CONTEXT :
The partnership between Parakou town halls et of Orleans is a twinning between the two local authorities which has existed since 1993. Due to its age and the portfolio of projects developed to date, this partnership constitutes a model of decentralized cooperation in West Africa.
Since 2009, the two communities have called on an International Solidarity Volunteer to provide support in the implementation and monitoring of actions undertaken within the framework of their partnership.
In June 2022, a new three-year partnership agreement was signed between the two communities, providing for six priority areas of action. The current agreement provides for a “Water and Sanitation” project financed by the AFD, as well as actions in the field of sustainable development and the promotion of culture and tourism. This agreement and the activities undertaken will expire at the end of 2024, and within this framework, a new agreement will be developed for the period 2025-2027.
The main projects developed in the Municipality of Parakou in 2024 are as follows:
- Household waste management
- Creation of green lungs
- Promote access to water and sanitation for the population of Parakou
- Promotion of culture and tourism
- Work meetings
WORK STRUCTURE:
In collaboration with the International Relations Department of Orléans Town Hall, and integrated into the team of the Local Development and Planning Department of Parakou Town Hall, the VSI works in close collaboration with the technicians of the Parakou Town Hall for achieving the objectives of the partnership agreement.
MISSIONS:
1/ Support the Parakou Town Hall teams in the implementation of activities
The role of the VSI is to support the Parakou Town Hall teams in the missions described below, to ensure the progress of the activities planned by the three-year agreement:
- Identify needs on the ground
- Plan activities annually and quarterly
- Amend the terms of reference of activities
- Support the Town Hall in the recruitment of service providers (NGOs, companies, consultants, design offices)
- Monitor the work of service providers in the field
- Validate activity reports submitted by service providers
2/ Represent the Orléans Town Hall in Parakou
Integrated into the Parakou Town Hall teams, the VSI provides a link between the Orléans and Parakou Town Halls, and in this sense he/she must ensure:
- Promote the circulation of information on the progress of the action program
- Identify blockages and escalate difficulties
- Update the actions of the convention according to the needs observed on the ground
- Organize the travel and reception of delegations in Parakou and Orléans
- Search for new potential partners
3/ Ensure administrative and financial monitoring of projects
The VSI is responsible for the administrative and financial management of the agreement, and is involved in:
- Write annual reports for donors
- Follow public procurement procedures
- Pay service providers
- Ensure financial monitoring of activities
4/ Contribute to the development and execution of the 2025-2027 agreement
The VSI will have a leading role in the development of the new agreement, in collaboration with the technical departments of the Parakou Town Hall, and will have to coordinate work workshops aimed at defining priority areas of intervention, activities and corresponding budgets.
These missions are likely to evolve depending on the local context, the evolution of projects and opportunities that may arise.
TRAINING:
- Higher education Bac +5 in the field of international solidarity project management / social sciences / environmental management.
EXPERIENCES:
- At least one year of experience in monitoring international solidarity projects.
- A first experience in West Africa is a plus.
- Good knowledge of issues related to sustainable development, ecology and/or tourism promotion is a plus.
- A marked interest in the issues of decentralized cooperation and public policies.
REQUIRED QUALITIES :
- Strong ability to work in a multicultural team and open-mindedness
- Representation and argument
- Proactivity and strength of proposal
- Flexibility and ability to adapt to different Beninese contexts and realities
- Essential interpersonal skills, team spirit knowing how to motivate and mobilize local actors and partners with diplomacy and reserve
- Ability to analyze situations
- Autonomous work
LOCATION AND CONDITIONS:
- International Solidarity Volunteer Contract with the Guild
- Starting position in September 2024, for a period of one year, renewable
- The commune of Parakou is located in the Borgou department, in the north of Benin.
- Accommodation is made available to the VSI
- A kitchen assistant is supported during the first 6 months of the mission
- Operating costs are covered
- Monthly allowance: €730
- Severance pay: €3500
- Full support for social security
- One return plane ticket per year
To apply :
Send your CV and cover letter addressed to Audrey Roux audrey.roux@orleans-metropole.fr, Head of International Relations at Orléans Town Hall with the subject “VSI Parakou-Orléans Partnership Application”.
Deadline: April 30, 2024
