FSL MICROGRANT OFFICER

PAH in South Sudan: Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH) has been operating in South Sudan since 2006, as one of the first NGOs established in Jonglei State. We are a small team of dedicated individuals committed to delivering tangible and sustainable change in the largest, most populous, and most conflict-affected state of South Sudan. Due to the expertise we have accumulated over the years especially in WASH and S/NFI, PAH led the coordination of the Jonglei Sub-national WASH and S-NFI cluster from 2014 to 2021 and 2019 to date respectively coordinating WASH emergency responses with partners to ensure that all vulnerable communities are served during crises. Our priority is to ensure that people have access to clean water and safe hygienic conditions. PAH also provides assistance to internally displaced people and most vulnerable communities, working in the sectors of WASH, Shelter NFI, Food Security and Livelihood, Protection and Education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assessment: Identify and mobilize community members to participate in Community Microgrant schemes within the four Payams of Pibor County-GPAA (Pibor, Verteth, Likuangole, and Gumuruk).

• Training Materials: Formulate appropriate training materials in consultation with the Project Coordinator and other cluster partners. Ensure the provision of training to FSL-Microgrant Assistants, sub-implementing partner staff, CBOs and community groups in targeted locations. Topics to include loan management, basic financial systems (book/record keeping and follow-up), and protection mainstreaming aspects.

• Utilization of Loan Commissions: Ensure revolving loan commissions are utilized by community groups committees for livelihood-related activities, such as establishing businesses, vegetable growing, nursery beds for edible fruits, and beekeeping.

• Collaboration: Collaborate with existing FSL/Nutrition partners to discover pre-existing groups and encourage participation in the community groups approach.

• Accountability Systems: Support the setup of accountability systems for regular savings contributions, loan payments, and repayment modalities, ensuring transparent record-keeping and regular audits.

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitor and evaluate the impact of community groups/CBOs on members’ livelihoods and community resilience to disasters.

• Risk Management: Support program management in preparing risk management plans and suggesting solutions for unforeseen challenges during microgrant implementation.

• Beneficiary Targeting/selection: Design or review beneficiary targeting/selection criteria for microgrants and other livelihood interventions.

• Reporting: Write and share reports of field activities as required, keeping proper records.

• Financial Accountability: Ensure proper records of field expenditures, timely settlement of advances, and appropriate documentation of field finances.

• MEAL Support: Support the development of monitoring and evaluation plans and tools with the MEAL team.

• Coordination: Coordinate with FSL national, sub-national, and site clusters, partners, and authorities, attending cluster meetings to share updates.

• Relationship Building: Develop and maintain positive relationships with local leadership, authorities, NGOs, UN agencies, and other stakeholders, projecting a positive image for PAH.

• Procurement: Ensure timely submission of purchase requests with clear material specifications to aid efficiency and effectiveness in procurement.

• Standards Compliance: Follow PAH financial and quality management procedures, ensuring adherence to PAH, FSL Cluster, and humanitarian core standards in accordance with SPHERE and FSL cluster standards.

• Intergroup Learning: Facilitate intergroup learning among the four Payams through exchange visits, where each community group/CBOs shares their successes and solutions to challenges.

• Sustainability and Scalability: Monitor and support participants to ensure the sustainability and scalability of their new skills and businesses, conducting routine project reviews and sharing lessons learned for improvement.

• Main Objectives of the Position:

• Implementation of Microgrant Programs: Support the effective implementation of microgrant programs, including community-led loan schemes and community group/CBOs training.

• Community Mobilization and Training: Mobilize community members and provide comprehensive training to ensure the success and sustainability of community micro-grant projects.

• Collaboration and Coordination: Work closely with various stakeholders, including other sectors, government entities, and community leaders, to ensure integrated and cohesive program delivery.

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuously monitor and evaluate the impact of microgrant programs on community resilience and livelihoods, ensuring that objectives are met and improvements are made.

• Risk Management and Accountability: Develop and implement risk management plans and accountability systems to ensure transparency and effective use of resources.

• Performance Metrics:

• Program Implementation:

• Number of microgrant programs successfully implemented.

• Percentage of community groups/CBOs established and operational.

• Timeliness and quality of deliverables distributed to community groups/CBOs.

• Community Engagement:

• Number of community members mobilized and participating in microgrants schemes.

• Feedback from community members on training effectiveness and program impact.

• Training and Capacity Building:

• Number of training sessions conducted.

• Improvement in knowledge and skills of CBOs or community group members as measured by pre- and post-training assessments.

• Lead field assessments and deliver support and take care of implementation together with FSL assistants.

• Collaboration and Coordination:

• Frequency and quality of coordination meetings with stakeholders.

• Level of stakeholder satisfaction and engagement.

• Monitoring and Evaluation:

• • Regularity and comprehensiveness of monitoring reports.

• • Measurable improvements in community resilience and livelihoods.

• Risk Management and Accountability:

• Effectiveness of risk management plans in mitigating challenges.

• Transparency and accuracy of financial records and audits.

• Innovation and Sustainability:

• Number of innovative ideas implemented.

• Sustainability of community groups/CBOs and their activities over time.

• Reporting and Documentation:

• Timeliness and accuracy of reports submitted.

• Quality and completeness of documentation for field activities and financial transactions.

  EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION

• Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agro-economics with at least 2 to 3 years of experience with INGO. Masters is an added advantage.

• Good interpersonal skills, adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to prioritize tasks.

• Demonstrated experience in capacity building, project design, and budget management.

• Strong understanding of the South Sudan operational context.

• Ability to work and live in remote field locations with basic amenities.

• Knowledge in community microgrants such as community microgrants, and other vocational technical skills, as well as livelihood knowledge, is preferable. Vocational skills may include, but are not limited to, carpentry and joinery (C&J), bricklaying and concreting (B&C), tailoring, and crocheting.

• Experience in working with and coordinating with the respective line government departments and other stakeholders.

• Strong interpersonal, intercultural, and communication skills.

• Excellent analytical and written skills, and good computer skills.

• Fluency in English, with strong English writing skills.