Project Coordinator 249 views

All business is conducted in French, the official language of Burkina Faso. However, the Mossi are the predominant ethnic group in Burkina Faso and their language, Moore, is spoken throughout the country, with little French spoken in rural settings. Opportunities for learning both French and Moore will be available.

The population in Ouagadougou is evenly divided between Muslim and Christian and religious tolerance is practiced by both. There are numerous Christian denominations represented in Burkina and a wide range of worship opportunities.

Applications Close Date Dec 16, 2019

Start Date Mar 23, 2020

Start Date Flexible Yes. Also language study could be added prior to the in-country start date.

Term Length 3 years

Qualifications

All MCC Service Workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active church membership; and nonviolent peacemaking. MCC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity. MCC values diversity and invites all qualified candidates to apply.

1. Ability to understand, speak, read and write in English and French (Language study will be provided).

2. Degree in Development Studies, Project Management, Agriculture, Social Sciences, Sociology or related field.

3. At least one year of experience in development program coordination, management or in a planning, monitoring and evaluation position.

4. Training and/or experience in results-based management principles, tools and techniques.

5. Ability to understand and communicate across cultural and linguistic boundaries.

6. Good relational skills that allow him/her to engage with all sectors of society.

7. Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.

8. Competency with word processing software and database reporting.

9. Ability to travel frequently in rural areas, as security allows.

Job Synopsis The Project Coordinator is tasked with mentoring and building capacity of local partners towards greater independence and sustainability and, alongside the MCC Burkina Faso Country Directors (Reps), will assist in all planning, monitoring and evaluating activities.

Challenges Extreme Heat; Occasional overnights; Occasional evening and weekend work; Occasional long days; Diverse group of stakeholders; Use of public transit required; Local area not supportive to LGTBQ+ persons

Key Responsibilities 1. Visit partner organizations and their projects on a regular basis to better understand their work.

2. Review and make recommendations on submitted project proposals.

3. Work with MCC Burkina Faso Representatives to evaluate and strengthen partner projects.

4. Monitor deadlines to ensure that all reporting requirements are met.

5. Review all partner reports for quality and ensure that reports and other project documents capture progress, effectiveness and impact of projects.

6. Assist with translation of partner plans and reports from French to English.

7. Compile and monitor all projects and document in the MCC database, PlanWin.

8. Assess current capacity of local partners and offer planning, monitoring, evaluation & reporting (PMER) support.

9. Develop contacts and relationships with relevant external agencies (local government, community-based and NGO entities) to enhance program implementation and sustainability.

10. Represent MCC at relevant functions to promote the identity of the MCC Burkina Faso program.

11. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of PMER principles and practices.

12. Model non-violent peacemaking in the workplace and community through respectful interactions with others.

13. Attend MCC meetings and events as appropriate, including devotional and prayer time led by staff.

14. Attend a local church.

15. Other duties as requested.

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Assignment Narrative:

The Project Coordinator provides leadership and coordination for the planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting (PMER) in the MCC Burkina Faso program. S/he works closely and in consultation with the MCC Burkina Faso Representatives on all projects. The Project Coordinator travels throughout Burkina Faso, as security allows, working diplomatically with local partners to ensure good governance and the application of results-based management principles.

MCC Burkina Faso works with a variety of partner organizations in the sectors of agriculture, health, education, peace/justice and reconciliation. The Project Coordinator collaborates closely with the partner organizations to complete the various planning, monitoring, evaluating and reporting tasks required by diverse project funders, such as the CFGB (Canada Food Grains Bank), GHG (Growing Hope Globally) and the dedicated funding departments in MCC. Because many of the funders require reports to be submitted in English, and partner association offices operate in French, a fluency in both languages is helpful. Excellent French language learning opportunities are available in Burkina Faso for those wishing to improve their abilities.

A substantial part of the Project Coordinator’s workload will be working with ODE (Office of Development of the Federation of Evangelical Missions and Churches of Burkina Faso). ODE is MCC Burkina Faso’s longest standing partner organization – since 1975. For over 30 years, MCC Burkina Faso worked under the auspices of ODE. MCC established its own NGO status in Burkina Faso in 2011, while continuing to collaborate on many levels with ODE. ODE is a Burkinabé development agency led by a leadership team comprised of 11 Protestant denominations and 7 mission agencies. Their work has received national recognition and their office is located a short walk from the MCC’s head office.