Emergency Project Specialist (Cash & Voucher Assistance) (SC-8)

Organizational Setting 

The key mission of the FAO Representation in Somalia, which is led by FAO Representative (FAOR), is to assist and support the national government to develop policies, strategies and programme aimed at accelerating the Implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in FAO’s global mandate and Strategic Objectives. More specifically, FAO’s response aims to address national needs and priorities in achieving food security, reducing hunger and malnutrition, developing agricultural, fishery and forestry sectors, and ensuring the sustainable use of environmental and natural resources and respond to recurrent emergencies. The current portfolio of activities of the FAO Representation in Somalia includes a wide scope of technical support interventions ranging from policy support through livestock and crop production, to natural resource management, Nutrition, value chain, food security analysis and water and land information management. FAO is also implementing several emergency, resilience-building, and development interventions, with the support of its five field offices and close to 400 staff in partnership with the Federal and State line ministries.

This position’s grade level is SC-8.
Reporting Lines 

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for Somalia, and the direct supervision of the Emergency Coordination Specialist.
Technical Focus 

The incumbent will support programme management, budgeting, and partner LoA processing, execute Cash Based Interventions specially Cash for Work, test new cash modalities, supervise partners, ensure quality control, coordinate voucher approvals, and assist in designing and implementing of the Cash for Work and other CVA modalities.

Tasks and responsibilities 

•    Support the programme management, budgeting, processing of partner LoA as well as ensuring emergency CFW rules and procedures are implemented in line with industry standards.
•    Support the execution of Cash Based Interventions for FAO Somalia operations during training of partners and programme development. Also support other units in CFW implementation back stopping when required.
•    Support testing and roll out of new cash modalities linked with infrastructure development such as Mobile money modality, and monitor implementation progress through field visits.
•    Closely supervise the work of implementing partners on the ground while ensuring that the project activities are running smoothly and in line with FAOs Risk Management Framework and targeting the criteria including gender, protection, nutrition, social and environmental safeguards are adhered to and ensure timely implementation and accomplishment of the planned cash-for-work (CFW) activities.
•    Ensure effective communication among field staff and facilitate proper/effective coordination of all the CFW with the Emergency Programme Specialist and other unit heads.
•    Ensure that information relayed to the IPs from other agencies is taken into consideration specifically during the target phase,
•    Review all reports on CFW submitted by the partners against the LOA targets and liaise with them to ensure proper utilization of project funds and initiate beneficiary and IP payments based on the CBI activities undertaken in the field.
•    Reception and management of inception files, liaising with IPS and relevant colleagues from Information Management unit (IMU). Finance Unit, other as applicable.
•    Compile all relevant and required documents from the field and liaise with the finance unit by preparing Disbursement authorization (DA) payment requests for processing instalments of beneficiaries, monthly, weekly payments, service provider’s fees, as well as the closure of the LoAs.
•    Take responsibility for Quality control and consistency by reviewing and analyzing the entire implementation process to include beneficiary photographs, consultation reports submitted by IPs in coordination with gender and nutrition focal points.
•    Coordinate and review and approval of vouchers received from the field for cash-for-work activities for money vendor reimbursement by ensuring that they adhere to the compliance procedures put in place by the OIG.
•    Participate in consultation workshops and field missions to review progress, learn from challenges and recommend improvements.
•    Support capacity building efforts for the IPs by supporting training activities and providing regular feedback and support throughout the duration of the LoA.
•    Track delivery and implementation challenges or constraints and reporting them to the programme Officer in a timely manner to ensure timely effective corrective action.
•    Undertake learning and joint supervision mission to the CFW implementation sites when security allows
•    Perform any other duties and activities upon instruction of the Emergency Programme Specialist.
•    Support in design and implementation of Long-Term Cash and Livelihoods Programme (LTCL) by assisting to select the target pilot districts and households.
•    Contribute to developing letters of agreement (i.e., contracts with relevant partners), monitor implementation and deliverables, and ensure on-time reporting and payment
•    Support partner training and the follow up on beneficiary selection, registration and cash and input distribution
•    Closely supervise the work of LTCL implementing partners on the ground while ensuring that the project deliverables are understood and effected by developing training materials in line with the project deliverables.
•    Deliver training to partners as well as internal audiences on impact of LTCL and scaling up efforts
•    Assisting to coordinate the Pilot phases of LTCL in collaboration with the social protection specialist, capturing the lessons learnt as well as sharing with different audiences on developing similar programmes.
•    Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING 
 
 
Minimum Requirements  

•    University degree in International Affairs, Economics, Sociology, rural development, anthropology or other related field
•    At least 5 years of relevant experience with emergency program management specially Cash for Work/ CVA programming
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English and Somali
•    National of Somalia
FAO Core Competencies 

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills  

•    Experience in planning and organizing operational support activities within a unit or department.
•    Excellent communication, writing, and reporting skills
•    Familiar with Project Cycle Management.
•    Should be able to follow up with contractors, implementing partners and other units in the office.
•    Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
•    Ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION