Consortium Manager

The Consortium Manager is responsible for and mandated to oversee the implementation and coordination of the Dutch Relief Alliance (DRA) Joint Response in country. This is on the basis that the content of the programme should be field-led, from design through to implementation. The Consortium Manager has a facilitative and steering role, guiding and setting direction of the Joint Response (JR) and providing a supportive coordination structure and environment for JR members to implement, particularly in the implementation of the collaborative elements of the JR.

Recognising that contractual and donor obligations sit at NL level, the NL lead is responsible for overall compliance as laid out in contractual agreements with the Block grant Holder (in the Beschikking) and with JR members (in Specific Sub Award Agreements – SSAAs). The NL lead carries out administrative Lead/Support (i.e. reporting etc.), translating DRA policy into practice in cooperation with other JR leads, and providing structure and a framework to the Consortium Manager and JR members to work with.

As Consortium Manager, your key objectives will be to make sure that the consortium project activities are implemented in a coordinated, efficient, effective, timely and qualitative manner. You will be the guarantor of effective and qualitative internal and external information management according to internal consortium agreed guidelines and donor requirements. You will aim to maximize the sectoral and geographical scope of the integrated approach that partners implement separately, as well as to enhance the quality and impact of their humanitarian action by combining resources, complementary expertise and access.

Dimensions of the Role

This position is responsible for coordinating all field level actions of the DRA EDJR including, preparation, supporting partner implementation, joint budget management, reporting and communication to the NL level lead and in-country partners. Moreover, this position is responsible for the successful implementation of the Plan specific programme components of the EDJR. Act as a part of the Consortium Steering Committee (CSC) responsible to present the critical analysis and information and recommendations on strategic, operational and financial matters and support in decision making by Plan International Management and CSC. Work with and supervise the overall project implementation across all consortium members, to ensure the technical and geographical coherence of the project. More specifically this can be broken down into the following accountabilities;

Accountabilities

Preparation of JR

• Supports and facilitates the development and implementation of action plans by JR members to ensure adherence to the DRA vision 2022 - 2026 with a focus on life-saving assistance
• engage the JR members (through in-country coordination meetings with JR members and local partners to ensure field input) and consult relevant external actors (e.g. UNOCHA, Clusters, Embassies) in the facilitation of the DRA EDJR programme implementation

 Implementation of JR

• Regularly communicates with JR partners at country level on programme progress and challenges. Ensures strong communication and coordination with all consortium members in order to effectively achieve programme objectives. Encourages transparency among and between consortium members to promote coordination and effectiveness
• Promotes collaboration at field level to maximize impact for beneficiaries, including the promotion of harmonization and complementarity amongst members, stimulating efficient use and sharing of resources, capacity and expertise (Collaborative Impact)
• Facilitates and leads the process of programme review and revision at country level, ensuring flexible use of funds and including providing advice to NL level on budget reallocations (between members) where appropriate
• Requests and receives informal updates from JR partners at country level regarding program progress and challenges, if needed e.g. in the event of a change in security, field visit of a donor, or in case a JR member foresees a certain activity cannot be implemented, the field coordinator may request an update on impacts on the JR programming or activities
• Represents the JR towards external stakeholders at field level, e.g. visiting MFA/embassy representatives, other donors, government authorities and UNOCHA (ensuring alignment with HRP), when applicable. Representation of the JR towards UN clusters remains the responsibility of the individual members; the Consortium Manager should be informed of engagement with UN/Clusters by JR members and he/she can support JR members in doing so

Joint Budget

• Steers and facilitates the development and implementation of actions plans by JR members on the four DRA Strategic Priorities: 1) Encouraging Collaborative Impact; 2) Strengthened accountability to beneficiaries; 3) Localization of Aid and 4) Supporting Innovation
• Organizes regular coordination and technical meetings between JR members, chaired by the Consortium Manager or JR members
• Facilitates the hosting of learning events and workshops on specific relevant topics agreed on with the members, facilitate/conduct monitoring/support visits (including facilitating Real Time Reviews) and donor visits
• Focal point for external communications for the JR at field level, e.g. liaising between members’ communications teams in relation to the JR communications activities; establishing and implementing with members a joint Ethiopia field level JR communications plan, including the development of communication tools to be used for creating visibility on the response and the situation at field level, e.g., infographics and human interest and success stories
• Contributes to the identification of relevant targets, advocacy messages and advocacy asks, including possible ‘red lines’ related to sensitivities in the context, in close consultation with the other JR members at field level and the JR lead/RTF at NL level.
• Responsible for budget expenditure and oversight of the joint activities’ lines in the Joint Response joint budget for all in-country costs.
• Steers and facilitates the (midterm) Rapid Realtime Review meeting.

Communication with NL JR lead focal point

• Regularly updates the NL JR focal point on the progress of the JR, collaboration and joint activities carried out
• If there are any concerns or issues related to the implementation of the JR or joint activities, or any programme changes (affecting the budget or logframe) are being proposed, the Consortium Manager raises these to the NL JR focal point to discuss with the JR member at NL level (as the contract holder)
• Refers any contractual or budget questions or issues to the NL JR coordinator to address at NL level
• The NL JR focal point discusses with the Consortium Manager any planned meetings with the JR members in the NL, to ensure that all topics are covered. Notes from these meetings will be shared with the JR members at field and NL level

Internal and external Coordination:

• Lead on the set up and implementation of efficient coordination and communication mechanisms between consortium team members, including project kick off meeting, regular technical review meetings and project close-out meetings
• Lead on the set up of systems, TORs, SOPs and tools in place across the consortium to promote and facilitate, collaborative ways of working (including cross learning and sharing), programmatic alliances, consistency in implementation and value for money
• Represent the consortium with the Donor, sub national and national level coordination platforms, Technical Working Groups, UN Agencies and government Authorities meetings, when needed and in coordination with consortium lead

Close of JR and reporting

• Responsible for the logistics and facilitation of the Rapid Realtime review and end-evaluation in country
• Providing any support and information necessary for the audit for the joint budget local costs
• Providing support to the NL lead on final reporting, including the reporting on the joint activities, and responding to any follow up questions from the donor
• Ensure that DRA PSEA protocol and child protection and safeguarding as well as anti-bribery and fraud policies are known by partner staff and adhered to.
• Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

Job Requirements

• You hold a Master’s degree in project management from a recognized university  in social work, social science, humanitarian studies or relevant areas or have an equivalent professional experience
• Minimum of 5 years (minimum 3 years in the field) of progressively responsible professional
• Excellent knowledge of the Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action, NGO Code of Conduct. Requires general finance, administration, information management, and telecommunication skills and proficiency in information technology/ computer skills
• Experience in managing humanitarian programs incl. budget management.
• Experience in complex decision making and leading a multi-disciplinary, multi-national team under difficult circumstances
• Experience of coordinating diverse teams (implementation/quality teams) and in coordinating multi-agency teams and/or interventions. You have a past work experience and/or knowledge of donor compliance requirements.
• Strong understanding of the humanitarian emergency operating context, including Sphere, the humanitarian system, donors, security
• Proven experience of working in partnership with national & local NGOs
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Language: fluent English

Desirable

• Flexible, but with a responsible aptitude to work

How to Apply

The closing date for the application is August 07, 2022. Qualified candidates should submit their application with the links provided below.

For internal applicants: https://performancemanager5.successfactors.eu/sf/jobreq?jobId=44201&company=PlanInt

For external applicants: https://jobs.plan-international.org/job-invite/44201/

This position is only open to Ethiopian Nationals, who must be eligible to live and work in Ethiopia.

Please note that: 

• Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• We are not accepting CVs that are not sent through the indicated links.
• Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.
• Female candidates are highly encouraged to Apply

References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all persons meeting the skills and experience required.

As an international child centered community development organisation, Plan International is fully committed to promoting the realization of children's rights including their right to protection from violence and abuse. That means we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. We must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.