Rift Valley Institute
Job Description
Project officer, South Sudan
GENERAL
Title
Project Officer, South Sudan
Employment type
Consultancy
Duration
Four months with probability of extension depending on funding
Start date
ASAP
Location
Juba, South Sudan.
Reports to
RVI South Sudan Head of Office
About the Rift Valley Institute (RVI)
The Rift Valley Institute (www.riftvalley.net) is a small, expanding, independent non-profit organization specializing in Eastern and Central Africa. The Institute works at the interface between research, policy and education, with the aim of advancing useful knowledge of the region and its diverse communities and bringing a better understanding of local realities to bear on social and political action. RVI activities are designed to have long-term impact – to shape aid interventions, expand space for public participation in policy, support local research capacity, preserve communal histories, promote social justice and extend freedom of information. The Institute’s programmes include action-oriented research, field-based training, public information, collaboration with research and educational institutions in the region, conservation and digitization of archives, distance learning initiatives and open-access publishing of a wide range of technical, general and literary work. There are RVI offices in the UK (London), in Kenya (Nairobi) and in South Sudan (Juba). The Institute is registered as a charity in England and Wales.
JOB OVERVIEW
The primary purpose of this position is to provide hands-on support to RVI’s ongoing National Archives work in South Sudan to be supported by UNESCO to 31 July 2019. You will be working closely with a small team in the RVI Juba office, with remote communication with Nairobi and London where required, and staff in partner organisations and government institutions particularly from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and the Catholic University of South Sudan, in relation to RVI’s work with the South Sudan National Archives. In addition, you will be required to provide ad hoc support to other RVI projects, particularly the Local Research Network project, which is a multi-year research project
Key Responsibilities
Specifically the position involves the following:
National Archives project implementation and development
- General operational support for RVI’s current work on the South Sudan National Archives to include, but not limited to:
- working closely with the National Archives staff to restart and oversee the digitization work at the National Archives site in Munuki;
- coordinating with the Catholic University to arrange and oversee a graduate training scheme on digitization to support the work at the National Archives;
- arranging researcher presentations for students on the National Archives with the Catholic University;
- procuring necessary equipment to support the project;
- arranging logistics in relation to the project;
- organising payments / incentives to National Archives staff as agreed with the National Archives and RVI management;
- overseeing effective running of equipment (scanners and computers) to the National Archives site;
- working with the RVI South Sudan Head of Office to seek and manage additional technical support for the project as required to include a visit from Douglas Johnson, and other consultants where required;
- work with all partners to develop an outreach plan for the National Archives project;
- support and organise other activities agreed in the work plan, including developing activities for the next phase of the project.
- Maintain close relations with the National Archives, and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports staff at all times.
- Work with other RVI staff to ensure that the National Archives are incorporated into RVI’s other programmes.
- Liaise with the donor in collaboration with the RVI Head South Sudan of Office.
Reporting and knowledge management
- Support the Head of Office in documenting the project for the RVI website to raise the visibility of RVI’s work on the National Archives in South Sudan.
- Submission of weekly and/or monthly narrative reports on the RVI activities with the National Archives.
- Preparation of financial accounts for the funds given to the archives each week / month.
- Support the Head of Office in preparation of donor reports as required.
Additional support
Additional support with other RVI projects may be required during the course of your contract. This will include:
Local research network project development and implementation
- Provide support to the RVI Head of South Sudan Office to develop and implement activities related to the Local research network project to include, but not limited to:
- Coordinating with national and international researchers in South Sudan to organise logistics for their research work in South Sudan;
- Supporting organisation of forum events / donor meeting in Juba related to project research, and in other locations as applicable;
- Coordination with RVI Head of South Sudan Office and London team on public communications for the project.
Other projects as decided by mutual agreement.
CHANGES IN THIS JOB DESCRIPTION
These are the normal duties that the RVI requires from you at the date of your appointment. However, it may be necessary for changes to be made to this job description in accordance with the needs of the job and the
organisation. Existing duties may be changed and new duties may be added. Any changes will be made in consultation with you.
REQUIREMENTS AND HOW TO APPLY
Required experience and abilities
• Knowledge of political, social, economic and development issues in South Sudan and the wider Eastern and Central African region.
• Fluency in spoken and written English and Juba Arabic.
• Demonstrable computer skills, specifically MS Office (Word and Excel).
• Experience in administering and implementing projects.
• Experience in managing petty cash and day-to-day office finances.
• Resourcefulness and ability to work independently.
• Experience of working in small-to-medium teams in an inter-cultural context.
• Proven interpersonal skills and ability to work in difficult situations.
Desired experience and qualifications
- Experience using and/or working in physical archives or maintaining digital libraries.
- Experience in working with researchers / implementing research projects.
- Experience in organising (and facilitating) trainings, meetings and public events.
- Experience in South Sudan and/or elsewhere in the region.
How to apply
To apply, please complete the application form here http://riftvalley.net/employment/project-officer-south-sudan#.XGJrBs8zbx4 submitting your CV and a cover letter explaining your suitability for, and interest in, the position. Hard copy applications can be delivered to Rift Valley Institute office at Aron Hotel.
The deadline for applications is 17:00 GMT on 1 March 2019. Only applicants invited for interview will be contacted. This position is open to South Sudanese nationals only. For further information see www.riftvalley.net or write to [email protected].
The Rift Valley Institute is an equal opportunities employer.