National Programme Officer - Economic Development and Employment

1. Introduction : The Swiss Programme Office (SPO) in Morocco

To support the most favorable conditions possible for the success of a transition towards democracy in North Africa, the Swiss Federal Council decided in March 2011 to substantially increase Switzerland’s medium-term activity in this region. The Swiss programme for North Africa for the period 2011-2016 responds to the priorities on the ground and focuses on three main domains :

  1. Transition towards democracy and human rights ;
  2. Support for Economic development and employment ;
  3. Migration and protection.

Within this programme, Switzerland decided to expand its existing activities in Morocco, where an office of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid has been running since 2008. Integrating its former activities in the new strategic programme for North Africa, the Swiss Program Office in Rabat, attached to the Swiss Embassy, ensures the operational management and implementation of Switzerland’s programmatic activities in Morocco. In order to facilitate implementation and identification processes of projects in Domain 2, the Swiss Programme office is recruiting a National Programme Officer (NPO) for Domain 2 - Support for Economic development and employment.

2. Tasks

   To support and coordinate with the Head of Domain 2 and/or the Head of Mission the assessment of the political context, particular needs and window of opportunities for a Swiss engagement ;
   Prepare short analytical documents related to Domain 2 as well as mapping of institutional and civil society actors ;
   Identifying and commenting on ideas and proposals for new programmes and projects within Domain 2 ;
   Identifying synergies with other programmes and projects of the SPO and of partners in Morocco ;
   Assisting the Head of Domain 2 in preparing relevant documents for Programme Cycle Management (PCM) under application of Conflict Sensitive Project Management practices and transversal issues such as good governance, climate sensitivity and gender ;
   Following up and monitoring the implementation of programmes and projects of Domain 2 within the programme strategy, reporting on progress and difficulties ;
   Participate in and support the preparation and carrying out of reviews, evaluations and other activities of the Project and Programme Cycle Management ;
   Supporting the preparation and organization of missions and field visits from the Head of Domain, HQ staff and high-level representatives
   Carrying out ad hoc tasks/projects as required by the Head of Domain and/or Director of Cooperation.

3. Requested Profile

   Master university degree or equivalent tertiary education in a relevant field (e.g. economics, business management, private sector development, international cooperation) ;
   Theoretical knowledge and practical experience in Project Cycle Management. Familiarity in working with the tools, guidances, processes and formats relevant for Development Cooperation (OECD DAC) ;
   Experience in the area of governmental authorities, international organisations and NGOs in Morocco. International working experience is an asset ;
   Minimum work experience of eight years in project management, in particular in the area of economical development, employment and income generation. Working experience in the field of Disaster Risk Management, Micro Insurance is an asset ;
   Excellent knowledge of the political context in Morocco as well as the institutional and civil society landscape ;
   Excellent networking and liaison skills. Ability and experience in communication and negotiation.
   Excellent command of French, Arabic and English. Knowledge of the German is an asset ;
   A strong motivation and initiative, flexibility, resistance to stress, strong team work abilities as well as organizational and analytical skills are essential requirements for this position.
   Moroccan nationality.

4. Varia

   Start of contract : 01.02.2013 or by arrangement
   Type of contract : local
   Place of work : Rabat, with regular travel within Morocco and the region

5. Applications

Interested candidates should submit their application with a letter of motivation in French including wage expectations and availability, a detailed Curriculum Vitae including the nomination of three referees as well as necessary supporting documents (copies of diplomas, letters of recommendation) to : kehrli.consulting@gmail.com no later than 05.01.2013.

Please make sure to send complete applications and to mention the reference of this application in your letter which is : DDC12.

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