HI Technical Coordinator based in China

7/31/2019 HI Technical Coordinator based in China

1/6

Last version July 2012

Handicap International is recruiting aTechnical Coordinator

Applications deadline: September 2nd 2012.

Interested candidates may apply [email protected] with cover letter and CV.

Country China

City/site BeijingDepartment / project Operations

Number of employees 30 FTSize of the team NA

Title of the position Technical CoordinatorN+1 Country DirectorDirect team management no direct team managementIndirect team management 5-8 advisors depending on needsBudget responsibility no direct budget responsibilityContract Fixed term contractExpected date of arrival October 2012Duration of the mission 12 months (possibly renewable)

International travel YesTravel between sites Yes

Possibility of a couple YesPossibility of children Yes

Description of the programme and the projects

Handicap International has been working in China for more than 14 years. Our objectiveis to improve the socio-economic inclusion of people with disabilities, especially in ruralareas, trough pilot projects run in close cooperation with governmental partners, civilsociety and associations of people with disabilities.

There are more than 83 million people with disabilities in China (equivalent to the entirepopulation of Germany) and that more than 75% of them are living in rural areas. In

these areas, access to services for people with disabilities is still challenging as thefollowing facts show:

- Only 33% of people with disabilities needing rehabilitation services receive them;

- Only 20% of people with disabilities needing assistive devices have access to suchdevices;

- The illiteracy rate of persons with disabilities aged 15 or above is more than 40%;

As a consequence, the average annual income per person with disabilities is less thanhalf of the average national annual income per person.

We currently operate in 4 provinces/regions of China (Tibet, Beijing, Guangxi and Yunnanand until recently in Sichuan and Qinghai) with a small head office located in Beijing. The

following projects are ongoing:

1. Livelihood TAR: improving access to employment market for PwDs - TAR2. Education: inclusive education - TAR

3. Social protection: Decent work and social protection for persons with disabilities - TAR/Guangxi

4. Rehabilitation: disability prevention and rehabilitation services development

(rehabilitation center and prosthesis-orthosis center) Chamdo Province, TAR5. Rehabilitation: improvement of living condition of children with disability living in

orphanages: development of disability related training for care givers

6. CBR : social inclusion and empowerment of PwDs in TAR7. CBR: strengthening community network towards improvement of PwDs living

conditions - Yunnan province8. DPOs: strengthening DPO and civil society capacities in promoting rights of PwDs -

TAR and Beijing municipality

9. Until recently HI was also involve in post-earthquake response in Sichuan

1
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


2/6


We also advocate for more quality services and better inclusion of persons withdisabilities in rural areas via close contacts with different Ministries, the China DisabledPersons Federation, the media and the academic sector.

History, context and evolution of the job

This position is a new position. Over the last 3 years, the HI China Program has shifted

from a geographic approach into a thematic approach and developed several cross-cutting initiatives in order to strive for collaboration between projects that tended to beworking in an isolated way in the past.Technical support strategy so far: technical support has been possible from individualadvisors, largely based in Tibet with specific Terms of Reference. On occasions, theyhave also supported projects in other part of the country or within Tibet, followingnegotiations and as need arise. As such, there is limited coordination across theprogram as a whole. Consultancy support has also been brought in for short termsupport again, limited to specific needs and TORs. As such there is a need for more

coordination, training and collection of common issues and concerns. The TechnicalCoordinator works under the supervision of the Country Director and in close

collaboration with the Operational Coordinator and Tibet Program Manager and has close

functional links with the Technical Resources Division (TRD) or MTQ. The TechnicalCoordinator is mandated by the TRD to implement Handicap International technicalpolicies, methods and approaches at the level of the programme in his/her sectors ofprofessional competency. S/he is responsible for the technical and methodological qualityof the projects within the programme, the development of the staff technicalcompetencies, as well as for mobilising the resources locally to support the quality of theprogramme.

The Technical Coordinator will be the key person to work with each project team

(including the advisors attached to those specific projects) and ensure a cross-cuttingapproach in their implementation. The Technical Coordinator will play, with the CD and

the OC, a leading role in developing the network for HI within the NGO community (local

and international), with the Chinese Government and academic institutions, and othercivil society organizations. Together with the country director, the operationalcoordinator, Tibet Program Manager, the communication manager and the other technicaladvisors, s/he will be key to develop a clear advocacy plans, disabilities policies andapproaches (including guidance and training) for the HIs program n China.

The Technical Coordinator will also play a key role in identifying new project opportunities

based on the needs of the country. HI China has indeed historically focused on 3provinces/regions of intervention (Guangxi, Sichuan and Tibet). Needs are however

important in other provinces as well and there is a permanent need to look at whatshappening in other areas as well. A new strategy from 2014 is under development andthis will help to guide the program focus for the next 3-5 years. The TechnicalCoordinator will also play a key role in the development of new project proposals,facilitate increased communication and information sharing between HIprojects/programs, and continue to support all aspects of the country mission in movingtowards a more rights based approach.

More specifically in the given context, the technical coordinator will be closely involved inthe technical guidance of the disability peoples organizations project. This was originally

a three year project focused on 5 DPOs/CSOs based in Beijing and Tibet ending in 2013.This has now been extended, with further funding until 2015, increasing its outreach and

specifically looking to develop the capacity of local DPOs/CSOs to monitor and report onthe UNCRPD. The Technical Coordinator will have responsibility for guiding the projectteams and the DPOs/CSOs in their work, particularly as it relates to the UNCRPDmonitoring and reporting. 2 new projects will start end of 2012 and early 2013. HI

started to work with DPOs reinforcement since 2008. DPOs and DPOs network still beingvery new in the country, very few people do have competencies to lead this type of

2


3/6


projects. As a consequence, and at least during the first year, the direct technical supportto the 2 new projects will be a priority. As teams develop there competencies, thetechnical coordinator function will evolve towards a more advisory role.

For more information concerning the context of work in this country, please consult our

internet site www.handicap-international.be.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The list of tasks (and % given) provided here is informative only and might be modifiedaccording to the needs and evolution of the mission and its context. The Technical

Coordinatorwill indeed be a key staff of the HI mission and will have to be flexible toadapt to changing contexts.

Responsibility 1: Ensure that the technical policies, methods and approaches

implemented within the programme are adapted to the local context and the programmestrategy

Aim: To ensure our actions are appropriate.

Benchmarks: Capacity to develop and monitor his/her areas of professional competency.Number and quality of projects developed. Knowledge of the intervention strategies ofthe main stakeholders on in-country. Capacity to incorporate national or sector-based

policies. Knowledge of partner associations and their main priorities. Quality of thetechnical contribution to the programme's strategy.

Tasks: (20%)1.To keep up to date with the HI Federations policies and approaches and ensure that

key documents are shared with staff across HI China in a timely way. Feedback toHQ any issues arising from use of such policies and tools.

2. To contribute to the development of the new Strategy (or COP) for China to befinalised in mid 2013.

3. Participate and represent HI in workshops/meetings on disability organized in Chinaand report to other HI staff

4. Be consulted on the design of new projects, ensuring the active participation of

partners and beneficiaries in the conception phase of the projects advising on howto set up baselines, needs assessments etc.

Responsibility 2: Ensure an optimal level of the technical quality of the programme in

the areas of professional competency for which he/she is responsible and overallguidance on disabilities approaches and knowledge.

Aim: To provide the appropriate response to the needs of beneficiariesBenchmarks: Quality of the technical and methodological recommendations for projectsunderway. Quality of the collaboration with external professional networks in relationwith programme. Quality of the monitoring and capacity to implement evaluation ortechnical missions on each project. Quality of the impact indicators on each project.

Tasks: (30/40% towards 15%)1. Set up standard monitoring and evaluation systems and guidance for surveys,

baselines, logical frameworks etc.

2. Provide direct technical advisory support and guidance to DPOs projects while

building/strengthening teams technical capacities.

3. Support in the development of TORs for internal monitoring and technical support

missions, particularly for the DPO project.4. Support the follow up on the recommendations from these M&E processes

5. Support the collection of beneficiary information across the program guidance andtraining to do this.

Task 2 will be crucial during the early beginning of the new DPOs projectsimplementation until the technical level of the teams allows them to carry out activities in

a relevant way. Documentations and training materials have been developed and used;update and complementary material might be needed.

3
http://www.handicap-international.be/http://www.handicap-international.be/


4/6


Responsibility 3: Develop the technical competencies of the programme team and, withthe OC and advisors, identify areas / gaps that need specific support.Aim: To ensure the team's skills are adapted to the needs of the projectsBenchmarks: Quality of the technical feedback given in the recruitment of technical staff

within the programme. Technically reviewed and approved job profile for each

technical/project manager post to be filled. Quality of support/mentoring of projectteams on technical/methodological aspects. Quality of technical training and practicalexchanges within the programme

Tasks: (15%)1. Promote a rights-based approach within all projects

2. Provide / coordinate training for the HI China staff on disability related issues.

3. Liaise with partners, coordination bodies, ministries, other NGOs and HI staff, both in

and outside China in order to keep an updated view of context, needs and existingactivities in the HI current or potential fields of actions.

4. Provide technical support depending on the needs of project managers and in

coordination with other advisors, Tibet PM and the OC

Responsibility 4: Mobilise national and/or regional professional networksAim: To address the various needs for technical support within the programmeBenchmarks: Each request for technical support is accompanied by approved terms ofreference. Number of support actions effectively carried out given the number ofrequests made. Quality of the participation within professional networks. Ability toanticipate the needs for technical support

Tasks: (15% towards 30-40%)Year 1

1. Participate, in consultation with the Country Director, the Operational Coordinator and

the concerned project managers and advisors, in the different national technicalworking groups and networks that are linked with the different projects.

2. Develop links with other HI programs in the region and globally and any other

relevant programs and organizations.

3. Within the Support to China DPO project, support the development of a long term

advocacy strategies of the partner organizations and HI and provide guidance on theUNCRPD monitoring and reporting processes.

4. Monitor the in-country and regional development of the sectors in which HI is active,

i.e., to monitor the policies of national governments and international donors, theprojects of other actors in the fields of development, health, disability, etc.

(multilateral, international and national) and ensure that all HI projects explicitly takeinto account the relevant national and international strategies. Specifically, be active

in assisting the Country Director in developing an advocacy strategy for influencinglocal laws and government bodies and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disability.

5. Develop a strategy to promote the mainstreaming of the disability component for the

other actors in the country (NGOs, Ministries, etc), especially in the areas ofintervention of HI in order to complement our interventions and ensure the broadestpossible impact.

Year 21. follow-up of tasks to be carried out during year 1

2. Participate, in consultation with the Country Director and the Operational

Coordinator, to any relevant international forum where HI should be representedor where HI could learn new concepts, approaches

Responsibility 5: Ensure that the experience of the programme contributes to HandicapInternationals knowledge base and professional know-how.

4


5/6


Aim: Knowledge management to improve the quality and appropriateness of our actionsacross the Handicap InternationalBenchmarks: Production of lessons-learned, research, publications, studies, etc.Highlighting field experience, innovation and impact on the lives of beneficiaries. Qualityof the capitalisation or analysis of practices and techniques within the given context.

Tasks: (20%)

1. Contribute to overall plans and mission reports and other relevant reports.

2. Write briefing papers on new concepts and approaches

3. Participate with the Country Director, the Operational Coordinator, the Tibet Program

Manager, the Finance Manager, the project managers and advisors in the writing ofproposals and reports for each existing project.

4. Guide each project team on the process for collating information for knowledge

management at end of each project period.

TravelTravel in China is expected. In some cases, where we need additional technical support,

extended periods of time in project locations may be required. Willingness to travel toTibet and Qinghai (high altitude locations). Possibility that travel restrictions to theselocations may occur and some nationalities may not be so easily welcomed there. Travelto other locations (many more tropical) in China also expected.Some travel to regional or international locations will be expected for regional orinternational exchange.

Profile required for the jobKnowledge

Masters Degree(s), diploma(s): social work, or related area to one of HIs areas of

expertise; General knowledge on disabilities

Preferred knowledge on cross cutting issues such as gender, inclusion

Knowledge of UNCRPD monitoring and reporting processes desirable.

General project management skills;

Understanding of China culture, and social and political system - preferred particularly knowledge of working with both government and non-government

context

Language(s): English is the working language internally, Mandarin Chinese andistinct advantage especially for working with external contacts

Skills

Extensive experience in supporting DPOs and other Human Rights organisation

Extensive experience in teaching/training and sharing knowledge

Advocacy experience

Experience: preference will be given to proven experience and knowledge of

HIs programs to link the needs with HIs expertise, capacity and mandate. Experience in working in emergencies an asset response, DRR and

mainstreaming of disabilities preferred

Other (project management and development,): teaching methodology andexperience will be necessary.

Personal qualities

The success of an expatriate in China depends on both the personal andprofessional qualities that he/she brings to bear. An ability to demonstrate

tolerance, patience, flexibility and self-reliance are important personality traitsand are the key factors in determining the success of the applicant.

5


6/6


To adhere to Handicap Internationals vision: a world in which all forms ofdisabilities can be prevented, cared for or integrated, and in which the rights ofpeople with disabilities are respected and applied

Ability to work within a team

Creativity and adaptability

6

Documents

HI Technical Coordinator based in China