ThaiNGO

Location : Chiang Rai

Type of Role : 1 Year Fixed-Term Contract

ROLE PURPOSE

The primary objective for this position is to spearhead the management of Plan International Thailand's disaster risk management (DRM) initiatives, with a focus on the comprehensive management of the Safe School program. This role entails the integration of disaster preparedness and responsive actions in collaboration with Plan International Thailand's partners and key stakeholders, aligning with the strategic directives of the Country Strategy Program and the broader global DRM strategy of Plan International. The role encompasses the design, execution, and supervision of project operations of safe school and DRM within the designated areas, ensuring continual engagement with principal stakeholders at both the local and national level.

Additionally, the role is tasked with leading, managing, and providing technical assistance to staff and partners to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of DRM initiatives, specifically the Safe and School program, employing Plan's Child Centred Community Development (CCCD) methodology.

Dimensions of the Role                                                         

This role is an integral part of the Project Team, line manged by the Programme Innovation and Impact Director, and coordinate with Technical/Key Programme Leads, and the Learning and Evidence Base Manager. The objective is to manage and ensure the attainment of the DRM initiatives, particularly Safe School project's goals with an emphasis on delivering the project outputs and outcomes of the highest quality. This position is also line managed the staff in the Safe School Project Team.

Accountabilities

Specific responsibilities and accountabilities include the following:

Planning:

• Develop comprehensive project plans, including detailed action plans and budgets, that align with the objectives of Plan Thailand's Country Strategic Plan, with a specific emphasis on enhancing the portfolio of DRM programs such as the Safe School project.
• Assume the role of technical person on Comprehensive Safe School (CSS) and DRM within Plan International Thailand, leading the strategic direction and technical interventions.
• Participate in the DRM planning and execution at Plan International’s regional and global level to ensure effective implementation at Plan International Thailand Country Office.

Project Implementation and Oversight:

• Manage Plan International Thailand's DRM initiatives, prominently the Safe School project, ensuring seamless coordination with APAC focal points and donors, and adherence to Plan's CCCD methodology.
• Lead and inspire the team, driving motivation and professional development, while overseeing performance to ensure it meets or exceeds organizational standards and expectations.
• Supervise staff and partner-led program implementations, monitor the Safe School team's performance, and guarantee that all operations meet the highest standards of quality.
• Manage budget of Safe School program and other initiatives as assigned for effectiveness and efficiency of the program(s).
• Develop and deliver comprehensive training on CSS, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), and DRM to Plan International Thailand staff and partners within project localities.
• Manage and enhance the preparedness and responsiveness of Plan International Thailand's disaster management efforts, including the Emergency Response Team, by leveraging Plan's preparedness protocols and evaluation tools.

Performance Analysis and Impact Reporting:

• Coordinate the design and execution of assessments and monitoring frameworks for the Safe School initiative and other DRM-related projects, ensuring alignment with program goals and objectives.
• Track and compare program milestones and financial outlays against planned targets, pinpointing progress and identifying areas for adjustment
• Systematically record project monitoring data and other information as required by Plan’s Project Monitoring, Evaluation, Reflection, and Learning (PMERL) system.
• Develop and/or coordinate the project progress and financial reports for Safe School and DRM-related projects and other documents as required; and ensure the punctual submission of the reports to the program team, funding agencies, and donors.
• Collaborate with partners, communities, educational institutions, and Plan’s PMERL team to conduct detailed assessments of project interventions and their outcomes as required.
• Facilitate the coordination of site visits for Plan affiliates and external stakeholders.
• Compile and dispatch regular updates and reports on Plan Thailand’s DRR/DRM situation and activities to the Global Hub, APAC, and other entities, as requested.

Fund Development and Partnership Engagement:

• Identify and recommend potential donor agencies and partners that align with the organization's mission and objectives in DRM efforts.
• Collaborate with the Senior Business Development Manager (Sr. BDM) and Grants team to draft compelling project proposals, aiming to secure funding for DRM, DRR, and Safe and School initiatives.
• Maintain active communication with the program and resource mobilization teams, addressing donor inquiries, organizing field visits, and ensuring the sustained quality of project implementation and post-implementation phases.

Advocacy and Inter-agency Collaboration:

• Serve as a representative and contact for CSS, DRM, and disaster response and preparedness initiatives within Plan International Thailand.
• Function as the key liaison for DRM and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) between Plan Thailand and the APAC DRM team, facilitating regional integration and strategy alignment.
• Actively engage in policy discussions and advocacy with governmental bodies, networks, and civil society groups at various tiers, focusing on child-centred CSS, DRR, and DRM agendas, and influencing policy and practice for enhanced community resilience.

KEY RELATIONSHIPs

Internal:

• Programme Innovation, and Impact Director
• Manager, Learning and Evidence base.
• Project Coordinators and Officers
• Technical Leads supporting AOGD programmes.
• Sr. BDM and Grants team
• Administrative & operations, human resources, and finance teams
• APAC DRM Team/Network

External:   

• Project local implementing partners for successful delivery of project outcomes and capacity development; and capacity building support needs as informed through regular partner assessments
• Academic institutions, consultants for conducting baseline & endline, evaluations, and research
• GOs, INGOs and NGOs for policy matters relating to DRM, policy advocacy and potential partnership
• Donors on CSS, DRM, and DRR for Plan International Thailand

Technical expertise, skills and knowledge

Essential

Education and Professional Background:

• A Master's degree in Social Science, Development Studies, Environmental Science, Climate Change, Disaster Risk Management, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of program management experience, including situation analysis, strategic planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, specifically in school safety and disaster risk reduction projects or similar development initiatives focusing on disaster management, environmental conservation, or climate change, with at least 3 years in a managerial capacity.
• Proven track record in developing policies, systems, and procedures to bolster organizational readiness and disaster preparedness, viewed favourably.
• Direct program involvement in humanitarian responses, notably in education in emergencies, protection in emergencies, food security crises, or flood management, would be highly valued.
• Previous experience in a multicultural organization is beneficial.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong program and human resource management skills
• Proficient facilitation skills, capable of guiding group discussions and employing participatory tools and methods for comprehensive situation analysis, planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Fluent in English with excellent oral and written communication abilities.
• Demonstrated expertise in communicating effectively to fulfil organizational objectives.
• Strong team collaboration and networking capabilities, with a focus on building and maintaining productive relationships

Desirable:

• Established records of effectively engaging with children and youth in a professional setting.
• A background in coordination and collaboration with governmental entities and partners.
• Practical experience in the management of projects focused on child protection and gender inclusivity.
• Experience in operating within a multicultural organizational environment, demonstrating an appreciation for diverse perspectives and inclusive practices.

Closing date for applications:  28 January 2024

Reference & background checks will be performed for successful candidates including clearances on child related offences in conformity with Plan’s Child Protection Policy. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.

We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.

We foster an organisational culture that embraces our commitment to racial justice, gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. This means that we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with and we must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.

A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International's Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Please note that Plan International will never send unsolicited emails requesting payment from candidates.