The German Red Cross (GRC) is part of a worldwide community assisting victims of conflicts and disasters and people affected by social or health related crises. The Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement provides vulnerable people with assistance without discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. The German Red Cross assists in disaster response, rehabilitation and capacity building projects on appeals of their sister organisations within the Movement.
To coordinate GRC project activities in close cooperation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), GRC is currently seeking an experienced Head of Office (m/f/d) for Syria.
Background:
The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) was founded in 1942 and consists of 14 branches with more than 12,000 staff and volunteers across the country. SARC continues to be one of the main providers of humanitarian assistance reaching people with food, essential household items, medical assistance, and providing water and sanitation assistance. SARC volunteers have shown exceptional dedication and courage throughout the crisis and continue doing so. By mid-2019, SARC registered 5,6 million people reached, which accounts to around one million families relying on the support and functionality of the organization.
Currently, the programmatic focus of GRC remains on humanitarian relief and logistics. In addition, rehabilitation projects are implemented to further strengthen SARC’s response capacities regarding health service provision and emergency logistics. The extension of the programmatic cooperation with SARC will be one of the strategic priorities for the coming months depending on contextual developments and funding opportunities.
Duration: 01.05.2020 – 30.04.2021, 12 months (with possible extension)
Location: Damascus/Syria. Field visits in the country whenever the security situation allows
Responsibilities and Tasks:
The Head of Office will be responsible for the overall planning, implementation and monitoring of all programmatic and strategic actions of GRC in Syria.
The position requires leadership, management, diplomacy, coordination, representation and the provision of programme and technical guidance to GRC in-country delegates and SARC colleagues. Responsibilities include team management, development of the partnership with SARC and coordination with Red Cross / Red Crescent partners in country. The position will line manage all GRC staff in Syria.
Management:
- Lead, manage and motivate a team of 2 international and 1 seconded SARC national staff (team size and composition might be adjusted);
- Oversee a large logistics portfolio including the supply chain for relief items and rehabilitation works;
- Responsible for the safety and security of all GRC staff and visitors in country, incident management, contingency planning and updating the country security management plan;
- Office management including fixed assets, financial assets and other resources in accordance with GRC procedures and regulations;
- Ensure that donor grants and own funds are implemented in compliance with GRC and donor rules and regulations and legal obligations, including timely financial and narrative reporting and due diligence checks;
Programme/Strategy
- Lead the review of GRC’s country strategy in close cooperation with SARC colleagues, the GRC team in Syria, and advisors from the MENA office and team in GRC’s headquarters;
- Ensure that GRC’s country strategy and programme responds to SARC’s strategic priorities and is closely coordinated, aligned and harmonised with support by other Red Cross / Red Crescent movement partners;
- Support GRC staff and SARC teams in implementing, monitoring, reporting and evaluating project activities;
- Follow-up on sector-related and relevant political developments to steer the identification of new activities and develop project proposals for donor submission;
- Monitor and contextualize socio-political developments in country.
Representation/Partnership:
- Represent GRC in Syria towards SARC and other movement partners, donors, German Embassy, INGOs, national and international media;
- Closely cooperate and regularly liaise with movement partners and other stakeholders;
- Identify and approach new partnerships and funding opportunities in close coordination with SARC, GRC MENA (Middle East / Northern Africa) Office in Beirut and GRC headquarters.
Required Skills:
Management & Technical Experience
- At least 7 years of relevant experience in the management of emergency relief and/or development programs. Expertise in Disaster Risk Reduction, Disaster Management, or Community-based approaches an asset;
- Experience in implementing and monitoring donor-funded projects such as ECHO, DEVCO, Federal Foreign Office of Germany, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ);
- Experience in strategy development processes and organizational development;
- Strategic thinking, hands-on mentality and in depth understanding of the humanitarian system;
- Previous working experience in the MENA region is an asset;
- Profound understanding of ‘localisation’ and partnership work;
- Proven experience in working with local partners organisations, including in an advisory and coaching role, and engaging in high-level strategic discussions.
Security/Language/ Personal skills
- Previous experience of working for the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement and strong agreement to adhere to the Red Cross Red Crescent principles and the German Red Cross Code of Conduct;
- Experience in working in a difficult and volatile security situation; ability to live and work for long periods under severely restricted conditions within a conflict-affected environment, and ability handle stressful situations
- Oral and written fluency in English is required. Advanced knowledge of German and/or Arabic are an asset;
- Ability to complete a thorough medical screening process 'working abroad under specific climate and health conditions';
- Cultural sensitivity, underpinned by substantial working experience outside her/his home country, including in insecure and conflict-affected contexts;
- Ability to work independently, highly results-oriented and as a team member;
- Committed to prevent and combat any occurrence of bullying, intimidation, harassment, abuse and exploitation, including of sexual nature, in the workplace and with regards to recipients of aid;
- Valid International Driving Licence;
- Willingness to deploy unaccompanied.
What we offer you:
You will be part of a highly motivated professional and multicultural regional team. We offer you a compensation package according to the collective employment agreement of the GRC, an expatriation allowance during your mission as well as the accommodation. In addition to a full insurance package GRC is covering one home flight within a 12-months period of assignment. In addition to the annual leave you will be granted regular Rest and Relaxation (R&R) leave. Medical check-ups and Psychosocial Support Service are included in your assignment. A comprehensive training package as well as briefings prior, during and after your mission will complete your employment.
How to apply:
Kindly apply by submitting your application by using the GRC online application system DRK HR net (https://drkhrnet.de) until 04.03.2020.
Please indicate Ref. No. 2020-023 with your application.
Further information on our recruiting procedure can be found on our homepage http://www.drk.de/ueber-uns/stellenboerse/drk-international-vacancies.html