Country Representative

For the Netherlands Red Cross delegation in CAR we are looking for a country representative to maintain the relationships, manage the strategy, lead the team and step in for project management related tasks when necessary.

Position title: Country Representative

Duty station: Bangui – CAR

Time period: 12 months with possibility of extension

Starting Date: August 2022

Status: Single posting/R&R

The Netherlands Red Cross in Central African Republic

The NLRC supports the CRCA through a programmatic partnership, with longer term development assistance through 1 project: Response Preparedness III (RP III). This 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 the project the impact of disasters to vulnerable populations in CAR reduced. This project is 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 (Project Delegate and Support/Financial Delegate) and local staff (6). The country representative is the direct line manager of the Project Delegate and Support/Financial Delegate.

The Country Representative reports to the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator (PPC), who is based at the headquarters, 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.

The Country Representative works closely with the Portfolio Officer (PO) who is based in the headquarters in monitoring the implementation of projects (functional link).

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and further develop relationships with CAR Red Cross (CRCA), Red Cross Partners, Donors and other Stakeholders.
• Lead, coordinate and manage the strategy of the NLRC in collaboration with the CRCA in CAR and the NLRC HQ.
• Lead the NLRC Country Team in CAR: Human Resources, Line management, Office and strategy.
• Support the Projects Delegate aligned with the portfolio and projects implemented in country by NLRC/CRCA.
• Support the Project Delegate and the CRCA in the identification and the development of new projects.
• Be the project manager for specific projects/actions as requested.

Vision and Strategy development

• Take the lead in implementing and further developing NLRC’s internal Strategy and Action Plan for Central African Republic.
• Depending on the CRCA strategy and priorities (new CRCA Strategic Plan 2022-2026), update the internal NLRC country strategy/action plan for 2022 – 2024 in line with the NLRC International Department strategy
• 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 CRCA, the other RC National Societies, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the national authorities, UN Organizations, embassies, international and national organizations and donors.
• Represent the NLRC in coordination meetings/platforms with other Red Cross partners and other 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 CRCA 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 CRCA and the NLRC headquarters
• Conduct continuous assessments to identify needs and possibilities for new interventions within the mandates of the CRCA/NLRC and supporting the CRCA.

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 CRCA, identify relevant interventions in line with CRCA and NLRC International Assistance Department Strategy.
• Work in close collaboration with Project Delegate to 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.
• Work in close collaboration with Project Delegates in development of new proposals, monitoring and revising budgets and activities.

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.).
• Responsible for managing employee performance, including providing employees with regular feedback, (conducting a Mid Term review and a yearly performance appraisal).
• 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 PPC.
• Ensure that Delegates comply with staff regulations and that breaches are documented and the PPC is 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).

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.
• Demonstrated accountability for staff security in a conflict/fragile environments.
• Fluent in spoken and written of French and English.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Practical knowledge of computer Skills (Microsoft Office, Winpaccs, Document Management programs).

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