Country Representative Central African Republic 161 views0 applications

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.

Position title: NLRC Country Representative – CAR

Duty station: Bangui

Time period: 1 year, with possible extension

Starting Date: 15th of June 2021

Status: Single posting/R&R

Purpose of the position

The Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC) is looking for a Country Representative who will:

• Maintain and further develop relationships with CAR Red Cross, Red Cross Partners, Donors and other Stakeholders
• Lead, coordinate and manage the strategy of the NLRC in collaboration with the CAR Red Cross in CAR and the NLRC HQ
• Lead the NLRC Country Team in CAR: Human Resources, Line management and Office
• Coordinate the portfolio and projects implemented in country by NLRC/CAR RC
• Be the project manager for specific projects/actions

The Netherlands Red Cross in Central African Republic

The NLRC supports the CRCA through a programmatic partnership, with longer term development assistance through five main projects: Response Preparedness II (RP II), Livelihoods and basic needs for the Youth (Chronic Crisis), Kick Hunger – Kanga Nzala, ECHO Floods preparedness and response, and Covid-19. The first project focuses on enhancing preparedness of the National Society CAR RC to better respond to future disasters with an aim of having by the end of September 2021 the impact of disasters to vulnerable populations in CAR reduced. The second project focuses on livelihoods and basic needs for the youth with an overall objective to ensure that vulnerable youth is economically and socially integrated through economic empowerment, first aid trainings promoting peace due to trainings in 7 principles, Conflict management, social cohesion and SRH (including SGBV awareness). In addition, and more recently the NLRC supports the CRCA to provide a rapid and inclusive response in an integrated approach based on humanitarian principles to address the hunger threat with consolidation of peace to those affected in targeted districts through the provision of safe drinking water with resilient infrastructures, a safer environment and community empowerment for recover (Kick Hunger), as well as supporting the CRCA in responding to Flood risks (ECHO Floods). Finally, we are also supporting the national Covid-19 response in CAR through our Covid-19 response project funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Position in the organization

The Country Representative is leading the country team in CAR, consisting of two delegates and local staff. The country representative is the direct line manager of the in-country expatriate staff and local staff in Bangui.

The Country Representative reports to the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator (PPC), who is based in The Hague, The Netherlands. The Country Representative ensures quality and adherence to established guidelines, policies and strategies of CAR RC, as well as in accordance with NLRC principles, Code of Conduct, guidelines and evidence-based best practices.

Key Responsibilities

Vision and Strategy development

• Take the lead in further developing NLRC’s long term vision and strategy for Central African Republic.
• Maintain and develop NLRC’s portfolio for CAR.
• Act as the primary resource person within NLRC Country Office, for sharing and providing information on NLRC’s vision and strategy and projects in CAR

Partnership Fostering and Development

• Represent NLRC and maintain strong relations with the CAR RC, the other RC National Societies, the International Federation (IFRC), the International Committee Red Cross (ICRC), the national authorities, UN Organizations, embassies, international and national organizations and donors.
• Engage and actively participate in relevant networks, coalitions, alliances, meetings, forums or any other event related to the activities implemented in CAR.
• Represent the NLRC in coordination meetings with other Red Cross partners.
• Take the lead in identifying funding and/or partnership opportunities in CAR which are in line with strategies and priorities of CAR RC and NLRC.
• Undertake regular strategic and operational meetings with CAR RC Senior Management Team to ensure work priorities and address any challenges in country NLRC team is facing.
• Lead and coordinate the NLRC strategy in country in collaboration with the CAR Red Cross and the NLRC headquarters
• Conduct continuous assessments to identify needs and possibilities for new interventions within the mandates of the CAR RC/NLRC.

Projects Coordination, 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 CAR RC, identify relevant interventions in line with CAR RC and NLRC International Assistance Department Strategy.
• Work in close collaboration with Project Delegates in development of new proposals, monitoring and revising budgets and activities.
• Coordinate the Response Preparedness project in CAR
• 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 in country.
• 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 (SPA), use the right (reporting/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 CAR RC 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 the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator.
• 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.

Security Management

• Ensure strict adherence of security policies and directions from NLRC and ICRC;
• Ensure that updated Security Regulations are in place and that all staff (local and International) are aware and follows the regulation.
• Develop on a yearly basis a country security document in close collaboration with the security advisor at HQ
• 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 CAR and arrange security briefing for these visitors with ICRC

Requirements

• Master degree in Social Science, International Development, Business Management or other relevant field
• At least 5- 8 years’ experience in the development and/or humanitarian field, preferably in similar positions
• Demonstrated ability for institutional representation
• Experience in program management , including program identification, formulation, management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, preferably within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
• Experience in the area of capacity building and development of non-governmental organizations, preferably of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
• Able to work in politically complex and challenging high security environments.
• Experience in working at managerial level in an international organization, preferably within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
• Working experience in the region is preferred, as knowledge on the political, economic and socio-cultural climate of CAR.
• Practical knowledge of computer Skills (Microsoft Office, Winpaccs, Document Management programs).
• Fluent in spoken and written French and English.

Key competencies

• Excellent narrative and financial reporting and proposal writing skills. Able to adhere to policy and procedures of the NLRC whilst effectively managing programs and people.
• Able to make sound judgements and decisions.
• Good social/diplomatic skills and culturally sensitive, flexible and creative.
• Excellent strategic leadership and management as well as program coordination
• Able to work independently, as well in a team with the guidance of the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator.
• Demonstrated accountability for staff security in a conflict/fragile environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

We offer

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