Introduction:
AECOM International Development implements the Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) program for the USAID Office of Transition and Conflict Mitigation (OTCM). The VISTAS program designs and implements activities with local partners through an in-kind grant mechanism to prevent the further spread of communal violence and rising tensions in critical areas where conflict may have national implications. In support of these goals, the program will seek to increase space for meaningful dialogue; build cross-line interdependency to promote peaceful co-existence; establish peace constituencies; and counter narratives that support conflict.
VISTAS manages a comprehensive in-kind and cash grants program, providing commodities and services to grantees for the implementation of mutually agreed upon activities. AISS is currently recruiting for a Regional Program Manager (RPM) for Jonglei/GPAA.
Background:
The Regional Program Manager (RPM) manages the VISTAS’ regional offices, including all activity design, implementation, office and team management, security, logistics and procurement that is done in the field. They also play a strong role in strategic development, analysis and representation to local authorities. They report to the Deputy Chief of Party – Programs.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Oversee all of the program and operations for the Jonglei regional field office and supervise the activity implementation teams;
- Oversee / manage all operations in Bor, Akobo, and Pibor field offices, including assets, personnel, finance, logistics, and programmatic activities; other activity sites may be added for ad hoc grants;
- Oversee implementation of in kind grants and sub-contracts, including direct supervision of implementation activity team which may include Construction Supervisors, Field Admin/Finance Officer, Logistician, Program Specialists, Regional Conflict Advisors, Grant Specialists and Drivers.
- Maintain proactive communications with AISS Juba senior management on all aspects of program and field office operations;
- Develop work plans and pipelines; prepare programmatic and operational financial projections for the field offices in close collaboration with the Bor, Akobo, Pibor teams and Juba staff;
- Coordinate closely with Senior Engineer on all infrastructure activities, including joint management of construction supervisors;
- Conduct weekly team meetings to review and discuss status of grant development and implementation, progress evaluated and next steps agreed in order to support the pipeline of grants;
- Ensure that procurement, finance, logistics, and programmatic aspects of each activity is being implemented on-time and in accordance with the specifications, USAID rules and regulations of the approved activity;
- Conduct regular visits to the Pibor and Akobo, field offices to monitor program implementation and maintain relationships with local officials and grantees as AISS senior representative;
- Collaborate with the M&E department to develop, monitor, evaluate and recommend performance measures for regional and individual activities, including contractors and grantees;
- Supervise the Regional Conflict Advisors and Program Specialists and, in partnership with the Director of Research, Reporting, and Evaluation, work with them to:
- Develop and update a contextualized strategy for conflict mitigation and transition;
- Identify targeted, high-impact program activities which meet the objectives of the regional program strategy;
- Identify viable local grantees, local contractors, local technical consultants, and other potential local program implementers;
- Work closely with the region’s M&E Specialist to prioritize the region’s activity-level M&E efforts
- Oversee all aspects of each grant throughout the "activity cycle" to maintain quality, supervise preparation of all sub-grant documents, ensure completion of project budgeting and contracts which adhere to AISS and USAID/OTCM rules and regulations;
- In coordination with the Program Analyst and Information Team prepare the weekly report including grant by grant activity notes;
- Ensure that all grant activities are entered in the VISTAS grants database;
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with OTCM, local grantees, state and local government authorities, local contractors, international NGOs, donors, and other key stakeholders; and,
- Perform other duties and activities as required for the successful management of the regional office and effective implementation of regional program strategy.
Qualifications:
The RPM must be an individual with sound judgment, excellent communication, interpersonal and analytical skills and possess a well-developed political acumen. The RPM should also have the ability to mentor and build the capacity of local staff.
Since work may require continued changes in program direction and implementation, including frequent coordination, the individual will be someone who is highly flexible and willing to work under conditions of ongoing change. The individual should also possess the flexibility and willingness to work in locations with basic work and living arrangements.
In addition, the individual should meet the following minimum qualifications:
- 5 years or more of work experience in international development;
- Experience working in conflict and immediate post conflict situations; preference for experience in Sudan, South Sudan or sub-Saharan and north Africa;
- Previous experience managing sub-grant programs, as well as familiarity of USAID rules and regulations preferred;
- Degree in international development or other relevant area;
- Experience managing operations or logistics in field locations;
- Oral and written fluency in English mandatory.
