Community Driven Development Training Specialist Myanmar - Mercy Corps

Tracking Code: 218488-927

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 training specialist is responsible for staff training including development of a training plan and modules for DRD staff, Township Consultants and community facilitators. The training specialist will work with the M&E Officer to develop monitoring tools and indicators to measure training results. The training specialist will organize and hold regular training events for staff at all levels and prepare regular reports on training activities covering various program components: operations, reporting, grievance handling systems, communications, community infrastructure, procurement, financial management, M&E, Management Information System (MIS).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develop a training plan for DRD staff at the Union and Township level with results indicators to measure training outcomes
• Develop a training plan for Township Consultants and community facilitators
• Assist Township Consultants in preparing a training plan for village tract and village committees Develop training modules for DRD staff on project management, CDD principles and the project operations manual
• Develop training modules for the Township Consultants and village tract and village committees based on the project operations manual
• Develop monitoring tools and indicators to measure training results
• Prepare regular reports on training activities
• Assist DRD in organizing visits for village tract and village committees and DRD township staff to learn about other community based projects in Myanmar

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: Additional training staff
ACCOUNTABILITY:
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Team Leader
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: DRD staff, other CDD project personnel, Township Consultants

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in social sciences or with specialization in training
• Prior experience in developing training modules and developing and undertaking training programs for project staff and community facilitators
• At least 10 years of relevant work experience
• 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 Training Specialist will have the ability to multi-task, set priorities, and work under tight deadlines within a complex team. S/he will demonstrate strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills and be committed to the values and mission of Mercy Corps. S/he will take initiative and contribute to team efforts, as well as demonstrate an ability to communicate and ability to transfer skills.

LIVING /ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Naypyidaw is 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 under difficult conditions. 

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. 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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