Collaboration Center Manager

Summary

The Collaboration Center for Recognition of Skills, Experience, and Learning in Humanitarian Action is a joint initiative, co-governed by three founding partners: the CHS Alliance, the Humanitarian Leadership Academy, and the International Association of Professionals in Humanitarian Assistance and Protection (PHAP). Hosted by PHAP in Geneva, the Center will support and coordinate key programs of its partners, and will also have ongoing core activities to create value for the humanitarian sector in complementary ways. Its objectives include supporting the efforts of current and aspiring credentialing programs in the humanitarian sector; providing guidelines to ensure adherence of such programs to established international credentialing standards; facilitating interoperability across organizations operating and engaging with credentialing programs; providing a venue for partners to learn from each other regarding credentialing programs and related activities; offering information to employers and individuals about available recognition and related learning options; and building awareness of the value of robust recognition tools.

PHAP, on behalf of the partners, is looking to recruit a Program Manager for the start-up phase (2016-2018) of the Center. Responsible for developing and administering the operational aspects of the Center, the Program Manager is a self-starter, with a strong understanding of the humanitarian sector, the ability to learn and adapt, and the capacity to represent the Center to various stakeholders. This person will be methodical, able to work with standards, systems, procedures, and ensure clarity of vision and purpose in managing and communicating about the Collaboration Center.

Duties and responsibilities

  • Act as liaison to program partners
  • Promote the activities of the Collaboration Center
  • Identify existing and potential standard-setting and individual recognition initiatives in the humanitarian sector that may benefit from being connected to the Collaboration Center
  • Coordinate the activities of the Center’s current and future partners
  • Advise and coordinate regarding guidelines, models, and technical platforms for developing and delivering relevant programs for recognition, as appropriate
  • Develop information materials and systems to guide individuals to the activities and services of the Collaboration Center
  • Liaise with humanitarian agencies to assist them in utilizing Center offerings
  • Produce clear, concise documentation of procedures and decisions
  • Develop Center strategy and business model
  • Ensure that programs under the auspices of the Collaboration Center operate within budget

Knowledge and competencies

Specific:

  • At least five years’ experience in a relevant managerial position
  • Strong understanding of the components and dynamics of the humanitarian sector
  • Strong familiarity with “professionalization” initiatives and related challenges in the humanitarian sector
  • Strong familiarity with relevant HR functions in large humanitarian agencies (recruitment, advancement, professional development, etc.)
  • Understanding of the basic concepts of credentialing (including accreditation, certification, and certificate programs)
  • Knowledge of accreditation processes to international standards for credentialing (e.g. ISO/IEC 17024, ASTM E2659, NCCA Standard, etc.)
  • Flawless written and oral communication skills in English
  • Professional fluency in French

General:

  • Demonstrated leadership and management skills
  • Demonstrated sound business judgment
  • Understanding stakeholder needs
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Strong networking skills
  • Computer skills, with particular emphasis on Word and Excel
  • Budgeting and financial management
  • High standards and strong work ethic
  • Persistence and perseverance

Conditions

  • Location: Geneva, Switzerland
  • Starting date: October 2016
  • Full-time schedule of five days (40 hours) per week
  • Swiss employment contract

Application Procedure

DEADLINE: Sunday, 2 October 2016, 23:59 GMT

  • Candidates are kindly requested to submit their CV and cover letter to jobs(at)phap.org. The subject line of your e-mail should read “Collaboration Centre Manager (family name)”. You will receive an automated confirmation. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, in person or by phone/Skype. Depending on the number of well-qualified candidates, additional application may be required.
  • Please do not contact PHAP about the status of your application – all candidates will be notified within one month after the deadline.

 

PHAP can only consider applications from persons of Swiss or EU citizenship, or already holding valid residency/work permits (for more information, visit http://ge.ch/population/prestations-europeen or https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home/themen/arbeit.html).