Deadline: 15 January 2021 (COB)

Station: Bulawayo

International Medical Corps is a global humanitarian nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.

Established in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses, International Medical Corps is a private, voluntary, nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life through health interventions and related activities that build local capacity in areas worldwide. By offering training and health care to local populations and medical assistance to people at high risk, and with the flexibility to respond rapidly to emergency situations, International Medical Corps rehabilitates devastated health care systems and helps bring them back to self-reliance.

Background

Challenging weather conditions have significantly affected the lives and livelihoods of people in Zimbabwe, especially in the southern region, where food insecurity and malnutrition rates are some of the highest in the country. More than a decade of economic decline has exacerbated the situation, as most communities have experienced a drop in owner-produced stocks, and households previously engaged in subsistence farming have resorted to market purchases. Poor water and sanitation facilities in both urban and rural areas increase the risk of diseases, such as cholera and typhoid. Since International Medical Corps’ operations began in Zimbabwe in 2009, we have delivered quality health services, nutrition, and food security programs, and have reduced the spread of waterborne diseases by increasing access to clean water and improving hygiene practices.

International Medical Corps’ Zimbabwe mission has recently provided Nutrition, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and maternal and child health support and preparedness capacity-building. Operations have been centralized in Matabeleland North and South provinces (Gwanda, Tsholotsho, Bulilima, Nkayi and Mangwe districts), and there is a project proposal that would expand coverage out to Binga district. Additionally, International Medical Corps has partnered in a consortium with other international NGOs in the implementation of the Amalima program. Amalima is a USAID Food for Peace funded Development Food Security Activity program with a program duration from 2013-20. Program activities were in drought-prone, food-insecure districts in Matabeleland North (Tsholotsho) and Matabeleland South (Bulilima, Mangwe, and Gwanda) provinces covering the Nutrition and WASH sectors. It is anticipated that the program will continue in a second phase into 2025.

Job Purpose

The post holder will be responsible for all aspects of project and operations management and the successful implementation of the project in cooperation with the Program Department. (S)he will provide broad administrative, programmatic and financial support to the mission, including direct assistance to the implementation and close monitoring and evaluation of the undertaken initiatives. Under the guidance of the Senior Director, the successful candidate will be able to multitask, perform a rigorous follow-up and get directly involved in the implementation of different activities related to the beneficiaries of the integration project as well as the successful operations of the mission.

Main Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without reasonable accommodation. The tasks listed are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Program Management: Work closely with the senior management team and field teams to determine operational needs of the program within the scope of the grants; Maintain and update monitoring and evaluation plans; Analyze data gathered and propose alternative strategies of program implementation; Conduct assessments to identify needs and opportunities for new programming; Initiate processes for developing concept notes and project proposals and follow through their finalization in collaboration with relevant personnel and departments; Work with field teams and logistics to procure program supplies in a timely manner and within program budgets; Regularly update IMC headquarters on progression of programs as per protocol; Compile program and donor reports and assists with development of future programs as needed; Liaise closely with local authorities, donor and partner agencies to ensure program compliance with donor policies and regulations and complementary with other agencies' efforts; Maintain flexibility to take on added responsibility as and when needed.

Representation: Attend coordination meetings relevant to country programs; Represent the organization at task force meetings, assessment missions, camp coordination meetings, UN coordination meetings, INGO coordination meetings as appropriate; Ensure maximum visibility of the agency amongst the NGO community; Contribute to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the organization, notably through the application of the organization's Code of Conduct, ethics, values, and standpoint about internal and external actors.

Human Resources Management: Assist in the selection and training of qualified program staff and recommend promotions, disciplinary action, and termination of staff in consultation with the HR Manager; Supervise staff to ensure high-quality performance and team spirit; Ensure compliance to local labor laws including working hours; Maintain open lines of communications with all field staff and service departments.

Training/ Capacity Building: Determine training needs for subordinate staff; Train senior national staff to build capacity and enable them to undertake greater responsibilities and thus ensure the sustainability of programs; Advocate and plan for professional development for mission staff.

Working Relationships: Maintain punctual communication with HQ Desk to ensure program activities and objectives are well-informed; Coordinate with technical experts on all relevant issues to ensure program implementation, procurement of program inputs and all training curriculum meets high technical standard; Work with Logistics staff to ensure the coordination of timely delivery of programs supplies and expenses are within budgeted limits; Attend coordination meetings which are relevant to country activities; Interface with national government and relevant agencies as necessary; Flag challenges and opportunities to HQ desks in a timely manner.

Security: Responsible for mission security; Oversee senior management team and Security Manager to ensure staff and reputation of the organization are always safe and secure; Ensure application and compliance of security protocols and policies.

Supervision: Maintain close contact with any Field Site Managers to be fully aware of their needs for support and coordinate applicable department heads within the country office to make such support available; Visit field sites frequently to know the working environment, needs, and priorities first-hand and provide guidance to the Field Site Managers to overcome operational challenges; Guide Field Site Managers in cultivating positive working relationships with the local counterparts at the provincial and district levels.

Code of Conduct

It is our shared responsibility and obligation to prevent matters involving Sexual Exploitation & Abuse, Trafficking in Persons, Child Safeguarding, and any suggested violation of our Code of Conduct, which may involve Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption, or Harassment. If you see, hear, or are made aware of any suggested activities then you have an obligation to report.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Public Health, International Development, and/or in a relevant field of study. A combination of lengthy work experience and another graduate degree may also be considered; Creative and sophisticated writing skills in English are a prerequisite for success in this job; Skills in data management a plus.

Experience

Minimum five years’ experience in program design and evaluation, of which at least three years in developing countries or resource deprived environments; Experience of staff supervision in multiple locations including remote management of projects; Experience in managing security and operations for a mission; Experience in program growth and diversification (Health, WASH, Protection, Nutrition programming a plus); Experience in supporting, training and responding to issues on Code of Conduct, Compliance and Ethics.

Competency

Familiarity with international humanitarian operations, coordination structures, and the mandates of donors, UN agencies, and NGOs; Ability to live and work in precarious environments; Complete familiarity with Project Cycle Management; Experience in cross-cutting departmental management and oversight of operational support; Knowledge and experiences of budget preparation and management; Profound cross-cultural awareness and insight into health care issues; Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions independently following consultative processes; Extremely flexible, with the ability to cope with stressful situations and frustrations; Ability to relate to and motivate local staff effectively; Demonstrated abilities to deal with difficult program counterparts; Team player and strong communication skills, both oral and written; Proficient in computer applications, especially with MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint.

Equal Opportunities

International Medical Corps is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability.