Programme Officer, Palestine (Maternity Cover) - Reference No. 10/ID/036M09

Jason Rice
Trócaire
Maynooth, Co. Kildare

t: +353 (0) 1 6293333
e: hr@trocaire.ie
w: www.trocaire.org

Closing Date: 14 September 2010

Description of the unit / department:

This position is situated within the Asia unit in Maynooth. The unit currently has responsibility for the following country portfolios: India, Pakistan, Israel/Occupied Palestinian Territories (I/OPT), Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Timor Leste.

Background to the Role:

Trócaire has been working with local partners in Palestine since 2000. Trócaire wishes to grow its involvement in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (I/OPT) in a planned and strategic manner with corresponding human resources. There will be a strong emphasis on advocacy and lobbying within this role, given the need for well informed positions on the complexities of the situation.

Reporting to:

Regional Manager Asia

Managing: (Individuals/Team)

N/a

Contract Type:

Fixed Term (Maternity Cover)

Contract Duration:

Seven Months (October 2010 to April 2011)

Grade and Scale:

D grade, Programme Officer

Location of Position

Asia Unit, Maynooth, with frequent travel to the field.

Scope of the Role:

 The Programme Officer is responsible for the day-to-day management of the programme portfolio and the research and development of advocacy positions. In collaboration with colleagues, the PO sets the strategic direction for the programme. Managing relationships with partner organisations and budget management are key responsibilities of the role.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

1. 1.      Manage the existing portfolio of development & humanitarian programmes and partners through the various stages of the programme cycle.
2. 2.      Identify potential new partners and process requests for funding
3. 3.      Develop appropriate advocacy positions for Trócaire, and/or wider networks such as Caritas or CIDSE.
4. 4.      Conduct lobbying meetings with officials from the Irish government and with other relevant stakeholders, as appropriate.
5. 5.      Undertake field visits to monitor programme implementation, stay abreast of the context and maintain relationships.
6. 6.      Review political, economic and social developments; and keep up to date with the situation on the ground.
7. 7.      In co-operation with the Institutional Funding Unit, identify programmes suitable for co-financing and assist with preparation of submissions to Irish Aid, the European Union, DfID and other donors.
8. 8.      Maintain up-to-date progress reports on all programmes for review at regular portfolio management meetings.
9. 9.      Liaise with the Humanitarian Unit regarding humanitarian response programmes.

10.  Represent Trócaire at relevant fora as required e.g. donor meetings, Caritas Internationalis meetings, public functions etc.

11.  Maintain strong links with Trócaire’s communications unit and assist in briefing the media and feeding back to the public on Trócaire’s work

12.  Ensure other departments and offices in Ireland are aware of Trócaire’s work in and position on I/OPT.

13.  Other duties as may be specified by Trócaire from time to time.

14.  Maintain strict confidentiality in relation to Trócaire’s work at all times.

Person Specification – Essential Requirements (E)

(E) Qualification

• Third level degree in development, international relations or a related field

(E) Experience

• At least 2 years’ experience working in/on Middle East programmes
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

(E) Skills

• High level of familiarity with I/OPT – context and issues
• Strong research and advocacy skills

(E) Qualities

• High level of initiative

(E) Other

• Ability to travel to I/OPT at regular intervals

Person Specification – Desirable Requirements (D)

(D) Qualification

(D) Experience

• Experience of working with local organisations
• Campaign experience

(D) Skills

• Strong PCM skills

(D) Qualities

(D) Other

• Arabic

The closing date for receipt of application is Tuesday 14th September 2010.  Please send your C.V. & cover letter to: Jason Rice, Human Resources Officer Trócaire, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland Email: hr@trocaire.ie

As this post is based in Ireland, non EU / EEA nationals will require current and valid permission to work and reside in the Republic of Ireland as work permits are only issued in exceptional circumstances and for very limited periods. Evidence of this permission should accompany your application.