Program Officer/Reconstruction Assistance Specialist (PO/RAS)- Pohnpei, FSM 13-080

Job Location:

Job Description:

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 underserved communities worldwide. By offering training and health care to local populations and medical assistance to people at highest 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.

PROGRAM BACKGROUND
This program will respond to critical needs in two Pacific Island nations - the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI). The Disaster Preparedness for Effective Response (PREPARE) program will achieve the following objectives: 1) emergency response and contingency planning, 2) pre-positioning and setting up of rapid emergency response mechanisms, and 3) increasing the capacity of host governments in disaster preparedness before disasters strike, emergency response when disasters strike, and recovery and reconstruction in the post-disaster period.

JOB SUMMARY
The PO/RAS will also be responsible in providing technical expertise in analyzing and planning for potential disaster risks; communicating and collaborating with local government emergency services and local NGOs, academe and other humanitarian aid agencies; preparing and conducting disaster response exercises; and supporting the recovery of local communities to their pre-disaster state. The PO/RAS will be based in Majuro, Marshall Islands and will support the COP in the following areas: preparing reconstruction contingency plans; reviewing studies, plans and specifications prepared by consultants and host government counterparts to ensure consistency among all reconstruction interventions; preparing possible models for the delivery of start-up grants to ensure grants are delivered in a timely manner and in accordance with established project guidelines.


ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Provide technical support for a multi-year, multi-country disaster risk reduction project that prepares FSM & RMI in disaster management, preparation of contingency plans, disaster simulation exercises, working with host governments and humanitarian organizations, training and mentoring of disaster responders

1. Program Support
• Ensure that programs are in compliance with laws; local, state, and external rules and regulations
• In close coordination with the Program Manager, review existing monitoring and evaluation systems and develop new systems that will ensure quality program implementation and reporting
• Provide guidance to national program staff to ensure successful implementation and reporting of programs, grants and contracts
• Monitor the progress of each project and assist with the identification of issues which may affect the quality of program performance and consequent program adjustments
• Respond to donor inquiries regarding program activities
• Coordinate the production of various informational grant program-related documents upon request by senior management
• Lead weekly meetings with national program staff
• Develop new project proposals for institutional and private donors
• Contribute to program reporting
• Identify program funding opportunities and securing donor meetings for Country Director
• Assist field programs when needed
• Maintain flexibility to take on added responsibility as and when needed

2. Representation
• Attend coordination meetings on behalf of the organization, gather and share information, develop and nurture contacts within the donor community, government and other NGOs as appropriate
• Contribute to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the organization, notably through the application of the organizations Code of Conduct, ethics, values and stand-point with regard to internal and external actors

3. Human Resources Management
• Supervise national staff to ensure their smooth and effective operations
• Maintain open lines of communications with all field staff

4. Working Relationships
• Maintain frequent communication with Program Manager to ensure program activities and objectives are communicated
• Interface with national government and relevant agencies as necessary

5. Security
• Ensures application and compliance of security protocols and policies