TERMS OF REFERENCE: OPERATIONS AND PARTNERSHIP ADVISOR – NEAR
Organization: NEAR – Network for Empowered Aid Response, www.near.ngo, (Hosted by Adeso – African Development Solutions www.adesoafrica.org)
Project: NEAR Capacity Strengthening Program
Position Type: Consultancy
Study/Assessment Topic: Operations and Program support
Position Location: Nairobi, Kenya with Frequent Travel to Somalia, DRC and South Sudan
Duration: 2-3 Months (May Be Extended)
Reporting To: Programs Manager – NEAR
Working With: The NEAR Secretariat
Starting Date: Immediately
ABOUT NEAR NETWORK
Adeso together with other local and national NGOs have come together to form a global network which was launched in May 2016 at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, Turkey. The network, NEAR (Network for Empowered Aid Response), is a movement of local organizations with a bold ambition – to reshape the top-down humanitarian and development system to one that is locally driven and owned, and is built around equitable, dignified and accountable partnerships.
BACKGROUND FOR CONSULTANCY
The Operations and Partnership Advisor will work closely with the NEAR Programs Manager to ensure that adequate levels of operations support are provided to NEAR personnel and partners working in Africa. This position will ensure that partner programmatic milestones are achieved before project closeout and support NEAR in general in ensuring compliance of all programs. S/he will contribute to the Capacity building of CS partners and assist the Executive Director with the design of operations department systems, policies and procedures to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the implementation of NEAR programs globally.
SCOPE OF WORK
Support to Capacity Strengthening (CS) Program
Support the development and review of policies, procedures and systems for partners and ensure that the partners have proper systems for documentation and compliance with donor requirements.
Lead the coordination with the CS Program team.
Receive, track, and document programmatic reporting for Africa-wide CS activities.
Support consultants on the development and implementation of Financial, Procurement and Human Resources (any other policies & procedures) procedures and systems.
Work with partners to ensure that the developed trainings and strategies are well understood and appropriate for their organization and capacity.
Monitor and further develop capacity development plans for partners, together with all departments, including Finance, Logistics, M&E etc.
Provide support to partners on any organizational development aspects, based on capacity development plans.
Understanding of and demonstrated commitment to upholding NEARs’ Core Values.
Operations and Donor Contractual Management
Conduct an analysis of NEAR program income and cost share in coordination with Finance.
Develop an expense plan for available program income.
Conduct an analysis of existing contracts and strategy for payment.
Conduct an analysis on partnership and hosting MoUs.
Propose innovative solutions utilizing new technologies to enhance the asset certification process.
Support the NEAR monthly expense review and projection process.
Contribute to the proposal development process.
Review alternative systems for requisition and purchase order management.
Ensure proper documentation of program income in close coordination with Adeso.
Manage international and regional travel requests and bookings.
Develop a transition plan for NEAR to become an independent institution
Any other duties as assigned.
CONSULTANCY PERIOD
2-3 months (may be extended)
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:
At least 5+ years relevant experience;
Previous experience coordinating logistics in Sub Saharan Africa – strongly desired;
Proven ability to handle sensitive, confidential materials in an appropriate manner;
Proven ability to develop and monitor work plans and training plans.
Understanding of and experience with the administration of USAID and ECHO grants, cooperative agreements and contracts.
Excellent analytical, operations and financial management skills.
Excellent oral communication and presentation skills.
Excellent writing and editing skills.
Experience with MS Excel and Word.
Must have initiative and attention to detail.
Proven ability to multi-task and prioritize within a shifting workload.
Ability to travel within and spend extended time in the field, with limited facilities, often under harsh conditions
COPYRIGHT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
In consideration of the fees paid, the Consultant expressly assigns to NEAR any copyright arising from the works the consultant produces while executing this contract. All images (whether used for online or print purposes) must however bear the consultant’s photo credit, as specified by international intellectual property rights. The consultant may not use, reproduce or otherwise disseminate or authorize others to use, reproduce or disseminate such works without prior consent from NEAR.
Please note: This ToR is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. But, the ToR is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.
