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Title:  Project Coordinator

Reports to:  Program Manager

Location:  Central Darfur

Travel:  Frequent travel between project sites.

The Near East Foundation (NEF) is seeking applicants for a Project Coordinator to be based in Zalingei, Central Darfur State, in Sudan. For over 100 years, NEF has worked to build a more sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive communities in the Middle East and Africa through economic development and governance initiatives. NEF’s work is organized around three core program areas: Inclusive Economic Development, Climate-resilient Development, and Stabilization and Peacebuilding.

Position Description:

The Project Coordinator is a key member of the Near East Foundation team in Sudan. The Project Coordinator has the responsibility to ensure the smooth management, and implementation of the objectives and activities of NEF projects in Central Darfur, including ongoing WASH, agriculture, food security, and livelihoods projects funded by USAID/OFDA.

Under the overall supervision of the Program Manager, the Project Coordinator will have the following duties and responsibilities:

Implementation, Monitoring & Oversight

• Supervise the implementation of activities by NEF and partner project staff to ensure outputs are achieved and indicators are met in accordance with agreed upon timelines, quality standards and donor/NEF regulations and policies.
• Recommend where necessary any realignment of activities, and budgets.
• Develop and update monthly, quarterly and annual implementation plans in coordination with project staff and local partners.
• Maintain regular communication with partners and staff, and conduct regular field visits, to ensure progress in a timely manner and challenges are identified and addressed.
• Continuously assess the local context, assumptions and changes in the working environment (a) to ensure the project’s focus, strategies and activities remain relevant and (b) to propose adjustments when needed.
• In coordination with M&E Officer, ensure an appropriate monitoring system is in place to track progress and deviations in project implementation.
• In coordination with Logistics Officer, ensure the project procurement plan is in place and updated, and keep track of progress.

Financial Monitoring and Management

• In coordination with finance staff, review and monitor project spending, including partner spending.
• Review and approve program financial documents, including reviewing partner and NEF receipts and supporting documentation.
• Support relevant staff and partners in forecasting spending related to project activities.

Reporting & Documentation

• Collate/compile field-generated information and provide required inputs into progress/final reports on a timely manner and in compliance with HQ/donor requirements.
• Keep track of impact and success stories, and ensure they are reflected in reports and other communication/visibility materials.

Program Development & Strategic Planning 

• Participate and contribute to internal strategic and planning meetings.
• Support/facilitate field assessments and discussions when needed to identify new areas of intervention.
• Support the Country Director, Program Manager or designate in drafting concept papers and proposals when required.

Representation & Coordination

• Represent NEF in relevant working groups at national and local levels, and other relevant interagency workshops or events in related sectors.
• Share relevant project information and documents with project team, partners, HQ and other stakeholders.
• In coordination with the Country Director and Program Manager, collaborate with NEF partners, UN agencies, international and local NGOs, and relevant government ministries and local authorities.
• Maintain up-to-date with, and provide feedback on, government policies impacting the refugee population in Sudan, and related work of humanitarian/development agencies.
• Assist with the coordination of visits to the NEF Sudan program by HQ colleagues, donors, NEF board members, and other stakeholders.

Other responsibilities

• Work closely with relevant HQ colleagues as required.
• Ensure compliance with applicable donor and NEF policies and regulations.
• Ensure all project documentation required by NEF and donor is accurately collected, organized and filed.
• Any other duties relating to the nature of the scope of work as requested by the supervisor.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher relevant field preferred.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience with humanitarian and/or development organizations, including significant experience of working with implementing partners to deliver development interventions and/or humanitarian programs.
• At least 2 years of project management experience, including project planning, implementation and managing a budget.
• At least 2 years of experience working on livelihoods projects and/or Small Medium Enterprise-type interventions.
• Experience working in the field and leading/managing teams.
• Familiarity with US and UK donor guidelines is a strong advantage.
• Proven skills in partnership building, influence and negotiation with a range of humanitarian actors, including governments, UN agencies, academic institutions, networks, national/local NGOs and community groups
• Understands rights and protection issues of refugees, children and women, including solid experience working with vulnerable communities.
• Fluency in Arabic and English, both written and verbal.
• Excellent analytical, writing and communications skills.
• High-level of knowledge and practice with Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, etc. required.

Other Essential Competencies:

• Willingness and able to travel to field sites frequently.
• Strong people management skills.
• Able to take initiative and very self-motivated, with a strong capacity to work within a team.
• Able to work independently, with a strong work ethic and high level of professionalism.
• Capable of maintaining confidentiality and ensuring others do as well.
• Flexible, solutions-oriented, and willingness to learn from and support others.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize tasks, and cope with competing demands under tight deadlines.
• Able to establish and maintain good working relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Strong commitment to humanitarian principles.

NEF will accept a rolling application until the procurement is completed.  Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Please note, only applications received through the Near East Foundation Careers Page will be considered.

To apply:

Please apply by visiting the Near East Foundation Careers Page at  www.neareast.org/careers with the following documents:

1. Cover letter (not more than 1 page) outlining all relevant experience and skills based on the requirements above, availability date, and proposed daily rate
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. List of three references

Please note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Near East Foundation by visiting the NEF website at www.neareast.org.