Project Officer- Vanuatu- National Position

Reports To: Program Manager

Location:  Port Villa, Vanuatu with travel to the islands

Contract Type: Full time – local position

Duration: Ongoing

Summary

This position is an exciting opportunity to join a growing organization in developing its general sector response. The Project Officer will oversee the strategic development and positioning of the organisation in Vanuatu primarily in the areas of protection, health and nutrition, and WASH while supervising the implementation of projects in various locations in these sectors.

Context

IsraAID is an Israel-based non-governmental organization that was founded in 2001 and has since its inception worked in emergency and long-term development settings in over 54 countries. IsraAID’s mission is to support people affected by humanitarian crises by partnering with local communities around the world to provide urgent aid, assist recovery, and reduce the risk of future disasters.

IsraAID has operated in Vanuatu since 2015 when the organization responded to Tropical Cyclone Pam, has since shifted its focus to implement a long-term strategy for all programs, including programs in DRR, WASH, protection, and health and nutrition. IsraAID’s work in Vanuatu promotes sustainable and inclusive solutions, giving special attention to hands-on training and community ownership, and working closely with community, provincial, and national leaders.

Key responsibilities

The Project Officer will support the effective implementation and coordination of IsraAID Vanuatu’s programmes, working closely with the Country Director, Project Manager(s), Technical Advisors, sector leads, partners and communities.

The role will contribute to the delivery of context-appropriate, high-quality and integrated programming, ensuring activities are responsive to community needs and aligned with IsraAID’s principles, values, strategic priorities and Do No Harm approach.

The Project Officer will play an active role in day-to-day project coordination, monitoring, reporting, partner engagement and programme learning, while supporting the wider country team to ensure projects are delivered effectively and in accordance with agreed plans, budgets and donor requirements.

Programme Development and Implementation

• Support the implementation of IsraAID Vanuatu’s programmes in accordance with approved project plans, strategies, budgets and donor requirements.
• Contribute to programme design and adaptation based on identified needs, community feedback, monitoring findings and changes in the operating context.
• Support the integration of activities across sectors to promote a coordinated and multisectoral approach.
• Contribute to ensuring programme activities are contextually appropriate, inclusive, community-centred and aligned with IsraAID’s principles and Do No Harm approach.
• Support the development and maintenance of project documentation, workplans, activity plans and other programme tools.
• Monitor progress against agreed project plans and timelines, identifying implementation challenges and escalating issues to the relevant Project Manager, Technical Advisor or Country Director.
• Work closely with project teams, logistics, finance, partners and other relevant staff to support the timely and effective delivery of activities.
• Support the review and adaptation of project activities to ensure they remain relevant, feasible and responsive to community and partner needs.

Project Coordination and Management Support

• Coordinate day-to-day project activities and maintain regular communication with project teams, partners and relevant stakeholders.
• Support the coordination of logistical and operational requirements for programme activities, working closely with the logistics and supply teams.
• Assist with tracking project expenditure and implementation against approved budgets and workplans, raising potential issues in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date project files, records, activity documentation and reporting information.
• Support the preparation of internal, donor and project reports, ensuring information is accurate, coherent and submitted within agreed timelines.
• Support project teams to apply IsraAID’s programme quality standards, policies and procedures.
• Contribute to project reviews and planning processes and support the identification of practical solutions to implementation challenges.
• Ensure programme activities are implemented in a manner that is responsive to communities and partners and consistent with IsraAID’s strategic direction.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)

• Support the development and use of appropriate tools to monitor programme activities, outputs and outcomes.
• Work with the MEAL team and project staff to implement agreed MEAL plans and monitoring systems.
• Support timely and accurate collection, collation and analysis of programme data against agreed indicators.
• Maintain accurate project monitoring records and contribute to the identification of trends, gaps and areas requiring follow-up.
• Support the documentation and sharing of programme learning, good practice and lessons learned.
• Facilitate community and beneficiary feedback and contribute to incorporating findings into programme design and implementation.
• Support project reviews and reflection processes with communities, partners and project teams.

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain positive, respectful and collaborative working relationships with local partners, communities and relevant stakeholders.
• Support partner organisations with programme implementation, coordination and reporting requirements.
• Contribute to partner capacity strengthening through practical support, coaching and sharing of relevant tools and knowledge.
• Participate in regular discussions with partners to review progress, identify challenges and agree on appropriate follow-up actions.
• Support the identification of relevant partnership opportunities at community, provincial and national levels.
• Maintain an understanding of relevant government priorities, policies and programmes affecting IsraAID’s areas of work.

Grants and Reporting Support

• Support the country team in identifying programme needs, funding gaps and potential funding opportunities.
• Contribute to the development of concept notes, proposals, budgets and other donor documentation as required.
• Support the preparation of accurate and timely donor reports, working closely with programme, MEAL, finance and communications colleagues.
• Ensure project documentation and reporting information is maintained in accordance with IsraAID and donor requirements.
• Contribute to the collection and documentation of programme results, case studies, lessons learned and other information required for donor and organisational reporting.

Team Collaboration and Capacity Development

• Maintain regular and effective communication with the Country Director, Project Manager(s), Technical Advisors, sector leads and other relevant team members.
• Support effective coordination between programme, finance, logistics, communications and other functions.
• Contribute to the induction, orientation and capacity development of project staff and partners as required.
• Support team members and partners through coaching, practical guidance and sharing of relevant programme knowledge and tools.
• Participate in recruitment and performance-related processes where appropriate and delegated.
• Promote a positive, collaborative and learning-oriented team environment.
• Undertake other relevant duties as delegated by the Country Director or Programme Manager.

Representation, Advocacy and Organisational Learning

• Participate in relevant cluster meetings, coordination forums, working groups and stakeholder meetings as requested.
• Support IsraAID’s engagement with government departments, local authorities, partners and other relevant stakeholders.
• Share relevant programme updates, needs, challenges and learning with the wider IsraAID team.
• Contribute to identifying emerging needs, advocacy priorities, funding opportunities and areas for further programme development.
• Represent IsraAID professionally and appropriately when delegated to attend external meetings and forums.

Skills, Experience and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as Health, WASH, Nutrition, Protection, Psychosocial Support, International Development, Humanitarian Studies or another relevant discipline or relevant experience in lieu of formal qualifications
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in humanitarian response, development or community-based programming, preferably within an INGO or similar organisation.
• Experience supporting the implementation and coordination of projects, preferably within a multisectoral programme environment.
• Demonstrated experience working with local communities, partners and stakeholders.
• Experience in monitoring, reporting and maintaining project documentation.
• Good understanding of programme cycle management and the ability to translate project plans into practical implementation.
• Knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to develop an understanding of, Vanuatu’s government priorities and operating context, particularly in relation to relevant programme sectors.
• Strong organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work respectfully and collaboratively with communities, partners and colleagues.
• Ability to identify challenges, propose practical solutions and escalate issues appropriately.
• Ability to work independently while recognising when guidance or support is required.
• Flexibility and ability to work effectively in challenging and changing environments.
• Strong cultural awareness and understanding of the Vanuatu context.
• Commitment to the aims, principles and values of IsraAID, including the Do No Harm approach.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Bislama.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint

ETHICAL STANDARDS

IsraAID has zero tolerance towards any acts of misconduct and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. The recruitment process will include all candidates’ declarations and reference checks focused on misconduct and SEA.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

IsraAID is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.