Solid House Foundation (SHF) is a young non profit organisation with a small team, located in Utrecht, the Netherlands, established in 2003. SHF’s primary focus is on housing, water and sanitation. SHF has habitat programmes in Bolivia, Kenya, Sri Lanka and Southern Sudan. An important starting-point for SHF is empowerment and personal participation of the beneficiate population in the projects. Ensuring that future inhabitants are involved in the whole project circle, from design till delivery, and they are also practically and financially involved in the projects.
Apply only if
The job opening for the position of SHF Program Manager Southern Sudan will commence early 2010. SHF is seeking a person with extensive experience in development cooperation in post conflict environments, knowledge of water, sanitation and hygiene programmes as well as management and organisational skills. Please apply only if you feel you meet all the necessary requirements for the post, including several years of experience in Southern Sudan or another post conflict environment.
Background
In 2006 Solid House Foundation received a request from UN-Habitat to research possibilities for rehabilitation projects in Southern Sudan. In 2007 and 2008 three fact-finding missions, field work and a research were performed. The results are of such importance and a basis for SHF to initiate the preliminary projects regarding water and sanitation (watsan), as an infrastructural basis for future housing programmes. The first activities of the water and sanitation programme in Rumbek; focus on improving the living standards of the population, and as an impulse for social cohesion and economic activity. In 2010 SHF will start building watsan facilities for several primary schools in Rumbek (depending on funding) and provide training in building skills, water management and hygiene for the local population. We are looking for a Programme Manager to implement this programme for Southern Sudan.
Job summary
Primarily the work focus will be on:
* Overseeing, coordinating, and implementing the watsan programme on a strategic, operational and financial (budget management and fundraising) level;
* Regular communication and cooperation with the Programme Officer for Sudan in the Netherlands about the process, donor reports, fundraising, facts, suggestions and other necessary input;
* Managing and overseeing the building process of watsan facilities for primary schools in Rumbek;
* Assessing, planning, monitoring and evaluating all programme activities;
* Monitoring the political, social and economic context in Sudan;
* Conducting a stakeholders analysis, training needs assessment and context analysis;
* Organising hygiene, water management and building skills training to the local population/stakeholders;
* Drafting project proposals, budgets, monitoring and implementation plans;
* Raising funds for the programme on a regular basis and identifying opportunities for fundraising;
* Liaising with partners, donors, beneficiaries and the central/local authorities in Sudan;
* Involving partners in the policy and the decision making process of SHF;
* Identifying and starting new partnerships, including the private sector;
* Assessing staff capacity, organising training for staff development and recruiting local staff and trainers;
* Precise financial control and accounting of the project;
* Cooperation with the SHF Programme Managers in Kenya and Bolivia.
Professional requirements
The required qualifications need to be:
* A strong programme manager with excellent social skills, technical construction skills and a "hands on" mentality.
* A university / higher education degree in a relevant field, i.e. Development studies, Business Administration, Engineering or proven equal level of knowledge / experience;
* Knowledge of housing and water and sanitation projects in developing countries is necessary.
* Experience in Southern Sudan, and/or other post conflict environments;
* Experience with programme management, including planning, monitoring and evaluation;
* Experience with hygiene, water management and/or building skills training;
* Ability to manage a team combined with excellent administrative, financial and communication skills;
* Fluency in English and preferably Dutch, willingness to learn a local language or knowledge of Arabic will be an advantage.
* Skilled computer literacy in all Office programs, including data processing skills.
* Preferably a valid Driving License.
* All-round experience with site supervising is appreciated.
Personal requirements
* It is expected that the candidate has excellent communication and interpersonal skills
* We expect you to have the ability to work independently and also be a stimulating team worker.
* Self-motivation, confidence and enthusiasm are essential for this placement.
* Cultural sensitivity, patience and a good sense of humour are a must.
* Able to build bridges between various parties and cultures easily.
* Prepared to work in a complex and fragile environment of political, social and economic tension.
* Being able to work by your self, as you will not have any colleagues to work with (initially).
Details on the position and the selection process
Does the above description fit your personal qualities and ambitions, please send us your motivation letter and CV addressed to Suzanne Damman, Programme Officer Southern Sudan. Please note that due to the small size of our organization we will only contact short-listed candidates. It is safe to assume that if you have not heard anything before the end of November you were not short-listed.
The deadline for application is the 13th of November. Please send your application to info@solidhouse.nl. Interviews will take place in week 47 & 48 at the SHF office in Utrecht, the Netherlands. You will be offered a full time position as Project Manager. Your nett salary will be between 2200-2500 Euro depending on your experience and qualifications. For more information about the job and the conditions contact Suzanne Damman, Programme Officer for Sudan, via +31 (0)30 2710 928 (preferably between 3 and 5 pm).
Source: http://myafricancareer.blogspot.com