Country: Syrian Arab Republic
Closing date: 06 Sep 2017
Do you want to make a difference? Join the world’s largest humanitarian network. The Canadian Red Cross Society, a not for profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to helping the most vulnerable in Canada and throughout the world, is currently seeking a Country Representative, Syria.
Reporting to the Head of MENA, Global Programs, the Country Representative, Syria (CR) is responsible to ensure the efficient and effective management of Canadian Red Cross supported programming in Syria, as well as representation of Canadian Red Cross with partners in Syria framed by IO Strategy 2020 (S2020) to deliver in the Last Mile.
The Country Representative, Syria contributes towards the mandate of the Global Programs: The implementation and delivery of CRC programmes in your region/country.
The CR works as a collaborative member of the IO Field Representation working group and actively participates in sharing lessons learnt, consolidating ways of working and approach to building partnerships. Ensuring alignment with strategies and consistency in representation and program delivery. The CR will contribute to the success of the matrix model, agility of the organization, delivering against the One Red Cross vision and interoperability, implement innovations/learning within programs, and ensure robust risk management and personnel wellbeing.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Quality Program Management
Ensure the successful implementation of timely and quality CRC programming in Syria that delivers results. Specifically:
Ensure successful implementation of all program activities as per proposed objectives/goals, identified operating principles and within established budgets, timeframes and compliance requirements. Working closely with technical advisors, ensure quality program management, evaluation and record keeping in accordance with IO procedures. Ensure the close involvement of CRC’s Health Delegate, MENA in technical health aspects of CRC programming in Syria.
Ensure sound financial management of programming, including but not limited to effective budget planning, forecasting, analysis and financial reporting. Regularly update Head of Region on financial progress of projects, raising challenges or delays in a timely fashion and trouble-shooting solutions. Ensure financially efficient operations and cost-effective interventions, identifying opportunities to ensure maximal cost recovery within projects.
Maintain effective project management and tracking tools, ensuring real-time access to information on CRC programming. Ensure development and implementation of project work plans and timelines, with continually assessed contingency plans and alternative activity/budget options identified. Identify opportunities to strengthen and improve project effectiveness and efficiency.
CRC Representation and Coordination
In close coordination with the Head of Region, MENA, ensure the effective representation of CRC with partners in Syria.
In close coordination with the Head of Region, MENA represent CRC in movement coordination platforms. Foster effective, positive and productive relations with Movement partners in Syria.
Maintain positive communications and partner relations in the best interests of CRCS’s presence in Syria, in line with CRC regional strategic directions and priorities.
Support Head of Region, MENA in strategic relations, networking and communications in Syria. Strengthen and grow a CRC network of stakeholders, including with Government of Canada officials (in the region) and other humanitarian agencies. Implement regular strategic mapping, analysis and engagement plans for stakeholders in Syria, maintaining continuous lines of communication with Head of Region, MENA on stakeholder engagement.
Ensure a continuous monitoring and analysis of evolving political, economic, social and security trends in Syria. Provide regular real-time, cross-referenced information and analysis to the Head of Region, MENA on humanitarian needs, operational updates and evolving contexts. Monitor new/evolving emergencies as requested.
Robust Risk Management
Ensure the successful identification, analysis, mapping and implementation of robust risk management plans in Syria.
Ensure constant attention to incidents and events that may bring harm and/or disrupt programming, with early warning/early action to Head of Region being a top priority.
Maintain on-going risk mapping, analysis scenario planning and contingency planning for CRC’s presence, partnerships and programs in Syria. This includes continuous assessment, analysis, contingency planning as to safety, well-being, risk of corruption, reputation and unwarranted delays. Ensure close communications with Head of Region, MENA and regular reporting on risk mapping, proposing strategies and recommendations for mitigating identified risks.
Within existing RC/RC security frameworks, ensure the dissemination and enforcement of country delegation specific security rules and regulations for Syria, and their understanding and respect by all CRC staff in country.
Supports an effective team
- Develops and maintains membership in the functional department, Global Programs, and designated project teams. Collaborates to fulfill the agreed objectives, needs and expectations. Fosters team work through a professional exchange of experiences and expertise that can be transferred to other areas of work. Ensures sharing and dissemination of services related materials to all concerned actors.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Experience and Knowledge
A minimum of 5 years senior management experience in a conflict setting, in a similar role.
A minimum of 3 years experience working in the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement (RC/RC) is preferred.
A university degree in Disaster Management, Public Health or relevant field and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience in and knowledge of the Middle East and North Africa a strong asset.
Demonstrated success in project coordination, including planning, design, management and reporting.
Skills and Attributes
Ability to live in fragile/conflict environment and abide by strict security policies.
Strong analytical, diplomatic and negotiation skills with previous experience in representational roles and liaising with numerous stakeholders.
Strong program management skills, including a demonstrated understanding of program management in complex environments.
Proven skills and experience in strategy development/implementation, finance and risk management, people and performance management.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, in English. Fluency in Arabic a strong asset.
Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail and a proven ability to prioritize and effectively multi-task.
Demonstrated solutions oriented manager, with proven analytical skills.
Ability to live in fragile/conflict environment and abide by strict security policies.
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of the RCRC Movement;.
Resilience and adaptability to changing circumstances and an evolving environment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This is a field based position. Working in countries of operation is very demanding, both physically and psychologically. Difficult working conditions are expected, including the following:
Issues of access and mobility due to the dynamic nature of an emergency situation and proximity to disaster-affected area.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of an ERU mission, which may include the set up, stocking or packing down of a field hospital, the ability to lift up to 25 kgs, and the ability to stand or travel for long periods of time.
Long hours of work in a demanding context with limited resources.
The ability to work in a high risk, fluid and evolving situation may be required, as is the ability to work in stressful and often ambiguous conditions.
Basic living conditions that may include intermittent electricity, Internet and other basic services.
CRCS supports a safe working environment and comfortable accommodation however, as in all contexts, delegates must be aware and responsible for their personal safety and that of employees under their supervision.
In some contexts, legal frameworks and institutions to enforce the rule of law are largely undeveloped.
In some remote areas access to healthcare could be limited or non-existent.
All CRCS delegates must be cleared by the Travel Health Team with full medical and vaccination clearance.
This position requires a successful Canadian criminal record, reference check, valid driver’s license, valid passport and First Aid certification.
The Canadian Red Cross Society is an equal opportunity employer.
How to apply:
Interested parties may submit their application by applying on the Canadian Red Cross Online Career Website by midnight EST on September 6, 2017.