Country Representative Philippines At Netherlands Red Cross

We help to strengthen resilience of vulnerable people exposed to hazards and crisis situations and we respond to disasters and conflicts to save lives and alleviate suffering. In the Netherlands with more than thirty thousand volunteers and internationally through technical assistance, supplies and money. Together we act before, during and after disasters to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people.

We do this without regards to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinion. Our seven principles guide our humanitarian work: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

The International Assistance department is responsible for all Netherlands Red Cross international support for victims of disasters and conflicts and for vulnerable people exposed to hazards.

The International Assistance department has opened a vacancy for a:

Position title: Country Representative Philippines

Duty station: The Philippines, Manila

Time period: One year (with possibility for extension)

Starting Date: As soon as possible

Status: Family duty station

We are looking for a candidate with strong interpersonal skills, who brings along hands-on project cycle management experience in the humanitarian sector and the ability to maintain and further develop the partnership and joint project portfolio with the Philippine Red Cross, in close coordination with other stakeholders, both within the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and beyond. The Country Representative also carries the overall responsibility for the NLRC delegation in Manila, including security, financial and HR management of a team currently consisting of 4 national staff.

Position in the organization

In this position you report to the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator (PPC) based at NLRC HQ in The Hague. The PPC and the Portfolio Officer (PO) form the Philippines desk at NLRC HQ. The PO facilitates and supports the NLRC delegation team in Manila with the day to day management of projects in the country portfolio. The national staff in the delegation are staff on loan from the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), with a technical reporting line to the Country Representative.

Background

The Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC) has been present in the Philippines since 2011, supporting the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) with Disaster Response and with longer term resilience projects. NLRC strives for a cross-sectoral and integrated approach with Climate Change Adaptation as a cross cutting theme. Over the years NLRC has been supporting the PRC with several projects around Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Risk Reduction and Integrated Risk Management (IRM), including WASH, diversification of livelihoods and ecosystem restoration through nature-based solutions, focused on strengthening the resilience and protecting the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.

Together with the NLRC delegation team in Manila and the Philippines desk and advisory units at NLRC HQ, the Country Representative facilitates the strategic development of the partnership, and monitors and supports the implementation of projects. In close coordination and co-creation with the PRC and other movement partners, the Country Rep leads the development and monitors the implementation of the strategic direction of the partnership in support of the strategic plan of the PRC and in alignment with NLRC’s strategic priorities and expertise, making sure that this is reflected in a multi-year Framework Partnership Agreement and the annual Country Plans. We are currently in the process of reviewing the FPA with the PRC and the intention is to finalise this process by the end of 2023.

Main responsibilities

Partnership development, coordination and representation

• Coordinate and foster the partnership and ensure that annual Country Plans are in place, as well as the long term Framework Partnership Agreement;
• Maintain a continuous dialogue with PRC management about the direction and development of the partnership and the identification of possible areas of support;
• Assist PRC/NLRC in periodic reviews and monitoring of progress and achievements in line with the identified priorities and strategic direction;
• Ensure excellent and effective working relationships with PRC counterparts at all levels; from PRC leadership and the operational departments at PRC HQ to the local PRC Chapters;
• Upon PRC’s request support with the development and/or consolidation of their national strategy;
• Actively participate in and facilitate Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement coordination and the IFRC unified planning process in country;
• Proactively seek operational/technical alignment and collaboration with other Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners and external partners in order to increase efficiency and impact of interventions;
• Facilitate and maintain effective working relationships with the Netherlands Embassy and representatives of other relevant donors (e.g. EU delegation), international agencies, UN and other partners in close consultation with PRC;
• Engage with and actively participate in relevant networks, coalitions, alliances, meetings, forums or any other event related to the activities implemented in the Philippines.

Portfolio development, resource mobilisation and project management

• Maintain and develop the joint project portfolio in line with the strategic priorities as agreed between PRC and NLRC, and in close coordination with other RCRC partners to ensure synergy and complementarity in programming;
• Identify funding opportunities and support the development and submission of project proposals, based on agreed planning, log frames and budgets with the PRC;
• In close coordination with PRC initiate new and maintain existing partnerships/consortia, and ensure (potential) donors are updated regularly about projects being implemented by PRC/NLRC;
• Accountable for the overall management of projects in terms of administrative and financial management, as well as reporting, in close collaboration with the implementing departments of the PRC and with support from the Portfolio Officer (PO), finance team and technical advisors at NLRC HQ;
• Ensure in new and existing projects that NLRC’s Standard Project Approach (SPA) is followed; donor requirements and conditions are met and deviations regarding project objectives and budget control are timely identified and communicated to NLRC HQ.

Management of the NLRC delegation (including security)

• As the Head of Delegation and manager of the NLRC team, the CR fosters a positive, secure and professional work culture and facilitates a participatory team approach among in-country staff with room for personal development;
• Responsible for annual appraisal cycle of NLRC team in line with PRC’s and NLRC’s HR policies/procedures;
• Directly manages the office budget, and oversees and monitors the management of project budgets, ensuring that the administrative procedures in the delegation are compliant with NLRC’s and PRC’s financial procedures;
• Ensure an adequate flow of information regarding the partnership and ongoing operations/projects towards the country desk, NLRC management and for external communication;
• As the security focal point, the Country Representative is responsible for the security of the NLRC team and visitors, and all travels to the field are communicated to and acknowledged by the CR;
• CR facilitates (field) visits by (NLRC) staff, advisors, consultants and other stakeholders, ensuring regular updates of the Country Security Plan and sharing all necessary information with NLRC field and HQ team, in close coordination with PRC, IFRC and ICRC.

Requirements

• University (Masters) Degree or advanced degree in a relevant field
• At least 5 years of working experience in South East Asia
• At least 5 years of working experience in a managerial role
• At least 5 – 10 years’ experience in project cycle management in a variety of development or humanitarian settings
• Experience working and living in another country/context than your own domicile
• Experience with working within the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement is an asset
• Experience with working with partners at national and local level and building partnerships
• Track record in programme design, proposal writing and grant management
• Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting and cost control procedures
• Knowledge of disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and nature based solutions is an asset
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Computer skills and knowledge of software programmes (e.g. Microsoft Office 365, Winpaccs and Document Management)

Key competencies

• Culturally sensitive and diplomatic, but able to address and relate to higher management
• Excellent intercultural communicator with strong interpersonal and coaching skills
• Able to work independently, as well as in a team
• Able to make sound judgements and decisions

We offer:

• A full time appointment (based on 40-hour work week) for 1 year, with the possibility of extension;
• A flexible and human centered working environment in an international setting;
• Well balanced employment conditions with space for initiative and development.