Livelihoods Manager , Leonard Cheshire Disability International

Job Title: Livelihoods Manager – South Africa

Reporting to: Programme Manager - Access to Livelihoods

Department: International

Location Johannesburg, South Africa 

Contract Three years fixed term 

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Access to Livelihoods is a three-year, multi-country programme in Asia and Africa, funded by Accenture. It has a budget of $4million and will deliver livelihoods for over 13,000 people with disabilities in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and South Africa. A key component of the project is the development and delivery of an e-portal (Jobability.org) that promotes the employment of people with disabilities. 

This position is responsible for providing a high level of technical expertise and guidance to partner organisations in the implementation of the livelihoods programme in South Africa.

It will ensure efficient and effective delivery against the approved implementation plan, on time and within budget, and will also be responsible for developing strong relationships with policy makers in the aforementioned countries, particularly at the national level.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

General

• Responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of annual operational plans for South Africa against agreed targets and budgets
• Provide technical support to the local partners and project teams at the Livelihoods Resource Centres (LRCs) in South Africa to ensure quality implementation of project activities
• Ensure accurate, detailed progress reports are received from the LRCs and submitted to LCD in a timely manner
• Oversee management of project budgets in these locations with support from the Regional Finance Manager
• Liaise with policy makers and institutions engaged in livelihoods promotion, with a specific focus on people with disabilities

Technical

• To support the establishment of the LRCs and satellite centres, working alongside project partners, and coordinate country baseline surveys
• To implement a training plan for project teams at the LRCs and satellite centres
• To conduct frequent monitoring visits to the LRCs
• To support the Programme Manager to organise the project inception meeting(s) and six-monthly and annual project reviews
• To monitor and strengthen the delivery of foundation courses within the LRCs
• To implement the approved marketing and communication plan 
• To ensure the efficient and effective use of the livelihoods database at the LRCs, undertake monthly data analysis, and carry out regular data audits with support from the Global IT Manager 
• To conduct monthly programme and financial reviews and provide feedback and guidance to the LRC teams with support from Programme Manager and Regional Finance Manager
• To promote the use of the Jobability portal by the LRCs under the guidance of the Jobability Manager and Programme Manager
• To establish linkages with higher learning institutes to ensure achievement of targets set for the programme’s talent group
• To provide technical inputs for two pilot interventions – the virtual LRC and a special livelihoods programme for people with learning disabilities 
• To prepare an advocacy plan for South Africa and support the Programme Manager in the implementation of this 
• To facilitate the documentation of case studies, learning and best practice from the programme
• To review existing strategies, policies and schemes for the economic empowerment of people with disabilities and prepare policy notes / strategy documents 
• To develop guidance and resource materials on microfinance
• To identify and analyse new livelihoods sectors, industries and markets for people with disabilities
• To provide expertise in micro enterprise development and entrepreneurship promotion
• To develop links and build relationships with key project stakeholders including training institutes, government ministries (district and national), employers, communities, NGOs, DPOs, INGOs and international donors
• To join and play an active role in employment/ labour/ social protection and other relevant working groups
• To attend, participate and present papers at regional, national and international workshops, seminars and conferences
• To maintain a risk register, take appropriate action as necessary and report back to the Programme Manager 
• To undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Programme Manager and Regional Representative 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline
• Qualification in project management or equivalent

Essential Other

• Development experience in the field of livelihoods/ economic empowerment, micro-finance and disability programmes within an NGO / international organization 
• Knowledge of both theoretical and practical aspects of project cycle management
• Strong, demonstrable experience of distance monitoring of Livelihoods or Disability and Development projects at a senior level
• Experience of managing, monitoring and evaluating donor-funded projects
• Experience in working with private sector 
• Experience of writing accurate reports for donors
• Experience of financial planning and budget management and control
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills (English) 
• Excellent knowledge of current software packages
• Excellent interpersonal skills

Desirable Requirements

• Postgraduate qualification
• Good working knowledge of local languages
• Knowledge of, and ability to use, Sign Language
• A disabled person

KEY COMPETENCIES REQUIRED FOR THE ROLE

Technical Competencies

• Significant experience in experience in the field of Livelihoods with a leading NGO / Government / international organisation 
• Knowledge and understanding of key policy issues in disability and development
• Knowledge and understanding of innovative livelihoods practices, 
• Experience in project and financial management
• Good communication skills in both English and regional language/s
• Competent user of all MS Office programmes and of the Internet
• An experienced trainer/ facilitator, with a practical command of participatory methodologies
• Experience of working with external agencies and institutions and government.
• Ability to write concise and accurate progress reports 

LCD Competencies

• Communication: Recognised as a highly articulate and effective communicator.
• Commercial Acumen: Demonstrate an understanding of the broader perspective when developing plans for achieving LC Disability’s long-term objectives. Place the customer first.
• Focusing on Outcomes: Use all available information to measure progress against targets, and take action to achieve results.
• Making Effective Decisions: Create clarity for others, and make successful decisions by evaluating priorities, options and recommendations.
• Putting the Customer First: Use customer insight to focus upon future needs and challenges.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Influence others through your contribution and positive attitude and create a high performing team.
• Innovation: Identify potential in new ideas and situations to improve LCD’s performance. Positively promote new ways of working to colleagues, volunteers and staff in an effective manner.

How to Apply:

• Access our official application form from our website www.leonardcheshire.org and send your filled-in application form to admin.lcdisability@safo-lcd.org
• No CVs are accepted
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. 

Closing Date: 14 July, 2014