Humanitarian Response Team Leader (f/m) 80%, based in Africa (Addis Ababa) 170 views7 applications

Helvetas is a development organisation anchored in Switzerland. Our vision is a just world in which all men and women determine the course of their lives in dignity and security, using environmental resources in a sustainable manner.

As per September 1, 2019 or upon agreement, we are looking for a result-oriented, innovative and engaging personality as Humanitarian Response Team Leader (f/m) 80%, based in Africa (Addis Ababa).

Helvetas’ humanitarian engagement has grown over the past 10 years and is expected to further expand. The organisation is recognised for its work at the interface of humanitarian response and development, linking relief, rehabilitation and long-term development. Where possible, Helvetas strengthens local actors in their response roles and enhances their capacities to fulfil these responsibilities.
The Team Leader Humanitarian Response is a new function anchored in the International Programmes Department of the organisation and combines a global and regional assignment. The team leader him/herself based at regional level will build and lead a small team of Humanitarian Response coordinators at regional and HO level. The humanitarian response team will support and strengthen the Helvetas country teams to effectively respond to humanitarian crisis.

Main Responsabilities and Tasks

• Lead Helvetas humanitarian preparedness and response agenda. Oversee Helvetas’ humanitarian response portfolio and overall institutional preparedness.
• Support Helvetas country teams for the delivery of high quality, effective and efficient humanitarian work, with a specific focus on Helvetas operations in Africa. In specific large humanitarian crises, lead the relief operations.
• Lead the review and refinement of concepts, packages and internal processes in close collaboration with the different departments of the organisation
• Ensure the human resource management and development of the Humanitarian Response team and ensure the annual planning, budgeting and reporting
• Actively lead or contribute to the institutional positioning and resource mobilization i.e., acquisition and fundraising for humanitarian response.
• Develop and maintain good working relations with partners, donors and stakeholders at different levels
• Steer Helvetas’ learning on humanitarian preparedness and response and ensure that Helvetas experiences feed into internal and external communications and policy dialogue

Your Qualifications

• Academic degree (Master or equivalent) in a relevant field related to international cooperation or a related degree in Humanitarian Aid
• At least 10 years’ experience in humanitarian programming, operations and project cycle management.
• Conceptual and methodological competences in humanitarian and development cooperation, experience in working in the nexus of humanitarian response and long-term development
• Excellent knowledge in international humanitarian policies, operations and structures; track record in collaboration with donors and other stakeholders
• Excellent knowledge on humanitarian response approaches and state-of-the-art practices related to livelihood, protection, WASH, food security, education and skills development
• Value driven and committed to gender equality & social equity
• Strong managerial skills, including result-oriented management, human resources and financial management competences
• Ability to work independently and with cross-cultural teams, excellent facilitation skills and attitude of promoting a culture of effective, change-oriented learning
• Proven interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
• Capable to adequately handle multiple demands and priorities; able to face problems head-on and to consider the bigger picture when assessing issues.
• Capacity to adapt to changing requirements and able to work with limited resources
• Excellent spoken and written English & French, German and/or any other language are a distinguished asset
• Willingness to travel frequently and to work short periods (3 -5 months) outside the country of duty station; readiness to work in unstable environments and to adapt to basic living conditions

We offer

A regional or international contract of 2 years (extension possible), attractive working conditions in small and dynamic teams.
The preferred duty station for this function is Addis Ababa, but other duty stations in one of Helvetas’ partner countries in Africa1 could be considered.