Systems and Capacity Building Manager

Location: Sinoe and Grand Kru Counties, Liberia
Contract Duration: 12 Months
Starting Date: ASAP
Responsible To: Project Coordinator
Working with: County Health and Social Welfare Teams, Health Coordinators and
Country Management Team
Salary: £29, 850 - £ 30,600 per annum (dependant on relevant experience),
Benefits: Insurance cover, accommodation, annual leave entitlement of 24 days per annum rising to 30 days at the completion of 12 months of continuous employment with Merlin.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Due to the urgency of this position, applications will be short listed on a regular basis and we may offer this post before the closing date.

Please note that this is an unaccompanied position.

Merlin International Profile
Merlin specialises in health, saving lives in times of crisis and helping to rebuild shattered health services. Each year, Merlin helps more than 15 million people in up to 20 countries

Context and Background
Merlin has been operational in various counties throughout Liberia since 1997 and has developed a good reputation as a key partner of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoH&SW) in Liberia. The main focus of Merlin’s programme in Liberia at present is supporting the (MoH&SW) with the provision of quality primary and secondary level health care services and influencing policy at the national level. In the course of implementing its activities in Liberia, Merlin supports over 800 MoH&SW workers through incentive payments. Merlin actively collaborates with the MoH&SW, UN Agencies, local partner NGOs, and other INGOs and agencies such as Mentor Initiative and International Committee of the Red Cross.

Merlin’s activities include technical, capacity building and logistical support to the County Health and Social Welfare Teams (CH&SWTs) as well as capacity building health facility staff through training, mentoring and/or supervision to ensure improved quality of care in the supported facilities. In 2009 Merlin will be supporting 54 primary health care facilities in Montserrado, Maryland, Grand Bassa, Sinoe, Grand Kru and Grand Gedeh counties, and 5 hospitals in Buchanan, Zwedru, Greenville, Grand Cess and Harper. Merlin also has a Reproductive Health/Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) team to mainstream maternal health promotion and HIV/AIDS prevention into all Merlin projects as a cross-cutting theme.

Merlin Liberia is working with the MoH&SW and CH&SWTs in each supported county to create a more coordinated strategy in line with the MoH&SW lead partner approach. As a first step towards this Merlin has developed a Counterpart Strategy geared towards a closer, more efficient and effective collaboration with the CH&SWTs in the delivery of health services and the development of their managerial capacity.
Main purpose of the role
The Systems and Capacity Building Manager (SCBM) will coordinate and strengthen the organizational capacity of the County Health and Social Welfare Teams (CH&SWTs) which provides health care services to vulnerable populations in Sinoe and Grand Kru counties. Capacity building will be focused on the following areas: financial management, Health Management Information Systems (HMIS), leadership, strategic planning, partner and stakeholder coordination, human resource management, logistics and supply chain management. The Systems and Capacity Building Manager will be embedded within and provide direct technical assistance to the CH&SWT.

Specific Responsibilities

Systems development and implementation
• In collaboration with the Health Coordinator (HC) and Project Coordinators (PCs), the SCBM will organize and provide technical leadership in assessing institutional capacity of the CH&SWT and identify priority areas that need strengthening
• Provide technical assistance, guidance and support to CH&SWT in order to strengthen their HR, M & E, HMIS, logistics (including supply chain management), and Finance, administration and planning functions
• Support the implementation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other policies developed by the MOH&SW at the central level and facilitate training for the CH&SWT on the same
• Provide support to the Liberia Government Hospital (LGH) management and administration in order to implement systems to improve the efficiency and smooth running of the hospital.
Training and capacity building
• Conduct individual capacity assessment for the CH&SWT to identify current capacity, define gaps and develop capacity building plans to address them
• In collaboration with the central MoH&SW, organize and implement activities such as workshops, on the job training and sharing of good practice that provide capacity building opportunities to CH&SWT members thus increasing their organizational effectiveness
• In collaboration with the MoH&SW, develop training modules relevant to capacity building efforts of CH&SWT
• Undertake ongoing monitoring of activities to anticipate and troubleshoot problems and issues, track milestones and recommend and ensure appropriate action.
• Provide oversight, feedback, and guidance to CH&SWT, with regard to capacity development needs and initiatives
• Develop system-wide network for continued sharing of lessons and practices on capacity development with the other counties
Coordination and partnerships
• Provide support to the CH&SWT to coordinate all stakeholders in the health sector in the county (including I/NGOs, CBOs, FBOs, vertical programmes such as National Malaria Control Programme and private institutions
• Coordinate with the MoH&SW in the implementation of policies and SOPs
• Support the development of annual work plans and budgets for the CH&SWT in close cooperation with the HC and the PC, and all stakeholders
• Represent Merlin’s activities and achievements in the counties, as required by the CMT

Human Resource Management
• Assist in recruitment planning for national staff for positions identified to support the CH&SWT and where relevant contribute to job descriptions and staff selection

Other
• Provide coverage for other posts when necessary and carry out any other responsibilities as requested by the Health Coordinator and Operations Coordinator

Person Specification
Essential
• Advanced degree in Public Administration, Hospital Administration, Business Administration, Business Management or equivalent
• Extensive experience in capacity development in the health sector at international level
• Comprehensive experience of providing high quality advisory services, on-the-job training and mentoring to local partners of government departments in an international context
• Experience in managing organizational change
• Demonstrable skills in health programming, health system strengthening, and capacity building of organizations
• Demonstrated problem solving skills and ability to use sound judgement in applying technical expertise to identify and resolve a wide range of complex issues/problems
• Strong negotiating, influencing and consultative skills, with the ability to form strong internal and external working relationships
• Excellent team worker with experience of communicating effectively with colleagues from different functions and cultures
• Strong communication skills, with excellent written and spoken English
• Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office
• An understanding of and commitment to Merlin’s mission and values
• An ability to live and work in a hot and humid environment

Desirable
• Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment
• Very good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines.
• Previous experience of working in West Africa within health care projects/public health

To apply for this position
Please download an application form from our website www.merlin.org.uk Completed form should be emailed to applications@merlin-uk.org stating in the subject field ‘SCBM LIBERIA.’

Data Protection
Please note, on submitting your application, you are agreeing to Merlin holding and using the information that you have given for the purposes of recruitment and employment – should an offer be made. Where required by donors funding requirements, some job offers are conditional on our ensuring that potential employees’ names do not appear on counter terrorism lists generated by the United Nations, European Union or the United States. On submitting your application, you are agreeing to Merlin using the information that you have given for checking that your name does not appear on these lists.

Monitoring and Evaluation Associate (Liberian Nationals only)

In response to the increasing trend of sexual gender based violence (SGBV), including sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) in Liberia, the Government and United Nations has developed a joint programme on Prevention and Response to SGBV. The programme will support the operationalization of the National GBV Plan of Action (2006), which is guiding National efforts to curb the high trend of SGBV in Liberia. The programme also directly responds to national priorities enshrined in the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) and the National Action Plan for Women 2008-2011. The Programme has been organized around the 5 pillar structure set out in the National Plan of Action on GBV i.e. Health, Psychosocial, Legal, Security Protection and Coordination. The Programme is comprehensive and complex given the number of stakeholders and partners. This 4 year Joint Programme will be executed under the overall coordination of the Ministry of Gender and Development (MOGD) and with the support of Government Line Ministries and implementing partners. The M&E Associate is responsible for guiding the overall M&E strategy and implementation of related activities within the SGBV Joint Programme, support the development of M&E plan for GBV Unit, plus providing timely and relevant information to Programme Advisor and Pillar leads and focal points.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the SGBV Joint Programme Advisor and MOGD Counterpart provides leadership, strategic direction in the development of the M&E framework SGBV joint programme Develop the overall framework and M&E plan with emphasis on key results and impacts for Joint Programme in accordance to the SGBV Joint Programme document. Support the Development of the M&E plan for the GBV Unit and involve the unit in monitoring visits; Develops and periodically reviews the programme’s M & E plan; Identify sources of data, collection methods, who collects data, how often, and prepares analytical reports based on gender analysis. Prepare calendar of M&E activities for JP and GBV Unit Facilitates results-based approach to monitoring and evaluation, emphasizing results and impacts Check that monitoring data are discussed in the appropriate forum (such as the steering committee meeting) and in a timely fashion in terms of implications for future action. The M&E Associate coordinates the monitoring of the SGBV Joint Programme and GBV Unit activities and is responsible for the following: Facilitates the achievement of joint programme and GBV Unit activities results by timely monitoring of the progress of programme and unit activities implementation and ensures ongoing monitoring and reviews of indicators in accordance to the work plans; Facilitate and discuss reporting on JP indicators with all participating agencies. Facilitates and discuss reporting of GBV Unit activities with MOGD and JP management team Monitors the fulfilment of the activities identified by agencies and GBV Unit and provides monthly updates to Programme management team and MOGD Undertake visits to the field ( Once in three months ) to support implementation of M&E and to identify where adaptations might be needed Foster participatory planning and monitoring by involving Programme Advisor, pillar leads, GBV Unit and focal points in the M&E of activities. Design and implement a system to identify, analyze, document and disseminate lessons learned. Document, package and disseminate lessons once every 3 months

Competencies

Core Competencies: Demonstrates integrity and commitment to UN principles and values and ethical standards Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability Treats all people fairly without favoritism Working in teams Self-management, emotional intelligence and conflict management Analytical and strategic thinking/results orientation Knowledge sharing Functional Competencies: Job knowledge and technical expertise in the area of M&E frameworks, gender and GBV Strong skills in monitoring and evaluation of development projects Strong team player in the program management team and the capacity to work in multi-cultural settings Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills and documentation of promising practices from the field Fluency in MS Word, MS Excel, and other relevant computer applications/MS office applications required for monitoring Proven networking, team-building, and communication skills

Required Skills and Experience

Secondary EducationBachelor of Science degree preferably Gender and Development studies, political science, law, Women’s Studies, international studies, public health or a related field is desirable but is not a requirement A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience as M&E Associate of Gender and Development, GBV preferably in post-conflict situations. At least 2 years of field experience in design of M&E framework for gender related programmes of similar scope and complexity. Strong written and spoken English skills

Monitoring and Evaluation Associate (Liberian Nationals only)

Finance Controller

POSITION TITLE: Finance Controller
COUNTRY PROGRAM: Liberia
RESPONSIBLE TO: Country Director
STATUS: Full Time
SUPERVISORY CAPACITY: National Finance Staff

DEPARTMENT/COUNTRY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION/MISSION

Founded in 1979, American Refugee Committee (ARC) is an international non-profit, non-sectarian organization that has provided health care, humanitarian aid and training to millions of refugees and displaced people over the past 27 years. Today ARC works in nine countries around the world helping victims of civil conflict and natural disasters rebuild their lives. ARC programs provide primary and comprehensive reproductive health care, water and sanitation, shelter repair, legal aid, trauma counseling, micro-credit, community development services, employment training and repatriation assistance to nearly one million people annually.

ARC International has been working in Liberia since 2003. ARC has provided life supporting and self-reliance assistance in the following sectors: GBV, protection, camp management, economic empowerment and behavior change. ARC International is also currently responding to the refugee crisis in Nimba County and in that respect is starting new programming to assist refugees and host communities.

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Responsible for oversight of all financial activities, budgets and reports for the ARC Liberia program. This position is based in Monrovia.

MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY
PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Management 40%
• Manage day-to-day accounting functions including regular cash verification, bank and balance sheet accounts reconciliations, monthly closing, timely submission of financial report to headquarters (HQ), donors etc.
• Complete monthly balance sheet and intercompany reviews and reconciliations.
• Promptly respond to HQ finance queries including Intercompany charges.
• Update the financial compliance dashboard monthly, note and address any significant variances.
• Monitor grant spending through production of monthly Budget Versus Actual (BVA) analysis and ensure program teams explain significant variances and propose corrective measures.

Reporting and Budgeting 20%
• Monthly closing, timely submission of financial reports to ARC HQ, donors, etc.
• Ensure on-time monthly submission to ARC HQ.
• Prepare timely budgets, cash requests and accounting reports.
• Monitor grant spending and projections.
• Assist in preparation of budgets for all proposals, including accurate support of budget narratives.
• Support program teams to accurately realign budgets whenever necessary.
• Provide regular and timely budget reports and analysis to the Country Director and field program managers.
• In coordination with HQ, lead the production of ARC Liberia annual budgets.
• Support the Country Director to produce and update donor matrixes.
• Liaise with donors on finance and budget issues as required.

Staff Management 15%
• Supervise finance staff. This includes ensuring they are properly trained and know what performance expectations are.
• Carryout staff appraisals for finance staff.
• Organize and lead orientation and training session related to finance.
• Travel to the field as required ensuring systems are properly followed.

Audit and Internal Control 15%
• Implement and administer ARC systems for internal control, compliance, and accounting data processing and financial reporting functions in accordance with donor regulations.
• Develop internal audit function and perform internal audit and reviews to ensure compliance with ARC and donor requirements.

Other 10%
• Maintain up-to-date, accurate accounting system, including: computer data entry and paper file system.
• Ensure local taxation law requirements are fully complied with.
• Other appropriate duties as assigned by the Country Director or HQ CFO.

EDUCATION, TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• 3-5 years overseas experience in finance/management for an international NGO, preferably in programs in complex emergency or post-conflict settings. Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in multi-cultural and multi-level programs.
• Bachelors degree required in Finance, Accounting, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience with international donors and grant requirements.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft software products: Excel, Word, outlook etc and accounting software. Serenic or Sun experience strongly preferred.
• Prior training experience desired.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills as well as leadership skills.
• Sense of humor and good interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in English required.

KEY BEHAVIORS & ABILITIES

• Ability to work with a team in an intense environment.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Extremely flexible with the ability to cope with stressful situations.

Application Notes:

If you have a non-US or Canadian address and you do not have a State and/or Zip Code in your address, please fill in N/A (Not Applicable) for the State/Province, and 00000 for the Zip Code.

How to apply

www.arcrelief.org