Programme Coordinator - Sustainability and Inclusion Strategy for Growth Corridors in Africa (SUSTAIN Africa), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Vacancy #:833

Unit:Tanzania Country Office

Organization:International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Location:Tanzania Country Office, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of

Reporting to:Deputy Regional Director - Programme

Work percentage:100%

Function group:SP

Expected start date:01 August 2014

Type of contract:Fixed-term (36 months)

Closing date:19 June 2014

BACKGROUND

In order to generate jobs, increase public revenue, expand social services and ultimately reduce poverty, African countries are focusing on and promoting investments in 'growth corridors'. A set of formal national and regional growth corridors have been identified by governments, the Regional Economic Communities and the African Union, but their development is at an early stage in most cases. As Africa's natural resources provide the base for economic growth, the risks of the corridor approach include for example the lack of tenure security, inadequate water availability and exclusion of small-scale stakeholders in the processes.

To address this, the 'Sustainability and Inclusion Strategy for Growth Corridors in Africa' (SUSTAIN Africa) is a new programme that is proposed and facilitated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the IUCN National Committee of the Netherlands (IUCN NL). The overall goal is to sustainably meet the demand for water, land and food using nature-based solutions, creating the foundations for a green economy. The SUSTAIN programme will be implemented through coordinated action in formal or informal growth corridors.

In each corridor, the activities will be designed to address the following strategic objectives:

• Water security - Sustainable and climate-resilient supply of water for livelihoods, production, health and ecosystems, coupled with lower water-related risks;
• Climate change adaptation and mitigation through land resource management – Landscape management and restoration enhance climate change resilience using climate-smart agriculture, while supporting food security and low-carbon development through new value chains that link primary production with trading and enterprise opportunities;
• New investment and business partnerships - New business models and partnerships in growth corridors build long-term synergies between development and biodiversity conservation and raise investment and lower risks for rural households, commercial enterprise and sustainable economic growth;
• Policy, learning & evidence – Improved public and private sector strategies for sustainable water, land and ecosystems and for climate change resilience are integrated into policies on economic growth.

SUSTAIN-Africa will be initiated in the 'Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania' (SAGCOT) in a first phase of five years out of a total of ten years. The programme will be operationalized through three work packages, two of which will be focus on 'clusters'. A set of preliminary clusters have been identified by SAGCOT and defined as 'geographic concentrations of interconnected companies, specialised suppliers, service providers, and associated institutions'. Each cluster focused work package will be implemented by a set of partners, coordinated by a cluster lead and organised according to the three thematic areas (land, water and business). The third work package is cross-cutting and focuses on policy, learning and evidence.

The coordination of activities within the three work packages will be managed by a Coordination Unit, which includes the work package leads and a coordinator. The Coordination Unit will report to the Programme Management Group which oversees the SUSTAIN programme as a whole (all corridors) and to the Advisory board which will ensure alignment with Tanzanian policies and strategies. A Technical Support Facility will also be established to increase knowledge and build capacity. Financing for implementation of SUSTAIN-Africa will combine core programme investment and co-investment. IUCN aims to develop core programme investment partnerships with up to three donors. Core programme investment will be applied flexibly and strategically across the portfolio, as a basis for leverage of co-investment in activities by governments, social investors, development agencies and private sector partners.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to Chairs of the SUSTAIN Programme Management Group, the SUSTAIN Tanzania Programme Coordinator will be responsible for administration, fiscal management and implementation of the programme goals and the objectives of SUSTAIN Africa in Tanzania. Implementation of activities within work packages is under the responsibility of the work package leads while the coordinator maintains the overall responsibility as the management leader and coordinator. The PC should ensure appropriate progress, adherence to a programme approach and coherence between the work packages and sub-themes. The PC will also play a significant role in ensuring that the SUSTAIN Tanzania Technical Support Facility functions efficiently and addresses the right issues. The Programme Coordinator will also serve as one of the primary liaisons with host government representatives and other partners through the advisory board as well as with donor community in Tanzania through the appropriate donor coordination groups.

SPECIFIC DUTIES Under the direction of the IUCN ESARO Deputy Regional Director, Programme and working closely IUCN Tanzania Country Office and with the Programme Management Group and SUSTAIN Advisory Board, the specific responsibilities of the Programme Coordinator are to:

• The PC will be responsible for the coordinating implementation of partner-led activities and workpackages and associated administration and financial management with the purpose of realizing the Programme goals and objectives as stipulated in the donor agreements/contacts and according to SUSTAIN overall objectives.
• In collaboration with the PMG, the Advisory Board, work package leads and thematic leads: support and facilitate the design and development of work packages according to a programmatic approach and multi-stakeholder processes, including by coordinating the contribution of technical advice from other IUCN or IUCN NL personnel as appropriate.
• Ensure that partners are well coordinated to enable all SUSTAIN Tanzania Programme activities within the work packages to be implemented according to timelines, agreed budgets, and standards of quality expected by both donors and IUCN and IUCN NL technical personnel.
• Ensure efficient monitoring and evaluation in collaboration with thematic and cluster leads but also by visiting clusters regularly.
• Represent IUCN to government officials, community leaders, private sector companies and businesses and counterpart/NGO representatives as needed. Participate in international meetings as requested by supervisor(s). Convene and facilitate events for the SUSTAIN Tanzania Advisory Board, and other events as needed.
• In collaboration with the PMG, the Advisory Board, work package leads and thematic leads: assist with the development of funding proposals and co-investment opportunities. As part of a coordinated approach to fundraising, lead the development of funding proposals as appropriate.

Provide administrative and managerial oversight:

• In addition to the day to day follow up and collaboration with project partners, conduct regular meetings with work package leads, thematic leads and the Technical support facility as needed and required by the PMG or recommended by the Advisory Board.
• Identify and address skills development needs, including through coordination with the Capacity Building and Knowledge Management components of SUSTAIN-Africa: assist the Technical Support Facility in addressing capacity building needs appropriately and identify areas where SUSTAIN can strategically contribute (e.g. identify disconnects along the value chain and possible partners that could contribute by aligning with SUSTAIN).
• Ensure that work proceeds using a collaborative and interactive approach and that communication between project partners is carried out in a respectful and appropriate manner.
• Ensure all administrative procedures are followed, in line with Donor Contracts and the IUCN Internal Control Systems (ICS), such as those regarding vehicle use and procurement.

Develop work packages and ensure the strategic direction

• Work closely with the PMG and the thematic and work package leads to: develop work packages that are in line with SAGCOT priorities and Tanzanian policies and ensure that the work packages are developed through Multi Stakeholder Processes.
• Ensure that the strategic direction of SUSTAIN Tanzania is informed by recommendations emanating from the Advisory Board and the PMG.
• Keep abreast of development needs and Programme opportunities in the SAGCOT, particularly those in line with IUCN's sectoral priorities and programmatic principles.
• Encourage innovation and excellence in programming.

Programme implementation

• Oversee the development and successful implementation of work-plans for each work package and the Technical Support Facility.
• Ensure compliance with all donor provisions, and timely fulfilment of programmatic reporting requirements.
• Oversee timely expenditure of approved budgets, avoiding both under spending and overspending on budget line items.
• Compile outcomes of the Advisory Board meetings, progress reporting and dissemination of communication material.
• Support the PMG in reporting to the Advisory Board, presenting key achievements, challenges and lessons learnt.
• Ensure gender equality is integrated and mainstreamed though all Programme field activities

Monitoring and Evaluation

• In coordination with the PMG and partners, develop and maintain the Programme's monitoring instruments and systems
• Oversee completion of monthly, quarterly and annual progress reports. Prepare and submit all required IUCN and donor reports for review and submission to the PMG and the Advisory Board.
• Regularly visit the clusters to evaluate programmatic outputs and impact both quantitatively and in terms of quality implementation.

Representation and Leadership

• Network and liaise with all the partners and potential partners, developing and maintaining partnerships and strong relationships across all sectors (including the private sector);
• Maintain good working relationships with Tanzanian officials, particularly those within the ministries and other institutions (e.g. Line Ministries, RUBADA, the SAGCOT Secretariat et)
• Represent IUCN and maintain good working relationships among the international and local NGO community in Tanzania, among community leadership structures and community-based organizations, and to visiting donor teams and other key contacts in Tanzania.
• Encourage teamwork, openness, and honesty among SUSTAIN partners.

Develop co-investment opportunities

• Ensure that work packages are developed in a phased manner that encourages and facilitates co-investment.
• Play a key role in the development of concept papers and proposals for SUSTAIN Tanzania.
• In collaboration with the Thematic and Work package leads and the PMG, develop co-investment models that enables different actors (e.g. private sector engaging in asset investments) to align with the SUSTAIN programme and SAGCOT priorities.
• Ensure that the SUSTAIN Tanzania funds are used flexibly and strategically for programme support and enabling investments and to promote asset investments.

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 8years of relevant working experience with a postgraduate degree in International development, Environment, Agriculture or relevant field.
• Strong background in managing and directing field based operations.
• Strong skills in Multi Stakeholder Processes and Partnerships, including convening and facilitating networks/platforms involving a diverse and large number of stakeholders across different sectors
• Experience in programme design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation
• Demonstrated working experience and knowledge of Tanzania an advantage;
• Experience in inclusive and sustainable business development and product value chains in the agricultural sector an added advantage
• Understanding and proven application of rights based or participatory approaches, partnership and gender programmes an added advantage
• Strong interpersonal, team building and representational skills
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of Kiswahili would be an asset

APPLICATIONS

Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the 'Apply' button.

Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST).

Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: http://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/

About IUCN

IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges.IUCN works on biodiversity, climate change, energy, human livelihoods and greening the world economy by supporting scientific research, managing field projects all over the world, and bringing governments, NGOs, the UN and companies together to develop policy, laws and best practice.IUCN is the world's oldest and largest global environmental organization, with more than 1,200 government and NGO members and almost 11,000 volunteer experts in some 160 countries. IUCN's work is supported by over 1,000 staff in 45 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world.www.iucn.org