The Head of Delegation (HoD) is the senior representative of the IFRC Secretariat and the director of operations (if any) with clear authority for management and accountability. Under the direction and guidance of the Regional Director, he/she will facilitate coordination and technical assistance within the Federation as regards the delegation and between the IFRC and the respective National Society (NS) in the country.
The central thematic focus of the Delegation will be on
1.Organizational development through consecutive support in the self-assessment process at national and branch level (OCAC and BOCA), finalization of their strategic development plans for the next cycle (2021-2025 for the CRCA and 2022-2026 for Chad), support in the preparation of their general assemblies with the updating of their legal texts and the establishment of new governing structures;
2. Establishment of clear strategies for mobilizing own resources in order to guarantee a certain financial autonomy;
3. The development of a clear strategy for the acquisition of own financial resources with a view to good financial autonomy and the reduction of permanent dependence on the outside;
4. The prior revitalization of the structures described and the strengthening of support through the provision of expertise to NS in these key areas.
IFRC will support the National Societies on issues such as Disaster management; Health particularly in the areas of strengthening the routine EPI, rehabilitation / strengthening of the health system and response to epidemics; Capacity building of these two national societies, especially in the areas of disaster preparedness and response; Protection, gender, diversity and inclusion; Capacity building of support services (finance, logistics, administration, HR); Reducing the digital divide.
Countries across the sub-region are now at risk of a deterioration in economic situation because of COVID-19, which combined with pre-existing vulnerabilities and concomitant emergencies is predicted to push millions of people into extreme poverty.
This position reports directly to the Regional Director and is based in Bangui, Central Africa Republic.
Job Purpose
The Head of the Country Cluster Delegation for Central Africa Republic and Tchad is the senior Secretariat representative and business manager for the countries covered by the cluster delegation, with clear management authority and responsibility.
Under the guidance and leadership of the Regional Director for Africa, the incumbent is accountable for developing the Secretariat’s strategy to assist the National Societies in the two countries, covering the key tasks set out below and as updated from time to time. In particular, he/she will assist these National Societies in the coordination of programs, fundraising capacities, and humanitarian diplomacy activities; and ensuring a One IFRC approach linking strategic and operational objectives at the country level. Accordingly, the HoD helps to reinforce the NS’s auxiliary role and supports its efforts to coordinate technical programs and humanitarian diplomacy activities at both the regional and global levels. In this connection, the HoD is accountable for developing the Secretariat’s strategy to support the NS.
Every HoD will receive Mission Instructions for their information and guidance before assuming the role.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Delivery of the Five Strategic Priorities of Strategy 2030
- Ensure that the five strategic priorities of Strategy 2030 are integrated into the strategic plan of the Delegation and delivered. These include climate and environmental crises, evolving crises and disasters, growing gaps in health and wellbeing, migration and identity and values, power, and inclusion.
- Responsible for ensuring that the NS is at the centre of all IFRC activities and operational plans, while considering accountability and agility requirements, community perspectives, the interests of beneficiaries, principles and conduct issues, partnership with donors, statutory instruments, and General Assembly resolutions.
- Provide effective support to ensure that appropriate preparedness and response mechanisms are established in each NS and IFRC offices and have an impact.
- Ensure that national resources from the country are made available rapidly and efficiently to support IFRC operations.
Conduct Strategic and Operational Coordination
- Responsible for coordination with:
- The Red Cross Red Crescent Membership, including IFRC and its member NSs.
- Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, including IFRC, its member NSs and the ICRC.
- External partners, governments, international organizations, civil society organizations, NGOs, private sector entities and other stakeholders involved in humanitarian work.
- Ensure that Federation policies, procedures, guidelines, and quality standards are accepted, disseminated, and adhered
- Facilitate cooperation and coordination in all programmes and operations among all Movement components to ensure the most effective and efficient mobilisation and utilisation of resources.
- Build effective cooperation and partnerships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders in government, civil society, academia, and the private sector.
Lead Effective Humanitarian Diplomacy
- Support NSs in fulfilling their auxiliary role to governments and in serving as partners of choice.
- In close consultation with the NS and local Government, build broad alliances and develop interest in and support for the global work of IFRC.
- Implement the humanitarian priorities set by IFRC in the country, support the NS to develop and partnerships with national and global actors as well as achieve humanitarian diplomacy objectives.
- Formulate policy objectives for advocacy, communications, and external relations for the country in line with the IFRC Strategy. In this connection, continuously support Federation-wide efforts to upgrade the digital platform shared with NSs to make it better fit for the future as regards humanitarian work.
Support and Strengthen National Society Development and Membership Services
- Strengthen the NS’s legal status and auxiliary role as well as support its strategic and operational plans so that it can be more effective, efficient, engaged, accountable and trusted in its delivery of humanitarian services.
- Establish and maintain close working relations with the leadership of the country NS for overall cooperation and coordination with the IFRC.
- Ensure that the Secretariat delivers and provides quality support to the NS; that the requisite policies are developed and implemented; that core programmes are properly planned, managed, and monitored; and that capacity strengthening opportunities relating to people as well as systems are fully exploited.
- Support NS on volunteering, youth, and human resource development initiatives.
Ensure Accountability
- Responsible for the Delegation’s overall accountability - including to communities, the Membership, donors, and external partners.
- Ensure that IFRC’s duty of care and legal obligations are respected.
- Ensure sound financial management of the IFRC’s programming, effective budget planning, and that programmes operate within approved budgets.
- Ensure dissemination of the Code of Conduct to all staff in the delegation.
- Ensure that the Office maintains a comprehensive and effective 24/7 security management that will have a positive impact on, and enhance, personnel as well as assets safety and security.
- Ensure that all IFRC (and other RCRC) personnel, assets, and operations under IFRC responsibility are adequately protected and that identified security risks are mitigated as much as possible.
- Undertake security risk assessment of Federation operations, as needed, to ensure compliance with the Federation's Minimum-Security Requirements (MSR). This includes Office, Residential and Site security coordination.
- Advise staff on coordinating actions required to deal with security-sensitive situations and if required the management of critical incidents.
Ensure Agility
- Responsible for the delivery IFRC activities in an agile way to boost effectiveness and impact.
- Provide increased support for developing systems and processes to increase agility and accountability as well as improve the quality of delivery.
- Exercise good judgment, creativity, and flexibility in implementing decisions made by IFRC in relation to coordination with the Membership, the Movement, external stakeholders (including donors, other humanitarian actors, and the private sector.
Promote Safeguarding
All members of the IFRC workforce must contribute individually and collectively towards a working environment where everyone feels safe and empowered to perform their duties. This includes the demonstration of zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment (including sexual harassment), sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power of affected populations and/or IFRC personnel. IFRC expects and requires managers, as individuals and managers, to:
- Demonstrate their commitment to providing a safe and respectful work environment by maintaining a high standard of personal conduct; reminding team members of their obligation to demonstrate appropriate behaviour in the workplace; encouraging healthy exchanges; and holding colleagues accountable for contributing to a healthy work environment.
- Actively support and communicate the importance and benefit of a work environment free from any form of harassment and discrimination including but not limited to taking action to stop inappropriate conduct that others may find offensive or that may contribute to a hostile work environment.
- Be available to those who wish to raise concerns of inappropriate conduct by others and handle those concerns promptly and effectively in a confidential, victim centred manner.
- Hold staff accountable for compliance with IFRC's standards of conduct, including as set out in IFRC policies aimed at combating harassment and protecting staff from sexual exploitation and abuse, and indicate areas of concern and needed improvement in the annual performance appraisal process.
- Monitor staff wellbeing and that IFRC Personnel are aware of the training, resources and support available.
Education
- Post-graduate (i.e., master’s degree or equivalent) in social sciences/development studies, strategic/programme management, management studies or other relevant discipline.
- Qualification or certification in project management.
- Completion of the IMPACT course or possession of equivalent knowledge is preferred
Experience
- 10+ years of experience in managing operations for a humanitarian aid organisation and or development cooperation organisation.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience working at a senior management level.
- 5 years of work experience, including management, in a Red Cross/Red Crescent National Society, ICRC or IFRC.
- 5 years of experience of proven high-level communication skills backed by proven track record in programmes management.
- Proven results-based experience in relationship management and resource mobilisation.
- Proven experience in people management as well as in governance and leadership support.
- Proven record in implementing security regulations.
- Proven experience of working in the region is preferred
- Proven experience of acting in a representational role and maintaining donor and partner relations.
Knowledge, Skills and Languages
- Strong management and organizational skills, including ability to delegate authority and responsibility.
- Ability to work in a cross-cultural and cross-functional environment as well as to communicate in such environment.
- Strong financial management skills.
- Computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Office tools.
- Excellent interpersonal negotiation skills, including ability to effectively communicate a vision, solve problems and manage conflict.
- Proven people management skills in a multi-cultural environment and strong track record of developing people.
- Demonstrated ability to undertake a high-level representational and advocacy role.
- Ability to drive change and improvements as well as to deliver strategies in a challenging environment.
- Understanding of and commitment to IFRC’s mission and values.
- Demonstrated initiative and creativity; substantial experience of strategic thinking, including identifying, analysing, and solving problems; to respond to opportunities and challenges; and the ability to translate these into practical plans of action.
- Fluent spoken and written English.
- Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic).
Competencies, Values and Comments
Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability.
Core Competencies: Communication; Collaboration and Teamwork; Judgement and Decision Making; National Society and Customer Relations; Creativity and Innovation; Building Trust.
Managerial Competencies: Managing Staff Performance; Managing Staff Development.
Functional Competencies: Strategic Orientation; Building Alliances; Leadership; Empowering Others.
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How to apply
Interested and qualified candidates are requested to apply on or before 07 November 2023 through the IFRC link below: