lead the development of livelihood/agriculture concept notes and proposals, working closely with the grants, MEAL and finance teams and relevant ERD technical advisor(s)
• Contribute to development of country office’s sector-relevant strategic direction and plans including ongoing development of livelihoods programming staffing and management structures.
• Along with program staff and the Technical Unit/Advisors, support the development of Standard Operating Procedures and Guidance Notes for program activities
• Champion the use of cash programming, as appropriate, within the ERD and non-ERD sectors
• Ensure regular monitoring and modification of ongoing programming as required
• Advise and provide guidance to staff across other sectors on integrated programming inclusive of ERD activities.
• Regularly engage with the ERD Technical Advisor and other Technical Unit Advisors and Specialists to benchmark programming to IRC standards and ensure application of best practices.

Grant Planning & Monitoring:
• Prepare relevant and quality IRC and donor reports as per agreed-upon schedules (monthly, quarterly and/or annually) on grant activities, indicators, and achievements.
• Work closely and coordinate with IRC logistics, finance, and grant staff to ensure timely and compliant program activities and expenditures; including active participation in procurement, supply chain, grant and other meetings. Has budget authority to pre-approved limits and responsibility for budget development and compliance under the direction of the DDP
• Provide direction and monitor staff in their implementation of Re:Build project workplans and quality of technical activities, including program budget oversight.
• Ensure appropriate methodologies and technical approaches are developed for all Re:Build project activities - working with IRC’s ERD Technical Advisors, the Re:Build Project Director and Re:Build Deputy Project Director to ensure global best practices are applied to programming.
• Provide support to the research teams while working closely with the Re:Build Project manager to ensure RCT activities remain on track.
• Support the start-up of the anticipated Kulea Watoto project, including participation in the recruitment of key staff, development of key project management tools and oversight of the livelihood’s interventions.

Coordination & Representation:
• Develop and maintain effective coordination and long-term relationships with external stakeholders including fellow agencies/NGOs, government departments and ministries, private sector, community-based organizations and partners, donors, and others in accurately and professionally representing IRC positions, promoting long-term strategies, and resolving problems/conflicts.
• Actively advance IRC’s connections to economic actors/private sector at a local, regional, and national level, seeking avenues for partnership, collaboration, and coordination of activities to ensure sustainability of interventions.
• Oversee the IRC’s relationship with consortia implementing partners and support the identification of new partners as it relates to new programming.
• Participate in IRC and external working groups and communities of practice around livelihoods to advance livelihoods strategies, disseminate research and program successes, discuss implementation challenges, and share best practices
• Support the sharing of information and learning across livelihoods-related programs based in Uganda and throughout the East Africa region.
• Advocate for the adoption of best practices to promote economic resilience of IRC’s clients/target groups.

Human Resources Management:
• Provide technical direction and managerial oversight of livelihoods staff.
• Set specific goals and expectations and provide regular, positive, and constructive feedback to direct reports.
• Build capacity of the team under his/her supervision in basic assistance and livelihoods support methodologies, as well as management capacity, both individually and through conducting/coordinating staff training exercises.
• Help to recruit and screen livelihoods project staff as team grows.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions
• Ensure timely completion and submission of interim and annual employee performance reviews.
• If/as required, identify staff performance issues and works with Human Resources to document and address these in accordance with the National Staff Employment Policies.
• Responsible for adhering to IRC’s Global HR Operating Policies and Procedures.

Other:
• Undertake ERD program administrative roles that includes coordination of field activities.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop IRC programs.

Qualifications
• Minimum of 5 years professional experience in humanitarian response, with specific experience in livelihoods and enterprise development approaches.
• BA/BS Degree in international development, economics, and/or related certification required; MA/MS/MBA a plus.
• Demonstrated private sector experience, or experience supporting business and skill development.
• Prior experience working in emergency settings or insecure environments preferred
• Strong program/technical and budget management skills, planning, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, effective in representation and liaison with external parties.
• INGO experience required, experience with coordination systems or advocacy preferable
• Must be capable of applying skills and knowledge in a range of capacities, including direct implementation, advisory functions, training and the transfer of technical knowledge and management skills to others.
• Experience advising teams and ensuring compliance with donor regulations.
• Ability to navigate interpersonal and inter-departmental organizational dynamics to keep focus on goals and products.
• Ability to handle administrative and operational pressures.
• Excellent English writing/editing skills and comfort with external representation at a senior level are essential.
• Works well in and promotes teamwork.
• Highly developed leadership abilities, including the ability to coach, motivate, and support effective teams.
• Strong cross-cultural communication skills and eager to work as part of a diverse team. Sensitive to interpersonal differences and a range of viewpoints.
• Exceptional advance planning and organizational skills. Able to effectively prioritize and follow multiple activities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Analytical, strategic, and able to proactively develop solutions to complex challenges.
• Flexible and innovative. Able to adapt plans in response to contextual changes.
• Reliable, patient, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Working Environment:
• Current security level is yellow across all IRC operating areas in Uganda, except for Karamoja region which is orange. The security situation across the country is generally calm with main concerns related to petty crime. The position is based in Kampala, with expected travel to ERD programming field locations.

Standards of Professional Conduct:
• The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons, and several others.

Gender Equality & Equal Opportunity:
• We are committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer generous benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances. We welcome and strongly encourage qualified female professionals to apply.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
This position is only for Ugandan nationals to apply: IRC strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff in our programs.
Please note, the deadline for submission is October 22nd, 2022.


JOB DETAILS:

Job Description
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is an international non-governmental organization founded in 1933. IRC works in 28 countries providing relief, protection, and resettlement assistance to refugees and displaced populations. IRC was registered in Uganda in mid-1998 and implements rehabilitation activities in the sectors of Child and Youth Protection and Development, Economic Recovery and Development, Health and Women Protection and Empowerment. IRC Uganda has a head office in Kampala, field offices in Kitgum, Moroto, Yumbe, Imvepi, and Kyaka II.

Scope of Work:
Under the direction of the Finance Manger, the Senior Finance Officer is responsible for ensuring that the day-to-day accounting operations and financial management functions are performed in accordance with IRC’s policies and procedures, and in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Managing all aspects of day-to-day operations of accounting department.
• Assist in the implementation of finance policies, procedures, and systems.
• Ensure compliance with IRC procedures and guidelines.
• Ensure review all payment documents for proper and adequate back-up.
• Lead on Uganda Country Program month end process for finance.
• Supervise the payable function and ensure payments are made according to acceptable standards.
• Ensure integrity of financial data to be used for decision making by management.
• Support the Deputy Director Finance to prepare management accounts to be presented to SMT for decision making.
• Review all expenditure worksheets for accuracy and completeness.
• Review spreadsheets and Journals completed by field staff before they are uploaded in Integra.
• Give feedback to Field Finance offices regarding their monthly templates and reports.
• Oversee the entrance of financial data daily in Integra.
• Support the Deputy Director Finance to perform weekly reviews of the financial data in Integra entered by field finance teams and suggest any correction if any.
• Follow up with the field teams and ensure that field reports are done accurately.
• Do initial reviews of the payments (mobile money and bank) and sign off before the approvers can make payments.
• Review bank reconciliation monthly from main office and all field sites.
• Forward to the Payroll Administrator every month, outstanding personnel advances and charges related to T7, for recovery.
• Support the Deputy Director Finance to Reconcile balance sheet accounts on a timely basis
• Ensure timely preparation of month end reports and submission.

Personnel Management:
• Serve as a technical resource person for the accounting department. Assist on matters relating to payroll processing and be the finance focal person on payroll issues.

Administrative Duties:
• Supervise all activities done daily in the Accounts department.

Finance/Budgeting:
• Review funding allocations to enable proper guidance to programs and proper coding.
• Provide training to program staff on finance issues.
• Be receptive to training provided and to develop his or her technical and professional competence.
• Follow any new procedures and guidelines designated in circulars from the Country Director and Deputy Director Finance.
• Produce monthly and quarterly reports to be reviewed by Deputy Director Finance.

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, or Finance.
• CPA, ACCA equivalent.
• Minimum of three (3) years of accounting experience in an International Humanitarian Organization.
• Computer literate with significant skills in excel, accounting package knowledge and ERP system will be an added advantage.
• The candidate should have strong work ethic and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• The candidate should be able work in any field location when required to.

Standards of Professional Conduct:
The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons, and several others.

Gender Equality & Equal Opportunity:
We are committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer generous benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances. We welcome and strongly encourage qualified female professionals to apply.
IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Please note, applications will be reviewed on rolling basis but the deadline is October 22nd, 2022.