Cross-borders Program Manager, Nature Based Solutions to Climate Change, Chad

Cross-borders Program Manager, Nature Based Solutions to Climate Change, Chad

Position type

Status: Single Posting

Location: N’Djamena and Mandelia

Starting date: October/ November 2023

Duration of Contract: 2 years, with possibility for extension

The closing date for applications: 15 September 2023

LWF World Service

LWF World Service is the humanitarian and development arm of the Lutheran World Federation. We are a widely recognized, international, faith-based organization working in over 20 countries. We seek to bring people of all backgrounds together in the common quest for justice, peace, and reconciliation in an increasingly complex and fragmented world.

A commitment to the human rights of every individual, regardless of their status, guides our work, actions, and operations. We are particularly known for our timely, compassionate, and professional humanitarian work, and for our field presence in hard-to-reach areas. Our work is people-centred and community- based. Above all, we work with the most vulnerable, and in order to claim and uphold their rights, we engage proactively with local government and community structures.

We have been working in Chad and Cameroon since 2007 and 2015, respectively, where we began in response to the influx of refugees from the Darfur crisis and the ongoing armed conflict in the Central African Republic. The focus of our programs in the two countries covers the three strategic programmatic areas of “sustainable livelihoods, access to quality services, and protection and social cohesion”, which is implemented through various emergency, recovery and development projects. Our people-centered approach is expressed through the integration in our work of social aspects of global themes that affect the humanity in all circumstances such gender, climate, inclusion, safeguarding and protection dimensions in all we do.

For additional information please see www.lutheranworld.org/WorldService.

Basic purpose of the position

The purpose is to oversee the technical and management aspects of a two and a half year, multi-country project that implements nature-based solutions that reduce human vulnerability to climate shocks and stresses and increase the adaptive capacity of the most vulnerable through more sustainable governance, livelihoods and food systems.

The Program Manager will be responsible for ensuring that LWF interventions enable communities to respond to shocks, including the revitalization of viable assets that have helped people cope with crises, such as forests, biodiverse ecosystems and soil health.

The program will be managed from Ndjamena (as the position is part of the Chad Senior Management Team) and in close collaboration with the Cameroon management team, as it covers the common border in the Far North of Cameroon and the Chari Baguirmi and Lake regions of Chad.

Required qualifications

University degree in development and/or environmental studies and/or other related technical, or social studies with specialisation in conservation practice, biodiversity or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge and experience

Minimum 5 years of successful experience in a senior leadership/management in designing, planning, managing, and/or implementing Nature-based Solutions (NBS) for climate resilience, water management, river-based ecosystem and other ecosystem services.

Experience with a variety of NBS practices, including climate-resilient food systems, livelihoods, biodiversity environmental and human well-being in a surface freshwater (river basin) ecosystem.

Experience in coordinating stakeholder engagement, particularly with local government staff, civil society and decision-makers.

Strong computer literacy.

Knowledge of LWF, its member churches, ecumenical partners and related agencies is a strong asset.

Previous experience in Chad and Cameroon or similar context is preferred.

Knowledge of and experience in cooperating with governments, the United Nations system and inter-agency coordination and representation in clusters and other coordination structures at national and regional level.

Team-oriented, flexible and excellent communication skills.

Language skills

English: Advanced written and spoken skills.

French: Advanced written and spoken skills.

Local languages especially the Chadian Arabic would be an added advantage.

LWF Core Skills*

Leadership – resource level

Working effectively with others – resource level

Accountability – resource level

Analytical thinking – advanced level

Initiative – advanced level

Achieving results – advanced level

LWF Functional Skills

People Management – advanced level

Facilitation / Negotiation – resource level

Project Management – resource level

Networking – resource level

Communication – advanced level

Finances Management – advanced level

*LWF 3 skills levels are: basis – advanced – resource

Main duties

Program management

Project Planning and Management: The Program Manager is responsible for developing and implementing project plans and setting goals, timelines, and budgets. She/he ensures that the project is progressing according to plan and makes necessary adjustments as needed.

Stakeholder Engagement: She/He facilitates communication and collaboration among various stakeholders, such as government agencies, local communities, NGOs, and researchers. They ensure that everyone’s input is considered and address any concerns or conflicts that may arise.

Resource allocation: Efficient management of resources such as funding, personnel, and equipment is essential. The coordinator ensures that resources are allocated appropriately to meet project needs and objectives.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring of project activities and progress is critical. The coordinator tracks milestones, collects data, and evaluates the effectiveness of implemented solutions. They use this information to make informed decisions and improvements.

Reporting and Communication: Maintains clear communication channels by preparing regular reports for stakeholders, funders, and the public. They share project successes, challenges, and outcomes to demonstrate the impact of nature-based solutions.

Finances and grant management

Works closely with the finance teams in Ndjamena and the Regional Grants Manager in Yaoundé to enable colleagues to implement and strengthen financial management and compliance of the program in accordance with LWF World Service and donor policies, guidelines and regulations.

Reviews the monthly financial report to ensure that the budget is well monitored and adjustments are requested in a timely manner as needed.

People management

Plays the role of direct supervisor to the Area Coordinators in Chad and Cameroon; finance, human resources and logistics officers in the field.

Provides regular coaching and support, conducts staff goal setting and performance appraisals, and ensures that appropriate sanctions are applied to staff as needed.

Ensures gender and inclusion sensitive recruitment, induction and timely adaptation of job descriptions.

Coordination, Representation and Networking

Maintains a close working and consultative relationship with other teams in the country.

Participates in cluster, coalition and network meetings/working groups relevant to the topic of this project.

Maintains necessary consultative relationships with relevant government agencies, UN agencies, other international and national NGOs.

Security management

Under the responsibility of the Chad Country Representative, he manages the security of LWF staff and assets in the Chari Baguirmi and Lake provinces of Chad.

Accountability

Responsible for the implementation of LWF procedures, LWF standards and donor requirements during project implementation, evaluation and closure.

Other duties

As may be assigned by the direct supervisor.

Major challenges

Managing long-term climate ambitions in a relatively short-term project timeframe requires flexibility.

Working in resource-constrained environments requires a good level of resilience.

The candidates are expected to share the core values of LWF.