Head of Mission, UMCOR Haiti

LOCATION: Port-Au-Prince, Haiti

PURPOSE: The Head of Mission (HoM) is to lead and manage all programming, human resources, business development and Mission operations in Haiti for UMCOR NGO. This is an unaccompanied post. Housing is shared with other expatriate UMCOR Haiti colleagues. Duration of this position: One Year

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Head of Mission, (HoM), based in Port-au-Prince, will be responsible for over-all country office strategy, supervision, programming, program development, and overseeing all aspects of UMCOR’s presence. Central to the position will be the establishment, development and maintaining relationships with key agencies, including donors, international and local NGOs, UN offices, government offices, local partners, Methodist Church of Haiti and other faith-based and United Methodist Church stakeholders.

The HoM will be responsible to ensure that all aspects of UMCOR’s programs in Haiti are implemented in compliance with grant agreements, budgets and according to schedule. The HoM will develop and manage programs in tandem with staff. As part of program development, the HoM is expected to examine the funding situation in the country and solicit funding for programs. In addition, the position will be responsible for office and management procedures, assessing the security situation, and recruiting/supervising expatriate and national staff.

Primary Responsibilities:
• Oversee all aspects of UMCOR Haiti operations, including administration, human resources, security, project management and implementation.
• Lead the coordinated emergency response, early recovery and reconstruction efforts for UMCOR in Haiti.
• Coordinate with HQ in the establishment and management of the mission strategy for UMCOR’s work in Haiti.
• Develop work plans, in conjunction with program staff, for implementation of all programs; oversee implementation of all program activities and ensure work plans are followed or adjusted as needed.
• Design, prepare and negotiate project proposals and budgets, while maintaining oversight of the program, budget and expenditures to ensure timely use of funds.
• Ensure compliance with UMCOR and donor policies and procedures as they relate to personnel, security, procurement and financial management.
• Collaborate with and support the UMCOR Church Liaison in the coordination of UMCOR efforts with the Methodist Church of Haiti and other faith-based and United Methodist Church stakeholders in Haiti.
• Collaborate with the Finance Director in the administration of finance, including budget preparation and submission of financial reports, funds transfers, accounting, and related functions and also prepares and submits required narrative reports to UMCOR HQ, including project development and monthly reports.
• Ensure consistent high quality outputs and comprehensive monitoring, documenting and evaluation of all activities and their impacts.
• Actively coordinate program activities with other humanitarian and government agencies working in the area.
• Provide regular situation reports to HQ and timely program reports according to donor and internal UMCOR requirements.
• Monitor developments throughout Haiti and assess local contextual needs with the view of new program development and expanding programming.
• Must be willing to travel extensively to conduct regular site visits for all programs
• Responsible for field office personnel recruitment, management and staff development.
• Communicate with HQ’s Program Unit on all aspects of programming.
• Other tasks as assigned by the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s Degree in international development or related field and five or more years of international experience. A solid background in leading and managing multi-faceted emergency response and early recovery, integrated programming, with strong program development and multi-donor networking and acquisition skills. Requires pro-active leadership, while possessing experience working in an insecure environment.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES: Experience working with faith-based organization and constituency. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English required. Strong communication skills in French (and preferably Haitian Creole) are desired. Strong networking, management and financial skills required. Experience in working in insecure environments is essential.

TO APPLY:
Submit your cover letter (notes) and resume through our website at
http://jobs-umcor.icims.com/umcor_jobs/jobs/candidate/job.jsp?jobid=1311&mode=view. Applications received before April 10, 2011 will receive immediate review. UMCOR is seeking qualified candidates for immediate deployment. This position will remain open until filled. No telephone inquiries please. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Thanks for your interest in UMCOR.