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.
To strengthen the Mali team, the department is looking for a Country Representative.
Position title: NLRC Country Representative in Mali
Duty station: Bamako, Mali
Time period: 1 year
Starting Date: 12th of April, 2021
Status: Single posting
Purpose of the position
The Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC) is looking for a Country Representative who will:
- Maintain and further develop relationships with Mali Red Cross, Red Cross Partners, Donors and other Stakeholders
- Lead, coordinate and manage the strategy of the NLRC in collaboration with the Mali Red Cross in Mali and the NLRC HQ
- Lead the NLRC Country Team in Mali: Human Resources, Line management and Office
Position in the organization
The Country Representative will be leading the country team in Mali, consisting of two delegates and local staff. The Country Representative is the direct line manager of the in-country expatriate staff and local staff in Mali. The Country Representative reports to the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator (PPC), who is based in The Hague, The Netherlands. The Country Representative will ensure quality and adherence to established guidelines, policies and strategies of Mali RC, as well as in accordance with NLRC principles, Code of Conduct, guidelines and evidence-based best practices.
Summary statement and responsibilities
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Partnership Fostering and Development and Institutional representation
- Represent NLRC and maintain strong relations with the Mali RC, the other RC National Societies, the International Federation IFRC, the International Committee Red Cross (ICRC), the national authorities, UN Organizations, embassies, international and national organizations and donors.
- Engage and actively participate in relevant networks, coalitions, alliances, meetings, forums or any other event related to the activities implemented in Mali.
- Represent the NLRC in coordination meetings with other Red Cross partners.
- Take the lead in identifying funding and/or partnership opportunities in Mali which are in line with strategies and priorities of Mali RC and NLRC.
- Undertake regular strategic and operational meetings with Mali RC Senior Management Team to ensure work priorities and address any challenges in country NLRC team is facing.
- Lead and coordinate the NLRC strategy in country in collaboration with the Mali Red Cross and the NLRC headquarters
- Organize missions for the NLRC, other Red Cross National Societies and external consultants upon request alongside the relevant project delegate. Develop terms of references for these missions.
- Conduct continuous assessments to identify needs and possibilities for new interventions within the mandates of the Mali RC/NLRC.
Country office and team management
- Manage NLRC human Resources and the office in Mali
- Foster a positive, fair, participatory and ambitious professional work culture and constructive team approach among in-country staff.
- Ensure all Delegates are delivering on work plans and that all relevant external donor policies, procedures and deadlines are met.
- Oversee management of in-country project budgets for Delegates in agreement with the Portfolio Officer.
- Ensure all delegates adhere to NLRC’s Standard Project Approach, use the right budget formats, follow all NLRC procedures (e.g. Logistics, Security Guidelines) and use the right administrative systems (SPACE 2.0, Winpaccs, etc.) accordingly.
- Responsible for managing employee performance, including providing employees with regular feedback, (conducting a Mid Term review and a yearly performance appraisal).
- Maintain accurate written records of work plans, Management Team meetings and performance appraisals.
- In conjunction with each employee, identify learning and professional development needs and support the employees in getting their needs met e.g. approving their participation in courses, coaching them, providing them with “on-the-job” experience that will enhance their knowledge, etc.
- Develop Job Descriptions for new staff of the Country office, process recruitment and hiring in close consultation with the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator.
- Ensure that Delegates comply with staff regulations, Code of Conduct and that breaches are documented and that the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator is notified.
- Develop the NLRC office budget, taking into account existing program budgets and request for approval by NLRC HQ.
- Be responsible for the efficient use of the funds and assets allocated to the projects.
Security Management
- Ensure strict adherence of security policies and directions from NLRC and ICRC.
- Ensure that updated Security Regulations are in place and that all staff (local and International) are aware and follows the regulation.
- Develop on a yearly basis a country security document in close collaboration with the security advisor at HQ.
- Disseminate information on security threats to staff in a timely manner.
- Regularly analyze context, identify risks and validate security rules, norms and procedures.
- Maintain proper documentation of security incidents.
- Conduct security briefing for NLRC visitors to Mali.
Requirements
- Master degree in Social Science, International Development, Business Management or other relevant field
- At least 5 years’ experience in the development and/or humanitarian field, preferably in similar positions
- Demonstrated ability for high level representation
- Experience in the area of capacity building and development of non-governmental organizations, preferably of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
- Able to work in politically complex and challenging environment.
- Experience in working at managerial level in an international organization.
- Experience in program management , including program identification, formulation, management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, preferably within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
- Working experience in the region is preferred, as knowledge on the political, economic and socio-cultural climate of Mali.
Key competencies
- Excellent narrative and financial reporting and proposal writing skills. Able to adhere to policy and procedures of the NLRC whilst effectively managing programs and people.
- Able to make sound judgements and decisions.
- Good social/diplomatic skills and culturally sensitive, flexible and creative.
- Excellent strategic leadership and management
- Able to work independently, as well in a team with the guidance of the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator.
- Demonstrated accountability for staff security in a conflict/fragile environments.
- Fluent in spoken and written of French and English.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Practical knowledge of computer Skills (Microsoft Office, Winpaccs, Document Management programs).
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 environment with a variety of international organizations.
- Well balanced employment conditions with space for initiative and development.