Job Announcement (P002/January/2010)

CARE International in Myanmar

Senior Program Officer-Agriculture

(1) Position - National

Date: 25th January 2010

CARE International Myanmar is an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO)

established in 1995 to improve the lives of people within vulnerable communities. CARE is currently
working in all states and division in Myanmar implementing projects in HIV/AIDS prevention, care
and support, community health and nutrition. CARE employs over 600 staffs through its Offices.

Rakhine Rural Household Livelihood Security Project (RRHLSP) operated in Buthidaung and
Maungdaw townships, Northern Rakhine is implemented by CARE (CARE Australia/CARE Myanmar)
and funded by AusAID. The overall goal is to substantially enhance household livelihood security
(defined as assets, income & health) of poor households. There are three components of RRHLSP
namely community forestry (CF), saving mobilization and income generation (SMIG)) and Community
Managed Health Promotion Programme (CMHPP). RRHLSP also provides target beneficiaries with
needed, but limited in-kind supports, and it facilitates the existing social groups to implement income
generation activities. Locally adaptable technology trials have also been conducted to support food
production. In addition, collective village-level development sub-projects have also been promoted with
the use of village development grant (VDG) and production development fund (PDF).

CARE is currently seeking motivated and capable Senior Program Officer-Agriculture for
Maungdaw in Northern Rakhine State.

SUMMARY:

The Senior Program Officer (SPO-Agricullure) is responsible for ensuring the technical quality of
project interventions as well as the overall management of project activities in their assigned area. The
SPO reports to and works under the direct supervision of the Field Office Coordinator (FOC) to
ensure that all projects in Maungdaw in Northern Rakhine State, achieve their objectives and
outcomes according to the work plan and within the contracted project period.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Development
• Assist in the development of concept papers and proposals, in coordination with the FOC,
Senior Program staff and the Program Quality Team (PQT).

Program Management
• Manage project implementation:
− Maintain an in-depth knowledge of key project documentation and ensure the program
staff are familiar with key project documentation.
− Review existing project design, objectives, outcomes, indicators and budget to ensure
they are appropriate and realistic and, if necessary, suggest changes to the FOC and
Senior Program staff.
− Contribute in the development, use, and review of key project management tools
including log-frames, work plans, risk management matrices, etc.
− Assist FOC in developing activity plans to ensure the achievement of outputs based on
the approved project plan.
− Ensure staff effectively and efficiently implement activities accordingly to the activity
plan.
− Maintain a professional working relationship with beneficiaries and counterparts.

SPO-Agri’2010
 −
Provide a quality written monthly project progress report in line with CARE
Myanmar’s monthly project report format.
− Assist FOC in preparing a quality written monthly project progress report in line with
CARE Myanmar’s monthly project report format.
• Working collaboratively with the PQT to:
− Wherever possible, ensure CARE’s Programming Principles, in particular gender and
rights-based approaches, are incorporated into project design and implementation.
− Ensure that all projects adhere to CARE’s Project Standards.
− Assist FOC in project monitoring and evaluation in order to ensure the achievement of
project outputs.
• Working collaboratively with the Field Office Coordinator and Admin/Finance Officer to:
− Assist in the recruitment of / Recruit staff through transparent, rigorous and soundly
justified procedures.
− Manage staff performance through coaching/mentoring and on the job training where
appropriate.
− Provide appropriate and timely feedback regarding staff annual performance
objectives, including timely implementation of the annual staff appraisal system.
− Ensure all staff are sufficiently oriented to CARE Myanmar prior to commencement
of their work in the field.
− In consultation with FOC, clearly define the training needs of staff and ensure they are
able to access training and personnel development resources appropriate to their
needs.
• Working collaboratively with the Admin/Finance Officer to:
− Assist FOC in preparing all Costed Work Plans (CWP). Assist FOC and Senior
Program staff in the management of project budgets, for sound financial management
of the project.
− Ensure the timely submission of funds and supply requests, based on project budgets.
− Ensure the timely supply and storage of materials in project villages.
− Assist FOC and A/FO in maintaining an up-to-date asset register for all assets
purchased by or provided to the field in line with standard CARE Myanmar policies.
− Together with FOC, review all financial reports, such as monthly Budget vs. Actual
reports, to verify transactions are allocated correctly and for necessary follow-up.
− Ensure that program staff follow sound financial management principles in
compliance with contractual requirements.
− Assist in the coordination/communication between program and Admin/Finance
departments.
− Ensure that all CARE Myanmar policies approved by the SMT are adhered to.
Coordination:
• Encourage overall program cohesion through coordination and information sharing with and
between all key staff.
• Assist FOC in establishing, maintaining and strengthening relations with relevant Government
authorities, other international organizations and non-government organizations working in
the same geographic area.
• Provide support during donor monitoring and senior management visits as well as
consultant/technical support visits to the field site.

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:
• University graduate, with relevant technical qualification (eg. SPO Agriculture – B.Ag)
• At least 2 years experience managing Agricultural / humanitarian programs in Myanmar,
including experience in finance and resource management.
• At least 1 year experience in supervising staff.
• Demonstrated community mobilization, participatory techniques, planning, training and
facilitating skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment and team building skills.

SPO-Agri’2010
 • Highly developed analytical and communication skills, including excellent oral and written
English communication skills. Local language skills an asset.
• Competence in using information technology including experience with word-processing,
spreadsheets and database software.
• Willingness and capacity to travel in project areas regularly.
• Sense of humor, flexibility and patience. Knowledge of local culture, context and customs
preferred.
• Proven track record of quality performance in remote locations and high pressure
environments.
LOCATION:
The position will be based in Maungdaw-Northern Rakhine State with regular travel to the project
areas.

Application process: Interested persons should send an application letter outlining their claims
against the matching indicators, along with a current C.V., passport sized photograph, clearance
certificate from police station-original (&Jpcef; axmufcHpm - rl &if;) and copies of any references or
testimonials to the address below not later than 8th February 2010.

Note: Application will not be successful if applied position is not mentioned correctly, the
application does not mention about the specific position.

Human Resources Manager

CARE International in Myanmar
77, Pyi Htaung Su Yeik Thar Street,
Corner of Taw Win Road, West Pyay,
Dagon Towhship, Yangon.

Email: recruitment@care.org.mm

Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted for interview. 

SPO-Agri’2010