Field Manager – Baghdad – Federal Iraq – (BG-007)

The Field Manager provides programmatic, technical, and operational leadership at the field level to ensure the effective and timely implementation by overseeing the program and support activities at the base level. Work closely with the programs, technical, and support teams at the base level to ensure coordination and successful delivery of activities in accordance with the project results plan and budget and respecting INTERSOS and donor technical and quality standards.

The Field Manager is in charge of implementing INTERSOS programmes in her/his base, under the supervision of the Country Programme Coordinator, ensuring detailed and coordinated activity planning, support for programme monitoring, budget planning and management, and oversight of operational aspects of programme implementation at base level.

She/He provides overall leadership for operational access and coordination of operations in his/her base and contributes to the overall Mission’s planning as a member of the extended Senior Management Team (e-SMT).

The Field Manager will oversee operations across Federal Iraq, working from the Baghdad Community Service Center – CSC with frequent travels across the region.

Reporting to:

Hierarchical: Country Programme Coordinator

Technical: Protection Coordinator

Supervisory responsibilities: 

Relevant project staff, legal team and operational/support team at the base/s level

Tasks: 

1. Project implementation at the base level:
   • Under the supervision and guidance of the Country Programme Coordinator and Protection Coordinator, lead programme/project implementation at the field level and supervise the work of the base field team members, lead the legal and field team to achieve planned project outputs and objectives;

• Lead the development of base-level project work-plans, allocating staff and resources in an efficient and effective way, and follow-up with all the teams to ensure all activities implemented are on track; flagging significant deviation from the program implementation plan and estimated expenditures; alert relevant staff.
• Ensure all teams are fully supported in terms of management and coordination, in particular coordination between different projects ongoing in the field of operation; using the tools and terminology of project cycle management to communicate project activities and objectives to the field team;
• In coordination with the Country Finance Coordinator, guarantee efficient financial planning management as the main budget holder for the programme/project activities at the base level in compliance with INTERSOS’ model and donor regulations (through monthly financial plans, BVA meetings, etc.)
• Assess the needs of the population, analyzing the context (environment, actors involved, access negotiations, etc.) and associated risks and constraints to define project priorities and objectives, planning the material, human, and financial resources needed – detecting deviations from set targets and plans and proposing adjustments where necessary;
• Ensure compliance at base level with INTERSOS standards and SOPs and donor technical standards, coordinating with the Country Programme Coordinator and Protection Coordinator on the application of relevant guidelines and tools, respecting the implementation of any technical or operational recommendation in a timely manner;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of new strategies and activities to enhance programme delivery in line with the identified needs of the beneficiaries;
• Secure monthly collection and documentation of project achievements and data to be reflected in the INTERSOS Project Appraisal Tool;
• Provide written reports and contribute to the preparation of status and progress reports, as per donor requirements and reporting schedules;
• Ensure project documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and archived in relevant platforms and the project drive;
• Contribute to the evaluation of the impact of interventions and remaining needs, including coordination with the MEAL department in collecting and analyzing data that could support an analysis of project outcomes and programme development objectives at the field level;
• Ensuring lessons learned are documented, and best practices are incorporated while providing relevant feedback for new project development;
• Undertake field visits to provide technical guidance and supervision to the team and to monitor the progress and quality of the different project activities;
• Ensure the mainstreaming of INTERSOS’ accountability mechanism throughout the project implementation, as well as the mainstreaming of PSEAH and child safeguarding policies;
• Develop a clear understanding of the INTERSOS program and country strategy among the project team – ensuring also timely input/feedback by the team on strategic issues;
• Support the Country Program Coordinator in program/project

2- Field management: 

• Oversee regular running of the base, including staff management, program support activities, administration and logistics overview, and security of the base, ensuring that all field activities are implemented in line with INTERSOS principles and guidelines, in an efficient and effective manner.
• Ensure the application of, and compliance with, INTERSOS security protocols and policies, and inform such protocols application and review based on field-level monitoring and contextual update;
• Under the supervision of the relevant programme lead (Country Programme Coordinator/Protection Coordinator), lead liaison with targeted communities, key informants, local authorities, and any key stakeholder that could support and inform the program; and represent INTERSOS in formal communications with local authorities;
• Ensure all teams are fully supported in terms of management and coordination, in particular coordination between different projects ongoing and the different departments in the field of operation;
• Promote a good working environment for field staff and lead internal dialogue and collaboration across sector/project teams;
• In coordination with the HR department, ensure good HR practice for all field office staff, including the promotion of a friendly and professional working environment, regular performance appraisal and providing opportunities for staff development and learning;
• Ensure the safety and security of INTERSOS staff, assets, and interventions at the field level, regularly analyze the local context, access and security dynamics, and update the Country Programme Coordinator and Country Security Manager on

3- Internal and External Coordination & Liaison at base level:

• Ensure a clear overview of actors and services in the area of intervention, permitting the development and implementation of partnerships and referral
• Ensures internal and external coordination with relevant stakeholders and partners to facilitate the implementation of INTERSOS activities and programs and contributes to INTERSOS access strategy review and implementation at the base level, under the supervision of the Country Programme Coordinator;
• Serves as the main focal point for communication and liaison with the donor at field level, ensuring regular updates and communication, facilitation of donor visits, etc.
• Conduct ongoing liaison with all relevant stakeholders at the base level, as mandated by the Country Programme Coordinator;
• Represent INTERSOS in a positive and professional manner to contribute to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the organization, notably through the application of INTERSOS’ mandate, ethics, values, and standpoint with regard to other actors;
• Participating in different fora at the field level to ensure representation and coordination of INTERSOS with other stakeholders (authorities, working group, ad hoc meeting with operational partners, INGO, and Local NGOs/CBOs);
• If required, participate in identifying potential local partners and/or coordinate programme set-up and implementation with them.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in management, human rights, social studies or any related field, Master’s degree is preferable. Studies in law are an advantage.
• Ideally, at least 5 years of professional experience, preferably in the I-NGO and humanitarian sector;

Professional requirements

• Excellent understanding of project cycle management (formal training/certification in PCM would be an advantage);
• Previous experience in proposal writing;
• Demonstrated experience in Financial Management (budgetholder);
• Working knowledge of donor requirements and compliance issues;
• Demonstrated experience in staff management;
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability;
• Good working knowledge of MS Office or equivalent;
• Experience and good understanding of admin/finance & logistics functions;
• Ability to work independently;
• Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills;
• Readiness to commit and adhere to the values, mission and vision of
• Teamplayer;
• Tolerance for differences, and comfortable in a multicultural environment;
• Ability to work and adapt in different environments;
• Very strong interpersonal skills: strong communication and diplomatic skills;
• Practical and problem-solver;
• Active listener.

Languages 

● Excellent written and spoken Arabic and English,good command of English, oral and written, is mandatory.