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Job details

We believe flexible working is key to building the Oxfam of the future, so we’re open to talking through the type of flexible arrangements which might work for you. This is a full-time role; however, Oxfam offers various flexible arrangements which candidates can discuss with the Recruiting Manager at the interview stage

To ensure effective implementation of Emergency Food Security & Vulnerable Livelihood activities as well as contribute to livelihoods and economic recovery of the vulnerable IDP communities affected by the armed conflict, desert locust infestation, and Covid-19 in Tigray region of Ethiopia

JOB PURPOSE:

The position will serve as a lead for developing the EFSVL programme in Ethiopia, through contributing strategic direction, technical support and advice, and contributing to proposal writing, reports, and stirpes.

Technical Expertise and Programme Development (30%

• Designs, plans, and leads the EFSVL needs assessment, including assessment and analysis of markets, as part of a multi-sector program assessment.  Works with teams that include Oxfam and partner staff, together with or in coordination with other agency staff as appropriate.
• Implements programs in Oxfam’s core thematic areas of EFSVL:  cash transfer programs, agriculture (crops and livestock), and food aid.  Plans and implements interventions that utilize and support markets
• Incorporates gender and diversity issues consistently across the EFSVL program, paying special attention to gender across all components of the program including gender analysis, gender equality, promotion and protection of human rights, empowerment of women and girls, and gender balance of staff.

• On Finance, develops the overall EFSVL program budget in line with assessment findings. Advises on partner budget management of the EFSVL program.
• Ensure that risk management and contingency planning are included at all stages of the programmes.
• To prepare Concept Notes and draft proposals for funding as required. Prepare Sitreps, interim and other reports (e.g.: Interim, final, Weekly Market Monitoring, etc.)

• To contribute to preparing the final report for donors and preparing an operational report for Oxfam

Qualitative Programme & Partner Management (30%)

• Manages EFSVL partner relationships, assessing capacities and leading EFSVL capacity building, developing flexible modalities for working with technical partners according to their capacity and experience.

• Plans and designs recovery food security and livelihoods activities that build resilience and are linked with long-term development. Leads the design, management, and communication of a responsible exit strategy.

• Support the EFSVL team in the field and MEAL team during Monitoring activities (beneficiary verification/validation activity, compliant data collection, exit interviews, PDMs, etc.) and provide timely updates on the overall food security and livelihoods situation in the agreed area, especially of the communities impacted by the armed conflict.

• Ensures that maximum professionalism and accountability is adopted by partners, service providers, and vendors in his/her sector of competency; Ensures and facilitates beneficiaries and other stakeholders to have maximum access to Oxfam Complaint and feedback systems. Actively seek out, communicate, and address both positive and negative feedback about Oxfam projects while implementing community engagement activities.
• Ensuring the EFSVL team are working closely and proactively with the MEAL, logistics, and finance teams and adhering to required procedures in implementing program activities in a timely, transparent, and accountable manner.
• Increase partner participation, design quality capacity building plans for partners, and facilitate a true partnership with those with whom we work

People & Financial Management & Capacity Building (40%)

• On HR, analyses resourcing needs of Oxfam and partners, developing staff structure and contributing to rapid decisions on resource allocations in a context of limited resources. Leads interviews of field-level EFSVL staff and manages EFSVL staff in the country whether directly or indirectly (matrix-manage). Supports partners to determine staffing needs and hiring qualified EFSVL staff.

• To gather and manage program information effectively, ensuring accurate, easily accessible records maintenance and filing by programme team members.

• Identify capacity needs of partners and/or country programme staff and develop training, capacity building activities to meet their needs develop (or adapt existing) guidelines and training materials;

• Identify and support staffing needs, including recruitment

• Actively participate in monthly financial review meetings to plan and monitor the budget expenditure, review procurement, and spending plans, ensure funds are spent within the time frame acceptable to Oxfam and the donor, and ensuring rules and regulations of Oxfam are adhered to;

• Review actual financial performance against the budget, and explain variances on a regular basis;

• Lead on initiating relevant procurement processes, with support from Logistics, in line with programme spending and procurement planning.

• Ensure implementation of security regulations within the team

• Advocates for appropriate response at country/regional/organizational levels.

External Representation & Coordination

• Holds the internal EFSVL coordination influencing and leading the delivery of EFSVL strategy at the organizational level. Represents Oxfam externally and takes lead on inter-agency coordination within EFSVL networks.

• To coordinate with other agencies, particularly those undertaking EFSVL programmes including Food Distributions, UTC, CFW, Vouchers, livelihood protection, and promotion activities including agricultural and livestock support.

• In coordination with Management, to represent Oxfam in Cluster meetings and in meetings with government or other NGOs ( DRMATF, Food Security Cluster, Cash Working Group, etc) at the national level.

• Facilitate effective working relations with colleagues around communications, policy, and advocacy issues and concerns, ensuring evidence-based programmatic input into policy and media messaging;
• Engage with relevant partners, including private sector actors and local authorities, to influence stakeholders and shape priorities

person specification

1 Self-Awareness

2 Mutual accountability

3 Strategic Thinking and Judgment

• Relevant qualification background – Agriculture Economics, Economics, Community development, etc

• Minimum of at least four (6) years in relief and /or development work with INGO / NGO/ or Government, and knowledge and experience of work in EFSVL interventions, including market-based and cash transfer programmes (vouchers included), Experience of in-kind food or other items distributions;

• Proven and substantial humanitarian management experience in leading teams, and ensuring the delivery, of Cash and EFSVL program strategy, either through partners or directly, in one or more challenging locations.

• Proven analytical skills and ability to think strategically, including the capacity to analyse the humanitarian EFSVL context and propose new interventions and changes in the program and advocacy.

• Proven knowledge and capacity to train others in at least two of the following key analytical tools: Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA), Household economy approach (HEA), Emergency Market Mapping and Analysis (EMMA), nutrition surveys, Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).

• Experience designing and implementing Cash Transfer Programs in emergencies.
• Experience assessing and analyzing markets in emergencies and knowledge of market support interventions.
• Experience designing and implementing programs in at least two of the following thematic areas: agricultural support (crops), livestock support, food aid, social protection, and/or nutrition.
• Knowledge of SPHERE and other recognized humanitarian standards and principles that relate to EFSVL programs. Ability to ensure that program objectives and activities uphold key national and international frameworks, codes, and Oxfam commitments and expectations.
• Experience in conflict and protracted emergencies and the ability to analyze the situation and make decisions appropriate to a complex environment.
• Ability to recognize triggers for slow-onset emergencies and effectively communicate data and trends to country/regional leadership.
• An active commitment to promoting gender equity and the interests of people affected by disasters in all aspects of the organization’s work.  Experience applying gender analysis and accountability standards in designing programs for women, girls, boys, and men affected by crises. Ability to communicate gender and accountability principles and influence others to apply them.
• Well-developed interpersonal and team skills and proven ability to be flexible in a demanding situation
• Excellent command over written and spoken English mandatory and local language an advantage.
• Willingness to travel at short notice, often in difficult circumstances
• Experience in pastoral programmes/areas is highly desirable

Dimensions:

• Work patterns are not routine and are often high pressure
• Required to make sound technical judgments regularly within agreed processes using technical knowledge, a good understanding of the team, context, and the facilities available to the team.
• Communication largely with internal staff, also with some external contacts/target audiences to support operational work.
• Analysis and internal communication of the locally relevant context to inform appropriate planning
• Supervises the work of contractors, service provider partners, and junior staff often in areas of own specialism (livestock and pastoral livelihoods).
• Contributing to project/ programme budget planning and monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) system of Oxfam
• Ensures the effective planning and delivery of projects and/or defined areas of programme, including working with partners
• Problem-solving activities related to a defined area, such as a limited geographical area or limited programme sectional area using professional or technical knowledge
• Makes complex technical information accessible and useable by non-specialists within a defined area
• Some negotiation and representation with local authorities- Veterinary and Agriculture Bureaus
• Develop a shared analysis of local issues, contacts, and key players