KIDSS Project

 Key Interventions to Develop Systems and Services for Orphans and Vulnerable Children

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position:  Project Officer – Partnership and Capacity Strengthening (PCS)

Employer: National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC)

Supervisor: Zonal Lead

City, Country: Maroua, Cameroun

Number of position: 01

Expected start date: 01/06/2022

Duration of Contract: 04 months (with possibility of extension)

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT

Funded by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC) as the CRS transition local partner, supports the implementation of Key Interventions to Develop Systems and Services for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (KIDSS) project. The project addresses the challenges of sustainable care and support to Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) by strengthening the capacities of the Government of the Republic of Cameroon (GRC), civil society, communities and households to provide quality care and support HIV-infected and affected children in Cameroon. The program consists of prevention and case finding activities for OVC as well as ensuring community support for linkage to care and retention among children and adolescents living with HIV.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Job Summary

The Project Officer - PCS will support the PCS team in all aspects of partnership and capacity strengthening in KIDSS, including Strategy Leadership, Communication and Relationship Management, and Coordination. In addition, depending on the portfolio, additional responsibilities could include Program Support as well as Staff Supervision. S/he will ensure liaison between NECC and its partners and would be responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships. S/he will help in ensuring the understanding and application of relevant partnership principles and would be a resource person for NECC and partner staff engaged in joint programs and/or other partnership activities, with the primary purpose of ensuring that partnerships are effective and mutually beneficial. S/he will support the sharing of relevant information appropriately and effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities

•  Support the application of specific methodologies designed to ensure the appropriateness and quality of the partnership strategy.
• Support identification of potential new partners using NECC tools, including partner mappings and assessments.
• Support the development and adoption of a common language around partnership, capacity strengthening and institution strengthening among KIDSS and partner staff.
• Support effective relationships between NECC and partners, through the committed application of identified principles and other relevant methods.
• Support leadership of the PCS team in designing and coordinating all aspects of capacity strengthening for KIDSS sub partners.
• Support relevant program, finance and operations sectors, to develop/ adapt and provide training, tools, etc. for targeted KIDSS and partner staff.
• Support technical assistance activities with partners, including accompaniment and mentoring.
• Support the identification of any gaps in understanding or application, by relevant NECC and partner staff, of key partnership terms and principles, and address them through dialogue, training, etc.
• Support partners to apply relevant tools to help identify capacity and institution strengthening needs, develop corresponding strategies, and monitor implementation.
• Participate in field activities such as strategic planning processes and evaluations to ensure an appropriate approach to capacity strengthening.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Development, Project Management, Business, organizational development, International Relations, Psychology or Public administration;
• Minimum of three years of experience in project management, within international or local organizations 
• Experience with capacity building, including training and mentoring as well as developing training materials.
• Experience in institution strengthening, including developing and/or improving business processes, policies, and procedures.
• Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement.
• Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data preferred.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Personal Skills 

• Observation, active listening, and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and community members.
• Attention to details, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Good analytical, organizational, and systems thinking skills
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics
• Proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented

Language required / desired:    Fluency in French and Professional Proficiency in English 

Travel required:  20% of travel in Cameroon.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Supervisory relationships:  N/A

Internal:  The Central and Zonal NECC KIDSS staff.

External: KIDSS sub partners staff, PEPFAR care and treatment (clinical partners) staff, USAID & PEPFAR representatives, consultants.

NECC-wide competences (for all NECC staff):

These are rooted in the mission, the values of the NECC and the guiding principles and are used by each staff member to fulfil his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results. These are:

•  Trust in all relationships
•  Professional growth
• Partnership
• Responsibility
• Integrity
• Responsibility and management
• Strategic mindset

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, efforts, tasks and responsibilities associated with the position.

NECC's talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.    

NECC is an equal opportunity employer.

HOW TO APPLY

Files MUST include:

1.  Cover letter addressed to the Secretary General of NECC
2. CV including at least 03 references, one of which should be a leader of a religious/faith community;
3.  Evidence of relevant academic / professional qualifications
4.  Proof of professional experience.

 You can apply by sending your applications to the following address: info@necc-cenc.org 

Mentioning “Project Officer-Partnership Capacity Strengthening – KIDSS Project” in the subject line

Deadline: 06/05/2022 at 17 PM, Cameroon time.

Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

 Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

NB:  In applying for this job, the applicant must understand that the NECC protects human life at all costs and will require the applicant to do the same if recruited. The NECC also asks its staff to treat all persons with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation and trafficking.

Successful candidates at this stage will be subject to a practical test and an oral interview. A full background check will be carried out on the successful candidate.