Search for Common Ground

DRC Program 

The current DRC portfolio stands at $20 million in total, with $10.8 million remaining revenue through to 2021. There are approximately 120 staff working in 8 provinces, with 3 sub-offices, 1 representational office in Kinshasa, and 5 project offices.  Out of 17 projects in active implementation, 11 are consortium-led.  DRC is the largest Search program in terms of revenue, portfolio, staffing, and geographical reach.  The DRC program has grown rapidly over the past 5 years.  The nature of the work has also shifted from predominantly sole implementation to largely consortium-based work.  The program growth has been organic, without a clear overall vision for how it should be equipped to meet the new demands of a more complex, larger program.  Search is seeking to engage a Change Management Team to assist the Country Director, Senior Management and staff to reach a common understanding of current challenges, identify practical solutions and ensure sustained adoption of new ways of working, collaborating, and managing to ensure a more efficient, effective working environment. 

Change Management Objectives 

1. Improve efficiency and professional standards of support departments
2. Improve cooperation and synergy across departments
3. Ensure that organizational structure facilitates programmatic impact
4. Improve clarity and complementarity in roles and responsibilities at all levels
5. Ensure systems are in place and functioning to prevent and detect financial mismanagement
6. Improve the functioning of decision-making mechanisms

Position Summary

This is a short-term consultancy position that will contribute to building the capabilities, systems, and processes needed to deliver and sustain results in Search’s DRC mission. The Operations and security specialist will develop an in-depth understanding of operations and security challenges and will translate them into clear processes and practical technical solutions.  S/he will be managed by the Change Management Team Leader and will work in close collaboration with the Internal Controller and Human Resources Specialist, as well as in-country logistics teams, and senior management team.

Description of Tasks and Deliverables

Procurement 

• Review the procurement policies with a view to ensure efficiency and accountability and revise reflecting global procurement policy and best practice
• Work with the Internal Controller to create an efficient procurement workflow and system that ensures trackability, speed, and accountable execution
• Design a suitable tracking and monitoring system to allow regular and real-time status reports of procurement progress.
• Develop training material on procurement management and build procurement and contract management capacity of DRC staff 

Operations

• Consult thoroughly with the DRC team and all key stakeholders to conduct an operational assessment and deliver recommendations for improvements (including revision of country policies and procedures, revision of financial, administrative and operational workflows and procedures, etc)
• Identify and address critical gaps and challenges in current administrative and operations functions (human resources, policies, etc) to build an effective logistics department and ensure accountability, transparency, and compliance
• Review visa and work permit processes for expatriates as authorized by the government of DRC and develop strategies for effective internal management of these processes. 
• Review vehicle and transportation policies.
• Develop a training manual in operations management and provide training of trainers to the senior management team
• Work closely with the Finance Director to establish budget requirements for logistics and security and prepare logistics and operations budget to ensure efficiency and programmatic impact.

Security

• Develop, review and/or update security policies, procedures and plans to be implemented in each field office, including a contingency plan with details on evacuation actions for all project offices, a communications plan, and emergency reporting procedures
• Develop vehicle policy and procedure to incorporate efficient protocols for local drivers (safe driving practices, the security of passengers, and timely availability of transportation for local staff)
• Develop and review facility plans to ensure field offices are properly equipped and maintained safety equipment and emergency supplies
• Facilitate training and capacity building of management team, including the Country Director, the Heads of Office and logisticians in security and crisis management to ensure a common understanding of security-related terms, improve safety for both international and national staff and increase our operational capacity in emergencies. 
• Consult with country staff, senior management team, and key external stakeholders to identify organizational risks and develop a risk mitigation plan
• Establish a system for each local office to track all incoming and outgoing international and local staff travels to ensure the security of all travelers (home office staff, expatriates, volunteers, interns, and consultants) throughout the country. 

Qualifications & Experience

• Advanced studies in political science, business management, humanitarian affairs, security or related field
• At least 5 years’ international experience managing a large multi-site operations and field security, preferably within an NGO setting and a similar level in risk management or relevant field
• Sound knowledge of risk management, security, contingency planning, and crisis management in the international development context
• Experience of working in safety and access management or support

Knowledge & Personal Attributes

• Ability to identify and communicate potential problems and propose solutions to the level of management and then effect change
• Working proficiency in French and English 
• Able to adapt and to cope with high-pressure contexts
• Ability to work with others of different backgrounds and identities
• Excellent analytical skills
• Ability to relate to and motivate local staff effectively
• Excellent decision-making skills

Timeframe  

The consultant will be expected to spend approximately 10-12 weeks in DRC starting in January 2020. 

Applications

Interested candidates are invited to send an application (CV, cover letter, expected monthly fee) through our Career Portal, no later than 5 pm EDT, 31 October 2019.  

To apply

To apply, interested candidates should send the following items  to our employment portal here:

• current resume
• cover letter 

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Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please. Please see our website www.sfcg.org for full details of our work.

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