About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions
into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future.
Program / Department Summary
In light of the increasingly regional nature of the Syrian Crisis, and the humanitarian and political effects on neighboring countries, the Syrian INGO Regional Forum (SIRF) was assembled in April 2013 to give voice to INGOs conducting humanitarian responses. 8years after its inception, and now 70-member strong, SIRF has established itself as a key INGO Representation platform of the Syria Crisis. SIRF is the only regional International NGO body dedicated to the Syria crisis, encompassing Syria and neighboring Syrian refugee-hosting countries, working closely with the different NGO Coordination platforms of the region (JIF, LHIF, LHDF, NGO Forum in Turkey, Syrian NGOs Alliance, Damascus-based INGOs and NES Forum).
The Syria Crisis presents complexities that stem from a decade-long conflict and humanitarian emergency, which continues to evolve and transition in terms of access and response modalities. SIRF remains an essential platform to coordinate, represent and advocate, with the ultimate goal of influencing regional humanitarian policy, action and impact for vulnerable populations.
SIRF is a key permanent member of the most senior technical and strategic decision-making bodies of the Regional Refugee/Resilience and the Whole-of-Syria Responses. Supported by its Policy & Advocacy Working Group and, in line with its agreed strategy, SIRF focuses on advocacy opportunities in order to influence international bodies, UN and donors. This is done, where possible through joint messaging that provides both weight and credibility for its audiences.
SIRF exists to serve the needs of its members and advocate on behalf of populations affected by the Syrian Crisis, articulated around 4 core functions: coordination, representation, advocacy and information management. SIRF therefore focuses on:
- Promoting humanitarian diplomacy by engaging with: regional bodies, the donor & diplomatic community, UN agencies, humanitarian leadership and ad hoc coordination mechanisms within the humanitarian and development ecosystem
- Leading and representing INGOs within regional strategic and technical coordination mechanisms and external events.
- Informing members of advocacy opportunities and develop advocacy and policy products.
- Facilitating the exchange and coordination of information on humanitarian assistance in Syria and neighboring countries.
General Position Summary
The SIRF Representative is the internal port of call for all 75 SIRF Members and its 14 Observers. The SIRF Representative is also a main external interlocutor for all regional humanitarian and development inter-agency coordination mechanisms led by the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, and the UNHCR and UNDP Regional Directors co-chairs of the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan.
The SIRF Representative objectives will be the representation of the SIRF Board and membership, Advocacy planning and implementation and the organization and Coordination of SIRF members internally.
The SIRF Representative will sit with Mercy Corps and report to the Syria INGO Regional Forum. S/he will assist in the board functions and report back to the members. The purpose of this position is to support the day-to-day running of the SIRF board in order to ensure that activities of the SIRF meet the needs and priorities of the NGO community. It will also provide support to the SIRF Policy and Advocacy Working Group (PAWG) in order to maximize opportunities for influencing policy and practice. The SIRF Representative will support the PAWG to deliver on the strategic objectives that have been determined by the group, taking the lead to draft and disseminate various SIRF outputs and products, and increasing the quality and quantity of the SIRF’s public and private messaging, including media work.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Representation
● To support coordination services and requirements towards INGOs, other country level NGO Forums, UN agencies, donors and other humanitarian/development stakeholders operating inside and outside Syria.
● To represent the best interests of the SIRF and its Members externally at key stakeholder meetings
● Ensure that all relevant parties are kept informed of SIRF activities as appropriate.
● Attend, fully participate in and report back on relevant internal and external meetings, coordination forums and joint activities.
● Network and conduct outreach to key regional and local advocacy and media targets.
● Ensure increased SIRF member engagement through increased consultation with members and representing their perspectives in stakeholder meetings.
Advocacy, Media and Communications Support
● In coordination with the SIRF PAWG Co-chairs, support the production of advocacy and communications products, including authoring briefings, letters and talking points ahead of key advocacy moments.
● Support the development of common positioning on key humanitarian and operational issues, through providing members with the most updated information gathered from meetings with various stakeholders, sectors and working groups.
● Support the communications sub-working group of the PAWG.
● Manage distribution of key documents across the SIRF membership and collate feedback
● Drive sign-off for SIRF products across membership.
● If relevant and agreed, support the Communications Sub WG to organize events, press conferences and manage media relationships.
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Secretariat Coordination and Administration
● Scheduling and facilitating SIRF general meetings and sub-working group meetings.
● In coordination with the board, streamline communication and ensures that key documents, minutes etc. are shared with the SIRF membership as appropriate.
● Serve as a central contact point for the SIRF PAWG together with the group co-chair.
● Provide an accessible first point of contact for general inquiries regarding the SIRF and its work.
● Maintain membership lists and databases.
● Draft protocols as relevant.
Organizational management
● Advise the Board on Membership issues and other matters regarding the structure of the SIRF.
● Design and presentation of workplan for approval to Board.
● Implementation of work plan and discussion of modifications with Board.
Security
● Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
● Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.
Organizational Learning
● As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
Accountability to Beneficiaries
● Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Supervisory Responsibility
None.
Accountability
Reports Directly To: SIRF Board / Syria Country Director
Works Directly With: SIRF Board.
Knowledge and Experience
● MA/MS degree required.
● At least 5-7 years of relevant experience in a conflict or post-conflict setting with an NGO.
● Fluently spoken and written English is required. Good command of Arabic is a plus.
● Previous experience with the Whole-of-Syria coordination system is a plus.
● Excellent computer skills, including experience with: Excel and PowerPoint.
● Ability to work with sensitive issues in a multi-cultural environment and with virtual or/and dispersed teams.
● Demonstrated experience coordinating stakeholders’ activities.
● Familiarity with current standards for information sharing in humanitarian response.
● Familiarity with humanitarian principles and response architecture.
● Extensive experience in administration and coordination of coalition or secretariat functions.
Success Factors
The successful candidate will have the ability to network effectively and influence and inspire others including governments, other agencies, and own peers, staff, and partners and will also have the ability to undertake strategic analysis and translate thinking into practice. S/He will work with sensitive issues in a multi-cultural environment and with virtual or/and dispersed teams and will have the ability to inspire, to build confidence and to find creative and constructive solutions to difficult issues. The successful candidate will be build trust and alliances and will empower others.
Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
This role is based in Amman, Jordan. Housing is individual accommodation with unlimited freedom of movement beyond the house/office and this role is accompanied. Staff will have a very high degree of access to medical and other services. This position requires up to 20 % travel when countries’ COVID regulations allow it.
Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment.
Ongoing Learning
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and