Country Representative Palestine At WeWorld

Position: Country Representative oPt

Location: Ramallah and Jerusalem, Occupied Palestinian Territory

Family Duty Station: YES

Starting date: June 2023

Application deadline: 18/04/2023

Working Context

WeWorld is an independent Italian organization that has been working in international cooperation and humanitarian aid for 50 years.

WeWorld has been working in Palestine since 1992, operating in the field of human rights, humanitarian aid and development to guarantee Palestinian communities access to basic services and available natural resources, in particular with regard to integrated service management, the strengthening of the integrated protection of the population and the enhancement of local socio-economic development in a sustainable and innovative way, with particular attention to the social and economic empowerment of women.

WeWorld in Palestine has 5 offices (central office in Jerusalem and field offices in Gaza City, Ramallah, Hebron and Tubas). Over the decades, WeWorld has implemented several interventions funded by multiple donors: DG ECHO and the European Union, the Italian Cooperation, UN agencies as UNICEF and OCHA, as well as national agencies and donors such as SIDA, GIZ, JICA, DGD, GFFO, FCDO, AECID and others.

WeWorld’s interventions are linked to global and national strategies, including the coordination with and the contribution to the Humanitarian Response Plan of the UN. With a people-centred approach, the priorities are always identified together with the communities we serve, with a specific focus on a triple Nexus approach. The significant amount of data and analysis collected and elaborated by WeWorld in oPt inform the intervention of multiple agencies in Country. WeWorld is a member of the Global WASH Cluster and is part of all the clusters at national level: WASH (member of the Strategic Advisory Group), Education, Food Security, Shelter, Protection and Health.

Job Position

The Country Representative leads the Country Management (MGT) team composed by program, operations, proc&log and finance managers plus the Gaza head of base. He directs organizational programs at the country level ensuring quality of the activities, from development through execution, included budget management and Human Resources Management (International and National Staff). Identifies programming opportunities and areas where the organization can demonstrate its value and relevance. The Country Representative develops relations with and represents the organization to donors, local and national governments, organizational partners, to maintain positive organizational profile, and is also responsible for the security management in the country.

Reports to: Head of Middle East & Asia Regional Unit

Works in coordination with: Regional MGT Team (Regional finance Manager, Regional Proc& Log Manager, Desk officer and Regional Communication focal point)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Representation, External Relations and Accountability

• Legally represents WeWorld in the relevant country vis-à-vis the country government and all relevant authorities
• Represents WeWorld and is responsible for relations with relevant country authorities, donors, local and international partners, and all relevant stakeholders
• Participates in events including public events and speaks on behalf of WeWorld
• Is responsible in-country for the dissemination, implementation, compliance and monitoring of the application of WeWorld policies
• Is the safeguarding focal point in-country for relevant stakeholders both internal and external, has the obligation to report any behavior contrary to the duties expressed in the Safeguarding and Prevention of Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy by preparing appropriate report and to provide all necessary information to staff in-country for prevention and reporting including appropriate and continuous training on the subject
• Is responsible for and promoter of on-site dissemination and training, compliance with and monitoring the application of WeWorld Code of Ethics and Conduct and all internal policies
• Is responsible for the analysis and assessment of risks present in the country, reporting periodically to Unit Head
• Is responsible for the safety and security of the organization’s people and assets in the country whose management he/she monitors in line with WeWorld policy and reports periodically to Headquarters
• Is responsible for establishing and adhering to WeWorld Security and Evacuation Plan in the country in line with the organization’s relevant policy and procedures and updating it periodically in consultation with the Security Advisor
• Is responsible for disseminating the Security and Evacuation Plan and providing security training and information to expatriate and local staff
• Is responsible for adopting and updating the Local Operations Manual and monitoring its implementation

Strategy, partnerships and resource mobilization

• Is responsible for the formulation and periodic review of WeWorld in-country strategy and, in collaboration with the relevant Regional Manager, ensures its consistency with the organization’s regional and global strategy
• Builds and strengthens strategic partnerships in the country through active participation in networks and coordination mechanisms, promotion of new networks and partnerships by enhancing the expertise of the organization
• Develops and enhances in-country strategic programmatic partnerships defined globally and regionally by WeWorld
• Examines the risks and opportunities presented by WeWorld strategic positioning in the country and prepares appropriate responses to ensure sustainable projects and operations
• Contributes to the drafting of project proposals of its area of reference where required and in coordination with the Regional Manager and the Planning and Knowledge Management Area
• Strengthens relationships with institutional donors in the country enhancing WeWorld expertise and achievements over time
• Identifies and develops funding opportunities with new donors present locally in collaboration with the Regional Manager

Local Office(s) Management, Human Resources and Volunteers

• Is responsible for all human resources, expatriate and local, employed in the country for the implementation of WeWorld institutional activities
• Proposes and updates the most effective organizational chart, roles, and functions to carry out WeWorld activities in the country in a logic of sustainability and enhancement of local human resources
• Is responsible for the volunteers in the country and defines the needs of the local office in terms of volunteer work
• Decides and clearly defines who is the mentor and line manager of each volunteer present in the local office
• Ensures that the selection of staff at the local headquarters is done in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner with the aim of finding the most competent and appropriate person for the required task
• Analyzes and evaluates, in a constructive and participatory manner, the competencies of staff at the local headquarters and prepares training and improvement plans
• Reports training needs and capacity building needs of local office staff to headquarters and supports in finding and/or processing training opportunities for growth and continuous improvement

Program Management

• Ensures that projects implemented in-country are in line and consistent with the organization’s country and regional strategy, have high quality standards, and achieve their objectives
• Is responsible for the local office’s program monitoring system, supervises and monitors the proper implementation of projects and the work of project managers
• Is ultimately responsible for the quality of project reporting and its compliance with the rules and timelines defined by WeWorld and those established by the relevant donors
• Reports periodically to the Regional Manager on the progress of the organization’s programs in the country and the operation of the local office safety

Administration and Controlling

• Develops the country’s annual budget proposal and submits it to the Regional Manager;
• Plans and monitors the approved annual budget
• Is ultimately responsible for the proper use of WeWorld funds in the country, in line with legal requirements, and promotes a culture of proper and efficient financial management, quality, transparency, and credibility
• Ensures compliance in the management of the local office and projects implemented by it with the regulations and provisions of WeWorld and its donors

Communication, policy and advocacy

• Is responsible for WeWorld external communication in the country and its adherence to the organization’s relevant regulations and guidelines
• Ensures proper visibility of donors in line with donor regulations and rules on the subject;
• Disseminates the guidelines for external communication and the use of WeWorld logo to the local office staff ensuring its proper use
• In collaboration with the Regional Manager, proposes external communication and advocacy activities in the country
• Coordinates and supervises the production of content for external communication at country level on its own initiative and/or at the request of WeWorld Communication Department
• Contributes to sector policy development where required and ensures the implementation of global and/or regional policies and approaches developed by WeWorld
• Is responsible for the production and implementation of the country advocacy strategic plan and its alignment with the organization’s overall advocacy strategy

Knowledge Management, Policy and Innovation

• Contributes to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure that WeWorld continuously integrates good practices and innovative approaches into locally implemented programs
• Contributes to the dissemination and sharing of good practices and lessons learned at the local level, as well as thematic Policy so that they can be capitalized and systematized for the overall benefit of the organization
• Contributes to the planning, implementation and organization of strategic capacity building of staff, partners and stakeholders
• Sets priorities, in consultation with the Regional Manager, for targeted investments in growth and innovation at the local level

Safety Management

• Develop a country security and safety strategy based on HQ and country information.
• Identify risks and threats and develop systems of early warning flags.
• Coordinate in the design, testing and communications of appropriate security and safety plans and programs.
• Develop and document emergency preparedness and disaster evacuation plans and programs.

The duties and responsibilities set forth above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to perform additional duties.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Knowledge

• An advanced university degree or equivalent in the field of Social or Political Science, Development Studies, International relations, Project Management
• Program Development knowledge
• Project Management Cycle knowledge
• Knowledge of main donors’ policy and procedures (UN Agencies, EuropeAid, Italian Cooperation)
• Valid and clean driving license
• Computer skills, in particular MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, MS Project
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal

Professional experience

• Minimum 5 years’ working experience with international NGOs in management of international cooperation projects funded by institutions and private donors
• Minimum 2 years’ experience as Country Representative in emergency/development contexts
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as staff manager
• Experience representing a leading organization to donors, external partners and authorities
• Experience with networking, advocacy and coordination, including donor contact, fundraising and networking
• Extensive program development and project proposal writing experience
• Experience in Budget management and multiple donor contract
• Experience in safety and Security Management

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to think strategically and conceptually and to translate these into concrete results
• Ability to identify, initiate and maintain good relationships with partner organizations, donors and national authorities including building professional relationships with senior decision-makers and influencers/leaders
• Proven organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks while fostering quality, team spirit and positive working relationships with colleagues
• Strong interpersonal relationships and demonstrated ability to leverage business networks and partnerships for continued growth
• Ability to work under pressure
• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the NGO values and ethical standards
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism
• Good communication, negotiation skills and sensitivity in dealing with local institutions on critical issues
• Cultural, gender, religion, and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Strong commitment to the Mission of WeWorld, genuine interest for international cooperation development topics

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

• Previous work experience in oPt
• Fluent in Italian and or Arabic, both written and verbal

WHAT WE OFFER

Type of contract: a first 6 (six) months collaboration contract subject to verification of the achievement of specific objectives (these objectives will be agreed together with the Head of Middle East & Asia Regional Unit upon arrival on assignment); a second collaboration contract of 12 (twelve) months renewable, following the positive evaluation of the first contract

Gross Salary: to be defined according to the candidate’s profile and WeWorld Salary scale

R&R: NO

WHO WE ARE

WeWorld supports people in overcoming emergencies, and it strives to guarantee that everyone can have a decent and dignified life as well as opportunities and a better future. WeWorld works in 27 countries around the world, including in Italy, with more than 120 emergency, humanitarian aid and development projects. Its activities mainly involve women, girls and young people, actors of change in every community for a fairer and more inclusive world.

The organization operates in several natural and man-made crisis in various regions of the world. The emergency response, coordinated by the Humanitarian Aid Unit, is composed by multi-sectorial interventions comprising of WASH, EiE, CVA, Food Security, Protection, and others. The organization operates also in protracted crisis with provision of humanitarian aid through a prevention, emergency relief and rehabilitation approach.