Contract COUNTRY CO-ORDINATOR – VANUATU
Job Description
Shaping a stronger Oxfam for people living in poverty.
Job Purpose
The Country Coordinator role functions as a geographic focal point for Oxfam in the Pacific new regional thematic model. As the pivot through which the regional thematic model intersects with Oxfam’s partnerships and work at the local level, the Country Coordinator is a vital role within Oxfam in the Pacific. The role is a focal point of OiPs new matrix management system, overseeing Oxfam’s programs in line with the Oxfam standards and values and providing oversight of staff wellbeing and safeguarding within Vanuatu.
Oxfam in the Pacific country teams operate with a mix of direct implementation and via partners, with the goal being to increase strategic partnerships that transcend geographic boundaries while impacting at the local level. As the coordination focal point in the Solomon Islands of Oxfam’s presence and work as a broker, convenor and enabling resources to local organisations, the country coordinator will operate at both strategic and operational levels, engaging stakeholders and building relationships while overseeing performance management, work planning and staff performance within Vanuatu.
Context
OiP’s Regional Strategy is focused on achieving change in three thematic areas: Climate Justice, Economic Justice and Gender & Citizen Justice. To do this, we work with national and regional NGOs and Community Based Organisations and national and sub-national levels of government and regional institutions. We’re currently working directly or through partners in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), Tonga and Samoa.
Oxfam in the Pacific recognises that a range of strategies are required to deliver systemic change and impact at scale. These include: capacity development; influencing; advocacy; campaigns; communications; and knowledge and learning strategies, developed and delivered in collaboration with other actors (partnerships). A combination of such strategies forms ‘the content’ of each of our program pillars chosen on the basis of sound design practice, including thorough context analysis built on power/political economy analysis that identifies the systemic drivers behind the key justice and inequality issues.
Oxfam in the Pacific will strengthen evidence-based programming, learning and innovation across the region through a Partnership, Evidence, Learning & Innovation hub (PELIH). PELIH ensures systems and processes for cross-regional learning, innovation and impact measurement.
Our work is guided by Oxfam’s global values and by Pacific culture and values including: openness, flexibility, respect, equity, justice, solidarity, collaboration, sharing and humility. We value local leadership and ownership.
Team Purpose
Oxfam in the Pacific comprises three divisions: Programs, (program delivery and business development), Strategy, Operations, Culture (SOC) (Finance, People & Culture and operations, PMRU) and Partnerships, evidence, Learning & Innovation (PELI).
The role sits within the Strategy, Operations, Culture (SOC) Division.
SOC Division comprises People & Culture, Finance, Logistics, IT and Operations, Program Management & Risk Unit. The division is responsible for critical functions that provide necessary support to our PELI and Programs divisions.
This role is accountable to and reports to the Director Strategy, Operations & Culture
Key responsibilities and Accountabilities
Technical
- Contributes to the strategic management of Oxfam’s program in country and provides guidance to Oxfam’s performance in Vanuatu
- Is the office safeguarding focal point and in case of (confidential) complaints helps staff to follow the possible steps through the Oxfam network.
- Occasionally represents Oxfam in country, in the role of focal point for the government. S/he will coordinate closely with the relevant program and finance people in the Oxfam office.
Leadership
- Champions good practice, staff performance and ensures the Oxfam values are lived up to in the office.
- Responsible for the office in Vanuatu and has general oversight of programs and operations in country.
- Represent Oxfam locally programmatically or operationally as and when required.
- Represent Oxfam at country-level donor and other stakeholder meetings
- Attend donor events and round-tables as appropriate
- With support from Director of Programs and BD, execute the Pacific donor engagement strategy for potential funding opportunities and contract negotiations when required
- Takes responsibility for delegated tasks from the Regional Director and Directors
Management
- The position is responsible for staff management in country and will work alongside matrix managers to effect this.
- The position will oversee the office environment and promote and ensure a good and constructive cooperation and collaboration among office staff.
- Ensures staff in country are working in accordance with Oxfam’s values, internal policies and procedures, including but not limited to the Code of Conduct, Security,
- Health and Safety and local legislation.
- Creates and supports a safe work environment for all staff and ensures that the physical work environment is safe and clean. Is responsible for staff safety.
- Assists on IT related issues, either directly or ensuring the right person in the Oxfam system is found and addressed.
- Ensure cross functional and ad-hoc reporting and information requests from Regional Office are responded to in a timely manner by coordinating with relevant staff to provide required information
Other
- Eager and required to adhere to Oxfam’s principles and values as well as the promotion of gender justice and women’s rights
- Understanding of and commitment to adhere to equity, diversity, gender, child safety and staff health and wellbeing principles.
Job Requirements
- Proven track record of coordinating and motivating multi-disciplinary teams and operations with a commitment to promoting leadership amongst local staff.
- A high degree of self-awareness and an understanding of how to drive and support team performance and individual development in line with Oxfam’s values and policies.
- Knowledge of and experience in safeguarding practices.
- Ability to represent an organization with partners, government agencies, private sector organizations, media and donors at senior level: nationally, regionally and globally.
- Demonstrable ability to convey complex messages in an appropriate manner to diverse audiences.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills to motivate.
- Experience of managing security, risk and legal compliance within an INGO context.
- Able to anticipate and manage risks that could threaten the organisations reputation, operational viability and security.
- Good level of IT literacy and an understanding of how new developments in technology can positively contribute to the aims of an INGO.
Key Skills, Experience & Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent Organisational and People Management skills
- Experience with leading and managing staff in a multi- cultural context and in diverse working groups
- Fluency in written and spoken English
- 3-5 years’ experience of working with an International NGO
Desirable
- Diploma or Degree in Management or relevant field
Key Attributes
- Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities.
- Ability to demonstrate an openness and willingness to learn about the application of gender/gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, and diversity for all aspects of development work.
- Commitment to Oxfam’s safeguarding policies to ensure all people who come into contact with Oxfam are as safe as possible.
Organisational Values
- Accountability – Our purpose-driven, results-focused approach means we take responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves accountable. We believe that others should also be held accountable for their actions.
- Empowerment – Our approach means that everyone involved with Oxfam, from our staff and supporters to people living in poverty, should feel they can make change happen.
- Inclusiveness – We are open to everyone and embrace diversity. We believe everyone has a contribution to make, regardless of visible and invisible differences.
Travel
Some international travel (up to 4 weeks per year) is a requirement of the position. It is a condition of employment that staff abide by all agency security and safety protocols, policies and procedures and the Oxfam International Security Protocol.
Safeguarding and Conduct
Oxfam is an equal opportunities employer and encourages diversity in the workplace. Applications from qualified Pacific Islander candidates are particularly welcome as Oxfam aims to be representative of the region that it works in.
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