Afghanistan: Country Representative, Afghanistan

POSITION: COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE

DURATION: 24 MONTHS + - UNACCOMPANIED

LOCATION: KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

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 C**ountry Representative in Afghanistan.**

The CRCS is currently supporting the implementation a CAD$15 Million Canadian Government Funded six year project aimed at Strengthening the Emergency Relief and Disaster Response Capacity of the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS). Reporting to the Program Manager Afghanistan based in the National Office, the Country Representative will be responsible for representing CRCS in Afghanistan and to oversee and ensure the efficient and effective development and management of CRCS programming in coordination with the ARCS, the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) and the other Red Cross Red Crescent Movement Partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Management and Accountability for Results

• Effective development planning, budgeting, and reporting are carried out in a timely manner and are in accordance with CRCS and Global Affairs Canada requirements, and formats.
• Implementation of project activities is according to approved plans, budgets, regulations, and policies.
• Sound financial management including but not limited to: timely financial reporting, budget variance analysis and fixed asset management.
• Proactively identify outcomes and lessons learned from project; initiate and oversee corrective actions when appropriate in coordination with CRC headquarters.
• Evaluation results are conducted in accordance to CRCS and Global Affairs Canada requirements; findings are integrated into programming.
• Adherence to CRCS and donor policies, procedures, guidelines and quality standards within the project.
• Regular management reporting to CRCS National Office (NO) and other stakeholders as required.
• Contingency planning for project activities and CRCS support activities in coordination with partners.
• Effective office management, including oversight of all administrative functions relevant to CRCS support.
• Support and supervise CRC local staff and foster a positive and constructive team approach.
• Dissemination of country specific security rules and regulations to CRCS National Office, ensuring adherence by CRCS staff including visitors.

Accountability for Relationship Management and Coordination

• Foster effective, positive and productive relations with the ARCS, IFRC, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) other Red Cross (RC) National Societies (NS), and Global Affairs Canada.
• Maintain positive and consistent communication with ARCS, IFRC, CRCS headquarters, Global Affairs Canada and other relevant stakeholders.
• Provide real-time, cross-referenced, summarized, information sharing from the field to CRC National Office on operational updates and analysis on sectoral issues as identified.
• Closely monitor, troubleshoot, and follow up on implementation of Global Affairs Canada contributions (multilateral/bilateral).
• High level representation, particularly at key coordination meetings as well as at other external meetings.

Accountability for Partnerships and Country Strategy

• Facilitate coordination and collaboration in all CRC programs, contributions and operations with the host NS, Partnering NSs, IFRC and the ICRC, and build effective cooperation and partnerships with all stakeholders.
• Pursue multilateral response options and relationships. Identify and build on bilateral support relationships if required, under the direction of CRC NO.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Post graduate level education in a related discipline is preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement (RC/RC) is preferred.
• Substantial experience in a similar role working in conflict and post conflict programming.
• Proven skills and experience in the areas of disaster management/response, organizational development and capacity building.
• Demonstrated experience in senior level representation, relationship building and management, and strong diplomacy and negotiation skills.
• Proven skills and experience in project management including development of logic models, monitoring plans, finance and risk management, and reporting.
• Experience in results based management (RBM) including management of Government of Canada funded projects is considered a strong asset.
• Experience in operational decision making in emergencies including natural disaster and man-made emergencies.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and motivating teams in complex and high stress environments.

Skills and Abilities

• Proven ability to write narrative and financial reports with solid understanding of donor requirements.
• Solutions oriented with demonstrated analytical skills.
• Ability to live in fragile/conflict environment and abide by strict security policies.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment; strong sensitivity to intercultural effectiveness and relations.
• Excellent written and oral skills in English are mandatory.
• Must be eligible to work in Canada.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is an unaccompanied position based in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghanistan suffers from lack of basic infrastructure and social services and many parts of the country continue to have ongoing internal conflicts. Afghanistan is a country with a high degree of risk; therefore the delegation and delegates are bound to very strict security guidelines. Accommodation is a house shared with other international delegates working within RCRC Movement and managed by the IFRC.

The ability to work in such a high risk and restricted area is required. 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. Rest and Relaxation is provided every eight (8) weeks to support an effective performance and well-being.

Interested parties may submit their application by applying on the Canadian Red Cross Online Career Website by midnight EST on Wednesday, May 18, 2016.

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