Area Manager Lesvos

Will you soon represent our mission on Lesvos as Area Manager? Do you switch effortlessly between strategic issues and leadership at operational level to ensure that our mission runs smoothly? Do you closely follow social developments so that you can anticipate them in time, also when it comes to the safety of our staff? Are you someone who sees and seizes new opportunities? Do you want to work close to the field, in a European context? Then you are the person we are looking for!

WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO WORK?

Stichting Bootvluchteling is a organisation that provides emergency medical and psychological assistance to people on the run. Boat Refugee Foundation distinguishes itself by working pragmatically in an international field of action and making a difference where it is needed most. Since its establishment in 2015, Boat Refugee Foundation has grown into a medium-sized aid organisation with a close-knit team of permanent staff at headquarters and in the field, together with a large team of professional volunteers.

We are currently active in the Mavrovouni camp on Lesbos, where some 1,200 people are living in degrading conditions. Here, our teams, which run largely on the strength of volunteers, provide emergency assistance seven days a week.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?

As Area Manager, you will be responsible for representation, management, coordination and implementation of our mission’s programme in Lesvos. As such, you will live and work on Lesvos.

As the focal point and face of our mission, you will develop and maintain a variety of relationships and partnerships. You will ensure the implementation of the advocacy strategy and have a leading role in exerting political or social influence on behalf of the organisation. In doing so, you will work closely with the Advocacy Coordinator and the Communications Department in the Netherlands.

Together with the coordinators present, you ensure that all employees are aware of the goals and reasons for the project activities. You are responsible for creating an open and positive working climate and oversee a good team dynamic and nice working atmosphere. You are also responsible for the safety of our employees and volunteers and ensure a safe working environment. You assess and analyse risks, monitor and report on the safety situation and develop and implement context-relevant safety procedures.

You monitor the daily programmes and operational activities and ensure their quality. To this end, you collect and analyse various data, for instance to be able to steer content and quality. In cooperation with the coordinators and the financial logistics officer, you report on this on a monthly basis. You report to the Programme Manager who is responsible for the strategy within the geographical region.

In your role, you make recommendations regarding the strategic direction of the organisation within the region and identify changes in the humanitarian situations relevant to the programme or advocacy of Boat Refugee Foundation. You see and seize new opportunities to expand the various programme components and make proposals in that direction. In doing so, you show courage and entrepreneurship.

As Area Manager, you will lead the team on the ground, consisting of the Medical Coordinator, the MHPSS Coordinator, the Volunteer Coordinator and the Financial Logistics Officer. Together, you are committed every day to making the mission on Lesvos a success and helping vulnerable people.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

• You have a relevant university degree (political science, international development or other relevant studies).
• You have at least three years of proven work experience in a management position within an international humanitarian context, representing the organisation to external actors.
• You have experience in managing a team and therefore possess demonstrable, excellent leadership qualities.
• You have experience in budget management.
• You are good at networking and can use this to exert political or social influence on behalf of the foundation.
• You have strong analytical skills and are able to think and act at a strategic level.
• You are good at organising, planning and coordinating additional tasks, thinking in a solution-oriented way.
• You are innovative and entrepreneurial.
• You are socially and communicatively strong. You enjoy being among people and can deal with different cultures and working styles.
• You are flexible, know your way around and are willing to help where needed.
• You can work well independently and know how to consult at the right time when necessary.

What else do we expext from you?

• You speak and write fluently in English. Speaking Greek is desirable. Speaking Farsi, Arabic, Urdu and/or French is a plus.
• You are proficient with all Microsoft Office and Google programmes.
• You are in possession of a driving licence B.
• You have the nationality of one of the countries belonging to the European Union or are entitled to work and live in Europe. This is due to guidelines from international labour, tax and social law.

WHAT DO WE OFFER YOU?

As Area Manager Lesbos, you will receive a salary appropriate to the character and objective of our organisation. You will receive a salary in which we take into account your experience and age. The maximum salary for this position is € 2,337 gross per month. In addition, your travel expenses and accommodation will be largely reimbursed.

If you have Dutch nationality, you will be employed by our Dutch Foundation. To enter into employment with a person of another nationality, we use outsourcing services.

Initially, you will be given a temporary contract for one year. An extension after this period is a possibility, with a maximum commitment of two years in total.