Job Description for POLICY Local Coordinator

THE POLICY PROJECT - UKRAINE

To apply, email your resume and a cover letter (in English) to: m.medrek@tfgi.com

Deadline: March 29, 1999.

I. Overview

The POLICY Project is a collaborative effort between the Futures Group International, the Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA) and the Research Triangle Institute (RTI). Funded by USAID, the Project seeks to create a more favorable policy environment for reproductive health (RH) in the countries where it operates. POLICY's strategic objective is to improve the policy environment for family planning (FP) and reproductive health. In Ukraine specifically, POLICY's strategic objective is Legislative and policy reforms adopted and supportive FP/RH policies maintained in Ukraine. POLICY intends to contribute toward USAID/Kyiv's strategic objective of Health of the population in targeted oblasts improved.

POLICY is working with USAID/Kyiv and the Ministry of Health (MOH) to develop a strategy for achieving an improved policy environment by working on the national and oblast levels to promote political, popular and financial support for FP/RH programs among key decision makers.

To build political and popular support for FP/RH programs will involve facilitating the creation of a multisectoral RH Policy Advisory Group (PAG) in Kyiv. The purpose of the group will be to cultivate and advise "Policy Champions," thought of in Ukraine as "Enthusiasts" and to initiate FP/RH policy dialogue. POLICY will support regular meetings of the Kyiv and Odessa PAGs to create policy dialogue plans involving using critical information to define policy issue topics, formulate issue solutions, and determine needed actions. Simultaneously, POLICY is increasing the critical information base in Odessa Oblast and at the MOH for use by the Kyiv and Odessa PAGs as an analytic basis for policy dialogue. The information will be used to create policy papers for discussion, presentations, fact sheets, and other materials. Building on the ongoing work, POLICY will arrange venues in which policy champions will discuss critical FP/RH issues with key decision makers. These policy dialogue activities will serve to increase awareness of the importance of FP/RH and address the constraints to implementing expansion of FP/RH programs.

POLICY requires a Local Coordinator, who will be responsible for coordinating Ukraine-based activities. The next section contains the scope of work for the Local Coordinator position.

II. Scope of Work

A. Coordination Responsibilities

Oversee project program in Ukraine, including providing leadership and project coordination of local activities in Ukraine. It also includes supervising the work of logistical personnel, the local coordinator in Odessa, overseeing the work of consultants and ensuring the smooth execution of day-to-day activities.
Provide brief weekly e-mail updates to the Ukraine Country Manager at FUTURES' Washington, DC office to relay project progress, problems and proposed solutions. To facilitate communication among the POLICY/Ukraine team, all relevant staff and local consultants should be copied on weekly e-mail updates.
Prepare and submit brief written semi-annual reports in standard POLICY Project format (will be provided). The Local Coordinator is primarily responsible for preparing these reports, but should work closely with the Country Manager, and other local consultants and Ukrainian counterparts to ensure information reported is accurate. The Local Coordinator will provide the Country Manager with a draft report for review and approval two weeks prior to each due date. A format for reporting will be provided by the Country Manager.
Monitor POLICY Project budget for individual activities, as it pertains to local expenditures, and ensure the efficient use of resources consistent with the country scope of work. Coordinate closely with the Country Manager to track expenditures, and to ensure that POLICY/Ukraine abides by USAID administrative regulations. The Local Coordinator will be provided with activity budgets to guide implementation and monitoring of expenses.
Oversee routine accounting requirements and timely submission of the monthly reports to FUTURES/Washington DC. Serve as FUTURES official signatory for banking transactions and manage local POLICY bank accounts (if deemed necessary).
Coordinate effectively with other USAID funded Cooperating Agencies (CAs) In Ukraine by participating in coordination meetings convened by the USAID/Kyiv. The POLICY Local Coordinator shall seek opportunities for information exchange and collaboration with other CAs.
Ensure effective administrative operations, including but not limited to: maintaining computer and e-mail systems; and maintaining a central filing system for administrative and technical work.
Maintain routine oral communication with the USAID/Kyiv, on a schedule jointly determined by USAID/Kyiv and POLICY. As the POLICY Project's Ukraine-based liaison with the USAID, the Local Coordinator is expected to keep abreast of all aspects of the POLICY Project and to brief USAID/Kyiv on project-wide activities.

B. Technical Responsibilities

Facilitate Policy Advisory Group (PAG) meetings in Kyiv. The Local Coordinator will be the POLICY liaison to and an active facilitator of the activities of the Kyiv PAG. The group is beginning to be formed under the guidance of the Ministry of Health (MOH). To facilitate the work of the PAG, the Local Coordinator will prepare agendas for each meeting, foster discussions that lead to identifying "Enthusiasts", policy dialogue plans and actions needed for resolution of policy issues. To facilitate communication among group members and progress updates, the Local Coordinator will coordinate regular meetings of the PAG, prepare minutes of the meetings for distribution to the group, all relevant POLICY staff, and USAID (in both English and Russian).
Assist in organization of and preparation for policy dialogue fora. Working with the MOH and members of the PAGs, the Local Coordinator will manage the organizational and logistical details of policy dialogue fora to include round table discussions, a national symposium, and other Venues that may include participation by governmental and nongovernmental leaders.
Coordinate with USAID/Kyiv, the MOH, the Kyiv and Odessa PAGs, CAs, members of the National Family Planning Program, and other partners as required.

C. Reporting Requirements

The Local Coordinator shall report to the POLICY Project's Country Manager for Ukraine, Ms. Monica Medrek. For administrative matters, such as compliance with project and FUTURES policies and procedures, your contact will be Alice Weinstein.

Qualifications include:

5-8 years of work experience, preferably in the areas of reproductive health and policy analysis
Demonstrated ability to initiate and coordinate projects independently
Fluency in written/spoken Ukrainian, Russian, and English, is required
The ability to interact professionally with policy-makers as well as nongovernmental activists
An understanding of how health policies are developed in Ukraine
University master's degree, in health or a social science preferred