The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 50 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

BACKGROUND

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crisis and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers life-saving 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.

Since 2007, IRC has worked with refugees and other vulnerable populations in Jordan. Working in coordination with the humanitarian community and the Government of Jordan, the IRC's assistance programs for children in Jordan include Zaatari Camp and urban-based refugee assistance (Mafraq, Ramtha, Irbid).

Job overview

The WPE Coordinator is a senior role responsible for the overall guidance and leadership to the Jordan WPE program – from the design stage to implementation and learning. The Coordinator will provide strategic direction to the WPE team and local partners and ensure the smooth implementation of direct and indirect services to guarantee the goals and objectives of the WPE program are met according to the Theory of Change (ToC). In addition, will work closely with the Technical Units and other sectors to efficiently harmonize and integrate the program across the different sub-sectors of IRC with ECD, ERD, and health to ensure integrated and high-quality services to clients.

The Coordinator will lead other specific duties & responsibilities including Business Development & Context Analysis/Research, Award Management (PCM, Budget Management, Reporting, and Monitoring), Staff/Talent Management & Performance, External Relationships, Partnerships & Coordination. This position will report to the Deputy Director for Programs.

Specific duties and responsibilities

Strategic Management and Technical Quality

·       Provide overall strategic direction, leadership, and management of the program in line with the Strategic Action Plan (SAP) in Jordan, along with the implementation of key strategic ambitions including Client, Partnerships, Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI).

·       Ensure quality project delivery, reporting, and strong compliance with international and national standards as well as existing donors.

·       Work collaboratively to integrate the program with other program sectors where appropriate, particularly with ERD, Health, and ECD programming.

·       Lead and support the WPE team in developing, implementing, and supervising WPE interventions in their area of operation, including women’s economic empowerment, GBV prevention and response, etc.

·       Ensure and follow up on assigned project leads, to continuously run and update their project Dashboards to ensure quality management of the project in terms of identified indicators, targets, and budget.

·       Conduct regular field visits to find expansion opportunities and improvement in program efficiency and quality.

·       Conduct regular communication and program meetings to ensure the delivery of services in a timely and effective manner.

·       Understand the latest innovative program modalities & trends to contribute to greater WPE program quality, innovation, and impact.

Business Development & Context Analysis/Research

·       Explore increased, flexible, diverse, and stable funding opportunities for the WPE program to scale IRC’s impact, influence, and innovations in support of women’s empowerment and gender equality, with an emphasis on funding across the humanitarian-development nexus.

·       Develop plans for program evolution for follow-up funding with existing donors and new donors

·       Ensure a client-centered approach in partnership with local actors to provide systems strengthening, equitable access to services, and policy influence in the WPE sector.

·       Lead and coordinate the technical development of new proposals and initiatives for IRC Jordan in line with the Strategic Action Plan (SAP) and Business Development SOPs.

·       Develop and coordinate budgets for program proposals in conjunction with the grants and finance departments, along with budget and project modification activities.

·       Conduct impact evaluations or studies on best practices for program modality evolution.

·       Ensure needs assessment, research studies, key data, and desk reviews are in place for advocacy points.

·       Regularly update/review sector context analysis and prepare pitch presentations for new/current donors, INGOs, NGOs, etc. for better positioning.

Award Management

·       Provide overall guidance to the WPE team and ensure smooth implementation of direct and indirect services to guarantee that the goals and objectives of the WPE program are met according to the Theory of Change (ToC) and approved grants.

·       Review and supervise detailed program spending, procurement, and work plans for the WPE program to ensure high-quality implementation.

·       Ensure the Project Cycle Meetings (PCM) are prepared and conducted in accordance with guidance by WPE manager(s) or directly and that action points are followed-up promptly.

·       Review quality and timely technical aspects of internal and external reports prepared by the managers within agreed timelines using IRC and donor formats, and according to the Narrative Reports Writing SOPs.

·       Provide support and oversight on Budget vs. Actual reports according to the budget management SOPs and bring any over/under expenditure issues to the attention of the SMT, Grants, and Finance teams along with proposed corrective actions.

·       Develop and update program-relevant SOPs with reference to the IMPACT framework to ensure quality of implementation.

·       Work closely with the MEAL team to ensure a robust monitoring framework is in place for the WPE program

·       Regularly analyze progress against key outcome indicators to assess the impact of WPE interventions and to advise program learning and future design

Staff/Talent Management & Performance

·       Recruit, supervise, and build the capacity of team members in relevant technical and management competencies including Proposal and report writing, PCM Management, Budget Management, Reporting, and Evaluation.

·       Coach, train, supervise, and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting annual performance objectives, providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews.

·       Approve and handle attendance and leave requests to ensure adequate departmental coverage; ensure monthly, accurate timesheet submission and carry out probationary reviews

·       As required identify staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these by the National Staff Employment Policies

·       Adhere to and act by the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures, and communicate through word and example a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations

External Relationships, Partnerships & Coordination

·       Lead and develop IRC’s strategic relationship with relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Social Development and Family Protection Department in Jordan, and represent IRC’s WPE program with government, civil society, private sector, and academic partners.

·       Revise and supervise the delivery of IRC Jordan’s WPE program and ensure that program implementation decisions are grounded in strong assessments of local and governmental partners and systems.

·       In collaboration with the Senior Management Team (SMT), cultivate strong relationships with potential implementing partners, donors, embassies, and key multilateral collaborators to build IRC’s visibility as the WPE partner of choice in Jordan.

·       Actively develop and lead in different coordination forums, including the partners’ meetings, and protection coordination meetings, and ensure similar coordination is effective at the camp and governorate national levels.

·       In collaboration with the WPE Technical Unit, support the development and adaptation of CSO and system-strengthening program components

·       Upon request by the Senior Management Team (SMT), organize and facilitate field visits for collaborators interested in IRC’s programming in Jordan

·       Conduct regular calls with Technical Advisors at regional and global levels that are documented and lead to program quality

Key working relationships

Position Reports to Deputy Director of Programs

Position directly supervises WPE Program Manager, Senior Capacity Building Officer, and Senior Program Officer.

Indirect Reporting: N/A

Other Internal: IRC Technical Advisors, Deputy Director of Operations, Deputy Director of Finance, Other Program Leads, Program Managers, M&E Lead, Partnership Lead, Grants Lead

Other External: Relevant other partners, e.g. UN bodies, local and national authorities.

Skills

Minimum Qualifications:

Job requirements

·       Academic degree in gender studies or relevant fields such as social sciences, health, psychology, economics, business, management, international affairs, or a relevant degree.

·       Minimum of 7 years of professional experience designing, managing, and implementing gender equality and women’s empowerment programs in both humanitarian and development contexts.

·       Strong knowledge, understanding and application of gender equality and women’s empowerment and protection concepts and frameworks

·       Demonstrated successful experience in capacity building, project design, and program coordination

·       Demonstrable experience working with local partners in the delivery of WPE/protection programs, as well as working with the Ministry of Social Development and Directorates of Family Protection Department on system support and system strengthening initiatives.

·       Experience working with and coordinating with donors, UN bodies, NGOs, INGOs, and other partners.

·       Strong writing and analytical skills, including with M&E and assessment data framework for use in program decision-making and humanitarian advocacy.

·       Competent in Windows, MS office programs, emails, and relevant databases such as Primero.

·       Fluent in spoken and written English and Arabic is required.

·       Demonstrated Managerial/Leadership Competencies:

·       Promotes collaboration, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, flexible, and able to handle pressure with professional patience

·       Ability to plan, prioritize, coordinate, and handle human resources.

·       Proven strong interpersonal and intercultural communication with success working both within a team and independently.

·       Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle competing priorities and adequate timelines.

Standards of Professional Conduct: 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 enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race,color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

The deadline for submitting applications is 31st of August, 2024.

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.