Head of Country Office Delegation at International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies

The Head of Country Office Delegation is the Senior Secretariat representative and business manager with clear management authority and responsibility whose main purpose is to lead Federation support to the host National Society, with a strong focus on support to National Society internal development, capacity building, disaster preparedness, response and recovery coordination with Movement and Non-Movement Partners and assist the NS enlarging its partnership base and resource development. Under the leadership and guidance of the Regional Director, s/he will, in particular, assist the National Society in the coordination of programs and humanitarian diplomacy activities as well as be accountable for developing the Secretariat’s support strategy for the National Society (NS) in this country covering the key tasks set out below and as updated from time to time.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Strengthening the local National Society (NS) to deliver services and to advocate on behalf of vulnerable people

• Establish and maintain close working relations with the leadership of the country’s National Society related to issues of NSD, programmatic directions, policy, and overall cooperation and coordination with the IFRC.
• Strengthen the local national society to continuously deliver efficient humanitarian services to vulnerable/affected, disaster/epidemic, or as part of the project activities or development programs.
• Understand the needs and concerns of the local NS and ensure at all times that IFRC provides relevant support and makes stronger the support to Youth and volunteering and for the capacity of the national society to self-sustained essential services.
• Ensure that Secretariat delivers and provides quality support to the NS and core programmes are properly planned, managed, and monitored; and that capacity building opportunities are fully exploited.
• Ensure that evaluations of Federation-supported programmes are carried out according to project/programme plans and that lessons are effectively shared.

Implementation of Strategy 2030 and Agenda for Renewal

• Ensure effective analysis on the humanitarian impact in Venezuelaof the IFRC five global strategic priorities identified on the S2030 and work with the Red Crescent Society (Vzla RCS) on practical solutions to respond to the needs derive from those humanitarian challenges that are most relevant and impacting the country.
• Facilitate the conditions to put in place the IFRC Agenda for renewal to enhance the IFRC Secretariat internal efficiencies and the provision of relevant support to Venezuela Red Crescent Society (Vzla RCS) priority transformations to respond to S-2030.
• Ensure a regular monitoring mechanism to evaluate the progress of the Venezuela Red Crescent Society (YRCS) in the implementation of the National Society Regional Conference commitments.

Coordinate, cooperate and form strategic partnerships

• Ensure effective membership coordination in the country to ensure greater efficiency in the collective financial and technical support of Partner National Societies operating in Venezuela. This will include greater compliance with Federation policies, procedures, guidelines, and quality standards and coherent support aligned with the national society priorities.

Support global IFRC initiatives

• Working with the NS and local Government, to build global alliances and develop an interest in and support the global work of the IFRC aligned to S-2030 and the outcomes of the National Society Regional Conference commitments.
• Support the conclusion and implementation of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for international humanitarian and development cooperation with the Government and the NS.

Develop effective humanitarian diplomacy

• Monitor and analyze political, economic, and social trends in the country for planning purposes and for keeping the Federation Secretariat and partners informed and using the information for the revision of annual plans together with the NS.

Response to disasters

• Reinforce preparedness and readiness to respond to shocks; enhancing community resilience including early warning, action, and anticipation to mitigate risks from multi-hazards affecting the lives, the livelihoods, and the living conditions of vulnerable communities and most disadvantaged and hard to reach. And responding to all types of crises and disasters in the most effective and efficient way to save lives and put in place conditions for early recovery**

Management of Secretariat resources in the country

Finance and Risk Management

• Ensure sound financial management of the Secretariat’s programming in the country, that effective budget planning is in place, and that programmes operate within approved budgets.Ensure that an effective and relevant organizational structure is in place for effective support of the local National Society.

Reporting

• Ensure the quality and timeliness of the reporting of the Federation Secretariat’s programming. Maintain regular management reporting to the Regional Director.

Security

• Ensure all IFRC (and other RCRC) personnel, assets, and operations under IFRC responsibility are adequately protected under comprehensive and effective 24/7 security management, and that identified security risks are mitigated and much as possible, including regular training, coordination, and advice with security-sensitive situations.

Please see the detailed job description.

Education

• Post-graduate (i.e., Master’s degree or equivalent) in social sciences/development studies, strategic/programme management, management studies, or other relevant disciplines
• IMPACT (International Mobilization and Preparation for Action) course or equivalent knowledge (i.e. BTC)

Experience

• 10+ years work experience in managing operations for a humanitarian aid organization and or development cooperation organization
• Minimum of 5 years of experience at a senior management level
• 5 years of work experience including management in a Red Cross/Red Crescent National Society, IFRC or ICRC
• 5 years experience of proven high-level communication skills backed by a proven track record in programs management
• Proven results-based experience in relationship management and resource mobilisation
• Proven experience in people management
• Proven record of security regulations implementation
• Proven experience in governance and leadership support
• Proven experience of acting in a representational role and maintaining donor and partner relations
• Proven experience of working in the region (preferred)

Knowledge, skills, and languages

• Strong management and organizational skills, including the ability to delegate authority and responsibility
• Good intercultural communication skills
• Ability to work in a cross-cultural and cross-functional environment
• Strong financial management skills
• Computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Office
• Excellent interpersonal negotiations skills, including the ability to effectively communicate a vision, solve problems and manage conflict
• Proven people management skills in a multi-cultural environment and a strong track record of developing people
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high-level representational and advocacy role
• Drive change and improvements and ability to deliver strategies in a challenging environment
• Understanding of and commitment to the IFRC’s mission and values
• Demonstrated initiative and creativity, and substantial experience of strategic thinking, including identifying, analyzing, problem solving, and responding to opportunities and challenges, and the ability to translate these into practical plans of action

Languages

• Fluent spoken and written English and Spanish

Competencies and values

• Values: Respect for Diversity, Integrity, Professionalism and 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