Desk Officer, Colombia Response

Venezuela Political Crisis

Desk Officer

TITLE:                                             Desk Officer, Colombia

DEPARTMENT:                               Emergency Programs

LOCATION:                                     Stamford, CT

REPORTS TO:                                Director, Emergency Response

DURATION:                                    12 months with possibility of extension

STARTING DATE:                          September 10, 2018

ABOUT AMERICARES

Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that responds to people affected by poverty or disaster with life-changing health programs, medicine and medical supplies. Each year, Americares reaches more than 90 countries and all 50 U.S. states with over $600 million in innovative health programs and quality medical aid.

Our programs help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters; increase access to critical medicine and medical supplies; improve and expand clinical services; and prevent disease and promote good health in vulnerable communities.

Americares Emergency Programs leverage our logistics capabilities, health and medical expertise, global partner network and supply of donated medicine to respond to emergencies, help communities recover from disasters, reduce disaster risk and improve health outcomes. Americares responds to an average of 30 natural disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide each year. Our Emergency Programs interventions include but are not limited to: medications and medical supplies, mobile medical units, rehabilitations and restoration of health facilities, mental health and psychosocial support services.

POSITION SUMMARY

The current situation in Venezuelan continues to deteriorate. Due to multiple factors – loss of income, insecurity and violence, lack of access to food, healthcare and other essential services – Venezuelans are departing Venezuela for neighboring countries throughout the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region. According to UNHCR’s May 2018 report, more than 1.5 million Venezuelans have left the country since 2014. Colombia is one of the main host countries with an estimated 600,000 Venezuelans, and the number is increasing: As of March 2018, the net migration of Venezuelans into Colombia had reached 4,000 per day, with 50% expected to remain in Colombia long-term. Venezuelans are arriving with substantial needs and limited resources. Host countries face significant challenges as they work to provide an appropriate response to the population influx and are increasingly overstretched. In Colombia, the departments bordering Venezuela – La Guajira, Norte de Santander, and Arauca – are particularly strained and the coastal department of Atlántico is increasingly strained as Venezuelans continue to filter in from border areas. Health – along with food and nutrition, protection, shelter and WASH – is a priority humanitarian need.

Americares is seeking a Desk Officer based in the U.S. to play a leading role in supporting our response to the Venezuela Regional Crisis in Colombia. The Desk Officer will report to the Director, Emergency Response and work closely with the Country Director and Deputy Country Director of Colombia. In this role, he/she will provide operational support to the team on the ground and contribute to health program planning and development.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as the focal point between U.S. headquarters and the Colombia office, coordinating between departments in HQ to ensure adequate support and efficient operations in Colombia
• Work with the Country Director and Deputy Country Director to advise on program deliverables and priorities and ensure programming is consistent with national and regional response strategies
• Support the identification of pursuit of additional funding opportunities by conducting research, drafting content for concept notes and proposals and working with HQ departments to secure relevant supporting documents
• Support complete and accurate program data collection, reporting and management
• Support, as necessary, recruitment efforts, working closely with HR and Country Director
• Work with finance and logistics teams to track program costs and supply stocks, calculate program cost and supply forecasts/pipeline analyses and ensure international shipping schedules align with programmatic timelines
• Support budget development, management, and expense reporting
• Work with the field team to provide activity reports to HQ
• Other duties as assigned by Director, Emergency Response

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, program management, international development, international relations, or equivalent. Master’s preferred
• 5-7 years of experience in health program support, preferably at an NGO
• Health program development and implementation experience required
• Award management experience, specifically USAID/OFDA
• Proficiency in English and Spanish required
• Practical knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook
• Ability to travel
• Strong verbal and written communications skills
• Experience in information gathering, management, and sharing
• Strong organizational skills, comfortable multi-tasking and working in a fast-paced environment
• Able to operate independently in HQ and as part of the team in Colombia