Head of Office (m/f/d), Honduras At German Red Cross

The German Red Cross (GRC) is part of a worldwide community assisting victims of conflicts and disasters and people affected by social or health related crises. The Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement provides vulnerable people with assistance and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. The German Red Cross assists in disaster response, rehabilitation and capacity building projects on appeals of their sister organisations within the Movement.

GRC is currently seeking an experienced Head of Office (m/f/d) Honduras. The delegate is responsible for leading the GRC Country Office and represents the GRC in the region of Central Americas. He /she coordinates all GRC supported projects in several central American countries, among them Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Mexico, and supervises GRC delegates in country. GRC has long-standing partnerships with the above-mentioned Sister National Societies.

GRC provides assistance to the National Societies in addressing the humanitarian needs and adjusts the existing programme-portfolio to the priorities identified by the individual Sister National Societies.

The GRC office is located in Tegucigalpa, Honduras and was established in 2019. The Head of Office (HoO) directly supervises the GRC project delegates and national staff (Admin & Finance Coordinator, Driver/Logs Assistant, Project Coordinator). The position requires regular field visits in the region. The HoO reports to the GRC country manager at GRC HQ in Berlin.

Starting date: asap, not later than January 2025

Duration: 12 months (with possible extension)

Location: Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Main duties & responsibilities:

• Represent GRC at the country level and maintain close cooperation with the RC/RC Movement, the Government, the German Embassy, other relevant international and national external aid agencies as well as external donors and the media.
• Ensure and facilitate close coordination and cooperation with the different Sister National Societies and further develop the GRC region strategy and profile according to the current situation and needs.
• Support the Sister National Societies in the implementation of the IFRC Ways of Working (WoW) and, localisation initiatives meant to strengthen the corresponding capacities.
• Ensure GRC participation in the movement coordination platforms (national and regional e.g CCT’s, TWGs) in the Americas.
• Develop synergies with movement partners in the region.
• Manage and adjust existing structures and procedures of the GRC Country Office in cooperation the Honduran Red Cross, including finance, procurement, HR, inventories, and fixed and financial assets following GRC guidelines.
• Support the Sister National Societies in Central Americas region in building and strengthening their capacities and programmes in line with their respective National Society Development (NSD) strategies.
• Direct line-management of GRC delegates and support of staff development and capacity building of national and international team.
• Explore funding opportunities and support the preparation of successful concept notes and project proposals in line with the GRC country strategy.
• Monitoring and analysis of all relevant socio-political developments in country with a particular focus on the humanitarian sector and disaster management, anticipation specifically.
• Oversee and support all GRC projects to ensure high programme quality and secure full compliance with donor regulations and GRC policies, in close coordination with the finance and project delegates. This includes financial management and expenditure tracking, program monitoring, narrative and financial reporting, etc.
• Ensure visibility and information sharing on GRC programmes with all stakeholders, including project beneficiaries, partners and local authorities as well as donors.
• In addition to the role of Head of Office, manages the implementation of projects as needed in close coordination with the Honduran Red Cross HQ and the local branches, project team and volunteers by ensuring timely and effective implementation of activities according to approved budget and work plan thereby following donor and GRC requirements and regulations.
• Security management – ensure that security guidelines are regularly updated and are followed by staff including alignment of Honduran Red Cross guidelines.

Required Competencies & Skills:

Technical experience:

• At least five years of experience in the field of international cooperation, including substantial experience working in humanitarian crises and/or development contexts.
• Prior experience in leading/managing a country office for a humanitarian organisation, or similar, desirable.
• Excellent programme coordination and project management skills (including financial management; budgeting, monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance, reporting, etc.)
• Personal management and security management experience.
• Technical background in one or more of the following areas: WASH, Shelter, DRR, Food Security/Livelihoods, Anticipatory Action, Health, Migration, Cash and Voucher Assistance is an asset.
• Familiarity with the context of Central America is an asset.
• Substantial experience in implementing donor-funded projects is a strong asset.
• Proven expertise in capacity-building and organizational development, experience in working for the Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement is a strong asset.

Personal skills:

• Strategic thinking, hands-on mentality and in-depth understanding of the humanitarian system.
• Excellent communication, leadership skills and problem-solving skills as well as intercultural sensitivity, diplomacy and facilitation skills.
• Oral and written fluency in English and Spanish. Knowledge of German is an advantage.
• Ability to work independently, highly solution-oriented and as a team member.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Readiness to travel to and work in remote areas is essential.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability and agreement to adhere to the Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles.
• Ability to complete a thorough medical screening process ‘working abroad under specific climate and health conditions’.
• Valid International Driving Permit (IDP).

What we offer you:

You will be part of a highly motivated professional and multicultural team. We offer you a compensation package according to the collective employment agreement of the GRC, an expatriation allowance during your mission as well as a personal allowance to cover your accommodation. In addition to a full insurance package GRC is covering a home flight within a 12-months period of assignment. You will benefit from a comprehensive training package and receive briefings and coaching prior as well as during and after your mission. Medical check-ups and Psychosocial Support Service are included in your assignment.