Regional Program Officer – Hydropower Program

The Regional Program Officer (RPO) is an integral member of the Oxfam America East Asia Regional Office (EARO) providing program oversight and team management for EARO's Hydropower Program (Formerly known as MRBM program). The RPO is charged with delivery of the Hydropower Program portfolio, which includes program design and strategizing, implementation, grant management, partnership development, representation, organizational development, finance management, monitoring, evaluation, learning and knowledge management. This position is based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The position is intended to advance the program in national and regional engagement with partner organizations as well as Oxfam affiliates in-region to advance common initiatives.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The RPO work priorities and responsibilities will be guided by Oxfam America strategic planning processes, particularly the Program Strategic Paper (PSP).Working to agreed annual performance objectives, personal development plan, and guidance by the DRD and the RD, the RPO will:

Program Design & Strategizing:
• Design, oversee the development, and the refinement of the Program Strategic Paper to achieve significant program impacts.
• Foster opportunities for cross-cluster collaboration
• Network with peers, both within and outside EARO, to develop a shared analysis of local issues and corresponding strategies
• As determined by DRD, contribute to the development of strategy and implementation of specific joint program/activities with other affiliates at local and/or regional levels

Program Delivery
Portfolio management & resource development:
• Ensure the smooth implementation of PSP where:
o Ensure MEL and impact assessment tools, including gender mainstreaming, are used in developing, and managing grant and/or non-grant work;
o Ensure that all required resources, including time, human capacity, and financial resources are available and appropriate.
• In compliance with grant-making procedures and policies, develop grants from conception to approval, and manage the assigned grants portfolio
• Manage the assigned budget to the program and provide monthly update on expenditures
• Develop, strategize, and implement the advocacy aspects of the portfolio, and work with partners as relevant and as agreed with DRD.
• Develop proposals for external funding as agreed with DRD.
• Support the capacity building of partners to enable them to responsibly and effectively implement the project
Program reporting and updating:
• Prepare information for agency reporting requirements including program monthly update, grant mid-year and annual reports, MEL, and Impact assessment in line with the program-level MEL systems
• Ensure that EARO team is updated on key issues and events arising from relevant grant and/or non grant work
• In coordination with DRD, maintain updates and communications with specific donors.

Policy Analysis & Advocacy:
• Be informed on relevant policy development on hydropower related issues in the Mekong region.
• If relevant, conduct research and analysis of the social and environmental impacts of hydropower-related issues and utilize the information for OA and/or partners’ related work.

Representation:
• In agreement with RD, represent OA corporately on specific circumstances&/or partnerships.
• Develop & manage primary working relationships with external partners & allies.

Organizational Development:
• Contribute to development & clarity of organizational objectives encompassing agency values & regional priorities
• Provide support and build capacity of partners as necessary in all aspects of the program.
• Contribute to development of corporate materials for Oxfams.
• Maintain communications with relevant staff in home office and regional offices on specific issues, and keep the DRD informed.
Human Resources & Finance management:
• Plan and manage both human and financial resources, processes needed for carrying out program
• Ensure compliance and accountability in management of grants and consultant contracts
• Perform management of consultants and volunteers

Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Accountability:
• Ensure that quality standards for gender mainstreaming, MEL and Impact assessment are applied in the program, used in developing grant and non-grant work at the program level.
• Ensure the Program complies with the agreed MEL and Impact Assessment plan and schedule.
• Prepare individual partner/grant monitoring and progress reports as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
• Master’s degree in development, social or environmental science, or other relevant fields;

Experience and Core Competencies:
• At least five years demonstrable experience in natural resource management, corporate social responsibility, hydro-electric industry, energy policy or other related fields.
• Strong analytical and research skill especially linked to public and private policy agendas
• Strong understanding and experience in rural development, economic development or related field
• Proven experiences in influencing high level decision makers on the issue of CSR.
• Demonstrable experience and skills in program development, management, research, and conducting effective monitoring and evaluation of projects.
• Understanding of and experience in advocacy related to rural development, economic development and the roles of private, government and multilateral financiers in such projects.
• Demonstrable experience in conducting or facilitating participatory policy dialogue processes from grassroots to meso and/or national levels.
• Proven ability and aptitude to learn quickly;
• A team player who works well in a multi-cultural environment, communicates readily and shares learning with colleagues, partners, beneficiaries and other stakeholders;
• Ability and willingness to undertake extensive travel in and outside the region;
• Ability to produce quality work under pressure.
• Confidence to work alone but to judge when help is needed or there is an opportunity to share learning.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Preferred:
• An understanding of gender issues & experience in applying gender analysis, planning & evaluation in programs.
• Team management experience.
• Knowledge of the Mekong Region, especially the government and political systems.
• Knowledge of one Mekong region language will be advantage

Please email your cover letter describing how you meet the requirements and your CV to eastasia@oxfamamerica.org. Please quote “Application for Regional Program Officer – HP” in the subject line. Women and regional nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.