Sudan: Country Representative

Jan 10, 2018 | Netherlands Red Cross
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Netherlands Red Cross helps 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 financial support. Together, NLRC acts before, during and after disasters to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. NLRC does 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 (NLRC) international support for victims of disasters and conflicts and for vulnerable people exposed to hazards. The Focus of the International Assistance department is on two main areas: Disaster Response and Community Resilience. Country Representative, Sudan Position title: NLRC Country Representative SudanDuty station: KhartoumPosition type: Accompanied Purpose of the position The Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC) is looking for a Country Representative who will:

  • Safeguard, develop and implement the NLRC long term strategy and vision for Sudan
  • Maintain and further develop relationships with Red Cross Partners, Donors and other Stakeholders
  • Lead the NLRC Country Team in Sudan
  • End responsible for all NLRC supported projects in Sudan, including an EU funded Climate Change programme in Kassala, a Health project in Kassala and an Emergency Response operation in Darfur.
 

Background

 The beginning of a partnership between the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS) and the Netherlands Red Cross dates back to the early 1980s. Over more than two decades, the National Societies have collaborated in addressing acute needs of vulnerable people of Sudan through implementation of a wide-range programmes in the areas of primary health care, water and sanitation, food security and livelihoods support, climate change and community resilience, and local capacity building. The organizations, guided by the Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement Fundamental Principles and in line with their strategies and mandates, work hand-in-hand to alleviate sufferings and strengthen capacities of the most vulnerable groups of the population in Sudan. SRCS has a network of 50,000 registered members and some 400,000 trained volunteers throughout the country. The National Society has 15 state branches and over 70 subbranches. SRCS established excellent relationships with local and national authorities, national and international NGOs, the EU, UN agencies, and other RCRC partners. SRCS and NLRC are currently implementing a number of projects in the states of Kassala and Central and West Darfur. 

Position in the organization

 The Country Representative is leading the country team in Sudan, consisting of three delegates and seconded local staff. The country representative is the direct line manager of the in-country expatriate staff. The Country Representative reports to the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator (PPC) for Sudan, who is based in The Hague, The Netherlands. The Country Representative will work closely with staff based at NLRC HQ, including the Portfolio Officer for Sudan, technical advisors, PMER and quality officers. 

Key Responsibilities

Vision and Strategy development
  • Safeguard and Implement the Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA) agreed between NLRC and SRCS.
  • Take the lead in further developing NLRC’s long term vision and strategy for Sudan.
  • Maintain and develop NLRC’s portfolio for Sudan.
  • In the processes described above ensure inclusion of SRCS, the NLRC field team and NLRC HQ (desk, advisors, unit lead).
  • Act as the primary resource person within NLRC Country Office, for sharing and providing information on NLRC’s vision and strategy and projects in Sudan.
Partnership Fostering and Development
  • Maintain effective working relationships with SRCS as well as other Red Cross Partner National Societies in country.
  • Maintain and foster in country relations with Donors.
  • Maintain relations with Netherlands Embassy and pro-actively inform the Embassy about NLRC supported projects.
  • Engage and actively participate in relevant networks, coalitions, alliances, meetings, forums or any other event related to the activities implemented in Sudan.
  • Represent the NLRC in coordination meetings with other Red Cross partners.
  • Take the lead in identifying funding and or partnership opportunities in Sudan which are in line with strategies and priorities of SRCS and NLRC.
Project Development and Delivery
  • Analyze and maintain an in-depth understanding of the development context and key stakeholders in country.
  • Work in collaboration and consultation with SRCS, identify relevant interventions in line with SRCS and NLRC International Assistance Department Strategy.
  • Work in close collaboration with Project Delegates in development of new proposals, monitoring and revising budgets and activities.
  • End responsible for ensuring quality project management and financial control of the portfolio of NLRC projects in-country as the line manager of project delegates.
  • Safeguard and implement NLRC’s Standard Project Approach (SPA), Financial Management guide and NLRC’s Procedures for International Procurement
Human Resources, Line management and Office
  • Foster a positive, fair, participatory and ambitious professional work culture 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).
  • Undertake regular strategic and operational meetings with SRCS Senior Management Team to ensure work priorities and address any challenges the in country NLRC team is facing.
  • 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 employee in getting these 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 SRCS and the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator.
  • Ensure that staff compensation and benefits are fair and understood by all employees.
  • Ensure that Delegates comply with staff regulations and that breaches are documented and the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator notified.
  • Develop the NLRC office budget, taking into account existing program budgets and request for approval by NLRC HQ.
  • 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.
Security Management
  • Ensure that updated Security Regulations are in place and that all staff (local and International) are aware and follows the regulation.
  • Disseminate information on security threats to staff in a timely manner.
  • Regularly analyze context, identify risks and validate security rules.
  • Maintain proper documentation of security incidents.
  • Conduct security briefing for NLRC visitors to Sudan and arrange security briefing for these visitors by SRCS.
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
  • Experience in the area of capacity building and development of non-governmental organisations, 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 organisation.
  • Experience in programme management , including programme identification, formulation, management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, preferably within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement
  • Excellent narrative and financial reporting and proposal writing skills.
  • Working experience in Africa is preferred, as is knowledge on the political, economic and socio-cultural climate of East Africa, specifically Sudan.
  • Able to adhere to policy and procedures of the NLRC whilst effectively managing programmes and people in order to best support and facilitate SRCS.
  • Able to make sound judgements and decisions.
  • Good social/diplomatic skills and culturally sensitive, flexible and creative.
  • Able to work independently, as well in a team with the guidance of the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator;
  • Fluent in spoken and written English; Arabic is an advantage
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Practical knowledge of computer Skills (Microsoft Office, Winpaccs, Document Management programmes).

We offer

  • A full time appointment (based on 40-hour work week) for 1 year, with the possibility of extension
  • A flexible and human centred working environment in an international environment with a variety of international organizations.
  • Well balanced employment conditions with space for initiative and development.

Please submit your CV and motivation letter in English with reference to Annemieke van Teeffelen before 22ndof January 2018 using our online application tool through the following link: https://werkenbij.rodekruis.nl/en/Vacancy/Apply/93235

For further information regarding the position please contact Eva Goes via email at egoes@redcross.nl

Please note that an assessment is part of the selection process.