Sudan - Area Coordinator

COOPI is looking for an Area Coordinator in Sudan.

COOPI responds to the needs of the most vulnerable populations in Sudan since 2004, including refugees, Internally Displaced People (IDPs), Returnees and vulnerable communities through an integrated WASH, Food Security and Livelihoods and Shelter approach. Key target groups include women and children, especially female- and child-headed households and unaccompanied minors, as well as the elderly and people living with disabilities. As part of the programmatic approach, COOPI mainstreams Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Climate Action, Gender and Protection, and focuses both on life-saving interventions as well as building long-term resilience through community-based programming. Since 15 April 2023, COOPI, based in Port Sudan, has been providing support to war-affected populations in the states of Khartoum and North Darfur.

COOPI is currently implementing projects funded by AICS, European Union and UN agencies.

Description of the role

The Area Coordinator is responsible for the overall management, coordination, and functioning of COOPI's operations within the assigned geographical area. Under the supervision of the Head of Mission, the Area Coordinator ensures the effective implementation of programmes and the proper functioning of support services, including logistics, administration, and finance. The Area Coordinator promotes coordination among departments and between the coordination department and the base, ensures compliance with organizational procedures, represents the organization at area level, and contributes to the development of strategic relationships with local authorities, humanitarian actors, donors, and partners. The Area Coordinator acts as the primary focal point for all operational and programmatic matters within the assigned area and supports the Head of Mission in achieving country programme objectives.

Main responsibilities

Programme Management

Overall responsibility for the design, implementation and effective monitoring of the area’s programming, projects and activities in line with Common Humanitarian Standards (CHS) and COOPI policies. Ensure effective monitoring, evaluation and documentation of all activities and processes through regular field visits and inform of activity changes to improve programme quality. Proactively contribute in seeking funding opportunities to scale up and/or expand activities (including identifying and undertaking assessments and writing concepts and proposals). To be engaged strategically with all technical sectors as need and provide management and strategic input/oversight. Oversee and provide strategic support to program teams.

Coordination of field operations

In coordination with the head of mission, set out the procedures governing the entry and stay of expatriate and local staff in the area of operation. Participate directly in work of supervised staff to provide hands-on training and support, inclusive of assistance in handling difficult situations. Provide support to Project Managers to solve programs’ implementation problems related to logistics, procurement and security. Ensure the compliancy with COOPI procedures (logistic, finance, security). Ensure that the procurement, logistic and administration departments are efficiently managed. Prepare internal and donors reports and other periodical reports as required.

Staff management

Act as human resources focal point person for program and support staff, including expatriates based in the area, assuring, in coordination with the Administrator, a sound implementation of COOPI staff policy. Supervise, monitor and evaluate staff in performance of their duties. Assess staff skills needs and organize relevant staff training and upgrading session.

Security

Manage the security implementation plan in program areas in all its aspects. Assure that equipment related to security is properly functioning. Coordinate regular collection of information from areas of intervention. Prepare Security reports and timely inform the Country Director on security matters. Participate to ad hoc security coordination meetings. Consult with aid agencies and other relevant stakeholders on the ongoing security situation as well as their security procedures. Assure that COOPI Sudan in the area is actively part of the ongoing security network. In coordination with the Country Director, regularly revise and update COOPI internal security procedures in the area.

Liaison and networking

Coordination of liaison activities with the Government local authorities, which includes registration procedures, preparation of agreements, preparation of documentation for permits. In coordination with the Country Director, represent the organization in coordination fora, with donors and with international and local agencies. Regularly participate to coordination meetings concerning implementation, operational and security matters. Assure that feedback of information is channeled internally.

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ESSENTIAL

University degree in social sciences, business or technical sciences. A minimum of five years of relevant working experience is required. At least three years of demonstrated successful experience in international relief and development in a similar position is required. Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication, negotiation skills, multi-tasking and organizational skills. Experience in working in conflict-prone environments. Experience in liaising with governmental/local authorities, IOs and NGOs. Fluency in English language. Computer literate. Proven capacity to work in a team is essential. Experience in managing staff is an advantage. Demonstrated ability to work in stressful environments and under pressure.

DESIRED

Familiarity with logistics, procurement and security procedures. Previous work experience in Sudan. Previous experience with COOPI. Arabic and French knowledge.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the application closing date, once a sufficient number of applications have been received. Please note that only the shortlisted candidates will be

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