Community Driven Development Team Leader Myanmar - Mercy Corps

Tracking Code: 218486-927

Job Location: Naypyidaw, Mandalay, Myanmar [Burma]

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

 

Job Description

This position is pending funding and donor approval.

PROGRAM/ DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
The Department of Rural Development (DRD) of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar is implementing a  National Community Driven Development Project with assistance from the World Bank.    The objective of the project is to enable poor rural communities to benefit from improved access to and use of basic infrastructure and services through a people-centered approach and to enhance the government’s capacity to respond promptly and effectively to an eligible crisis or emergency. This community-driven development (CDD) approach will empower villagers to manage and participate in their own development.

The objective will be achieved through: (i) financing community-identified rural infrastructure investments; (ii) strengthening the capacity of communities in partnership with local authorities to effectively identify, plan and implement their development priorities; and (iii) facilitating the participation of the poor and vulnerable, both women and men, throughout the project cycle at the community level.

Mercy Corps is proposing to provide technical assistance to the DRD for the implementation of the National Community Driven Development Project (NCDDP).  Mercy Corps works in Myanmar to build more resilient communities with increased economic opportunities and protection from hazards, improved public health and strengthened civil society networks. Mercy Corps operates in the Ayeyarwady Delta, the Central Dry Zone, and has partnerships with local NGOs in several parts of the country.  The main objectives of program activities are enhanced food security mainly through agri-business value chain improvements and civil society capacity building.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The project Team Leader will work closely with DRD to implement the NCDDP. Team Leader will supervise key personnel and help them develop a grievance handling system, training modules, a management information system, and communications strategy. The Team Leader will also oversee community infrastructure projects, procurement, financial management and M&E for the project.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Program Management

• Support DRD in all aspects of project implementation
• Assist DRD in updating the project operations manual and annual work plans
• Manage a team of eight, monitor their performance and ensure timely delivery of quality outputs
• Provide, or contribute to, on-the-job training and capacity building to DRD staff on all aspects of project management
• Support DRD in preparing annual implementation reports highlighting activities, outputs and results
• Provide oversight and guidance on the design and implementation of a Grievance Handling System

Team Management

• Create a sustainable work environment of mutual respect that attracts motivated, skilled and effective team members and enables them individually and collectively to strive to achieve excellence.
• Supervise and provide leadership to a diverse team. 
• Contribute to team-building efforts, help team members identify problem-solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.
• Manage a team of eight, monitor their performance and ensure timely delivery of quality outputs

Strategy

• Communicate a clear vision of present and future program goals and strategies to team members and stakeholders that translates into concrete programs and workplans.
• Use technical support teams collaboratively.

Organizational Learning: 

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY Project team including: Grievance Handling Officer, Training Specialist, Communications Specialist, Infrastructure Specialist, Procurement Specialist, Finance Specialist, M&E Officer, and MIS Specialist

ACCOUNTABILITY:
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Department of Rural Development; liaises with World Bank Task Team Leaders and Mercy Corps Myanmar Country Director
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: DRD staff, other CDD project personnel, union level consultants

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in social sciences with at least 15 years of project management experience
• At least 15 years of experience in community empowerment programs, especially community-based rural infrastructure  projects
• Previous experience working on World Bank funded projects, particularly Community Driven Development projects, is required.
• Ability to work effectively and sensitively in teams and with government counterparts
• Strong inter-personal skills and ability to resolve conflict
• Prior experience of working in low capacity environments
• Proven track record in capacity building
• Ability to communicate effectively with project stakeholders
• Fluency in spoken and written English (the ability to communicate effectively in Myanmar language is not required but is highly desirable)
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to project villages
• Proven ability to work under pressure and deliver in a timely manner

SUCCESS FACTORS:
The successful Team Leader will skillfully represent programmatic priorities while providing effective leadership to the program team. S/he will have high emotional intelligence, constructive mentoring skills and proven experience with capacity building and will be committed to long-term program sustainability and the delivery of high-impact activities at the community level. Successful Mercy Corps team members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and challenging environments, and make effective written and verbal communication a priority.

LIVING /ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
The duty station is Naypyidaw,  the capital of Myanmar which lies roughly 200 miles north of Yangon. The city is newly constructed and modern amenities are available including healthcare facilities. Must be willing to travel.    Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

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