South Sudan: Mid-term Evaluation of the Project: Reducing Hunger and Malnutrition and Promoting Resilient Food Production in Cueibet County/Gok State

Nov 29, 2019 | Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe
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Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH) renders humanitarian aid worldwide. In its activities, DKH is committed to the Humanitarian Principles of the Code of Conduct of the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement and of non-governmental aid organizations. In all its actions, DKH is guided by the four humanitarian principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. These principles provide the foundations for DKH’s humanitarian action, and are regarded as essential in order to establish and maintain access to affected people, whether in a natural disaster or a complex emergency, such as armed conflict. DKH is also committed to the Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS) in order to adhere to enhanced accountability protocols.

DKH’s assistance is designed to suit the local conditions and is integrated in the economic, social and political context of a specific country or region. It is adjusted to respond to the needs and the situation of the affected population, respect the dignity of the people, and protect valid laws and traditions. Assistance is provided according to needs, corresponds to local standards and is based on a thorough response analysis. It is DKH’s approach to work through a global network of partner organizations. Wherever possible and required, DKH is accompanying the partners from project design through implementation until final project documentation.

Vétérinaires Sans Frontières (VSF) is an international Non-Governmental Organization, providing humanitarian aid and development assistance to pastoralists and vulnerable communities in areas where livestock is of importance. VSF support is in animal health; livestock related agriculture, marketing, food safety, drought responses and mitigation, capacity development of communities and governmental institutions, peace and conflict resolution with the ultimate aim of food security and strengthened livelihoods of pastoralist communities.

Subject of the evaluation: PROMISE

In South Sudan VSF has been implementing the project Reducing hunger and malnutrition and promoting resilient food production in Cueibet County/Gok State (PROMISE) funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The implementation of this project started in September 2016 and is scheduled to end in August 2023 (two project phases). The project is being implemented in Cueibet County, Gok (Lakes) state of the Republic of South Sudan in a predominantly agro-pastoral community.

PROMISE supports activities aimed at improving food security and reducing malnutrition within vulnerable populations. It addresses structural issues leading to hunger and malnutrition in a bid to resolve these in the medium or long term, with an emphasis on developing sustainable solutions. PROMISE aims to contribute to this global objective by building capacities of target households in innovative and sustainable agricultural practices as well as strengthened resilience against conflict and climatic risks.

The overall goal (impact level) is to contribute to increased food security, reduced malnutrition and resilient livelihoods for vulnerable households in Lakes/Gok State, South Sudan.

The three specific objectives (outcome level) of the project are:

1. Acute malnutrition in Cueibet is reduced.
2. Households have adopted innovative, adaptable and sustainable agricultural and/or livestock production practices which allow them to significantly reduce their average food gap per year.
3. The livelihoods of the target group are strengthened and more resilient against conflict and climate risks.

A baseline was carried out and completed in December 2016 and project monitoring missions carried out in July 2017 and November 2017. Six semi-annual reports covering the period 01 September 2016 to 30 June 2019 have been submitted to DKH. The end of the first phase of PROMISE was in June 2019, for which matter VSF is seeking to conduct a mid-term evaluation.

Scope, purpose and objectives of the evaluation

Purpose of the evaluation

The purpose of the evaluation is to assess the progress made towards achieving expected outputs and outcomes and identify and document lessons-learned and to make recommendations to improve the project for the implementation of phase 2. The evaluation shall further coagulate the identified issues into actionable elements, aimed at improving the current project status.

Objectives of the evaluation

1. To appraise and establish the relevance of the project. The evaluation will appraise the appropriateness of project objectives to the problems that it was supposed to address, and to the physical and policy environment within which it operates. This will include an assessment of the quality of project preparation and design – i.e. the logic and completeness of the project planning process, the internal logic and coherence of the project design.
2. To determine the level of efficiency of the project implementation. Project efficiency will be evaluated by gauging whether the progress made towards achieving the expected results is happening at a reasonable cost – how efficiently means and activities are being converted into outputs.
3. To determine the effectiveness of the project implementation. The mid-term evaluation will determine the contribution made by project outputs towards achieving the project objectives, and how assumptions have affected project achievements.
4. The evaluation shall also determine the effectiveness of the employed approaches in addressing the primary challenges affecting the community. The linkage and resultant synergy between these respective components shall be appraised.
5. To determine the project quality. The evaluation shall appraise PROMISE against desirable project quality factors that include: participation and ownership by beneficiaries; policy conformity; appropriate technology; socio-cultural implications; gender equality & outcomes; environmental protection; local institutional development; and management capacities; and financial and economic viability. Any deviation from initial plans shall be evaluated and accounted for. Achievements made in respect of the exit strategy will be gauged.
6. To provide actionable, context appropriate and innovative recommendations for project improvement and future programming.
7. To evaluate the project on quality and accountability using the Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS).
8. Engage in more explorative study to identify overall outcomes and impact against the backdrop of a “Resilience Framework“ (from the perspectives of capacities of communities) and to identify potential shortcomings in this respect as a crucial basis to improve approaches in the second phase.
9. Engage communities (focus on school feeding committees and other groups established), in action-research and a visioning exercise that borrows from PVCA (Participatory Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment) and SCLR (Supporting Community-Led Response). Identify potential to enhance resilience of communities to maintain educational outcomes and food security with “own means“ with the support and facilitation of the project for the next five years and without upon exit (based on a “Resilience“/LRRD framework).

Evaluation type

This is a mid-term evaluation to assess the progress made by the project towards achieving planned activities and results as set out in the project design. It aims at capturing the progress attained towards addressing the project objectives.

Scope of the evaluation

The mid-term review period will focus on the past 34 months of project implementation from September 2016 to June 2019 in the targeted project areas in Cueibet County. The evaluation will cover in detail programming quality as well as protection and equality topics.

Target audience

1. BMZ, Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe and Bread for the World: The mid-term evaluation shall provide the donor BMZ and Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe with information on how the project is performing towards finally contributing to the final objectives of the program and what follow-up actions may be necessary to ensure the desired outcomes and project re-designing to suite the context dynamics.
2. VSF Germany and partners: The mid-term evaluation shall provide VSF and its partner’s opportunity to critically assess technical arising issues and mechanisms and meticulously focus on the recommendations to improve the pathways and potential of PROMISE to achieve expected outcomes and objectives within the project timeframe.
3. Beneficiaries and stakeholders: The mid-term evaluation process will accord beneficiaries and stakeholders opportunity to participate in the review process, build the capacity for effective participation in reviews, and enhance ownership and accountability of the implementing partners. The exercise will enable improvement of the relevance of the project to the needs of the beneficiary and priorities of the stakeholders.

Key questions

The evaluation tasks relate directly to the evaluation objectives and should be comprehensively addressed with reference to one another.

The key questions of this evaluation based on the OECD/DAC evaluation criteria are:

Relevance

1. What is the prevailing project context and its significance to project implementation?
2. Who are the key actors (stakeholders) in the project? What are their roles and responsibilities and how have they influenced project implementation?
3. What is the relevance of the project objectives to the beneficiaries, community, governance and policy priorities at project and how has this changed during the life span of the project?

Effectiveness

1. To what extent is the project meeting its objectives?
2. To what extent has each of the approaches employed by the project contributed towards achievement of project objectives?
3. What is the quality of the outputs?
4. What are the identified and potential barriers to successful delivery of the project?
5. How have the assumptions made at project design evolved and how have they impacted on the project implementation and progress towards achievement of the objectives?
6. What are the strengths and successes in project implementation (management, staff, coordination and reporting)?
7. What are the weaknesses and challenges in project implementation (management, staff capacity, coordination and reporting)?
8. How has the project responded to each of the quality parameters listed under 3.2 (e) above?

Efficiency

1. What is the level of cost-effectiveness in the accomplishment of the outputs completed so far or in the process of completion?
2. Were objectives achieved on time?

Impact

1. To what extent is it likely that the results of the project in terms of the project objectives (outcome level) contributed or will contribute to the achievement of the overall goal of the project (impact level)?
2. Are there other unintended positive and/or negative changes which have occurred by implementing the project?
3. How effective has the project been in delivering a gender impact and what unutilised potentials can be identified?

Sustainability

1. Has the project contributed to enhanced community resilience, and which steps could contribute to this even further?
2. What is the degree of soundness and feasibility of the project’s exit strategy and to what extent has it been implemented?
3. What is the level of overall viability of the expected outcomes and signs of sustainability of the same?

Evaluation design and methods

It is a requirement that the evaluation standards of the German Evaluation Society (DeGEval) and the principles and standards of the OECD/DAC for a participatory, credible, gender-sensitive and fair evaluation will be observed.

The methodology proposed by the consultant(s) should include a mix of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The chosen methods shall be inclusive and respect the social and cultural context of the target groups. The desired methodology is participatory and all the key stakeholders in the program including target beneficiaries, County Agriculture and County Livestock Department staff, will be considered to be part of the mid-term evaluation process. The evaluation will be based on the findings and factual statements identified from review of relevant documents including the project document, Annual Project Reports (APR), Project Implementation Reports (PIR), in addition to the technical reports produced by the project.

The anticipated benefit of a participatory and stakeholder-centred approach is the empowering that the process will impart to those service providers and the beneficiaries/stakeholders who will participate in the exercise. Focus group discussions, key informant interviews, site visits, etc. are proposed amongst the methods to be used for the review. The consultant will provide leadership and bear responsibility for the process, the findings, the comments and the content of the final document. VSF will be responsible for organizing the locations for conducting interviews, household questionnaire and/or focus group discussions in the respective payams of operation whilst the consultant will review and finalize the tools in conjunction with VSF programming team. Participation of stakeholders in the evaluation should be maintained at all the times, reflecting opinions, expectations and vision about the contribution of the project towards the achievement of its objectives.

The consultant should generate a sampling strategy upon giving appropriate justification which will then be reviewed by VSF and DKH program team before being adopted.

Expected products

Inception report

The inception report shall provide a detailed description of the methodology to answer the evaluation questions as well as the proposed source of information and data collection procedure. The inception report shall outline the contents of all the deliverables. The inception report shall be written in English and should not exceed 15 pages and must be accepted by DKH and VSF.

Draft evaluation report

The consultancy team will develop a draft evaluation report for review by the PROMISE program personnel and partners. The final report shall be validated by stakeholders in Berlin and via Skype as may be feasible. The draft report will adopt the format of the final report as presented below under the final report. Generally, the report will include the executive summary, intervention description, evaluation purpose, evaluation methodology, findings and conclusions (answers to the evaluation questions), recommendations and annexes (list of people interviewed, key documents consulted, data collection instruments, ToR, etc.).

Final evaluation report

The evaluation team shall endeavour to develop the final report and present the output in an electronic format to DKH and VSF for final approval and adoption. The final report (Word, Excel files to be put in PDF as well) will be submitted according to the evaluation timeline. The final report shall be written in English and should not exceed 40 pages plus annexes. A sample structure for the evaluation report can be downloaded here.

The final report will be accompanied by the following deliverables:

• A 2-page evaluation fact sheet and soft copy of dataset. This is to include relevant findings from the evaluation, key points and recommendations.
• An Indicator Summary Sheet, giving status of all indicators measured in the questionnaire compared against baseline values.
• Learning dossier – lessons learnt by the entire evaluation team shall be documented and shared with the project team and Programs Office Juba so that they may be taken into consideration for future studies. The documentation of these lessons will be vital for reflection, growth and continued improvement.

Short anonymous summary of the evaluation

Between 7,000 and 10,000 characters (with spaces) for the homepage of Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe and/or Bread for the World.

1. Process of the evaluation/time frame
2. 20 November 2019 Expression of interest plus questions
3. 25 November 2019 Circulation of responses to questions raised by interested parties
4. 11 December 2019 Submission of offers
5. 18 December 2019 Selection of evaluation team
6. 20 January 2020 Concluding the contract(s)
7. End of January 2020 Kick-off meeting (tentatively via Skype)
8. February 2020 Inception report
9. March 2020 Data collection and analysis
10. Middle of April 2020 Draft version of the evaluation report
11. Beginning of May 2020 Validation of report (Berlin & via Skype)
12. End of May 2020 Final version of the evaluation report

Key qualifications of the evaluators

The evaluation team should be composed of one consultant with international work experience and at least one local consultant.

The evaluation team shall compose of members with a comprehensive mix of competencies in agro-pastoral production and market systems and evaluation methods (quantitative and qualitative methods). These will be complemented with at least five years’ experience in related programming and program research. Extensive experience in the specific fields in the Horn of Africa and South Sudan in particular will be required. Excellent communication skills as well as demonstrated writing and presentation skills are requisite.

Management arrangements

The consultant should be informed of some issues, situation and conditions as they are or may arise during the exercise.

1. Contractual matters: The evaluation will be financed by two different funds. The Protestant Agency for Diakonie and Development (Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe/ Bread for the World) will conclude a contract with the international consultant. The local consultant(s) will get a separate contract by the partner organization. The financial offer should contain two separate budgets: one for the international consultant and another for the local consultant(s). However, the technical offer should contain an evaluation team and an overall approach.
2. Travel: All international flights land in Juba, it is not possible to fly to Rumbek and onwards to Cueibet on the same day. Rumbek flights are only during week days. The consultant should take into consideration this challenge that should not lead to cancellation of the exercise. VSF will cover the cost of all internal flights and transport.
3. Accommodation: Consultants will be housed in hotels in Juba and Rumbek whilst in Cueibet they will be housed at the organizations compound lodgings. However, electricity for powering laptops is not guaranteed at all times. Internet access will be available at VSF offices, but may not be available in the hotels.
4. Data entry may not be possible in the field. VSF will not supply data entry clerks or equipment for data entry. Consultants are responsible for all data entry and management. All hard copies of tools will need to be transported by consultants to the place where data entry will be done. All data sets must be provided to VSF in soft copy at the time of submission. They are the property of VSF and the communities from which the data will be collected and may be used for future analysis. Data will in most instances be collected from non-English speakers. However, tools will not be translated into the local language. A way around this matter will be developed in discussion with VSF program staff and the consultant.
5. Operation arrangement

• Accommodation and transport will be provided by VSF;
• Translators, drivers, facilitators, office space, printing of questionnaires, etc. will be provided by VSF;
• The contact person in South Sudan will be the VSF Country Programs Manager;
• The focal person in the field will be the Project Manager;
• Security advisory issues will be provided by VSF;
• VSF will take care of internal travels but in case of international flights, the consultant will organize and DKH will pay reasonable prices incurred only.

Reference materials: Relevant documents will be available for the secondary information desk study. The consultant will be encouraged to identify any other sources for appropriate additional information that may be required to supplement what is provided by the project. The project team will share the following documents with the consultants for reference:

• Project Application
• Cooperation Agreement for PROMISE
• Cooperation Agreement for complementary projects
• Baseline report
• Project log frame
• Project activity reports
• Project Interim Reports
• Sudan Population and Housing Census report 2008
• National Baseline Household Survey 2009
• FAO/WFP food security assessment/survey reports
• IPC reports
• Humanitarian Response Plan 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
• Comprehensive Agricultural Master Plan 2018
• Other reports and documents that may be necessary

• Assist International Water Management/ Irrigation Consultant and project managers in the FAO-Office with the implementation and management of irrigation-related projects in Iraq; 
• Maintain good communication with the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Ministry of Water Resources (MOWR) and related parties to facilitate the implementation of the project activities efficiently;
• Ensure effective liaising with the relevant government counterparts and other actors like NGOs that are active in the relevant fields and in implementation and supervision of project activities day to day; 
• Actively participate in the identification of beneficiaries according to project “selection criteria”, verify that all the members of the beneficiaries’ selection committees are involved in the selection process, make sure that beneficiaries list are compiled according to FAO standards and formats, guarantee the identification process is transparent, neutral and fair;
• Maintain a complete and up-to-date record of inputs delivery and distribution;
• Assist in the preparation of specifications for the agricultural inputs, supplies and equipment envisaged in the project activities and assist in the work plan and plan of operation preparation;
• Establish and train Water User Associations, and liaise with MoWR and other stakeholders;
• Participate in and contribute to training activities;
• Assist and implement appropriate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms of field activities for the smooth implementation of the project activities including evaluation of the impact of the project intervention and follow-up on the performance of the projects;
• Visit sites of project implementation sites as required;
• Prepare a report at the end of the completion of the project on the overall implementation of project/s activities, including constraints, achievements, lessons learned and recommendations for future work;
• Participate on behalf of FAO to the meeting as appointed by FAOR and International Agronomist Consultant and report the outcome of such meetings with recommendation on actions to be taken;  
• Carry out any other additional tasks required to ensure the smooth running of the project.

• University degree in water resources management, irrigation, agronomy or related disciplines;
• At least five years professional experience, with specific experience in project implementation and demonstrated professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
• Working knowledge of English. Limited knowledge of one of the other FAO languages: Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Spanish and/or French. Knowledge of Arabic would be an asset.
• National of Iraq.

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

• Ability to operate effectively under pressure, rapidly perform situations assessments and respond quickly and affectedly as required;
• Possession of a valid driver’s license;
• Possess computer skills with good working knowledge of database creation, PowerPoint production, word processing & spread sheet applications;
• Prove of participation in one or more of the following advanced courses; First Aid, Mine Awareness, Defensive Driving, Self Defence, Fire Fighting, Hostage Survival and/or Anti-hijacking measures;
• Organized, and able to work independently and for long hours (sometimes unscheduled);
• Excellent communications skill, both orally and in writing; 
• Ability to work under pressure and to carry out several tasks in a timely fashion and under tight deadlines with minimum supervision;

• Support the implementation of the agreed project activities in relation to land rights, extractives and gender. Ensure that the project is delivered on time, to agreed budgets and to the highest standards.
• Develop and maintain relationships and partnerships including with communities, civil society and government actors.
• Support the collaborative design and delivery of capacity building initiatives that support CSOs and communities affected by development projects including through activities such as training, exchange visits, natural resource mapping, legal awareness raising, participatory research activities, and environmental monitoring.
• Provide legal advice to CSOs, communities, colleagues and partners or facilitate such advice on the rights and duties set out in Myanmar law and international standards on extractives, land rights, the environment and human rights.
• Support CSOs and communities to link with and access resource persons and organizations with expertise in the mining sector and on environmental harms and remedies.
• Research and provide analysis on the legal framework on land rights and extractives in Myanmar and update project team on this.
• Contribute to the content and design of information, education and communication materials on land rights and extractives.
• Ensure that project meets donor requirements and assist with reporting to donors, including narrative reporting.
• Work closely with Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) colleagues and ensure that findings are incorporated into project design and implementation.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing across the organisation.

• Advanced degree in law preferred.
• 2-3 years of experience with project management, including design, implementation, monitoring & evaluation and project budgeting.
• Fluent in Burmese and ability to communicate in English (written and spoken).
• Strong understanding of Myanmar legal framework and international standards in relation to extractives, land rights, the environment and human rights.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to convey complex issues in a clear and simple way.
• Experience working with communities, preferably communities affected by extractive projects or environmental and land rights
• Experience designing and delivering training to civil society organisations and communities.
• Ability to build relationships with key partners (CSOs and communities) and other stakeholders (e.g. members of parliament and government).
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to be flexible and sensitive in demanding situations.
• Ability to organize work effectively as well as develop and deliver on work plans.
• Adaptable and flexible, with a willingness to travel regularly.

• The TL should have PG Degree in Water Resources Management, Development Economics, Environment, Climate Change, Natural Resources Management, Social Sciences, or Engineering. 

• More than 10 years of professional work matching the TOR.. 

• Expertise in analyzing national plans, policies & building cross sectoral linkages for undertaking the task mentioned in the scope of work. 
• Specialization in analyzing national plans, policies & build cross sectoral linkages for undertaking the task mentioned in the scope of work. 
• Good communications & presentation skills as well as an excellent English language communication skills (written & spoken) as well as computer literacy. 
• Ability to analyse the root causes of the issues & come up with an implementable set of interventions. 
• Past experience of working with multi sectoral teams. 
• Sensitivity towards the opinions of the stakeholders/team members, gender mainstreaming, possible institutional partners & Somali communities. 
• Strong presentation, analytical writing & time management skills. 
• Experience of effective interaction with policy makers, UN agencies, donors, communities, CSO's, private sector etc. 
• Experience of formulating & analyzing multi dimensional projects. 

• Strong written & spoken English.

• Overall responsibility for programme coordination, project management and reporting;
• Support development and implementation of the IUCN Nature-based Solutions Programme Area in Eastern Europe, North and Central Asia;
• Oversee management and implementation of IUCN ECARO’s Nature-based Solutions project activities in the region;
• Liaise with the IUCN Secretariat, Members, Commissions and partners in identifying priorities and project development opportunities related to Nature-based Solutions;
• Actively pursue partnerships and promote synergies with thematically-aligned initiatives and projects in the region;
• Support fundraising efforts and lead the development of high quality projects in coordination with IUCN programmes and partners;
• Contribute to the institutional leadership of IUCN in further developing and improving the NbS concept as well as its application, leveraging lessons learnt from the ECARO region. 

• Coordinate the ADAPT: Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Resilient Societies in the Western Balkans project ensuring that it effectively delivers against the work plan and results framework;
• Manage the project team, national coordinators and a number of partners and consultants in ensuring coherent and efficient project planning and delivery;
• Ensure high quality project oversight and coordination, including liaison with the donor and partners, preparation of project work plans, technical and financial reports, and partnership agreements; 
• Oversee and manage staff within the NbS programme, including preparing Terms of Reference, work plans, and undertaking performance appraisals;  
• Lead the development of the Nature-based Solutions Programme Area and follow up projects to the ADAPT project; 
• Lead in identifying partnership and project development opportunities related to the Nature-based Solutions Programme Area; 
• With support of the communications team, ensure the appropriate communication and visibility of the projects and its results;
• Keep the IUCN ECARO Director up-to-date on programme and project development opportunities;
• Liaise with IUCN Members, Commissions, donors and partners on programme formulation and identification of priorities.
• Represent IUCN ECARO at global, regional and national events;
• Present the NbS concept and IUCN’s work on NbS in a technically competent and informed manner in various international fora;
• Carry out other relevant tasks on request and agreement with the line manager.

• Master’s degree (or higher) in a subject related to the field of environment or engineering;
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in a field related to natural resource management, climate change, or related fields, with at least 5 years in an international setting;
• Work experience in Eastern Europe, North and Central Asia with particular emphasis on the Western Balkans;
• Excellent knowledge of global environmental standards and frameworks, e.g. the Paris Agreement, SDGs and Sendai Framework;
• Good understanding of the IUCN NbS Standard and experience with NbS implementation on the ground;
• Knowledge of human rights-based approaches;
• Proven experience in coordination and management of international projects, ability to coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, including governments, experts, civil society and the private sector;
• Capacity to work effectively under time pressure and during extended hours if required;
• Willingness to travel within the region, sometimes at short notice;
• Excellent command of English; knowledge of other languages spoken in the region is an asset;
• Computer literacy in MS Office packages;
• Excellent organizational and networking skills, team-oriented attitude and ability to work independently

• Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.
• Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.

• The individual will plan and implement WASH projects, foster internal and external networks with stakeholders and donors; provide technical support to the development of funding proposals. The WASH Coordinator will manage, lead and provide direction to the WASH team in line with Country priorities. In addition, where required, the Coordinator will support the program team in obtaining the required government permissions and positively engage with institutional and private donors as well as IMC HQ. Moreover, the Coordinator will ensure project monitoring, regular reviews, preparation of donor reports, capturing learnings and is able to close the project and implement exit plans. 

• Provide WASH sectoral leadership and technical support to rapid needs assessments in emergency and development contexts and their analysis and ensure their linkage to activity plans and budgets. 
• Conduct initial joint multi sector rapid assessment to depict the current humanitarian situation in collaboration with other sectoral staff and affected population; translate the needs into priorities and formulate immediate interventions activities and required resources.
• Assess in-country resources and capacities (human, material and financial) for WASH program roll out as per agreed objectives. In addition, evaluate the strengths/gaps in the capacities. 

• Formulate the overall aims and objectives of WASH response program through a clear WASH strategy for senior Country Management.
• Design an appropriate overall response to the country specific needs, taking into account the needs of the community; the current levels of in country WASH capacity and the overlapping of WASH and other IMC sectors.
• Select and design from array of appreciate technologies for water systems for the given context, including source selection (ground water, surface water), abstraction, storage, treatment and distribution for new systems and/or the rehabilitation of old Water systems. 
• Select and design the most appropriate form of sanitation system (to include excreta disposal, vector control, solid waste disposal, drainage) taking full account of local conditions, resources, customs and cultural norms. 
• Select and design, in collaboration with other actors a suitable hygiene promotion program that suits the local context and would be widely accepted by beneficiaries. 
• Ensure and advocate/lobby that WASH program design is considering Health, gender, protection, DRR, operation and maintenance and sustainability.
• Contribute to ensuring that the response is funded through external donors, and manage (HR, admin, implementation) all aspects of WASH interventions.
• Ensure Sphere standards both qualitative and quantitative are considered through the program cycle and are well documented.
• Develop concept papers, letters of intent, proposals and budgets related to the above. 

• Plan, lead and manage WASH program in a phased and prioritized manner in full consultation and co-ordination with International Medical Corps’ staff and other agencies both governmental and non-governmental. 
• Work closely with Human Resources team for planning and hiring of the WASH team. 
• Build the WASH team capacity to respond to the emergency and development phases. 
• Train and supervise WASH staff and volunteers. This may involve the writing of work schedules, training plans and appraisals.
• Ensure gender and protection is considered throughout the project cycle with women being enabled to influence decision- making around WASH challenges.
• Ensure WASH program implantation is linked to health, DRR, gender, child protection and nutrition.
• Design and develop appropriate supervisory, monitoring and evaluation systems for WASH interventions.
• Work closely with program support functions (logistics and finance departments) for WASH program supplies and activities planning.

• Provide regular updates and technical guidance to team on progress, priorities and challenges – verbally and in writing. 
• Represent International Medical Corps to governmental and non-governmental groups as needed and agreed with the supervisor
• Represent International Medical Corps in WASH and relevant Cluster activities. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

• Minimum of bachelor's degree in water and sanitation engineering, civil engineering, or relevant technical WASH specialization

• At least five years of work experience with designing and implementing water and sanitation systems in IDPs, refugee and migrant contexts, maintaining sanitation systems, and implementing hygiene promotion programs, including 2 years in a humanitarian setting; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Ability and good understanding of WASH sector and its hardware and software components 
• Demonstrated analytical, motivational, communication, project conceptualization and planning skills;
• Experience in developing WASH strategy, clear and realistic activity planning; overseeing implementation, tracking the progress, reporting against the agreed indicators and managing project budget 
• Experience in emergency and early recovery phases, including assessments and the design and delivery of effective water supply and hygiene promotion interventions in humanitarian and development contexts.
• Experience and understanding of key intuitional donors’ policies, guidelines and strategies e.g. USAid, OFDA, ECHO, DFID and UN
• Demonstrated experience in WASH proposal development and preparation of internal and donor reports.

• Ability to effectively present information (both written and verbally) and respond appropriately to questions from senior managers in the field and HQ, counterparts, senior government
• Demonstrated knowledge of linking WASH activities with other humanitarian sectors
• Ability to understand gender related challenges within the beneficiary groups
• Demonstrated experience of working closely with support functions (finance and logistics) on activity and procurement planning.

• Fluency in English and Spanish written and spoken

Solidarités International is the lead agency of an IHF WASH in and out of camps consortium funded by OCHA. 6 international partners and 2 national partner working in Iraq. In addition, SI is the co-coordinator of the Sub National WASH cluster in Mosul with PAH (Polish Organization).

Annual budget of the Iraq mission is around 4MUSD (including the IHF’s partners) with currently 2 ongoing projects (IHF until end of June 2020 and CdCS project to provide WASH services to Syrian refugees in KRI until end of April 2020.

In terms of international HR for 2019-2020, the mission should be composed by: 1 CD; 1 Admin Co; 1 RCO; 1 WASH Specialist; 1 Finance Compliance; 1 Field Co Mosul; 1 WASH PM.

In terms of National HR for 2019-2020, the mission should be composed by: the team in Mosul (+/- 17 staff); 5 staff for the CdCS project and 8 national staff based at Erbil coordination office.

About the job

General objectives:

The program manager is in charge of implementing and achieving the objectives defined in the proposals.

He/she is in charge of supervising the operational teams allocated to his/her program.

He/she guarantees the proper execution and the quality of the implemented program and, if applicable, suggests adjustments or developments to ensure its relevance.

Specific stakes and challenges

Priorities for the 2/3 first months:

Management :

Your profile

Education:

Experience:

Languages:

Specific skills and experience:

SI will offer you:

A salaried position: starting from 1980 euros gross per month (including 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly) and a monthly per diem of 750 USD a month. Please note that salary is not negotiable with SI.

Vacation: During the assignment, a system of alternation between work and time off is implemented at the rate of on 7 working days every three months. For a one-year assignment, the expatriate will have a 7 working days break at 3/6 and 9 month (with 850 USD allocated by SI). To these break periods, it is necessary to add the granting of 1 additional rest day per month worked (i.e. 12 days in addition for a 1-year contract)

Social and medical cover: Expatriates benefit from an insurance package which reimburses all healthcare expenses (including medical and surgical expenses, dental care and ophthalmological expenses, repatriation) and a welfare system including war risks. Essential vaccination and antimalarial treatment costs are refunded.

For further information about Solidarités International, please consult our website:  http://www.solidarites.org/en/

Security and living conditions

Erbil security situation is stable; however, the situation is prone to changes due to the political situation. Though the living environment in Erbil feels safe, there are still risks, including the risk of car accidents, robbery/theft and sexual harassment (in particular from taxi drivers to female expats). The major risks currently are from ‘wrong time, wrong place’ incidents, such as small arms fire resulting from personal disputes. There is no curfew in Erbil.

Dohuk, Bardarash, Gawilan and Garmawa are locations under the control of KRI forces. The security is stable. No major security issues to mentioned. Erbil and those locations can be reached with a maximum of 2h.

Security in Mosul city is volatile, but relatively stable day-to-day and is a permissible operating environment for NGOs. This security situation can deteriorate rapidly within the city so strong security processes remain in place and the context is constantly monitored. There is a large presence of armed actors who control different areas (various PMU factions, Iraqi Army, Police etc) which remains a risk for power struggles and security incidents.

Key information about living conditions

Good living conditions in Erbil: individual rooms, fully equipped guest house and office, possibility to walk in the neighborhood, lots of restaurant, no curfew. Nevertheless, movements by foot for female staff alone at night are not allowed due to risks of harassment, dedicated transportation means are identified.

To implement this project, SI will open an office/ guest house in Dohuk and the PM will be based there. Living conditions in Dohuk are good. Some International NGOs have office there and there is no specific movement restriction in Dohuk due to security (except north of Dohuk Governorate). It is possible to come back to Erbil during the week end and for ad hoc coordination meeting.

Application process

Does this description fit you? Please send us your CV and Cover letter in English. CV only applications will not be considered.

NB:  The vacancy may close before the deadline. Thank you for your comprehension

Greater Virunga Landscape strategy development consultancy

The World Wildlife Fund network aims to develop several large-scale landscapes in Africa.  One of these is the Greater Virunga Landscape.  On behalf of the Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL) working group, they are advertising a very exciting consultancy opportunity to help support strategy development for the GVL. This will be contracted from WWF-UK but overseen by the GVL working group, which includes representation from the relevant countries as well as WWF-International. 

Introduction

Methodology

• Ensure project implementation is on time, target and budget.
• In coordination with Mercy Corps’ technical Environment & Peace and Conflict teams, Identify, build and manage coordination with a wide range of actors developing and testing interventions that may positively contribute to climate adaptation and conflict management.
• Contributing towards building Mercy Corps’ credibility as a critical influencer in climate adaptation and conflict management, through the compilation and convening of key lessons and actors,  and promising practices

1. Co-design and then lead a consultative review documenting current thinking and evidence base, with a compilation of case studies and promising practices;
2. Organise and deliver one or more learning forums;
3. Produce an action agenda, informed by the learning forums, outlining:
1. Priority research questions for actors in this space over the next five years;
2. Proposed pilot initiatives;
3. Tested activities that are ready for scale; and
4. Potential collaborations and financing opportunities.
4. Plan and initiate a targeted dissemination and uptake plan of the action agenda.
5. Author, co-author and/or peer review project knowledge products (e.g., reports, briefs, data products, tools, blog) as needed.

• Co-design a detailed work plan, coordinate, and lead project activities.
• Organise and deliver one or more learning forums
• Produce an action agenda, informed by the learning forums
• Create a dissemination plan of the action agenda
• Write at least one knowledge product
• Support donor reporting requirements
• Ensure adherence to programme budget

• Bachelor’s degree required. M.A, M.S., M.Sc., or equivalent in a field related to sustainable development, climate change, peacebuilding, resilience, or other relevant fields, are preferred.
• 3-5 years working on issues related to climate and/or conflict that includes:
• Co-designing qualitative research, conducting interviews and writing research reports for different audiences;
• Project management, ideally for DFID-funded activities.
• Experience designing, coordinating and delivering public events, ideally on policy or research topics.
• Familiarity of organisations, institutional donors and private sector actors active in the climate-conflict space (preferred).
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally as required.
• Fluency in English is required, additional languages (french/ spanish) an advantage.