Syrian Arab Republic: Head of Office (m/f/d), Syria

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 Funda-mental Principles of the Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Volun-tary Service, Unity and Universality. The German Red Cross assists in disaster response, re-habilitation and capacity building projects on appeals of their sister organizations 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.

Program Overview:

In 2018, the Syria Crisis has entered its eighth year. Approximately 13.1 million people need permanent humanitarian aid. While the crisis is still on-going and life-saving activities still con-stitute a vital part of the humanitarian response, there are at the same time increasing efforts to begin with rehabilitation interventions of humanitarian infrastructure in some parts of Syria.

The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) was founded in 1942 and consists of 14 branches
with more than 9,000 volunteers throughout 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.

GRC supports SARC through joint programs, exchange of expert knowledge as well as tech-nical and managerial support. Currently, the programmatic focus of GRC is on humanitarian relief and logistics. In addition, projects in the sectors of livelihoods and rehabilitation are being implemented.

Duration: 01.01.2019 – 31.12.2019 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 planning, implementation and monitoring of all programmatic and strategic actions of GRC in Syria.

Representation/Partnership:

• To represent the German Red Cross in Syria towards SARC and other partners (move-ment components, donors, German Embassy, INGOs, …), including national and interna-tional media;
• To establish/maintain a close cooperation and ensure regular liaison with movement part-ners and other stakeholders at the appropriate levels;
• Identify and approach new partnerships and funding opportunities in close coordination with SARC, GRC Office in Beirut and GRC HQ;
• To coordinate and liaise with SARC, PNSs, and other humanitarian stakeholders ;
• Further develop the GRC Country Strategy with regards to humanitarian needs, resources, stakeholders, and objectives in Syria.

Programme/Strategy

• Office management including personnel, security, fixed assets, financial assets and other resources in accordance with GRC procedures and regulations;
• To act as Security focal point and liaise with ICRC and other relevant stakeholders;
• To support GRC delegates, the SARC team and the project activities, including implemen-tation, monitoring and reporting, development of new proposals, evaluations and other tasks as required.
• To monitor and contextualize socio-political developments in country.

Required Skills:
Technical Experience

• At least 7 years working experience in the field of Emergency Relief, Development Projects in protracted crises, of which at least 2 in a senior management position;
• Profound experience with donor funded projects, e.g. ECHO, DEVCO, Federal Foreign Office of Germany, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ);
• Experience of working in the MENA region is an asset.

Management/Partnership

• Experience in working with local partners, including in an advisory and coaching role, and engaging in high-level strategic discussions;
• Experience in managing a team of expatriate and local staff;
• Solid programmatic, financial and organisational planning skills;
• Knowledge in on the job capacity building and organisational development;
• Previous experience of working for the Red Cross / Res Crescent Movement and prov-en experience in working closely with a RC/RC National Society are an asset.

Security/Language/ Personal skills

• Experience in working in a difficult and volatile security situation;
• Oral and written fluency in English is required. Advanced knowledge of German and/or Arabic language skills are an asset;
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills (oral and written);
• Ability to work independently, highly results-oriented and as a team member;
• Ability to work fast and effectively in a multi-cultural environment;
• Ability to complete a thorough medical screening process 'working abroad under spe-cific climate and health conditions';
• Valid Driving Licence;
• Ability and agreement to adhere to the Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Princi-ples;
• Readiness to go on assignment without partner.

GRC offers you a compensation package according to the collective employment agreement of the GRC as well as an expatriation allowance during your mission. We will provide you with an accommodation free of charge. In addition to a full insurance package (health insurance for residence abroad, private accident insurance, private liability insurance, luggage insurance) GRC is as well covering a home flight within a 12-month period of assignment and regular R&R flights. In addition free medical check-ups before and after your mission as well as Psy-chosocial Support Service are part of our compensation package. Briefings in HQ in Berlin and the regional office in Beirut and specific trainings will be part of your assignment.

Kindly apply by submitting your application by using the GRC online application systemDRK HRnet(https://drkhrnet.drk.de) until 9th December 2018.

Please indicate Ref. No. 2018-104 with your application. Further information on our recruiting procedure can be found on our homepage. (https://www.drk.de/en/be-involved/international-vacancies/).