OPERATIONS COORDINATOR - ABACO

ORGANIZATION & OPERATION

Founded in 2017, Global Emergency Relief, Recovery & Reconstruction (GER3) in a non-profit that supports crisis-affected communities to build back better. GER3 clears the debris left by a disaster, provides temporary facilities and immediately starts the reconstruction process with a particular focus on affected homes, schools and health facilities. GER3 is committed to using sustainable, culturally appropriate and community-led interventions. GER3 works in partnership with a range of international and national entities.

Following the Category 5 Hurricane that struck the Bahamian Islands on September 1, 2019, GER3 was one of the first international teams on the ground. Beginning in Grand Bahama, GER3 led debris management and sustainable recovery programs focused on communities and schools. GER3’s teams, comprised primarily of local Bahamian personnel, implemented a variety of rehabilitation activities in seven schools and over 50 homes.  Now based in Abaco, GER3’s programs continue to focus on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of public schools as well as critical housing needs for vulnerable populations.

As of January 2020, the primary focus of GER3 in Abaco is the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Central Abaco Primary School (CAPS) and select teachers’ homes. CAPS, the largest primary school in Marsh Harbour, maintained significant damage from Hurricane Dorian. The high-profile school has been identified by key stakeholders (including the Bahamian Government and donor agencies) as a top priority for rehabilitation. The reopening of CAPS will allow displaced children, families, faculty and staff to return to Marsh Harbour. Rehabilitating teachers’ homes is also a priority to allow key faculty to return to the area. As of January 2020, CAPS is in the initial stages of repair. A portion of the school is scheduled to reopen in April, while the rest of the school continues to be rehabilitated.  Ensuring a more resilient and sustainable school structure and environment is a primary focus of the reconstruction process. Several teachers’ homes have also been identified and are scheduled to be rehabilitated by the school opening in April. 

POSITION

The GER3 Operations Coordinator position is based in Abaco, The Bahamas.

With an aim to ensure a philosophy of “build back better” and enhanced building resilience, the Operations Coordinator coordinates aspects of GER3’s School Rehabilitation and Reconstruction project at Central Abaco Primary School (CAPS) including installing a new sanitation system and the rehabilitation of teachers’ houses. The role involves supporting team management, financial management, human resources management, partnership management and other aspects of operations delivery. The Operations Coordinator is additionally responsible for supporting donor relations, program and budget administration and reporting.   

The duration Phase I of the project is two months (until mid-April) and the duration of full project (including Phase II) is expected to be between 8 and 12 months. The Operations Coordinator will report to and work closely with the GER3 Dorian Programme Manager in Abaco (along with GER3 colleagues at headquarters level) to ensure the GER3 programme operates safely, productively, according to budget and (most importantly) in meeting with the needs of the communities being served.

RESPONSIBILITIES and Duties

  • Meet the needs of communities we support.

  • Ensure the safety and security of the GER3 project teams, our partners and the communities we support.

  • Oversee GER3 operations to ensure we meet required deliverables and to ensure efficiency, quality, timely, and cost-effective management of resources.

  • Provide effective and inspiring leadership, as well as stewardship, of all local GER3 programming.

  • Evaluate the performance of local GER3 program staff, ensuring that all staff actions are consistent with GER3 values and support team members with performance improvement.

  • Constantly identify and seize new opportunities to improve GER3 community services.

  • Develop and implement robust financial management processes and systems.

  • Measure GER3 program performance against overall program objectives and targets.  Work with fellow team members to make necessary adjustments to improve program performance. 

  • Manage the GER3 CAPS sub-project budgets.

  • Maintain ongoing dialogue and good communications as a key facilitator between the GER3 project team members, our partners (particularly the communities and GER3 donors) and GER3 headquarters.   

  • Ensure that GER3 is meeting the highest levels of partner satisfaction.

  • Recommend adjustments and improvements to GER3 project procedures, policies, and standards.

  • Manage with program support staff, the GER3 national human resources processes including: Recruitment, hiring, compensation, performance management, etc.

  • Manage GER3 facilities and equipment infrastructure including working environment and all field equipment.

  • Plan for risk management and continuity of operations.

  • Oversee risk management, legal activities (in coordination with GER3 Legal Counsel) and continuity of operations planning.

  • Prepare necessary reports, information and presentations needed for internal and external constituencies.

  • Other duties as assigned

SPECIFICS

  • This position will begin as soon as possible, based in Abaco, for an initial period of two months (Phase I of the project). With proven success, it is intended for the Operations Coordinator to continue through the full  duration of the CAPS project (8 – 12 months) and to support other recovery work as it develops in the Bahamas.  All reasonable expenses (shared housing, food, transport, communication) associated with this work will be covered by GER3.

  • Compensation for this position will be discussed and negotiated based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. GER3 welcomes interested candidates to submit CV’s and cost proposals

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 5+ years of relevant humanitarian, recovery or reconstruction experience.

  • Minimum of 3 years of experience supervising project team staff.

  • Proven ability to build and manage a complete and strong project team.  

  • Proven ability to work effectively in support of communities in a way that enables them to lead relief, recovery and reconstruction activities.

  • Knowledge and proven ability in risk management, security and safety in complex environments.

  • Strong relationship builder and communicator with experience leading diverse teams and partnering with a wide range of stakeholders.

  • A demonstrated high level of personal responsibility, self motivation and leadership ability.

  • Smart and strong organizational skills, detail oriented with the ability to handle multiple priorities and projects under tight time constraints.

  • Demonstrated professional aptitude that includes, but is not limited to, being responsible, disciplined, adaptable, accountable, client-focused and having a strong work ethic.

  •  “Can-Do”, positive attitude and ability to overcome significant challenges by using problem-solving techniques, open-mindedness and adaptability.

  • Strong team, problem-solving and inter-personal skills.

  • Proven respect of others regardless of age, gender, economic status, cultural background, nationality, religion, political affiliation, race or sexuality. 

  • Values consistent with the GER3 values including integrity, honesty, courage, acting in an honorable manner and respect of all others.

  • Professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate and interact with officials at all levels of government and to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Ability to motivate teams and simultaneously manage several work streams.

  • Experience working on debris management, construction, sanitation, or shelter projects is highly desirable.

  • Relevant Master’s Degree or equivalent experience is highly desirable.

OUR COMMITMENT

GER3 believes that the main driver of a successful operation and organization is having the best people engaged throughout the organization. Our culture emphasizes the best of what a new international humanitarian organization like GER3 offers - work hard, reap the rewards of working with an emerging and growing organization that is flexible and nimble, work with people that are incredibly bright and motivated, create real change in communities, own your career development, and be a part of incredibly fulfilling experiences that improve people’s lives. 

GER3 is an equal opportunity employer, recruiting people of diverse backgrounds and experiences. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion or belief, color, sex or sexual orientation, age, disability, or ethnic group. All recruitment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit and organizational need.

APPLY NOW

For those who meet our qualifications and seek to join this exciting GER3 program, please apply now for this position by sending a cover letter and your Curriculum Vitae with the subject line Operations Coordinator Position to jo.fox@ger3.org. GER3 will contact you for an interview if based on your cover letter and CV we believe that you could be a good match with this position. Deadline for applications: 28 February 2020.