The German Red Cross (GRC) is part of a worldwide community assisting victims of conflicts and disasters and people affected by social or health related crises.
The Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement provides vulnerable people with assistance without discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. The German Red Cross assists in disaster response, rehabilitation, and capacity building projects interna-tionally on appeals of their sister organisations within the Movement.
GRC is currently seeking an experienced Head of Office (m/f/d) responsible for leading the GRC Country Office for Ethiopia including direct project management of emergency response projects.
GRC has a long-standing partnership with the Ethiopian Red Crescent Society (ERCS). The primary focus of GRC lies in providing assistance to the ERCS in addressing the ongoing crisis and humanitarian needs and adjusting the existing portfolio according to the changing needs and according to ERCS priorities. The GRC is committed to support ERCS and jointly develop long-term programmes in line with the overall ERCS strategic priorities.
The GRC Country Office is located in Addis Abeba at ERCS premises. The Head of Office (HoO) directly supervises the GRC project delegates and national staff (Admin & Finance Coordinator, Driver/Logs Assistant, Project Coordinator). The HoO reports to the GRC country manager at GRC HQ in Berlin.
Starting date: 01.01.2025
Duration: 12 months (with possible extension)
Location: Addis Abeba with regular field visits depending on the situation in country
Main duties & responsibilities:
- Represent GRC at the country level and maintain close cooperation with the Red Cross / Red Crescent (RC/RC) Movement partners, governmental institutions, the German Embassy, other relevant international and national external aid agencies as well as external donors and the media.
- Ensure and facilitate close coordination and cooperation with ERCS and further develop the GRC country strategy and profile according to the current situation and needs.
- Support the ERCS in the implementation of the IFRC Ways of Working (WoW) and, localisation initiatives meant to strengthen ERCS capacity.
- Ensure GRC participation in the movement coordination platforms (i.e. MOC, CCT, TWGs) in Ethiopia and develop synergies with movement partners in Ethiopia.
- Manage and adjust existing structures and procedures of the GRC Country Office in cooperation with ERCS, including finance, procurement, HR, inventories, and fixed and financial assets following GRC guidelines.
- Support ERCS in building and strengthening their capacities and programmes in line with the ERCS National Society Development (NSD) strategy.
- Direct line-management of GRC delegates and support of staff development and capacity building of national and international team.
- Security management – ensure that security guidelines are regularly updated and are followed by staff including the L2 agreement with ICRC
- Explore funding opportunities and support the preparation of successful concept notes and project proposals in line with the GRC country strategy.
- Monitor and analysis of all relevant socio-political developments in country with a particular focus on the humanitarian sector and disaster management.
- Oversee and support all GRC/ERCS projects to ensure high programme quality and secure full compliance with donor regulations and GRC policies, in close coordination with the finance and project delegates. This includes financial management and expenditure tracking, program monitoring, narrative and financial reporting, etc.
- Ensure visibility and information sharing on GRC/ERCS programmes with all stakeholders, including project beneficiaries, partners and local authorities as well as donors.
Required Competencies & Skills:
Technical experience:
- At least five years of experience in the field of international cooperation, including substantial experience working in humanitarian crisis and or development contexts.
- Prior experience in leading/managing a country office for a humanitarian organisation, or similar, desirable.
- Excellent programme coordination and project management skills (including financial management; budgeting, monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance, reporting, etc.)
- Personal management and security management experience.
- Technical background in one or more of the following areas: WASH, Shelter, DRR, Food Security/Livelihoods, Anticipatory Action, Health, Cash and Voucher Assistance is an asset.
- Familiarity with East Africa, Ethiopia is an asset.
- Substantial experience in implementing donor-funded projects, experience with BMZ, GFFO, ECHO, is a strong asset.
- Proven expertise in capacity-building and organizational development, experience in working for the RC/RC Movement is a strong asset.
Personal skills:
- Strategic thinking, hands-on mentality and in-depth understanding of the humanitarian system.
- Excellent communication, leadership skills and problem-solving skills as well as intercultural sensitivity, diplomacy and facilitation skills.
- Oral and written fluency in English, knowledge of Amharic and/or German is an advantage
- Ability to work independently, highly solution-oriented and as a team member.
- Excellent computer skills (spreadsheets, word-processing, databases and other programs).
- Readiness to travel to and work in remote areas is essential. Experience of living and working in insecure and conflict-affected environments is an asset.
- Ability to work independently and as a team member;
- Ability and agreement to adhere to the Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles;
- Ability to complete a thorough medical screening process ‘working abroad under specific climate and health conditions’;
- Valid International Driving Permit (IDP).
What we offer you:
You will be part of a highly motivated professional and multicultural team. We offer you a compensation package according to the collective employment agreement of the GRC, an expatriation allowance during your mission as well as a personal allowance to cover your accommodation. In addition to a full insurance package GRC is covering a home flight within a 12-months period of assignment. You will benefit from a comprehensive training package and receive briefings and coaching prior as well as during and after your mission. Medical check-ups and Psychosocial Support Service are included in your assignment.
Kindly apply by submitting your application by using the GRC online application system until 13.11.2024.
Please note that due to the travel and visa regulations and the guidelines of our partners in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement certain vaccinations are required for this delegate position. Candidates on the short-list for this position will be asked to disclose their vaccination status.
We point out that the selection and nomination processes for this international delegate position may demand that information concerning your person be shared with involved Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners (IFRC, ICRC, National Society). This may include transmission into countries that do not apply data protection standards comparable to those of the European Union.
