Project Officer for Livelihoods

About the Project:

The project “Scaling-up Extreme Poverty Graduation and Climate Change Resilience in Disaster Vulnerable Communities in Asia (SCALING-UP GRADUATION & RESILIENCE IN ASIA)” aims at increasing the food security and income of the people by helping them graduate from extreme poverty and improve their socio-economic wellbeing and dignity whilst empowering and strengthening their capacities and resilience to anticipate, adapt and response to any disaster- and climate-related risks and vulnerabilities.

Project Outcomes:

1. Enhanced livelihood with increased income, assets and social development of the targeted families and communities.
2. Strengthened community-level resilience to disaster and climate change impact.
3. Strengthened system and capacities of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Special Geographical Area (SGA) level institutions and stakeholders on disaster and climate resilience and scaling-up Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) mechanism.
4. Strengthened Islamic Relief in-country, regional, and global level capacity on innovation and learning sharing and scaling up Poverty Graduation Model, Disaster Risk, and Climate Resilience initiatives.

This 48-month project will be implemented in the five (5) barangays/communities in one of the municipalities in the Special Geographic Area in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Reporting To: Area Programme Manager - Cotabato

About the position:

The Project Officer for Livelihoods will support the Area Programme Manager in the full implementation of Scaling-up Extreme Poverty Graduation and Climate Change Resilience in Disaster Vulnerable Communities in Asia (SCALING-UP GRADUATION & RESILIENCE IN ASIA). The Project Officer will lead the technical implementation of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation component of the project.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Technical lead in the overall implementation of the Livelihoods component of the project utilizing the Poverty Graduation Model Approach.
2. Lead community-level livelihood initiatives in BARMM and SGA areas, facilitating action plans and coordinating with local stakeholders.
3. Strengthen institutional capacities on livelihoods through training, mentoring and coaching.
4. Lead the development of high-quality activity designs of the project's interventions on Livelihoods aligned with its logical framework and implementation plan.
5. Organize and oversee project activities on Livelihoods, including coordinating with program partners and stakeholders including documentation of project processes and approaches, budgeting, and preparing activity accomplishment reports.
6. Support the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) team in monitoring and evaluating the project’s progress and organizing and conducting MEAL-related activities such as surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and project reviews and evaluation, including the collection of relevant data and information, as necessary.
7. Lead and facilitate capacity-building initiatives for the rightsholders and other stakeholders on Livelihoods and Income Generation Activities (IGAs).
8. Assist in the preparation of the project's detailed implementation plan, annual work plan, interim reports and completion report in coherence with the project design, targets, timelines and budget.
9. Organize and lead Quarterly Project Reviews, reflection and knowledge-sharing sessions with the rightsholders, partners, staff and other stakeholders for continuous learning and improvement in project implementation.
10. Assume leadership responsibilities within technical areas of the organization's programming, demonstrating expertise and providing mentorship to team members, as needed.
11. Provide support and expertise in other technical areas such as institutional strengthening, policy development, planning, and Islamic finance, as required.
12. Willing to be deployed during humanitarian response and/or undertake any other assignment, as needed.

Educational Qualifications:

1. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field such as International Development, Economics, Business Administration, Agriculture and Fishery, any related discipline.
2. Proven experience, at least 5 years, in designing, implementing, and managing livelihood development projects, preferably utilizing the Extreme Poverty Graduation Model Approach or similar methodologies.
3. Strong understanding of monitoring and evaluation principles, with experience in conducting surveys, interviews, and data analysis.
4. Demonstrated ability to build capacity and provide technical assistance to stakeholders, including community members, government officials, and partner organizations.
5. Excellent project management skills, including budgeting, planning, and reporting.
6. Familiarity with industry cluster development, enterprise development, and Islamic finance principles is desirable.
7. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Required Skills:

Project Management: Ability to effectively plan, implement, and monitor projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.

Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of livelihood development methodologies, particularly the Extreme Poverty Graduation Model Approach, and the ability to apply this knowledge to project design and implementation.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Proficiency in monitoring and evaluation techniques, including data collection, analysis, and reporting, to track project progress and measure impact.

Capacity Building: Skills in facilitating capacity-building initiatives for stakeholders, such as training sessions, workshops, and mentorship programs, to enhance their skills and knowledge in relevant areas.

Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey project goals, outcomes, and progress to diverse audiences, including partners, stakeholders, and team members.

Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with partners, stakeholders, and team members, fostering collaboration and teamwork.

Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify challenges and develop innovative solutions to address them effectively.

Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing project needs and priorities, and willingness to take on new responsibilities as required.

Leadership: Capacity to lead and motivate a team, providing guidance, support, and mentorship to achieve project objectives.

Cross-Cultural Competence: Sensitivity and awareness of cultural differences, with the ability to work respectfully and effectively in diverse cultural contexts.

Required Experiences:

1. 3-5 years working experience with various international NGOs, preferably in the Philippines or other developing countries, with a track record of successfully implementing projects in humanitarian contexts.
2. Experience in leading community-based livelihood initiatives, preferably in regions prone to natural disasters or climate change impacts.
3. Experience in capacity building, including designing and delivering training programs and mentoring stakeholders on Livelihoods and Income Generation Activities.
4. Proven experience in monitoring and evaluating project progress, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing reports for stakeholders.
5. Experience in coordinating with project partners and stakeholders to ensure collaboration and alignment of efforts.
6. Experience in providing technical guidance and support to community-based organizations in implementing resilient livelihood projects and initiatives.
7. Experience and commitment to participatory management approaches, fostering a supportive and open environment that promotes the learning and development of all staff members.
8. Experience contributing to the drafting of work plans, progress reports, and other project-related documents.
9. Ability to take on leadership responsibilities and provide mentorship to team members as needed.

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

IRW is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behavior at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom IRW engages. IRW expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records checks. IRW also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

How to apply

Interested applicants should send their CV with a cover letter on or before **16 February 2024,**to HR.Philippines@islamic-relief.org.ph with email subject or reference: Project Officer - Livelihoods.

Islamic Relief Worldwide is a humanitarian and development organization and working in Livelihood, WASH, Education and DRR sectors in line with our vision of a caring world where communities are empowered, social obligations are fulfilled, and people respond as one to the suffering of others. We work regardless of ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, or gender.

This position is open for Filipino nationals only, women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Selection will be based on application letter, CV, interview, and other relevant documents (as requested). Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Walk-in applicants and applications sent through Islamic Relief Philippines social media account i.e., Facebook, will not be entertained.

As the position needs to be filled in on an urgent basis, therefore, we may stop receiving applications as soon as there are applicants suitable for the position.