Country Representative in Mali

We help to strengthen resilience of vulnerable people exposed to hazards and crisis situations and we respond to disasters and conflicts to save lives and alleviate suffering. In the Netherlands with more than thirty thousand volunteers and internationally through technical assistance, supplies and money. Together we act before, during and after disasters to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people.

We do this without regards to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinion. Our seven principles guide our humanitarian work: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

The International Assistance department is responsible for all Netherlands Red Cross international support for victims of disasters and conflicts and for vulnerable people exposed to hazards.

The Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC) is looking for a Country Representative in Mali.

Position title: Country Representative in Mali

Duty station: Bamako, Mali

Time period: 1 year (renewable)

Starting Date: June 2023

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 Mali Red Cross (MRC), RCRC movement partners, Donors and other Stakeholders
• Lead, coordinate and manage the strategy of the NLRC in collaboration with the Mali Red Cross in Mali and the NLRC HQ
• Lead the NLRC Country Team in Mali: Human Resources, Line management and Office

Position in the organization

The Country Representative will be leading the country team in Mali, consisting of two delegates, a Roving financial Delegate (RFD) and local staff. The Country Representative is the direct line manager of the in-country expatriate staff/Project Delegates. The Country Representative reports to the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator (PPC), who is based in the Headquarters of the NLRC. The Country Representative will ensure quality and adherence to established guidelines, policies and strategies of Mali RC, as well as in accordance with NLRC principles, Code of Conduct, guidelines and evidence-based best practices.

Summary statement and responsibilities

Partnership Fostering and Development and Institutional representation

• Represent NLRC and maintain strong relations with the Mali RC, the other RC National Societies, the International Federation of the RCRC (IFRC), the International Committee of the 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 Mali (ex: FONGIM and INSO)
• Represent the NLRC in formal et informal meetings and in coordination meetings with other RCRC partners
• Take the lead with the MRC in identifying funding and/or partnership opportunities in Mali which are in line with strategies and priorities of Mali RC and NLRC
• Support assessments to identify needs and possibilities for new interventions within the mandates of the MRC and the NLRC
• Keep a regular coordination with Mali RC Senior Management Team to ensure work priorities and address any challenges in country NLRC team is facing
• Develop, lead and coordinate the NLRC strategy in country in collaboration with the MRC and the NLRC HQ
• Support the MRC Senior Management Team on MRC strategy when necessary
• Organize missions for the NLRC, other Red Cross National Societies and external consultants upon request alongside the relevant project delegate. Participate in developing terms of references for these missions and ensure the administrative documents are in place.
• Support the definition and the redaction of the MoUs for each project
• Supervise and support the Financial Sustainability Project.

Country office and team management

• Manage NLRC human Resources and the office in Mali
• Foster a positive, fair, participatory and ambitious professional work culture and constructive team approach 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 mission’s programming to ensure the effective and efficient design, implementation and evaluation of programs and projects
• Oversee management of in-country project budgets for Delegates in agreement with the Portfolio Officer (PO) and the Roving Financial Delegate (RFD)
• Oversee the administrative procedures for all the delegation with the MRC and the NLRC HQ
• Ensure that all delegates adhere to NLRC’s Standard Project Approach, use the right budget formats, follow all NLRC procedures (ex. Logistics, Security Guidelines) and use the right administrative systems (SPACE 2.0, Winpaccs, etc.) accordingly
• Responsible for supervising Project Delegates performance, including providing employees with regular feedback on their work and support to MRC (by conducting a mid-term review/yearly performance appraisal)
• In conjunction with each employee, identify learning and professional development needs and support the employees in getting their needs met ex. 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, participate in the recruitment processes in close consultation with the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator (PPC)
• Ensure that Delegates comply with staff regulations, Code of Conduct and that breaches are documented and that the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator (PPC) is notified.
• Develop the NLRC office budget and be the budget holder for the Office Costs, while also being responsible for procurements linked to the office
• Be responsible for the efficient use of the funds and assets allocated to the projects

Security Management

• Ensure strict adherence of security policies and directions from NLRC, MRC and ICRC in Mali
• Ensure that updated Security Plans are in place and that all staff are aware and follows the regulations
• Develop on a yearly basis a country security document in close collaboration with the security focal point of the MRC and security advisor at HQ
• Disseminate information on security threats to staff in a timely manner and share information within the movement in Mali
• Regularly analyze context, identify risks and validate security rules, norms and procedures
• Maintain proper documentation of security incidents
• Conduct security briefing for NLRC visitors to Mali
• Participate on the INSO meetings for Country Representatives
• Be responsible for the security management of staff, operations, assets and direct country-specific response to security threats and incidents, up to and including management of evacuation, in cooperation with the movement partners.

Requirements

• Master degree in Social Science, International Development, Business Management or other relevant field
• At least 8-10 years’ experience in the development and/or humanitarian field, preferably in similar positions
• Demonstrated ability for high level representation
• Experience in the area of capacity building and development of non-governmental organizations, preferably of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
• Work experience in another context/country than the country of your domicile
• Able to work in politically complex and challenging environment
• Experience in working at managerial level in an international organization
• Experience in program management , including program identification, formulation, management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, 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 Mali.
• Able to adhere to policy and procedures of the NLRC whilst effectively managing programs and people
• Demonstrated accountability for staff security in a conflict/fragile environments
• Fluent in spoken and written of French and English
• Excellent narrative and financial reporting and proposal writing skills.
• Practical knowledge of computer Skills (Microsoft Office, Winpaccs, Document Management programs).

Key competencies

• Able to make sound judgements and decisions
• Good social/diplomatic skills and culturally sensitive, flexible and creative
• Excellent strategic leadership and management
• Able to work independently, as well in a team
• 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.