IRM Project Coordinator

Title: IRM Project Coordinator

Location: Bangui, Central African Republic

Line Manager: MF Country Director/Programme Manager, Central African Republic

Consortium Collaborators: Global Survivors Fund (GSF), Association des Femmes Juristes de Centrafrique (AFJC), Mouvement des Survivant.es de Violences Sexuelles en Centrafrique (MOSUCA), Collectif National des Victimes de Centrafrique (CNAV)

The Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundation (MF) is looking for a passionate and experienced professional to join its team in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR). The IRM Project Coordinator will be responsible for further designing, implementing, and monitoring MF’s project, which aims to provide interim reparative measures (IRM) to survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. The project is implemented in close cooperation with consortium partners the Global Survivors Fund (GSF) – also the donor – and the Association des Femmes Juristes de Centrafrique (AFJC).

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates with solid experience in designing, managing, and monitoring projects in humanitarian and/or development contexts, preferably within international organisations and/or consortia. The ideal candidate should have in-depth knowledge of (interim) reparations – specifically related to medical and financial reparations – the ethos of holistic care and working closely with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. The candidate should have experience in building partnerships and in implementing best practices related to SGBV programming, including a deep commitment to survivor-centred approaches.

About us

The Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundation is a survivor-centred rights-based international organisation, dedicated to ending sexual violence as a weapon of war globally. We support survivors’ demands for a world where sexual violence as a weapon of war is no longer tolerated and where individual perpetrators and states suffer the consequences. We are working for a future where survivors receive the holistic care and compensation they need to rebuild their lives. We create opportunities for survivors to speak out and be heard, and for them to organise to create change, influence policy and demand justice and accountability. We support the replication of the holistic care “One-Stop Center” model implemented at Panzi Hospital in Bukavu (Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC) in other conflict zones and support the networking of survivors of sexual violence within a global survivors’ movement.

MF in Central African Republic

Since 2018, the Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundation has been supporting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) in the Central African Republic (CAR). In 2021, it opened a country office in Bangui with a growing team of international and national staff supported by a team of experts based at the headquarters in The Hague.

In CAR, MF focuses on three areas of intervention:

• Ensuring and improving access to quality holistic care for victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and women and girls suffering from severe gynaecological conditions, inspired by the model and work of Panzi in the DRC.
• Supporting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence within their movements and networks and ensuring they have the capacities and support needed to achieve their priorities.
• Advocating for survivor-centred holistic care as a right and standard, including access to justice and reparations for victims and survivors of SGBV, including those related to conflicts.

MF also works closely with MOSUCA – the Mouvement des Survivant.e.s de Violences Sexuelles en Centrafrique – which it helped establish in 2018. This survivor-led network, with over 700 members in CAR, focuses on preventing sexual violence, supporting victims in rebuilding their lives, combating stigmatisation, and ending impunity through awareness and advocacy activities. Several MOSUCA members also participate in international advocacy initiatives within SEMA, the Global Network to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, which brings together survivors from over 20 affected countries.

IRM Project

The project “Interim Reparative Measures (IRM) for Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) in the Central African Republic” is implemented by MF in partnership with the Global Survivors Fund (GSF), and the Association des Femmes Juristes de Centrafrique (AFJC). This project provides an interim response to CRSV survivors while awaiting States to fulfill their responsibilities as guarantors of protection. The implementation of the right to reparations should not only allow physical and psychological healing for survivors but also combat stigmatisation and promote reconciliation. The unique aspect of this project’s methodological approach is the co-creation of IRMs: survivors, with the support of MF and its partners, develop an implementation plan for their IRMs, adapted to their needs, expectations, or perceptions.

A Steering Committee (CoPiL), supported by consortium members and composed of MOSUCA and the National Coordination of Victims’ Associations (CNAV), as well as other technical partners, defines and ensures the proper implementation of the project, including the identification of survivors, and organisation and monitoring of IRMs. The project is implemented in the sub-prefecture of Dékoa – an area chosen due to its emblematic nature being significantly affected by CRSV committed by different parties to the conflict. Within the project, MF is responsible for the implementation of the medical and financial components of the IRMs, for accompanying survivor networks, and for the provision of continuous technical support to AFJC in the implementation of psychosocial IRMs.

Job Description

The IRM Project Coordinator will represent the Mukwege Foundation in the consortium project in Bangui on holistic interim reparative measures for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. They will be responsible for the effective implementation of the project and applying quality survivor-centred standards. They will work under the direct supervision of MF’s Country Director/Programme Manager, liaise with other MF units and work in close collaboration with consortium partners, external stakeholders and members of survivor networks.

The Project Coordinator will supervise a team consisting of a medical advisor and an IRM financial officer, and will work closely with the M&E, logistics, and other MF program staff to ensure the smooth implementation of the project.

Responsibilities and main tasks

Project management and reporting

• Ensure day-to-day management of the project and overall planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of activities under MF’s responsibility, while adhering to quality technical and operational standards.
• Draft necessary documents concerning project design, planning and implementation, including results frameworks, work plans, budgets, Terms of Reference, activity tools, etc.
• Ensure timely achievement of project objectives and results within set timelines and budgets, including activity tracking and budget management.
• Monitor project expenses in collaboration with the finance and administration department, ensuring compliance with internal and donor procedures.
• Provide regular narrative and financial reports as per MF and donor requirements, while maintaining timely communication with partners and the country management team on progress, achievements and challenges.
• Identify necessary logistics for project implementation and contribute to procurement plans.

Team leadership and staff supervision

• Lead, mentor and coach the project team in line with their roles and responsibilities.
• Ensure team adherence to MF’s code of conduct and safeguarding principles.
• Actively support technical staff, including the medical advisor, the IRM financial officer and the survivor networks’ focal point in the planning and implementation of activities.

Coordination and partnership-building

• Implement project activities in close collaboration with AFJC, GSF, survivor networks and other strategic partners.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key partners, including local authorities, Ministries, and other key national or international actors.
• Participate in regular programmatic meetings with partners and stakeholders.
• Establish partnerships and represent the project externally in technical and advocacy forums, including relevant coordination platforms as requested by the supervisor.
• Ensure cross-project linkages with other relevant projects and programmes for mutually reinforcing impact.

Quality and accountability

• Ensure that the project respects guiding principles of survivor-centred care and ethics of the holistic care model at all stages of its implementation in collaboration with the members of the consortium.
• Ensure that quality data is collected and managed in accordance with MF policies and procedures.
• Oversee overall care quality standards in close collaboration with consortium partners, survivor networks, and MF colleagues.
• Contribute to the establishment and operationalisation of an accountability mechanism within the project framework.
• Conduct field visits to provide technical advice and monitor project activity progress.
• Document and share lessons learned, incorporating them into project planning and decision-making processes.

Experience and skills

Experience and knowledge:

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in law, international relations, political science, gender studies or related discipline.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience working on project management, project design, monitoring and evaluation in relation to human rights, humanitarian law, conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), advocacy, reparations, and/or transitional justice, preferably in CAR or in another conflict context.
• Experience in working for multi-stakeholder and/or consortium programmes is an advantage.
• Knowledge and experience in the field of SGBV and gender is mandatory.

Specific skills:

• Strong experience in effective team leadership and management, as well as team coordination and conflict resolution.
• Ability to build and sustain strong relationships and effective partnerships.
• Practical experience working with survivors of CRSV, survivor associations, NGOs and/or national civil society organisations.
• Strong knowledge and experience with survivor-centered approach, including best practices and guiding principles.
• Understanding of the CAR conflict landscape, including contextual dynamics.
• Experience in budgeting, reporting and data protection.
• Proven problem-solving and organisational skills.
• Excellent writing, professional and interpersonal communication skills.
• Prepared to travel to the project site in Dékoa and to maintain a flexible working schedule.
• Commitment to MF’s values and survivor-centered approach.
• Ability to work in an intercultural environment and to work as part of a team.
• Proficiency in computer and IT applications.

Language requirements :

• Perfect command of French (spoken and written).
• Working knowledge of English is required.
• Knowledge of Sango language will be considered an asset.

What we offer

• 1-year contract based on 40 hours per week with possibility of extension.
• Full-time gross salary range of € 3500 – € 3900.
• Housing and transport provided, living allowance provided.
• 8% holiday allowance and 20 vacation days per year.

How to apply

Please send your CV, cover letter and contacts of three references to Ms. Lucy Shanahan, Office Manager, at [email protected] using the subject “IRM Project Coordinator—CAR”.

Application deadline: 15 July 2024

This position welcomes applications from both international and qualified national candidates. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply, as we value inclusivity and a diverse workforce.