Background
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, with 192 member National Societies. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, our work is guided by seven fundamental principles; humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
Organizational Context
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC or “the International Federation”) is the world's largest humanitarian network, with 192-member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Along with National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The overall aim of the Federation is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” It works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) is the primary provider of humanitarian services in Syria and has a lead operational role within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, responding to the biggest humanitarian crisis in decades. Through its 14 branches, and extensive sub-branch and volunteer network, SARC is present in most parts of the country and works according to the seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. SARC support is primarily focusing on relief, emergency and basic health, water and sanitation and psychosocial support. Since July 2012, IFRC has been closely working with SARC to support its capacity in assisting populations affected by the crisis. Priority areas have been food and relief items, human resources and capacity development on information management and reporting, logistics, communication, finance, and volunteer and disaster management. With the protracted nature of the crisis, and while focus still is the emergency response, mid-term/long-term planning is becoming increasingly important to ensure quality, sustainability and appropriateness of services. Currently, the IFRC operates through a Syria Crisis Emergency Appeal. The design and development of an Operational Plan (OP) is under consideration. Throughout 2020 the situation was further impacted upon by the economic effects of the international sanctions and the effects of the Corona virus pandemic seeing many people spiraling into debt and poverty adding to an already complicated and insecure environment. IFRC is represented in Damascus by a Head of Delegation (HoD) who is supported by a team of delegates and officers based in Syria and at the Regional Office in Beirut.
Job Purpose
The Programme Manager, Syria (PM) will act as the focal point for all managerial aspects of the Emergency Appeal – Syria: Complex Emergency and the IFRC response supporting the SARC COVID plan of action to ensure efficient, effective, coordinated and timely implementation. This includes support and supervision of IFRC technical delegates, close collaboration and coordination with Movement partners, and networking at the programmatic level within the wider humanitarian network.
The PM will work under the supervision of the Syria HoD and in close collaboration with SARC heads of programme departments. S/he will take a leading role in ensuring emergency appeal/s address the most urgent needs, lead EA revisions as necessary, and oversee annual and medium-term planning, and collaborate with IFRC colleagues on design and development of funding proposals.
The PM will also take on project management responsibility for designated contracts/consortium partnerships, working with technical delegates (programmatic, financial, PRD and PMER) to ensure compliance and timely communication with contract and consortium leads.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Programmes
- Ensure robust and coherent analysis and monitoring of the operating environment and its potential evolution, and lead any revision of the EA, EPoA and budget.
- Develop activities that support SARCs COVID Plan of Action and ensure they are articulated within the MENA plans and IFRC COVID global appeal.
- Ensure that humanitarian and longer-term interventions are reflective of current and emerging needs and threats.
- Supervise and support IFRC technical leads to ensure they work closely with their counterparts of relevant SARC departments in all related programming roles and responsibilities, providing advice and recommendations that carefully consider local capacity and context.
- Assist SARC, Movement and external partners in the achievement of planned outcomes and deliverables following quality standards, in a timely fashion, and within budgets.
- Ensure that programme initiatives are based on frameworks and approaches that are consistent with or have considered national and international standards and guidelines, as well as IFRC policies, procedures and tools.
- Ensure smooth running of the programmes and liaison with SARC, ICRC and Partner National Societies (PNS) operating in the country.
- Provide and coordinate information for accurate, regular and timely narrative and financial reports.
- Support SARC’s continued development of an effective information management system for the response.
- Ensure IFRC active participation in external coordination mechanisms and multi sector coordination forums.
- In coordination with the HoD and Regional Office, promote the IFRC's programmes strategy among internal and external stakeholders
- Ensure effective and efficient liaison between the IFRC Syria Delegation, in-country counterparts, and the IFRC MENA Regional Office in managing projects and programmes.
- Provide effective coordination and communication on programmes issues, within the Movement and with international organizations, donor societies and other stakeholders.
General Management
- Provide day to day management of all staff reporting to the position in the Syria Delegation whether in-country or working remotely.
- As one of the IFRC country budget managers, together with the other budget holders, assume responsibility of the financial aspects of the programmes, ensure appropriate control on income and expenditures versus plans, and guarantee sound planning and financial management.
- Coach and mentor all programme staff within the Syria Delegation, and be available for similar support to SARC programme counterparts, to strengthen the promotion, coordination and management of programming within SARC.
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws and agreements to minimize risk of harm to the IFRC and its Secretariat personnel, properties and resources. Special attention is to be given to compliance with procurement procedures and standards.
- Contribute to upholding the Secretariat’s policies, procedures and management system within the Country Office and support their improvement and review as necessary.
- Promote a culture of performance and continuous learning to improve the accountability and impact for vulnerable people.
- Support the Head of Delegation in representing the IFRC in relevant national and international engagements and meetings.
- Support the Head of Delegation in all other matters related to the IFRC activities in Syria and be prepared for changing working conditions and reasonable adjustments of the job description during the mission, especially in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
- In coordination with the HoD and regional Security unit, analyze relevant security information and assume security responsibility of IFRC personnel and assets in Syria when acting for the HoD.
- To deputize for the Head of Delegation when requested.
Duties applicable to all staff
- Actively work towards the achievement of the IFRC Secretariat’s goals
- Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles and Code of Conduct
- Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager
Education
- Relevant University Degree – required
- Basic Delegates Training Course or IMPACT training or equivalent knowledge - required
Experience
- Minimum 5 years’ experience working in large and complex operations in positions relevant to the post – required
- Minimum 5 years’ experience working in the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement – required
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in staff performance and development management – required
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in high-level representation in international environment – required
- Experience in IFRC planning and budgeting systems or comparable systems – required
- Experience in producing international standard narrative and financial reports – required
- Ability, willingness and flexibility to work in Syria within the added complexity of an active pandemic environment – required
- Previous work experience in the MENA region and/or extensive knowledge of the region – preferred
Knowledge, skills and languages
- Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including the ability to utilise talent and experience of team members in a productive way – required
- Outstanding networking, representational, communication, and negotiation skills. An ability to be proactive and persuasive – required
- Experience or familiarity in developing and/or revising Emergency Appeals, Operational Plans as well in dealing with EU funded projects – required
- Proven ability to work in volatile security environments with strict security conditions as well as possessing communication and relationship skills to collaborate with the Host National Society, other National Societies and the ICRC – required
- High degree of discretion, tact and sensitivity in dealing with internal and external stakeholders at all levels – required
- Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple tasks – required
- Ability to prepare reports, plan of actions and budgets, programme updates, country operation plan, etc – required
- Valid international driver's license – preferred
Languages
- Fluent spoken and written English – required
- Working knowledge of Arabic – preferred
Competencies and values
National Society Relations, Professionalism, Negotiation, Accountability, Teamwork, Communication, Innovation, Professional Mastery, Building alliances, Influencing