Mali: Country Representative, Mali

Do you want to make a difference? Join the world’s largest humanitarian network. The Canadian Red Cross Society (CRCS), a not for profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to helping the most vulnerable in Canada and throughout the world, is currently seeking a professional experienced in health and humanitarian program management in developing countries to support the development and implementation of a CRCS/DFATD Partnerships for Strengthening Maternal Newborn and Child Health (PSMNCH) and Capacity Strengthening for Emergency Response in Africa (SERA) projects in Mali.

The Country Representative is a position with supervisory and managerial responsibilities for the CRCS delegation in Mali which is implementing two development projects (PSMNCH and SERA Initiative). Reporting to the CRCS Program Manager West Africa based in the National Office, the Country Representative will work in close collaboration with the Mali Red Cross National Society and different Ministries in Mali. S/he will be responsible to oversee and ensure the efficient and effective development and management of CRCS’ two projects; ensure quality and adherence to established guidelines, policies and strategies of the relevant Malian Ministries, as well as in accordance with CRCS principles, guidelines and evidence-based best practices.

Key responsibilities:

Program Direction

· Ensure coherence of CRCS program in Mali in collaboration with support from the Ottawa Management team and the technical support departments in National Office.

· Ensure effective development and implementation of CRCS program activities in Mali according to approved plans, budgets, regulations, and policies.

· Oversee good financial controls, adherence to processes and policy, monitoring of budget and development of accurate and timely financial reports.

· Ensure project planning, budgeting, and reporting is carried out in a timely manner and in accordance with CRCS and donor requirements, formats and standards.

· Identify opportunities for new areas of work according to CRCS and Mali Red Cross priorities; identify new funding sources and negotiate funding opportunities.

· Provide guidance to project teams in identifying and planning required logistics for effective and efficient delivery of programs.

Delegation Management/Coordination

· Represent CRCS and maintain strong relations with the Mali Red Cross, the other RC National Societies in Mali, the International Federation, the ICRC, the Ministry of Health and national authorities, UN Organizations, international and national organizations and donors.

· Support and supervise CRCS delegates in country and foster a positive and constructive team approach.

· Promote the institutional development of the Mali Red Cross through a supportive working relationship.

· Ensure effective risk management including, but not limited to monitoring of risks associated with program implementation and legal contracts.

Project Management

· Coordinate and support the Mali Red Cross (CRM) in the implementation of the PSMNCH and SERA project activities at the central and district levels.

· Ensure that all project activities adhere to the workplan and are implemented according to standards expected, identify and flags issues if any and finds mitigating measures to address them promptly.

· Work in collaboration with the CRM team members and the relevant Ministries at national and district levels, and represent CRCS and CRM at meetings and technical fora (MNCH Core Group, Tasks Force, etc.) in Mali.

Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation

· Ensure that findings from continuous monitoring are effectively used to improve program implementation.

· Participate and foster an active involvement of all counterparts in program reviews and evaluation.

· Communicate and report on progress of designated activities, involving feedback from internal and external stakeholders as required.

· Lead the production of timely, regular and accurate narrative and financial reports.

· Be responsible for the efficient use of the funds and assets allocated to the projects.

· Conduct continuous assessments to identify needs and possibilities for new interventions within the mandates of the CRM/CRCS.

Security Management

· Ensure effective security management according to the RC Movement and CRCS security protocols, including but not limited to the development and maintenance of business continuity and evacuation plans.

· Responsible for effective implementation of the Country Security Plan and protocols and adherence by team members.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Graduate degree in management, social sciences or relevant education with experience in maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH), community health and / or emergency response and preparedness

· Minimum 5 years of experience in an international humanitarian organization, with at least 2 years field experience working in a conflict/fragile environment.

· Minimum of 2 years relevant working experience in the area of MNCH, community health and / or emergency response and disaster preparedness;

· Experience in capacity building, systems strengthening and working with local partners in developing countries;

· Proven experience in effective country-level planning and coordination with a range of different stakeholders including national authorities and other NGO partners;

· Demonstrated experience in overseeing programs, projects and/or operation budgets;

· Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills, both oral and written, as well as reporting skills (narrative and financial);

· Experience in managing and supervising staff including staff development and training;

· Extensive experience working with donor agencies, notably DFATD, and solid knowledge of Results Based Management (RBM);

· Fluency in spoken and written French and English;

· Demonstrated ability to work in an isolated environment - must be willing and able to work and live in isolated, difficult working conditions;

· Demonstrated commitment to the principles of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement;

· Demonstrated accountability for staff security in a conflict/fragile environments.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is an unaccompanied position based in Bamako, Mali. Mali suffers from lack of basic infrastructure and social services and more than half of the population lives in poverty. Legal frameworks and institutions to enforce the rule of law are largely undeveloped. Political conflicts, terrorism, kidnapping in different parts of the country especially in the North are threats to foreigners and some travel restrictions apply. Delegates are obligated to follow the Red Cross Movement security regulations.

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.

Interested parties may submit their application by applying on the Canadian Red Cross Online Career Website by midnight EST on January 11^th, 2016.

This position requires a successful Canadian criminal record, reference check, valid provincial driver’s license, valid passport and First Aid certification. The Canadian Red Cross Society is an equal opportunity employer.