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 MENA Programme Coordinator (m/f/d). The delegate will support and advise GRC country teams in MENA in the design and implementation of their country programme portfolio and their partnership work with sister national societies. The overall objective of GRC projects in the MENA region is to assist and strengthen affected and vulnerable population groups and to increase the capacities of our sister RC/RC societies, maintaining close coordination and cooperation with all relevant partners of the RC/RC movement.

The MENA Programme Coordinator will be part of an experienced international team under the line management of the GRC MENA Head of Office in Beirut, Lebanon.

Starting date: as soon as possible, preferably June 2024

Duration: 24 months with possible extension

Location: Beirut / Lebanon, with frequent travels in the region

Main duties & responsibilities:

The role of the Programme Coordinator MENA is to support and advise country teams in terms of effective and compliant implementation and financial management, and high programme quality. The Programme Coordinator facilitates regional learning and knowledge exchanges between countries and ensures that programme implementation is in line with National Societies’ strategies and GRC and RCRC movement policies and quality standards.

Operational and programmatic support to country teams

• Provide strategic, programmatic and partnership advice to Head of Offices and Program Managers, and support the development of GRC’s country strategies;
• Support country teams to ensure effective and targeted design and implementation of GRC’s projects and programs;
• Support country offices in applying GRC operational and project management standards, and provide operational backstopping and emergency surge support as needed;
• Advise country teams in applying, contextualizing and prioritizing global thematic standards and guidelines;
• Ensure that HQ-based and regional thematic advisors and support services are called upon as per the specific needs of each country office.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Ensure that national and global standards and policies are reflected in GRC’s country strategies and programmes;
• Support the development and review of project proposals, reports and other programmatic documentation to ensure compliance with relevant policies and strategic objectives;
• Ensure that cross-cutting issues (such as community engagement and accountability, gender, disaster risk reduction, inclusion) are integrated into projects and programmes;
• Carry out regular monitoring and support visits to countries and facilitate trainings.

Regional learning and exchange

• Maintain a regional view and promote and initiate regional exchanges between country programmes, National Societies and other movement components and stakeholders;
• Proactively engage in regional RC/RC Movement coordination and collaboration; participate in relevant movement meetings;
• Contribute to updating GRC’s regional roadmap, policy position and priorities.

Required Competencies & Skills:

• At least 5 years of practical experience in the field of relief, reconstruction and/or development work;
• At least 3 years of experience in working abroad and in diverse teams;
• Experience working in fragile and insecure contexts;
• Substantial experience in programme design and management;
• Experience in financial and budget management;
• Proven experience in monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance;
• Experience in working with a variety of donors;
• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills and cultural sensitivity;
• Excellent communication and representation skills;
• Ability to work flexibly, independently and as a team member;
• Ability and agreement to adhere to the RC/RC Fundamental Principles;
• Experience of working for the RC/RC Movement or in MENA an asset;
• Oral and written fluency in English required; German or Arabic an asset;
• Ability to complete a thorough medical screening process ‘working abroad under specific climate and health conditions’;
• Committed to prevent and combat any occurrence of bullying, intimidation, harassment, abuse and exploitation, including of sexual nature, in the workplace and with regards to recipients of aid;
• Valid International Driving Licence.

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 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.

This is currently unaccompanied/non-family duty station.