The VRP Manager will support the early recovery and livelihood activities of Merlin¡¦s emergency response and recovery programs. S/he is responsible for managing all VRP activities in the Merlin response area and for managing and supervising all staff, projects, project selection and planning, project assets, government and community liaison, monitoring and payment related to the VRP programs.

Location: Myanmar (Yangon)
Closing date: 15 Sep 2008

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Plan and ensure the effective implementation of VRP.
Coordinate all VRP activities, including area selection, community capacity, and coordination.
Review labor and time-line requirements for VRP activities, determining staffing requirements.
Coordinate payment procedures, including documentation, approval and actual payment.
Oversee procurement of all materials for VRP projects, both from Yangon and locally.
Report on any problems encountered in the field such as project participant complaints, local authority interference, security threats to Merlin staff and activities. Coordinate with Merlin Security Officer and Team Leader on any threats to Merlin staff and activities; follow up on incidents/security threats in areas of operation.
Complete any required monitoring as outlined by the Team Leader. fæ Ensure complete Merlin orientation for all new staff.
Providing capacity building to Merlin staff and local NGO partners to promote greater understanding of and adherence to principles and mechanisms of Transparency and Accountability.
Work to assure the sustainability of NGO partners and co-formulate an exit strategy for Merlin support fæ Maintain all documentation relating directly to VRP activities required to ensure accountability to the donor, particularly where labor is concerned.
Oversee administrative matters relating directly to VRP activities: time-sheets, payment schedules, required paper-work, liaison with finance department.
Prepare monthly cash requirement forecast for VRP activities, including the purchase of materials at site and VRP labor payments.
Provide information on VRP activities as requested by Team Leader and HQ.
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Merlin and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: National and international staff.

ACCOUNTABILITY: REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Merlin Team Leader/Country Director

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: all Officers, Administration and Field Staff, and Finance

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

At least 3-years field experience working in participatory community-based programming, and experience managing a large scale project in emergency settings.
Experience managing the development, implementation, administration and compliance of US Government, ECHO/ EC, UN, private foundation and corporate grants, and related programs..
Familiarity with conflict, post-conflict and post-disaster environments
Demonstrated proficiency in using computers, basic software systems, and email. Knowledge of communications equipment (e.g., radio and satellite telephone systems), protocols, systems and usage.
Hire, train, mentor, and supervise staff.
Willingness to travel frequently and extensively throughout emergency zone.
Experience working with host governments and their agents, INGOs and NGOs.
Experience with wide range of donor reporting and compliance requirements
Firm grasp of humanitarian standards and codes.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

Conscientious, with excellent judgment.
Display an entrepreneurial spirit that is both creative and flexible. S/he will combine strong communication skills, creativity, initiative, participatory leadership and tactful decisiveness to assist in the development and implementation of Merlin¡¦s programming strategy.
Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential.
S/he must have the confidence, and humility, to work effectively with a large variety of people who will be diverse culturally, economically and in social status.
S/he must be sensitive to political and cultural nuance and able to consistently apply excellent judgment to a variety of demanding and fast-changing situations.
Ability to foster solid working relationships with GOs, INGOs, and NGOs.
Ability to work as part of a team and coordinate with project personnel.
Fluent in both spoken and written English.
Strong organizational skills.

LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Potentially harsh environment with high insecurity.
Housing will also vary depending on the situation, but expect basic, communal accommodations.
Vacancies Contact
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