Country manager at Danish Red Cross

Can you effectively manage a country team and build the strategic direction of our programme in a changing context?

In its post-conflict context, Iraq is transitioning towards recovery after having retaken the territory previously claimed by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, but life in many parts of the country remains severely dislocated because of protracted internal displacement crisis and continuing security concerns. Till date, 1,2 m people remain displaced. Another 4,2 million have returned to places of origin but many still face insecurity and insufficient access to basic services. For 2021, transitioning IDPs towards durable solutions remains one top priority for humanitarian actors, while others are ensuring access to livelihoods and promoting social cohesion, also for returnees. Yet, accessing people in need has become more challenging than at any other time since combat operations against ISIL, due both to administrative impediments and prolonged movement restrictions imposed by COVID-19.

The Danish Red Cross (DRC) has been partnering with the Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) since 2013. DRC supported activities are mainly funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) alongside private partnerships. Moving forward, one key priority is to attract new partners and develop new cooperation modalities. The DRC programme is implemented in parts of the country, where humanitarian needs remain significant, and has a strong focus on contributing to durable solutions and building communities’ ability to cope with, and transition from, the protracted crisis. Key sectors are Primary Health Care, Livelihood, Psychosocial support with a focus on gender and inclusion. Building the technical capacity of the Iraq Red Crescent Society (IRCS) is pivotal to DRC’s work, particularly within the areas of Psychosocial Support (PS) and Cash-Based Assistance.

The country team consist of one finance delegate and one PSS delegate.

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Responsibilities**

The Country Manager (CM) has the overall responsibility for ensuring that the DRC-supported Country Programme and partnerships are implemented in line with the DRC International Strategy and Country Strategy, Danish Red Cross standard operating procedures (SOPs), and donor requirements and guidelines.

The Iraq Country Manager is based in Baghdad at the Headquarters of the IRCS, and is responsible for

• Strategic direction of DRC engagement in the country, management of the partnership with the IRCS, and support to its continuing capacity development in key technical areas;
• Overall country budget holder, management and development of DRC’s project portfolio in the country, including monitoring implementation and removing impediments.
• Leading and managing the DRC Country Team, based in Baghdad and Erbil, consisting of a PS Delegate, a CVA Delegate and a Country Finance Delegate;
• Exploring, identifying and strengthening nexus interventions that contribute to durable solutions for affected populations.
• Take the lead on fundraising for DRC’s future engagement in Iraq and support DRC communication efforts.
• Representing DRC and developing the relationships with the RCRC Movement partners, the MFA, EU representatives; INGO’s, UN, NATO Mission in Iraq etc.

The position requires strategic leadership and sound management skills along with proven fundraising and networking abilities. It is furthermore expected that the candidate would have strong programme management skills, as a solid focus will be on transitioning and strengthening the DRC programme. Finally, we are seeking a strong communicator well experienced in the development of partnerships.

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Experience and qualifications**

You have a minimum of 8 years of solid experience in development and/or humanitarian project management, with at least 5 years of relevant field experience in the implementation of emergency and recovery/development programmes.

• Proven ability to live and work for long periods under severely restricted conditions within a conflict-affected environment.
• Experience with various donors like EU, ECHO and national ministries of foreign affairs, particularly of their grant application, proposal writing and reporting procedures, is also essential.
• Exposure to and interest in working with multiple partners and furthering partnership with private actors as relevant.
• Solid experience with programme management of emergency and nexus programming.
• Good analytical skills and confirmation that you can handle stressful situations. You possess excellent communication, coordination as well as networking and facilitation skills.
• Cultural understanding and the ability to work in a challenging multicultural environment is essential.
• Project cycle and financial management experience as well as team/human resource management skills are essential.
• Proven experience in the capacity-building of local partners, ideally of Red Cross / Red Crescent National Societies and local branches, and in the Middle East, will be an advantage.
• Excellent English speaking and writing capability, and Arabic will be an advantage.
• Be self-supporting in computers and possess a valid international driving licence.

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Employment Conditions**

Starting date is as soon as possible and the length of the contract is 24 months with the possibility of extension. The salary including all allowances and pension payment will be between DKK 47,854.83 and 51,373.12 per month, depending on qualifications and experience.

The duty station is Baghdad, Iraq. This is a non-family duty station with a paid 7-day Rest & Recuperation break permitted after every 8 weeks in-country. Travelling to programme areas within Iraq is possible to the extent that the security situation permits.

The Country Manager reports to the DRC Head of Region based at the MENA Office in Beirut and is accountable for ensuring that the DRC supported programme and partnerships in Iraq are implemented in compliance with DRC Standard Operational Procedures and donor regulations.