Deputy Regional Director Africa

Background

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, with 190 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 Federation”) is the world’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network. The Federation is a membership organisation established by and comprised of its member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Job Purpose

The position holder is a member of Africa Region senior management team. Reporting to the Regional Director, the Deputy Regional Director, in close coordination with the country offices and multi-country support teams, is responsible for ensuring that Secretariat staff in the region provide relevant and integrated membership services to strengthen National Society capacities and their programmes.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder is responsible for ensuring that across the Africa Region there is an integrated approach to National Society development, programmes & Operations and Partnerships and to manage the actions of staff responsible for these in the region to carry out the following range of activities:

National Society Capacity Building

To strengthen the core capacity of National Societies in the areas of operational coordination and programme delivery. More specifically:
Coordinate engagement with the leadership of the national societies to identify and agree relevant capacity building support in the areas of program development, operational coordination, PMER development and overall programme management to expand the reach and quality of services in line with the national society strategic plans and Strategy 2020. Provide, where requested and appropriate, such support though secretariat staff, and ensure that it is always focused on strengthening National Society capacities at all levels to deliver relevant humanitarian services and programmes to and with vulnerable communities.
Organise support to the National Societies in designing and implementing effective mechanisms for coordinating the various inputs from different components of the RCRC Movement and external partners to the programmes and services (including formal partnerships and alliances).
Promote knowledge management and testing of innovative approaches to address critical challenges in programme implementation and operational coordination.

Partnerships and Communications:

Support the Director in the development of policy guidance and advice for National Societies and the regional Office in support of their relationships with governments and intergovernmental agencies, ensuring that the Federation’s official positions are represented with consistency and benefit the National Societies in their own work as the auxiliaries to the public authorities in the humanitarian field.
In close coordination with the Head of Delegation to the AU and International Organizations to work closely with intergovernmental, regional and non-governmental organisations, drawing on resources to be provided by relevant Secretariat offices and programs, and in consultation with National Societies to ensure that positions are delivered consistently at global, regional and national levels.
Provide advice and support for the negotiation and maintenance of partnerships (through agreements or other arrangements) with other international agencies whose goals and programs match those of the Federation and National Societies and which are prioritised in terms of the Federation's new operating model at the regional and sub-regional levels.

International Disaster Response:

When needs and vulnerabilities overtake locally available capacities:

Provide leadership to the Africa DM team to ensure that international disaster response assistance is effectively and timely organised, coordinated and directed.
Ensure that the support provided to NS in disaster response is relevant to the identified needs and is part of a wider strategy covering recovery and long-term development.
Work closely with the Secretariat's Disaster Services' team to ensure that the zone response to major disasters is in line with global systems and policies.

Longer Term Development Programming:

Provide overall coordination to longer term programming support to NS in health, social services, disaster preparedness/risk reduction, recovery and other development areas such as logistics capacity building, digital divide initiatives etc.
Ensure efficient and effective management of Federation resources in the programmes under his/her responsibility. This includes providing strategic leadership in support of the national societies in Asia Pacific as outlined in the long term plans and budgets.
Ensure the implementation of Federation coordinated activities in the zone according to approved plans and budgets, and in compliance with Federation procedures, regulations and policies.

General management:

Abide by and work at all times in accordance with Fundamental Principles of the Movement, and the values that underpins them.
Provide day to day management of all staff reporting to the position in the Regional Office. This includes ensuring of staff security.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws and status agreements to minimise risk of harm to the Federation and its secretariat personnel, properties and resources. Special attention is to be given on the compliance of procurement procedures and standards.
Ensure sound planning and financial management for areas under his/her responsibility.

Education

Degree in Management or relevant university degree

Experience

At least fifteen years of management experience, including direct supervision of more than 10 people and the management of teams with more than 50 people
At least five years’ experience working in a voluntary membership-based organization at senior management levels
Experience in diplomacy and/or high level representation functions
Demonstrated success in planning, project management and reporting
Proven successful experience in strategy development and implementation
Proven successful experience in finance and risk management
Proven successful experience in people and performance management
Sound knowledge and practical understanding of the IFRC
Good understanding of the global humanitarian environment

Knowledge, skills and languages

Ability to build effective teams
Ability to work in a cross-cultural and cross functional environment
Excellent communications skills, negotiating and influencing skills
Excellent Networking skills
Politically and culturally sensitive
Strong interpersonal skills
Ability to work in tight deadlines and handle multiple tasks.
Strong analytical skills and capacity to translate analysis into action
Languages
Fluently spoken and written English
Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic) would be an added advantage