Senior Project Coordinator (SPC)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The organization operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on restoring health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a mission to provide humanitarian aid and support, the IRC employs a diverse workforce dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of millions worldwide. The IRC has been active in Mali since April 2012, responding to the humanitarian crises resulting from armed conflict and political instability, and has expanded its operations to Burkina Faso since April 2019, focusing on emergency response programming and various humanitarian assistance sectors.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Coordinator (SPC) is a pivotal leadership role within the IRC, responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of a significant project implemented in both Burkina Faso and Mali. The SPC will collaborate closely with country project teams, regional support teams, and a steering committee to ensure effective project execution. This includes strategic planning, decision-making, managing sub-awardees, and monitoring project performance and financial spending. The SPC will act as a key liaison with local and international partners, government entities, and other stakeholders, ensuring that all project objectives and donor regulations are met. The role requires a dynamic leader who can integrate various actors' efforts while maintaining a clear focus on the project's goals and the communities it serves.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Coordinator will be responsible for the effective implementation of project activities, managing partnerships, and ensuring due diligence of consortium partners. Key responsibilities include leading project planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. The SPC will regularly liaise with field coordinators and project managers to provide updates and address challenges. Budget management is also a critical aspect of the role, requiring participation in budget meetings and collaboration with finance teams to ensure compliance with donor guidelines. The SPC will maintain a robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning system, ensuring that all programmatic reports are prepared and submitted on time. Additionally, the SPC will coordinate partnerships and subcontracts, ensuring adherence to IRC's Partnership of Excellence for Equality and Results (PEER) system, and will oversee the quality monitoring of partnerships and sub-awardees. The role also involves preparing for donor monitoring visits and ensuring that all program assets are accurately managed and documented.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Project Coordinator position should possess a graduate degree from an accredited university in international development or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of experience in program administration, grant management, or project management within an international NGO or similar organization is required. Candidates should have knowledge and expertise in consortium management and project management methodologies. Experience in programming within West Africa is essential, along with strong communication skills in both English and French. The ability to work autonomously, prioritize tasks, and solve problems independently is crucial. Candidates should demonstrate a successful track record in volatile and multicultural environments, particularly in conflict and crisis situations, and possess budgeting and planning skills for complex projects.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should hold a graduate degree in international development or a related field from an accredited institution. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and project management in challenging environments.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of relevant experience in program administration, grant management, or project management, particularly within an international NGO context. Candidates should have a proven ability to manage complex projects and work effectively in crisis situations, demonstrating experience in the West African region, particularly in Mali and Burkina Faso.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and oral English and French is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with local and international partners, stakeholders, and team members across the project regions.

Additional Notes:
The Senior Project Coordinator position is based in one of the two IRC Country Offices located in Bamako, Mali, or Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The role is expected to operate within a standard office work environment. The position does not have supervisory responsibilities but reports to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Programs and the Deputy Regional Director. All IRC staff are required to adhere to the IRC Way Standards of Professional Conduct, which emphasize integrity, service, accountability, and equality.