Position title: Country Representative
Place of assignment: Yangon, Myanmar, with extensive travel.
Myanmar national regulations and requirements around the COVID-19 situation may affect the possibilities for travel, quarantine modalities, movement, working at office and holding meetings
Type of posting: International delegate, family posting
Desired starting date: 1 January 2021 (dependent on the COVID-19 situation, contract may start remotely and home-based
Contract period: 12 months, with the possibility of extension.
Background
The position is part of the Swedish Red Cross’ (SRC) Asia Pacific (AP) regional unit and falls under the direct supervision of the SRC Regional Head of Unit, who is based in Stockholm. Based in Yangon, the Country Representative will manage the Myanmar portfolio and represent SRC internally and externally. SRC has a close cooperation with the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) and has been physically present in Yangon since 2014, supporting the National Society’s efforts to respond to the humanitarian needs and to build resilience of vulnerable communities in the country. The aim of the SRC is to continue and further develop its work in Myanmar in collaboration with Red Cross and Red Crescent movement partners.
Job Summary
The Country Representative has the overall responsibility for the relationship and collaboration with in-country partners, including the MRCS, ICRC, IFRC, other movement partners and donors. The Country Representative is responsible to continuously monitor the context in the country, revise strategies as needed, oversee the implementation of SRC supported operations in the country. Under the direct supervision of the Head of Unit, the position works closely with relevant advisors and support staff at the SRC headquarter, in accordance with SRC’s procedures and systems.
The Country Representative has full responsibility for the proper management of the SRC budget in Myanmar. The programme portfolio currently focuses on a 3-year project in northern Shan and central Rakhine. Both regions are affected by conflict and the projects are community-based health with components of protection, WASH, DRR and branch development. In addition, a strong focus is on diversifying the funding base in Myanmar, for example looking closer at ECHO. The Country Representative leads the development of new partnerships and initiatives, and coordinates resource mobilization to implement SRC’s plans and strategies for Myanmar. The SRC also supports the MRCS in several processes and working groups focusing on for example PMER, CEA, PGI and National Society development in general.
The Country Representative coordinates the development and quality assurance of SRC supported projects and emergency response operations; conducts regular monitoring of supported programmes; coordinates evaluations and follows up on financial and risk management; as well as writes planning documents and reports. The Country Representative actively contributes to the coordination between emergency response and longer-term programmes. He/she captures programme results and presents them in a coherent way in reports, fact sheets and/or other documents. The Country Representative engages actively with potential donors including the EU/ECHO and Sida. He/she strives to enlarge the SRC portfolio in order to increase support to joint interventions with MRCS. The position demands flexibility, and ability to adapt to new priorities, as well as frequent travel to areas of operation. At all times, the Country Representative respects and follows relevant communication as well as security rules.
The Country Representative is managing a small team in Yangon, currently comprised of a Finance & Administration manager and a Programme Manager.
The Country Representative will have a close working relationship with several functions at the SRC headquarter, including security advisor, project controller, resource mobilizers, HR-advisor and a team of dedicated technical advisors (DM/DRR, Health, Wash, Protection, CEA/PGI, volunteering and PMER).
Key duties and responsibilities
Responsible for the operational cycle (annual planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting – including plans and report writing) of programmes in support to MRCS priorities and activities as identified in the MRCS bilateral Cooperation Agreements
Lead the work of SRC’s Country Coordination Team (CCT) and cooperate closely with relevant technical advisors of SRC’s International Department
Conduct systematic monitoring of SRC-supported activities through field visits and assessments/evaluations jointly with relevant teams of the MRCS
Prepare proposals and reports (both internal and to donors), including narrative and finance reporting in accordance with specific donor conditions and SRC requirements
Manage the SRC budget for Myanmar
Managing the SRC office in Myanmar, including supervision of staff, vehicle rental, and office equipment and facilities
Prepare annual MRCS audit exercises in collaboration with the AP Unit project controller
Facilitate operational visits from SRC headquarters and donors and ensure that all practical aspects, including security, are managed prior and during such visits
Support SRC headquarter in its resource mobilization work by actively engaging with Myanmar-based donor representatives such as EU, ECHO, UN, Sida, etc.
Represent SRC towards the MRCS, ICRC, IFRC and other RCRC Movement partners present in Myanmar
Ensure compliance with all provisions under the ICRC-SRC Integration Agreement (CAA) and SRC’s integration agreement with IFRC for Myanmar
Brief eventual SRC-seconded ICRC and IFRC delegates upon arrival and maintain a relationship – while respecting ICRC’s hierarchical and operational structure
Responsible for ongoing humanitarian context analysis;
On behalf of the Head of AP unit based in Stockholm, assume the role as Security Focal Point for the SRC Myanmar team and SRC visitors ensuring compliance with security regulations and minimum-security requirements, as well as act as focal point with Movement partners regarding security related matters
Play an active role in the AP unit and, when of value, work closely with the team members
Assume any other tasks as required by the Head of AP unit
The position demands that you are constructive, flexible and with a solutions-oriented approach, ensuring that SRC works towards intended objectives. You need to be analytical and able to develop and assess project proposals and reports. You need to be systematic and structured, and you need to be able to handle high workloads.
As a successful candidate you have solid interpersonal and diplomatic skills as well as an awareness and understanding of cultural differences in the Myanmar context. You are a team player with an ability to positively interact with people at all levels of society and with all types of cultural differences. You have demonstrated experiences of managing budgets, leading field teams and supervising programme implementation.
As an SRC employee, you share the Red Cross Red Crescent humanitarian values including diversity and actively work against all forms of discrimination. You understand, respect and comply with the SRC Code of Conduct.
Working in Myanmar
This field position is based in a country with several ongoing armed conflicts. Frequent travel to conflict affected provinces with high security risks will be required. Yangon is a moderate risk duty station, however, given the current context, the situation may change.
Required qualifications and experience
Higher academic education in international relations, development studies, business management or related field
At least 5 years relevant working experience in multinational environments managing humanitarian or development programmes
Comprehensive understanding of the current political, social and humanitarian situation in Asia
Experience in Organisational Development or Change Management
Experience in programme design, planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation and reporting
Experience in application and proposal writing
Experience in financial management/budget follow up
HEAT training successfully completed (or similar training that may be recognized by the SRC)
Experience of working and travelling in insecure contexts (conflict or complex emergencies)
Proficient knowledge of written and spoken English
International driver’s license (manual)
Experience of managing teams
Desired Qualifications
Experience of working within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement
Experience of working in Asia
Experience in community-based health
Experience of managing ECHO project
Good command of the Swedish language, is an asset
Personal skills
Strong analytical, diplomatic and negotiation skills with previous experience in representational roles and liaising with numerous stakeholders
Strong programme management skills, including a demonstrated understanding of programme management in complex environments
Proven skills and experience in strategy development/implementation, finance and risk management, people and performance management
Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail and a proven ability to prioritize and effectively multi-task.
Demonstrated solutions-oriented management skills
Resilience and adaptability to changing circumstances and an evolving environment
Commitment to the Fundamental Principles of the RCRC Movement
Core competencies
Accountability: respects, inspires trust, is dependable, and uses judgment
Team excellence: adapts, demonstrates commitment, collaborates and builds relationships
Results focused: plans and organizes work, is goal/task oriented, is solution oriented, focuses on continuous learning
Service excellence: is service oriented
Other requirements
Medical clearance for the assignment is required.
Ability to travel in the field during periods is required for the position (field travel to remote areas, over long distances and poor road infrastructure)
As a Swedish Red Cross employee, we expect you to share the Red Cross/Red Crescent humanitarian values. The movements values diversity and actively works against all forms of discrimination
If you are appointed to a role within Swedish Red Cross you will be subject to the organization’s Code of Conduct, a copy of which you can find on our website. It is of utmost priority that you understand respect and comply with the Code of Conduct
In line with the principle of neutrality, the SRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals
Candidates must hold a manual driving license and experience in driving manual transmission vehicles
Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field
Candidates must state their nationality in their application
Please note that online tests and several interviews is part of the selection process
We do a thorough reference check on relevant candidate
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This vacancy is archived.