WeWorld-GVC, recently constituted from the merger of two NGOs, is an Italian secular and independent organization working since 1971 in international cooperation and humanitarian aid. Present in 29 countries with 128 projects, WeWorld-GVC operates in the following areas of assistance: human rights (gender equality, prevention and combating violence against children and women, migration), humanitarian aid (prevention, emergency relief and rehabilitation), food security, access to water, health and hygiene, education, global citizenship education, quality teaching and international volunteering. WeWorld-GVC works mostly with girls, boys, women and youth, actors of change in every community for a fairer and more inclusive world. Supports people overcoming emergencies and guarantees a life with dignity, opportunities and a better future through human and economic development programs, in the framework of the 2030 Agenda. Joining the WeWorld-GVC team means being part of the development of a dynamic organisation where the contribution of each staff member is promoted and valued, working together towards the collective achievement of shared goals and vision. At present, the main donors are Italy (AICS), the EU (DG ECHO), UNICEF, OCHA, and Belgium (DGD).

Position: Country Representative, G1

Location: Huehuetenango and Guatemala City, Guatemala

Type of contract: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

Starting date: March 2021

Gross Salary: to be defined according to the candidate’s profile.

Application deadline: 5 February 2021

Description

WeWorld-GVC, recently constituted from the merger of two NGOs, is an Italian secular and independent organization working since 1971 in international cooperation and humanitarian aid. Present in 29 countries with 128 projects, WeWorld-GVC operates in the following areas of assistance: human rights (gender equality, prevention and combating violence against children and women, migration), humanitarian aid (prevention, emergency relief and rehabilitation), food security, access to water, health and hygiene, education, global citizenship education, quality teaching and international volunteering. WeWorld-GVC works mostly with girls, boys, women and youth, actors of change in every community for a fairer and more inclusive world. Supports people overcoming emergencies and guarantees a life with dignity, opportunities and a better future through human and economic development programs, in the framework of the 2030 Agenda. Joining the WeWorld-GVC team means being part of the development of a dynamic organisation where the contribution of each staff member is promoted and valued, working together towards the collective achievement of shared goals and vision. At present, the main donors are Italy (AICS), the EU (DG ECHO), UNICEF, OCHA, and Belgium (DGD).

Working context

We World-GVC has been working in Guatemala since the 1980s, in the sector of socio-productive development, promoting women and youth rights, education, food security and WASH. We World-GVC’s areas of intervention in Western Highlands are the departments of Quetzaltenango, Huehuetenango and San Marcos. The organisation also implemented projects promoting disaster preparedness and disaster response in poor and marginal areas of zone 5 and 1 (2008-2013) and in Zones 3 and 7 of Guatemala City (2008-2009). The organisation strategy in Central America includes the implementation of four DIPECHO projects (DIPECHO Action Plans V, VII, VIII and IX) in the region of northern Nicaragua and in Honduras. Throughout 2019, We World-GVC implemented an ECHO-funded project to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity in Huehuetenango department. Currently, We World-GVC Guatemala, in partnership with Alianza por la Solidaridad and Accion Contra el Hambre, is carrying out REACT, an EACEA-funded project strengthening the resilience of local communities through capacity building.

Over the current year, We World-GVC is going to implement the ECHO-funded SAN project called “CA-4 Food Security: Humanitarian Response to the needs of the most vulnerable communities affected by the protracted food crisis and recurrent droughts in the Central American Dry Corridor” in consortium with other five humanitarian NGOs. The Action is conceived in the framework of the coordinated ECHO-funded food assistance already in place, and it is aimed to directly improve food and nutrition security through coordinated assistance.

Key Responsibilities

The Country Representative will be responsible for the coordination of We World-GVC mission in Guatemala (60% of the time), including the supervision and the overall coordination of the activities, human resources and security of the organization in the country, as well as the development of the intervention strategy at country level in coordination with We World-GVC staff in Guatemala and at HQs. He/she will also be responsible for the proper management of ECHO SAN project (40% of the time) in coordination with national and international partners, local authorities and donors project.

The Country Representative will work under the supervision of the Head of Regional Unit and in cooperation with the Desk Officer.

Main functions and tasks

Programme Development (40%)

• Provide leadership pertaining to the creation and implementation of country strategy in the framework of shared priorities with the different stakeholders, including developing programs enabling the attainment of the mission’s objectives and results.
• Develop and prepare new project proposals and search for new financing opportunities, including negotiating proposals and budgets with the relevant stakeholders.
• Oversee all aspects of the project, including planning activities, financial, technical and human resources, ensuring that they are implemented on time and within the allocated budget, as well as respecting adopted standards, meeting the local requirements and cost efficiency.
• Facilitate the achievement of programme results by identifying, providing and coordinating substantive and technical inputs into programme development and implementation, ensuring substantive monitoring, oversight and coordination and evaluating the inputs of consultants and technical experts.
• Support in mobilizing co-financing resources for support to the country programme and projects.
• Logistics and administrative management and supervision: financial and administrative functions such as requiring advance of project funds, preparing budget planning, overseeing the preparation of cost estimates and core budget, procurement procedures for goods, services and works, contracts, payments, accountability; prepare financial reports.

Staff and Security Management (15%)

• Coordinate expatriate and local staff. Supervise team's performance, both local and expatriate staff, and consultants; support the training of local staff at work.
• Implement management, recruiting and supervision practices as well as security and staff safety procedures.

Quality Management (15%)

• Maintain and strengthen solid relationships with project partners, beneficiaries and local authorities through continuous monitoring and technical support, empowering them to identify and articulate their needs and priorities through a participatory process.
• Build and negotiate new partnerships and relationships with various institutional and non-state actors working in the related intervention sector.
• Set up a monitoring plan and specific tools to assess project activities and staff performance, in coordination with HQs and donors.

Representation and Advocacy (30%)

• Represent We World-GVC in the Country in various fora on programmatic and technical issues.
• Maintain and strengthen dialogue with PA officials, clusters and working groups, NGOs, partners, donors and communities to provide knowledge and understanding while ensuring accurate interpretation of the programme/projects objectives and implementation.
• Identify additional areas of synergy and cooperation with donors, other NGOs, UN agencies and relevant institutions
• Coordinate with HQ, maintaining frequent contact with the Desk Officers, partners and leaders of the project as well as relevant donors, in order to keep a regular update on the implementation of the project and to develop strategic planning.

The duties and responsibilities set forth above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to perform additional duties.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Knowledge

• An advanced university degree or equivalent in the field of Social or Political Science, Development Studies, International relations, Project Management, Human rights.
• Strong managerial competencies and good knowledge of main international donors’ (ECHO, DEVCO) policies and procedures.
• Ability to assess needs, develop and write new project proposal.
• Good knowledge of MSOffice.
• Fluent in Spanish, both written and verbal.
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal.

Professional experience

• Minimum 5 years’ of relevant working experience in related fields.
• Working experience with international NGOs in management of international cooperation projects funded by institutional donors.
• Extensive project development and proposal writing experience.
• Extensive experience in ECHO project management.
• Professional experience in Latin America.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong flexibility and capacity to adapt behaviour to the needs of the situation.
• Capacity to work autonomously and in problems prevention/resolution.
• Proven organisational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks while fostering quality, team spirit and positive working relationships with colleagues.
• Good communication, negotiation skills and sensitivity in dealing with local institutions on critical issues.
• Cultural, gender, religion, and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Strong commitment to the Mission of We World-GVC, genuine interest for international cooperation development topics.