National Programme Officer – Climate Change, Disaster Risk Management and Water Resource Management

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 with focus on natural disaster prevention and preparedness 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 identification, planning and implementation of projects, the Swiss Programme Office is recruiting a National Programme Officer (NPO) to reinforce its capacities within domain 2. The NPO will mainly cover thematic areas linked to Climate Change, Disaster Risk Management and Water Resource Management.

 Tasks

• To support and coordinate with the Head of Domain 2 and/or the Director of Cooperation the assessment of the political context, particular needs and window of opportunities for a Swiss engagement;
• Prepare short analytical documents related to Climate Change, Disaster Risk Management and Water Resource Management 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, in particular in the areas of Climate Change, Disaster Risk Management and Water Resource Management;
• 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 (CSPM) 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;
• Facilitate the implementation of direct projects in the area of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and acting as a Focal Point for the project team in Fes;
• 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 by 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.

Requested Profile

• Master university degree or equivalent tertiary education in project management, international cooperation or another relevant field;
• Minimum work experience of three years in project management, in particular in the area of Climate Change, Disaster Risk Management and Water Resource Management.Work experience with governmental authorities and/or international cooperation is an asset;
• Excellent knowledge of Project Cycle Management (PCM) and its tools;
• Excellent networking and liaison skills.Ability and experience in communication and negotiation;
• Excellent knowledge of the political context in Morocco as well as the institutional and civil society landscape;
• Excellent command of French, Arabic and English.
• Flexibility to work in the field, including regular field visits to the area of Fes, Meknes, Tanger, Tetouan in order to facilitate the work of a team that is implementing a project under Swiss Cooperation lead;
• 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.

 Varia

• Start of contract: 01.03.2014 or by arrangement
• Type of contract: local (CDI)
• Place of work: Rabat, with regular travel within Morocco (Fes, Meknes, Tanger, Tetouan)

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 kehrli.consulting@gmail.com no later than 03.02.2014.

Please make sure to send complete applications.

For further information about the Swiss Programme in Morocco see:

http://www.deza.admin.ch/en/Home/Countries/North_Africa/Marocco