Country Representative – Damas, Syria At Terre des hommes

Position Start Date : 03.10.2021
Duration : 12 months
Location : Damas, Syria
Terre des hommes does not set closing dates for this position; recruitment is on-going until the position is filled

Tdh :

Terre des hommes (Tdh) is the leading Swiss organisation for children’s aid. Since 1960, Tdh has helped build a better future for deprived children and their communities, making an impact with innovative and sustainable solutions. Active in around 40 countries, Tdh works with local and international partners to develop and implement field projects which improve the daily lives of over 4 million children and members of their communities, in the domains of health, protection and emergency relief. This engagement is financed by individual and institutional support, with administrative costs kept to a minimum.

Context :

Terre des hommes foundation is preparing to open its first operational office in Damascus, Syria. The organisation was registered with the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the end of 2020 and has finalised all its registration obligations in country today. Our Tdh Syria office will be part of the MENA regional portfolio of Tdh.

We are looking for an individual with very strong operational experience, ideally having had already been through the opening processes of establishing an organisation in a new country. Experience of having worked in the Middle East, particularly in Syria or in similar contexts, is very important.

Responsibilities :

As representative of the organisation, the Country Representative coordinates and manages all activities linked to Terre des hommes in the country: external representation and networking, fundraising, staff management, safety and security, finance, and administration, and over sees operations at country level. S/he supports Terre des hommes advocacy at national level and when possible at the regional level and builds and manages partnerships. S/he manages and develops the organisation’s country and strategy jointly with the Operations Unit in HQ.

Specific Responsibilities

Opening of the Tdh office in Damascus : Ensure the opening of TDh’s office in Damascus in full compliance with local rules & regulations (registration, taxes, social security, legal obligations, framework agreements, insurances, etc..).

Analysis and development of a country intervention strategy, and implementation : Based on understanding and knowledge of the national context as well as needs assessment, draw strategic directions and develop funding opportunities with donors for the humanitarian response.

Representation and networking : Linking between Tdh global, regional, local and Operations Unit in HQ. Participate in official and coordination meetings. Ensure maximum visibility of Tdh amongst the NGO community.

Safety and Security : Establish the country security plan for Tdh national and expatriate staffs, in collaboration with the Risk Unit and relevant stakeholders.

Human resources management and coordination : Define HR sizing and needed structure for the emergency response, develop relevant documentation (JDs, ToR, Staff regs, etc.), in line with legal requirements.

Finance and administration : Overall financial management of the mission, implementation of Tdh’s rules and procedure in the country.

Profile

Education : University Degree

Experience : Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar position (managing a delegation)

Prior experience in opening a mission is mandatory

Successful track record of developing intervention strategies and securing high levels of funding from institutional donors

Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines with quality products;

Strong organizational and interpersonal skills;

Excellent communication and negotiation skills;

Strong writing, presentation, program development, and oral communication skills;

Proven diplomatic and public relations skills, and a demonstrated ability to work with cooperating partners in implementing programs, with the ability to publicly represent an organisation;

Proven capabilities in leadership and integrity are required, with the ability to manage a diverse team, communicate effectively with individuals, and motivate a team in difficult situations;

Knowledge of Child Protection is an asset.

Languages : Fluent in English and Arabic, French is an asset

IT Knowledge : Usual MS Office tools

Salary :

Expatriate contract under Swiss regulations CHF 4526.- to CHF 5581.- net /month according to experience x 13 times, Vacancy: 25 days annual leaves local accommodation and transportation, Health insurance, accident and medical repatriation insurance, return flight.

Duration : 12 months

Tdh Global Code of Conduct and Risk Management Policies :

Fully complies with Tdh’s Global Code of Conduct and systematically reports any breach to the Code through the whistleblowing procedure: raises awareness within the Foundation on abuse and violence and the rights deriving therefrom, respecting the rights and dignity of children, members of the communities and our own Staff

Commits to respecting Risk Management Policies including: Safeguarding Policies (Child Safeguarding Policy, Policy on the Protection against Sexual Exploitation and the Directive on Staff Misconduct at the Workplace), Safety and Security Policy and Anti-Fraud/Corruption and Prevention of the Financing of Criminal Activities Policies

Commits to reducing the risk of abuse and harm by developing a culture of open and informed leadership within the organization and in our work with children and the communities in which we intervene in.

We offer an exciting and varied work, useful and meaningful, in a team that wants to make a difference for vulnerable children.

Are you interested? Do you want to face this challenge?