Job Description

• Job Title: Consortium Manager      
• Band / Level / Grade: 7B    
• Department: Consortium    
• Location: Aden       

Background/IRC Summary:  

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.
The IRC responds to people’s acute and longer-term needs with integrated programs that improve health and safety, prioritize children’s education, foster economic wellbeing, and empower communities to regain control over their lives. Our work gives rise to some of the most pressing issues facing contemporary humanitarian action, including questions of access, conflict sensitivity, coordination, and impact.
The IRC Yemen began its programs in October 2012. Since establishing its presence in the South of Yemen, in the Red Sea Coastal city of Aden, the organization has grown from just an implementing small project to handling large-scale emergency and relief operations. Following the war which broke out in Yemen in March of 2015 and the humanitarian disaster, which was crafted by the same, IRC launched one an emergency response program in the southern governorates of Aden, Lahj, Abyan, Shabwah and Aldalea. Currently IRC Yemen is operating in eight governorates in the south and north of Yemen and Sana’a and Hodeidah in the North through direct programming and through local partnerships, in Health, WASH, Nutrition, Economic Recovery Development, Education, Child Protection, Gender and Women Protection and Empowerment.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) have been working in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for more than forty years. Today, the IRC has more than 2,200 staff working across the region, including in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, and Yemen to support those affected by some of the world’s most complex and protracted humanitarian crises. 

Scope of work:

The job holder will be responsible for the planning and implementation of the RISE Consortium, ensuring that activities are aligned with project objectives are executed efficiently within budget and time constraints. They will ensure that timely and relevant support is extended to the partners and will work towards enhancing capacities while ensuring compliance with contractual obligations. This role involves coordinating the working groups to ensure implementation in a timely and efficient manner. They will also assess progress and integrate findings into project improvements. Additionally, they will be responsible for financial management, including monitoring budget expenditures and preparing accurate financial and narrative reports according to donor and organizational regulations. They will also engage with stakeholders across various levels, maintaining strong relationships and representing the project in external forums to effectively communicate project goals and achievements. The job holder will foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement, driving team success towards achieving impactful outcomes.

Job summary:

The Consortium Manager will play a pivotal role in leading and overseeing the implementation of the multisectoral project. This position demands a highly skilled individual who can ensure that all project activities are implemented efficiently, and to the highest standards of quality. They will be responsible for providing essential guidance and technical support to our partner organizations, fostering robust relationships with stakeholders, and ensuring seamless collaboration across teams.
The duties extend to leading both the strategic and operational aspects, including detailed monitoring, reporting, and evaluation. The role requires a proactive approach to leadership and problem-solving, as well as a strong capability in advocacy and capacity building as well as external representation. 
This position is suited for someone who is not only adept in program management but also possesses strong interpersonal and communication skills, is capable of handling high-pressure situations, and is committed to achieving excellence in international development work.

Working relations:

Position Reports to They will report to the RISE Consortium Coordinator
Other internal contacts: Program Coordinators and Sector Leads, Partnerships, MEAL, Grants, field management, and Government Liaison teams.

External Contacts: Consortium partners' focal persons

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Management and Quality Implementation:

• Ensure the timely and effective implementation of project activities, adherence to budget constraints, and alignment with the agreed-upon proposal, log frame, budget, and work plan across all project sites.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight in the daily execution of program interventions.
• Coordinate with the MEAL team for outcome monitoring and conducting regular output-level monitoring of the project. 
• Engage in situational monitoring and promptly update senior management on any changes that might necessitate immediate responses or alterations in program approach/design.

Support to Partner Organizations:

• Offer continuous managerial and technical support to partners to ensure effective project management.
• Identify needs for technical support and facilitate training for partner staff in collaboration with IRC’s technical and partnerships teams.
• Organize regular review meetings and follow-ups with partners to ensure quality delivery and reporting of project interventions according to agreed timelines and budgets.
• Assist in organizing grant opening and closeout meetings as well as workshops for lessons learned with partners.
• Ensure close coordination with RISE Consortium Partners and other partner organizations for effective program delivery at the field level.
• Collaborate closely with relevant government authorities, NGOs, and UN agencies for the smooth execution of the program.
• Support capacity building of implementing partners, program teams, consortium partners, and service providers in protection approaches, monitoring, tools, referral and case management, protection mainstreaming, and project planning.

Representation and Coordination:

• Represent IRC’s RISE consortium at various platforms and coordinate activities with the Cluster/working group and other relevant forums as required.
• Participate actively in advocacy initiatives as part of project implementation.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all collaborators, including community leaders, NGOs, UN agencies, community-based organizations, and other IRC sectors to enhance multi-agency and multi-sectoral cooperation and coordination.
• Represent the program with donors and key collaborators in the field as needed.

Grant Management and Reporting:

• Generate daily, weekly, and monthly reports to ensure accurate monitoring and documentation of activities.
• Prepare high-quality reports within agreed deadlines.
• Maintain up-to-date project data for future reference and ensure adherence to project budget constraints, verifying that all expenditures are allowable and allocable according to IRC and donor regulations.

Program Development:

• Identify, document, and leverage key program lessons for future improvements.
• Assist in developing annual budgets reflective of ground needs and allocations.

REQUIREMENTS: (Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities):

1.    Education:

University degree or equivalent experience in development studies, humanities, or other related fields of study.

2.    Experience:

At least 3 years of relevant professional humanitarian or development experience with an international organization, including extensive exposure to multi-sectoral programming, with a focus on project management. Along with experience in a managerial position and demonstrated capacity in office management, including collaboration with internal and external partners.

3.    Skills and Abilities:

• Familiarity with international donor guidelines is strongly preferred.
• Previous experience ofleading diverse teams to deliver results on short timelines, including the development of spending plans, procurement plans, and work plans.
• Strong verbal communication skills and effective representation and liaison with external actors.
• Excellent spoken and technical writing ability in English, including report writing. 
• Promotes teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, flexible, and able to handle stress and pressure with professional grace.

1.    Proficiencies:

• Communication and Analytical Skills: Strong capabilities in both verbal and written communication, with sharp analytical skills.
• Technical Proficiency: High proficiency in MS Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Competent in conducting qualitative analysis and producing high-quality analytical reports.
• Multitasking and Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, with strong initiative and proven problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills, capable of delivering clear and concise information.
• Time Management: Ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when necessary.
• Research and Advocacy: Knowledge of research methodologies and policy advocacy work.
• Stress Management: Confirmed ability to perform under pressure.
• Cultural and Regulatory Awareness: Familiarity with the external working environment, local culture, and relevant government policies and procedures.

Professional Standards

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and implements policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation
IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, marital status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
IRC strives to build a diverse and inclusive team at all levels who as individuals, and as a group, embody our culture statement creating a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity for us to achieve our aspirations as a team and deliver the best possible services to our clients.