Project Assistant

Position Information Field Details Position Title Project Assistant Organization Ma'akum Developmental Foundation (MAAKUM) Project Integrated Cash, Shelter and WASH Assistance Project Donor Yemen Humanitarian Fund (YHF) Duty Station Taiz Governorate (with frequent travel to Mawza District) Contract Type Full Time Contract Duration 9 Months Reports to Project Manager Deadline 28 March About Ma’akum Ma'akum Developmental Foundation (MAAKUM) is a Yemeni non-governmental, nonprofit organization established in 2017. Committed to humanitarian and development principles, MAAKUM delivers integrated programs across six key sectors: Education, Health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Protection, Shelter, and Food Security & Livelihoods. With strong working relationships established with government entities, humanitarian clusters, and partner organizations, MAAKum ensures its projects are community-centered and reach the most vulnerable people, including IDPs, host communities, women, children, and persons with disabilities. Our work is guided by a vision of empowered youth and women leading resilient communities, where assistance is delivered with dignity and in full adherence to the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. We are dedicated to empowering vulnerable groups, strengthening community resilience, and fostering local and international partnerships to create sustainable impact. About the Project The project aims to provide integrated humanitarian assistance including Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), Emergency Shelter support, and selected WASH interventions to vulnerable internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mawza District, Taiz Governorate. The intervention focuses on protection-sensitive targeting, community engagement, and evidence-based implementation aligned with cluster standards and donor requirements. Role Purpose The Project Assistant supports the operational implementation and coordination of project activities across MPCA, Shelter, and WASH components. The role ensures effective field coordination, beneficiary targeting, registration processes, and organization of distributions while promoting community participation and accountability. Working closely with the Project Manager and WASH & Shelter Officer, the Project Assistant facilitates smooth implementation of activities and provides operational guidance to the District Coordinator to ensure timely and effective field-level implementation. The role promotes Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), protection mainstreaming, and inclusive community engagement throughout the project cycle. Key Responsibilities Coordination Coordinate closely with the Project Manager, WASH & Shelter Officer, and MEAL Assistant to ensure alignment of project activities, assessments, and implementation schedules. Coordinate with Finance and Logistics teams to facilitate timely MPCA transfers, procurement processes, and delivery of project supplies. Maintain communication with the financial service provider (Hawala agent) to organize and monitor MPCA payments. Support coordination with local authorities, community committees, and district stakeholders as delegated by the Project Manager, while the District Coordinator manages day-to-day field liaison. Activity Planning Develop detailed activity plans, distribution schedules, and operational arrangements in coordination with the Project Manager and WASH & Shelter Officer. Plan and organize beneficiary registration and verification processes for MPCA, Shelter, and WASH interventions in collaboration with the MEAL team. Coordinate community mobilization plans and guide the District Coordinator in organizing community engagement activities. Ensure all activity plans are inclusive, protection-sensitive, and aligned with project workplans and donor requirements. Activity Implementation & Follow-up Lead operational implementation of MPCA activities, including coordination of beneficiary registration, verification processes, and organization of safe and dignified cash distributions. Provide daily operational guidance to the District Coordinator for implementation of field activities across MPCA, Shelter, and WASH sectors. Monitor implementation progress through field visits, review of activity reports, and follow-up on operational challenges. Support WASH and Shelter interventions by facilitating community mobilization, coordination with local stakeholders, and access for technical teams and contractors. Accountability, Protection & Safeguarding Ensure all project activities comply with donor regulations, MAAKUM policies, and relevant humanitarian standards. Promote protection mainstreaming, gender equality, disability inclusion, Safeguarding and PSEA across all activities. Support the effective functioning of the Feedback and Complaints Mechanism (FCM) and ensure communities are aware of feedback channels. Report protection concerns, safeguarding risks, or SEA incidents immediately through appropriate reporting channels. Logistics & Administrative Support Coordinate with the Logistics Assistant to ensure timely availability of supplies and materials for field activities. Review inventory reports submitted by the District Coordinator and report discrepancies to the Logistics Assistant. Prepare field visit plans in coordination with the project team and ensure necessary approvals are obtained. Support the setup of distribution sites and community meetings as needed through coordination with the District Coordinator. Reporting & Documentation Consolidate field updates and support preparation of weekly and monthly project progress reports. Maintain organized documentation of key project records, including activity plans, beneficiary lists, distribution records, and meeting minutes. Ensure proper documentation of field activities and community engagement processes. Support the proper archiving of project documents (both soft and hard copies) for audit and donor readiness. The duties and responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive. The Project Assistant may be required to undertake additional tasks as reasonably assigned to support the successful implementation of the project. Safeguarding and Code of Conduct MAAKUM has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. All staff are required to adhere to the organization’s Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies, including Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA). Employment is subject to satisfactory references and background checks. Required Qualifications & Experience Education Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Business Administration, or a related field. Experience Minimum 3 years of experience in humanitarian or development field work. Experience in beneficiary targeting, registration, verification, and assistance distributions (cash or in-kind) is essential. Experience working with community engagement and mobilization in IDP or host community settings. Experience using mobile data collection tools (KoBo Toolbox) is highly desirable. Familiarity with Mawza District and its communities is an advantage. Experience working with MPCA, Shelter, or WASH programming is highly desirable. Required Skills & Competencies Technical Skills Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Familiarity with mobile data collection platforms (e.g., KoBo Toolbox). Basic report writing and documentation skills. Understanding of community engagement, accountability (AAP), and humanitarian principles. Core Competencies Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work effectively in a team and independently in the field. Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity. Problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing situations. Willingness to travel frequently and work in remote areas. Commitment to humanitarian principles and protection mainstreaming. Languages Arabic: Fluent (required) English: Good reading and writing proficiency (desirable for reporting). Working Environment & Travel The position is based in Taiz City with frequent travel to Mawza District and targeted IDP sites. The security context may be volatile; the role requires flexibility, resilience, and adherence to organizational security protocols. Regular field presence (approx. 50-60%) is expected to oversee activities, conduct monitoring visits, and support field teams. Ability to work in challenging humanitarian contexts and basic field conditions is required. Equal Opportunity Statement Ma'akum Developmental Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from women and persons with disabilities are encouraged.