Project Officer

BACKGROUND:

Present in Sierra Leone since 1999, IRC supports Sierra Leonean institutions – government, civil society, community-based organizations and private sector – to provide improved social services, decrease youth unemployment and mitigate gender-based violence.  The IRC does this through programs and partnerships designed to improve the life of women, youth and children by implementing Health, Education, and Women and Girl’s Protection and Empowerment programming. 

WGPE Program Vision: Women and girls live in a world where they are valued, and able to :live free from violence and inequality; pursue their potential, and exercise their rights to their own safety, equality and voice.

International Rescue Committee (IRC)will be implementing a multi – year project with Movement towards Peace and Development Agency – Sierra Leone (MOPADA-SL) as the Lead and International Rescue Committee (IRC) as a partner, to strengthen food systems, resilience, scale up nutrition, dietary diversity practices at household and community levels. The project will promoteclimate smart agricultural practicesthat ensure sustainable use of natural resources withthe integration of key climate change mitigation actions, as well as utilizinggender transformative approaches to 55 communities ( 40 new and 15 old communities) in year one and continue with old communities in year two and year three with an integrated community ledinclusive approach, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security(MAFS),Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute(SLARI), Ministry of Environment and Climate Change(MoECC), Ministry of Gender and Children’ Affairs(MoGCA), Sierra Leone Metrological Center(SLMeT) and the Ministry of Water Resources(MoWRs). The project’s main elements use LANN ++ approach which focuses on building knowledge bases at household and community levels, use of locally available foods and their nutritional values, mother and child- care, water, sanitation and hygiene as well as sustainable agricultural practices and natural resource management based on Participatory Learning and Action approach.

Job Summary

The WGPE Project Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day direct implementation of all components of the project within targeted rural communities in Kailahun district. S/he will be responsible for establishing Women Action Groups (WAGs), establishing women safe spaces, working with relevant stakeholders to identify EMAP (Engaging Men Through Accountable Practices) community volunteers and Discussion Groups Series(DGS) facilitators, facilitate the formation of SASA groups. The Project Officer will be responsible for the on-the-ground facilitation of WAGs, DGS, EMAP and the women action groups (WAGs). She/he will be involved in community mobilization, sensitization and advocacy programmes, and interface with traditional institutions, religious leaders, community leaders, and local government authorities towards ensuring quality implementation of all PLANN project components at the community levels.As such, s/he will be based in the target communities and report directly to the WGPE Senior Program Manager.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

·Position Reports to:WGPE Senior Program Manager

·Other internal: WGPE Site Manager, M&E Officer, M&E Manager, Field Manager, IRC Health, Education and Protection Teams

·External contacts: MAFS,SLARI,MoGCA,MOECC,SLMeT, MoWRs, Rainbo Initiative,FSU,PHUs, INGOs, NGOs, MoPADA,donors, Community and District Stakeholders.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program implementation and quality

• Work directly on the implementation of the PLANN project in their district, and manage associated day-to-day tasks, including:
• with support from the Sr. Project Manager, WGPESite Manager and the WGPE Coordinator , work on the start-up of Women Action Groups and activities, ensuring groups are formed in a safe, comfortable, and confidential manner and environment

·Work directly with groups and communities across all aspects of programming, including:

oCapacity building – training, workshops and mentoring

oCommunity engagement and mobilization

oAwareness raising and behaviour change

oWork with women and men

oPsychosocial support and well-being

oEconomic empowerment

oWomen and girls’ leadership, voice and solidarity building

oWork with partners (Rainbo Initiative, Family Support Units, Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MGCA) and the Ministry of Health’s Peripheral Health Units)

·With support from the Managers, ensure all aspects of programming follow best practices.

Staff Development and Support

·Actively participate in WGPE capacity building opportunities and share learning and experiences with the wider WGPE teams and program partners

·Actively pursue professional development opportunities based on performance and development objectives, and liaise with supervisor for support on identifying and realising these where possible

Representation and Advocacy

·Support the managers on site by representing the WGPE team at any relevant district level coordination meetings as and when required

·Advocate for the needs, priorities and interest of women and girls at the community level and district where required in line with WGPEs approach to working with, supporting and empowering women and girls.

Other

·Undertake tasks as requested by Supervisor

Minimum Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of a certificate/diploma in community development, social work or equivalent in any relevant discipline.

Experience:

• At least 2 years cognate experience in development work at community levels.
• Computer literacy and ability to work well using MS Office packages.
• Experience in community mobilization, advocacy, facilitation and conflict management/problem solving.
• Experience using digital tools for data collection and survey activities.
• Understands geographic terrain and environment.

SKILL & ABILITIES.

Mandatory:

• Committed to the mission and principles of the International Rescue Committee.

• Operational management – understand IRC policies and systems and applies them effectively.
• Applies effective utilization of resources.
• The ability to work within a team environment.

• Ability to work with all grades of staff.
• The ability to identify issues, problems and opportunities early and inform line manager.
• Results driven – ensures objectives and deadlines are met.
• Role model – Builds effective work practices through role model.
• Respectful both within the organization and with external interactions.
• Self-Management – The ability to adapt and learn, accept constructive feedback and instructions from supervisor’s
• Can communicate effectively both verbal and written across all departments.
• Commits and works towards the aims of the organization, showing consistency between words and actions.
• Organization skills, including time management and the ability to work independently and take initiative
• Ability to work in very basic conditions
• Good motorbike riding skills and valid driving license