Yemen: Head of Office (m/f/d), Yemen

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 operation and cooperation with the Yemen Red Crescent Society (YRCS), GRC is currently seeking an experienced Head of Office (m/f/d).

Program Overview:

Poverty and vulnerability in Yemen are deep-rooted and persistent. In addition, since 2015 the ongoing armed conflict continues unabated and has caused a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The mission of the Yemen Red Crescent Society (YRCS) is to improve the life and wellbeing of the Yemeni people, within the difficult political and social context, by providing a range of humanitarian services, particularly relief, first aid, health care and social services. GRC is striving to support its Sister Society where possible – through joint programs, exchange of knowledge as well as technical and managerial support. Currently, the programmatic focus of GRC is on humanitarian relief and health. In addition, projects in the sectors of food security and livelihoods are being implemented.

The Head of Office will work with the GRC team (1 delegate, 6 local staff) and the YRCS on a daily basis. The overall line manager is the GRC project officer at NHQ.

Duration: Asap – 31.03.2020, with possible extension

Location: Sana’a, Yemen and/or Djibouti. The Head of Office will be based in Sana’a with field visits in the country whenever the security situation allows it. An office structure is also available in Djibouti for remote management if the security situation requires it. Temporary relocation to Djibouti or the establishment of a rotation system are possible. The GRC security set up in Yemen is coordinated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Responsibilities and Tasks:

The Head of Office will be responsible for the overall coordination of GRC activities in Yemen together with the YRCS. The Head of Office will manage the GRC office and staff and take up the key position in facilitating GRC’s coordination and cooperation with the Yemen Red Crescent Society and other movement partners, further developing a strategic direction of GRC´s support to and engagement with the National Society.

Representation/Partnership

· To represent the German Red Cross in Yemen towards YRCS and other partners (movement components, donors, INGOs,…), including national and international media;

· To maintain a close cooperation and ensure regular liaison with movement partners and other stakeholders at the appropriate levels;

· To coordinate and follow up with movement partners on the best support possible to the National Society (particularly in the field of OD and capacity building);

· To maintain a co-operative working relationship with the Host National Society; providing guidance and support in the strategy development process, OD, quality assurance, management, reporting and finance.

Programme/Strategy

· To support GRC Project Manager in coordination and liaison with YRCS, Partner National Societies and other humanitarian stakeholders;

· To support planning, implementation and reporting of ongoing projects as appropriate, in close coordination with the GRC Project Manager and the local team;

· To identify new project and partnership opportunities and support their development;

· To keep a close coordination with the GRC Office in Beirut and GRC HQ.

Other

· To manage the office(s) in Yemen (and the back-up office in Djibouti), including personnel, security, fixed assets, financial assets and other resources;

· To support GRC delegates and the local team and the project activities, including implementation, monitoring and reporting, development of new proposals, evaluations and other tasks as required.

Required Skills:

Management/Partnership

· Proven experience working with local partners, including in an advisory and coaching role, and engaging in high-level strategic discussions;

· Solid programmatic, financial and organisational planning skills;

· Experience in managing a team of expatriate and local staff;

· Experience in remote management;

· Proven abilities in decision making and problem solving- to foresee various options and objectively assess viability to these options;

· Previous experience of working for the Red Cross / Res Crescent Movement and proven experience in working closely with a RC/RC National Society are an asset.

Technical Experience

· At least 5 years working experience in the field of Emergency Relief and Development Projects;

· Profound experience with donor funded projects, e.g. Federal Foreign Office of Germany, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), ECHO, DEVCO;

· Experience of working in the MENA region is an asset.

Security/Language/Personal skills

· Experience in working in a difficult and highly volatile security context and awareness of the risks associated with this mission;

· Oral and written fluency in English is required, knowledge of Arabic and/or German is an advantage;

· Excellent communication skills, resolution skills and intercultural sensitivity, including managing expectations of different stakeholders in a balanced and diplomatic manner;

· Ability to work independently and as a team member;

· Ability and agreement to adhere to the Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles

· Ability to work fast and effectively in a multi-cultural, complex environment;

· Ability to complete a thorough medical screening process 'working abroad under specific climate and health conditions';

· Ability and agreement to adhere to the Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles;

· Readiness to go on assignment without partner;

· Valid Driving Licence.

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, regular R&R and medical check-ups before and after your mission as well as Psychosocial Support Service. Before your assignment you will benefit from a comprehensive briefing package and will be able to complete a variety of trainings throughout your assignment.

Kindly apply by submitting your application by using the GRC online application system DRK HR net ( https://drkhrnet.de) until 07^th of July 2019.

Please indicate Ref. No. 2019-024 with your application.