Regional Representative – Americas At Norwegian Red Cross

About Us:

The Norwegian Red Cross is a well-respected humanitarian organization, part of the global Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. Together with National Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies, we collaborate to alleviate human suffering worldwide. We are actively seeking an experienced and dynamic Regional Representative to lead our team in the Americas Region, a pivotal role in our joint mission to bring positive change to communities facing adversity. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape impactful strategies, foster collaborative relationships, and lead the implementation of our international strategy within the Americas region.

Purpose:

The purpose of the Regional Office (RO) is the regional implementation of the international strategy through strategic resources allocations to priority countries and humanitarian emergencies.

1. The RO is responsible for strategic partnership management in the region, and contributions to promoting humanitarian diplomacy priorities and external relations.
2. The RO is responsible for Movement coordination in the region, and contributions to preparedness for emergency response operations with ICRC/IFRC. This includes mobilization and use of global tools and capacities.
3. The RO is responsible for resource allocation to partner countries based on needs and in accordance with donor requirements. This includes securing regional support for scaling up emergency operations and filling human resources gaps.
4. The RO contributes to resource mobilization and grants management in the region.
5. The RO is responsible for control and quality assurance of finance management in the region according to grant requirements and finance and administrative regulations.
6. The RO contributes with support services to CO. This comprises logistics management, human resources support for national staff, and other administrative services.
7. The RO contributes to technical quality assurance of programmes in close coordination with the Technical Unit.

As the Regional Representative for Americas, you will lead the strategic implementation of the Norwegian Red Cross’ International Strategy in the Americas Region. This role is critical in effectively managing resources, nurturing external relations, and leading a dedicated team to achieve our humanitarian objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Overall Strategy Implementation and Leadership:

• Lead the effective implementation of the international strategy in the Americas region, ensuring alignment with the broader mandate of the Regional Office.
• Provide strong leadership to ensure optimal collaboration and resource utilization within the regional team and with our National Office.

Strategic Relationship Management:

• Oversee and cultivate strategic relationships with the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, donors, and external partners, in line with the regional office’s mandate.
• Develop and execute regional plans of action, contributing to departmental initiatives and the overall strategic framework.

Coordination and Collaboration:

• Strengthen the synergy of roles within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement for enhanced efficiency and impact, contributing to overall Movement coordination in the region.
• Ensure a functional division of tasks and efficient use of resources within the regional team, collaborating closely with Country Managers, and the Regional Support Services Manager.

Resource Allocation and Support:

• Contribute to resource allocation to NorCross Country Offices based on needs and donor requirements, including supporting the scaling up of emergency operations.
• Provide support to Country Offices, including logistics management, human resources support, and other administrative services.

Qualifications:

Formal Competence:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field or bachelor’s degree with commensurate work experience.
• Minimum of ten (10) years professional experience in lead management implementing humanitarian and/or emergency response programs in conflict setting with at least 5 years of senior management experience.

Professional Experience:

• Proven track record in successful humanitarian management.
• Analytical prowess and demonstrated ability to navigate complex humanitarian challenges.
• Field-level experience in implementing humanitarian projects.
• Humanitarian Landscape Understanding
• In-depth knowledge of the humanitarian landscape, roles, and mandates of the Red Cross Movement.

Language Proficiency:

• Fluency in Spanish and English.

Personal Qualifications:

• Exceptional ability to lead and develop people.
• Strong communication skills with a knack for effective collaboration.
• Convincing and solution-oriented mindset.
• Proven ability to build robust relations and networks within the humanitarian sector.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a dynamic and challenging environment, adapting strategies as needed.
• High level of cultural awareness and sensitivity, fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment.
• Capacity to navigate ambiguity and resilience in the face of challenging circumstances.
• Strong strategic thinking and vision, aligning actions with the long-term goals of the organization.

Reporting to:

• Head of Operations, Oslo

Position is based in:

• Panama City, Panama (TBC)

Contract length:

• 24 Months with possibility of extension.

Why should you apply?

• Meaningful: You`ll be a part of the world’s largest humanitarian organization, reaching the most vulnerable people in their local community.
• Impact: You will help National Societies in the region to become strong, self-sustained and accountable humanitarian actors.
• Career: You will be connected to an international organization with staff based all over the world
• A great place to work: You will work in a multicultural environment with hard-working, dedicated, and fun colleagues with a strong culture of collaboration, continual improvement, and celebration of wins.

Norwegian Red Cross striving to build a working culture based on respect, honesty, and generosity. We do a thorough background check on relevant candidate.