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.
Head of Office (m/f/d), Sudan
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.
GRC is currently seeking an experienced Head of Office (m/f/d) responsible for leading the GRC Country Office for Sudan including direct project management of emergency response projects.
GRC has a long-standing partnership with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS). At present, the primary focus of GRC lies in providing assistance to the SRCS in addressing the ongoing crisis and humanitarian needs resulting from the current conflict and adjusting the existing portfolio according to the changing needs and according to SRCS priorities. In consultation with SRCS and other partners, the Head of Office will advise on the best office set up and mode of cooperation taking into consideration the new circumstances. The GRC is committed to support its Sister Society where possible and work with the SRCS team to jointly decide on a long-term program which falls within SRCS strategic priorities. through joint programs, exchange of knowledge as well as technical and managerial support.
The Head of Office (HoO) is temporarily relocated to Nairobi with the aim to return to Sudan as soon as the situation allows. He/She directly supervises the GRC finance delegate and project delegates. The position requires regular field visits depending on the situation in country. The HoO reports to the GRC country manager at GRC HQ in Berlin.
Starting date: 01.09.2023 (preferably)
Duration: 12 months (with possible extension)
Location: Sudan, temporarily relocated to Nairobi/Kenya until further notice
Main duties & responsibilities:
- Represent GRC at country level and maintain close cooperation with the RC/RC Movement, the Government, the German Embassy, other relevant international and national external aid agencies as well as external donors and the media.
- Ensure and facilitate close coordination and cooperation with SRCS and further develop the GRC country strategy and profile according to the current situation and needs.
- Manage and adjust existing structures and procedures of the GRC Country Office in cooperation with SRCS, including finance, procurement, HR, security, inventories, fixed and financial assets following GRC guidelines and procedures and facilitate the return to Sudan as soon as possible.
- Support and advise SRCS in building and strengthening their capacities and programmes in line with jointly identified priority areas.
- Direct line-management of GRC delegates and support of staff development and capacity building of national and international team.
- Explore funding opportunities and support the preparation of successful concept notes and project proposals in line with the GRC country strategy.
- Facilitate ECHO Sudan dialogue as a lead on behalf of EU Partners
- Monitor and analysis of all relevant socio-political developments in country with a particular focus on the humanitarian sector and disaster management.
- Oversee and support all GRC/SRCS projects to ensure high programme quality and secure full compliance with donor regulations and GRC policies, in close coordination with the finance and project delegates. This includes financial management and expenditure tracking, program monitoring, narrative and financial reporting, etc.
- Ensure visibility and information sharing on GRC/SRCS programmes with all stakeholders, including project beneficiaries, partners and local authorities as well as donors.
- Ensure consistent communication and coordination between GRC country office and GRC HQ.
- In addition to the role of Head of Office, manage the implementation of projects as needed in close coordination with the SRCS HQ and the local SRCS branches, project team and volunteers by ensuring timely and effective implementation of activities according to approved budget and work plan thereby following donor and GRC requirements and regulations.
Required Competencies & Skills:
Technical experience:
- At least five years of experience in the field of international cooperation, including substantial experience working in humanitarian crisis and or development contexts.
- Prior experience in leading/managing a country office for a humanitarian organisation, or similar, desirable.
- Excellent programme coordination and project management skills (including financial management; budgeting, monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance, reporting, etc.)
- Personal management and security management experience.
- Technical background in one or more of the following areas: WASH, Health, DRR, Food Security/Livelihoods, Forecast-based Financing, Cash and Voucher Assistance is an asset.
- Familiarity with East Africa, Sudan is an asset.
- Substantial experience in implementing donor-funded projects, experience with AA, BMZ, ECHO, DEVCO is a strong asset.
- Proven expertise in capacity-building and organizational development, experience in working for the Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement is a strong asset.
Personal skills:
- Strategic thinking, hands-on mentality and in-depth understanding of the humanitarian system.
- Excellent communication, leadership skills and problem-solving skills as well as intercultural sensitivity, diplomacy and facilitation skills.
- Oral and written fluency in English, knowledge of Arabic and/or German is an advantage,
- Ability to work independently, highly solution-oriented and as a team member.
- Excellent computer skills (spreadsheets, word-processing, databases and other programs).
- Readiness to travel to and work in remote areas is essential. Experience of living and working in insecure and conflict-affected environments is an asset.
- Agreement to adhere to the Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles.
- Ability to work effectively in multi-cultural environments.
- Ability to complete a thorough medical screening process 'working abroad under specific climate and health conditions'.
- Valid Driving Licence.
What we offer you:
You will be part of a highly motivated professional and multicultural team. We offer you a compensation package according to the collective employment agreement of the GRC, an expatriation allowance during your mission. In addition to a full insurance package GRC is covering a home flight within a 12-months period of assignment. You will benefit from a comprehensive training package and receive briefings and coaching prior as well as during and after your mission. Medical check-ups and Psychosocial Support Service are included in your assignment.
How to apply
Kindly apply by submitting your application by using the GRC online application system until 27.08.2023.
https://karriere-beim-drk.de/8gqcd
Please note that due to the travel and visa regulations and the guidelines of our partners in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement certain vaccinations are required for this delegate position. Candidates on the short-list for this position will be asked to disclose their vaccination status.
We point out that the selection and nomination processes for this international delegate position may demand that information concerning your person be shared with involved Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners (IFRC, ICRC, National Society). This may include transmission into countries that do not apply data protection standards comparable to those of the European Union.