Country Manager Ecuador (f/m/d)

For our office in Ecuador (Quito), the Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V. International Assistance, is looking for a

Country Manager Ecuador

Two-Year Contract (with possible extension)

Organisation Description: Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V. is a German Christian non-governmental organisation, dedicated to excellence in the field of first aid, ambulance service, social service programmes and other projects in the medical and social field. Johanniter International Assistance (JIA) is the operational unit for humanitarian aid. The Federal Headquarters (HQ) is based in Berlin, Germany. Our Global Strategy 2027 focuses on three key working areas: emergencies, health and livelihoods implementing and supporting projects with a specific focus on climate change and gender equality worldwide www.thejohanniter.org. Our commitment to a partnership approach and localisation agenda is based on mutual learning, respect and trust. We prioritise accountability, inclusivity and safeguarding in our work.

Background:

The Johanniter (JUH) Strategy for Ecuador and Colombia is part of the global strategy of Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V. and seeks to strengthen the resilience, improve the living conditions of vulnerable groups and enhance local capacities. All projects are planned and implemented by national partners in line with existing development goals, current local needs and the socio-political context of Ecuador, and Colombia, including impacts of neighbouring countries.

In a Nutshell

You will:

• Develop, implement, monitor and review the country strategy and operational plan ensuring relevance to the country context and alignment with the Johanniter Global Strategy.
• Further develop the JIA Regional Strategy and contribute to regional and national fundraising initiatives.
• Manage and oversee the implementation of Johanniter programmes in the country together with local partner organisations, working closely with staff and partners in the country, the regional hub and Head Quarter ensuring high quality regional and multi-country programmes.
• Develop and maintain strong national, local and regional relationships with local partners, NGOs, local authorities and donors, ensuring accountability, resource mobilisation and networking.
• Line manage the country office staff, and represent towards government agencies, financial institutions.
• Assume all legal and registration responsibilities in the country.
• Work closely with the GSU on the areas of support and capacity-building in finance, logistics and HR.
• Need a good understanding of the region and the geographical, social, and political context of the country.
• Report directly to the Regional Hub Lead in Latin America.

What you will do:

Country Programme Management

• With the Regional Hub Lead design, plan, coordinate all projects in course of humanitarian aid and development cooperation in line with the needs of the people we work with, national policies as well as Johanniter and donor programme objectives, policies and international standards
• Seek and nurture partnerships with local, national and international organisations
• Monitor humanitarian developments, facilitate/manage emergency response in country
• Recognise further needs and conduct assessments for project proposals including partnership assessments
• Supervise and ensure the effective and efficient implementation of all programme activities, review management systems and make improvements
• Initiate project team meetings at field sites to ensure successful project implementation
• Support and supervise national partners
• Ensure cost effective planning, monitor/supervise and evaluate activities of projects
• Ensure project monitoring systems are in place and reviewed periodically with the team, project partners and relevant local stakeholders

Country operational management

• Develop, monitor, and forecast the annual operational budget, ensuring timely financial reporting and cash flow management
• Ensure financial feasibility of the country programme, greatest impact and value for money, allocated resources are managed effectively
• Responsible to prepare and submit monthly closure package (Finances, Logistics, IT, HR)
• Manage operations in country, incl. staff and staffing plans, recruitment, budgets, funding and programme

Safety and Security

• Accountable and responsible for the Safety and Security of all staff in country
• Accountable and responsible to implement, review and update the Country Security Plan and maximum preventive measures are taken
• Maintain regular contact with relevant networks and security stakeholders (UNDSS, INSO etc.)

Accountability & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to commitments of the CHS
• Ensure that all policies and procedures are implemented, reviewed and understood by all
• Responsible for all legal matters (taxation, labour law, registration, insurances etc.)ensuring that fiscal and policy controls are carried out
• Ensure a robust transparent internal control system that all staff are aware of and comply with
• Accountable to follow-up of all internal/external audit recommendations for the country

Funding

• Contribute to the regional funding strategy
• Identify and follow-up on funding opportunities
• Lead the development and submission of high quality concept notes and proposals

Safeguarding

• Create an environment built on integrity, respect and accountability, in which all staff and volunteers, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religious affiliation or nationality are comfortable to work and feel safe to participate in our projects and services.
• Prevent and proactively fight against breaches of the JIA Code of Conduct

Human Resources

• Develop and maintain an organisational culture of learning and reflection
• Promote accountability, communication and feedback, fostering good performance reviews
• Ensure individual and team development
• Exercise necessary measures for Duty of Care

Representation and Communication

• Build and strengthen external relationships and represent Johanniter with all key stakeholders
• Support Media and press work, prepare regular reports, updates and articles

What you bring:

• 7 years’ experience in a humanitarian context, minimum 3 years in a leadership position
• Experience in development and implementation of programme strategies
• Very good knowledge of current debates and trends in the sector incl. relevant donors (AA, BMZ, ECHO, UN)
• Relevant experience in external representation and networking at senior level, in networks, clusters, towards donors and other governmental institutions
• Highly developed relationship building, influencing, negotiating and interpersonal skills
• Adaptable working style; effective when working in situations that may appear ambiguous
• Clear thinker who remains calm and focussed when working under pressure
• Experience in capacity building
• Experience in working with international and national partners, donors, health and other authorities
• Experience in writing proposals and reports, project monitoring and evaluation
• Experience in conducting assessments
• Experience in security management in high risk areas and under stressful circumstances
• Fluent in English and Spanish with excellent verbal and written communication skills

What we offer:

• Remuneration: 61.563,48 – 64.803,60 € /annum gross (Johanniter AVR DWBO Annex Johanniter internal tariff and relevant previous experience).
• Benefits: 13th cheque, social security (lump sum 485€/month for expats not under German social security); housing allowance 300€/month; international insurance package; 30 days annual leave; yearly home flight (for contracts >1 year); Cost of Living Allowance 1080,00€/month
• Please note that this position is unaccompanied.