The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.
BACKGROUND:
Strong operational support is critical to the delivery of quality programs. IRC defines operations as those systems and support functions necessary to implement programs effectively, inclusive of logistics, finance, administration, human resource management, security and information technology. The Deputy Regional Director of Operations is a key position in the IRC’s Regional Unit which provides management oversight; sets strategic direction; and develops the capacity of senior staff in country programs to advance the integration and performance of operations for improved program quality.
SCOPE OF WORK: The DRDO reports to the Regional Director.
The position is essential in ensuring that the Regional Units are able to fulfill their six core roles, namely: General Management of Country Programs (including matrix management between HQ and the field); Setting and implementing organizational strategy (including the International Programs Department Strategic Plan and Country Program Strategic Plans); Oversight of program and operations system quality; Staff Development and Mentoring; New Business Development; and Advocacy and Representation.
While the exact dimensions of work within these regional roles may vary from region to region depending on staffing structure, regional and country need, and evolving organizational priorities, the position will maintain a consistent focus on the following 5 areas of responsibility (elaborated further below): 1) General Management of Country Programs 2) Strategic Direction Setting 3) Operations Quality Oversight 4) Staff Development 5) Regional Unit Management
RESPONSIBILITIES: 1) General Management of Country Programs a. Coordinate HQ-field communication around operations initiatives (“manage the matrix”) b. Review in-country operational policies and procedures to ensure compliance with global policies and industry best practice c. Monitor and review country operational budgets to support financial stability, ongoing program viability, efficient cost structures, and appropriate spending 2) Strategic Direction Setting a. Act as regional lead for implemention of Program Quality Improvement Plan objectives b. Assist country programs in transition in development of appropriate operational structures and strategies (i.e. closure, opening, expansion, downsizing, changes in program methodology) c. Actively participate in IPD Strategic Plan working groups and Strategic Development Council 3) Operations Quality Oversight a. Assess and monitor counry program compliance with global and local operational policies and procedures through field visits and report reviews b. Review country audit corrective action plans and monitor their implementation c. Provide direct logistics technical support and monitor logistics performance d. Assist in developing standardized operations management reports and internal control tools 4) Staff Development a. Coach, orient, and contribute to the performance evaluation of Country Directors, Deputy Directors of Operations, and Operations Coordinators; b. Provide operations guidance and support to Country Directors, especially those new in their roles or to the organization c. Review and recommend enhancements to country program staffing strategies and compensation systems to support the growth of national staff in more senior roles within country programs d. Develop senior operations talent in country programs through the design of staff exchanges and innovative learning opportunities within and outside the organization 5) Regional Unit Management a. Manage regional unit budget, including country unrestricted allocations (where delegated by Regional Director) b. Supervise Regional/international offices (staff and facilities)-where applicable (i.e. Nairobi) c. Supervise Regional Safety and Security Advisor d. Contribute to the establishment of regional strategies, priorities, and operational plans e. Act as Regional Director when so directed and empowered
REQUIREMENTS: 1. 7-10 years in a senior operational management role or project leader, with several of these being in an international NGO 2. Experience working in areas of constricted humanitarian space, including a demonstrated appreciation for the complexities entailed in working in under high degrees of insecurity. 3. 3-5 years of experience working with a complex donor portfolio and/or large scale project management roles 4. Strong interpersonal and training skills, ability to work in multi-cultural environments, with demonstrated cultural sensitivity 5. Diverse experience in operations, with expertise in one or more of the following areas: finance, administration, logistics, human resources, information technology, and business processes 6. University degree required; MBA or comparable advanced graduate degree preferred 7. Interest in and ability to think and plan at the ‘big picture’ level 8. French language skills a strong advantage
WORK ENVIRONMENT/KEY RELATIONSHIPS: The position is expected to travel 40% of the time. This position will be based out of Nairobi, Kenya or New York, NY.
Key working relationships include: Members of the Regional Unit; DVP Field Operations, Regional Controller, Global Safety and Security Advisor, counterparts in the Human Resource, Information Technology, Grants/Contracts, Business Development, Global Procurement, and IRC-UK offices.
Please apply online: www.ircjobs.org or http://tbe.taleo.net/NA2/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=IRC&cws=1&rid=7218 .
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