DKH Country Director & Associate Director of Joint Office DKH/LWF/NCA in Haiti

Location: Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Level: International

Duration: This is a 12-months unaccompanied position with the possibility of extension

ABOUT US

Part of the Protestant Agency for Diakonie and Development (PADD/EWDE), Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH) is present with an operative structure in Haiti since 2007. Most of the humanitarian projects take place in the South-East, Grand Anse and North-West departments.

Since late 2016 the DKH/LWF/NCA Joint Office (JO) was formed to tackle the challenge of covering operational costs in the face of reduced funding and increased needs in the country, and to take advantage of synergies and complementarities towards greater impact. The JO Director (JO D) and Associate Director (JO AD), along with representatives from all three headquarters, are part of a Steering Committee (SC) which guides the work of the JO.

In 2022, a new Joint Office strategy (2023-2027) was developed to strengthen mutual mission, vision, values, and thematic programs.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This position acts as DKH Country Director and JO AD within the joint DKH/LWF/NCA structure and assume legal representation of DKH in Haiti. Coordinate closely with the JO’s relevant managers and coordinators in the framework of a joint strategy and within established communication, coordination, and administrative mechanisms. The detailed task division between the JO D and JO AD is part of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the three parties.

The role will report to the Regional Director for West & Central Africa and the Caribbean and will work in close collaboration with the DKH unit and LWF/NCA unit staff in Haiti. The position will be based in Port-au-Prince with possibility of moving in the South Department of Haiti. The provisional start date is 15 November 2023. As the current director is called to support DKH in other fields, a replacement is necessary.

SPECIFIC ROLE AN D RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Smooth running of mission & operations

• Strengthen DKH team and ensure smooth operations in collaboration with LWF/NCA unit under JO D’s leadership, adhering to the MoU and Shared Service Agreement. Detect and report potential collaboration challenges, seeking solutions with JO D and DKH regional/Berlin offices.
• In coordination with JO D, foster cohesion within the JO by streamlining procedures and promoting teamwork among units and teams.
• Contribute to the joint bi-monthly executive report, by preparing situation reports on the DKH program, projects, coordination, and security.
• Directly supervise the DKH unit and maintain team dynamics enabling DKH to achieve its objectives.
• Oversee the respect and application of the internal staff regulations, the HR policies, and procedures.
• Evaluate or ensure staff performance evaluations as well as staff development.
• Oversee recruitment of qualified staff for the DKH office in Haiti as needed.
• Lead/ support the teams in decision making and overcoming challenges; provide coaching and feedback.
• Ensure compliance and accountability of all procurement controls with the requirements and regulations of the back donor agencies and DKH’s SPOA.
• Ensure compliance of all rules, procedures, and standards of DKH and as agreed within the JO.
• Ensure necessary logistical mechanisms to support the program implementation (transportation, accommodation, visitors, etc.).
• Ensure quality management of information for DKH’s inventory within JO inventory and ensure quality management of DKH assets according to DKH’s Standards.

2. Program and Project Management

Program development & strategic planning

• Proactively advance sectoral-specific competencies and approaches where DKH leads (DRR & DRM, EPRP, housing approach, CVA, emergency response modalities). Develop, execute, monitor, and report on relevant pillars within the joint strategy.
• Support the operationalization, monitoring and reporting of the joint strategy with direct responsibility for the DRR/DRM objective; contribute to strategy review in line with the DKH global strategy.
• Contribute to the elaboration, monitoring and reporting of a joint annual plan. Ensure complementarity and synergy of DKH and LWF/NCA programs.
• Lead the formulation and implementation of the JO’s EPRP; serve as the EPRP/DRR focal point.
• Work closely with the JO to assess and strengthen partner organizations based on strategic considerations, capacity plans, program priorities, and DKH’s mandate.
• Reinforce relationships with local partners through equitable partnership principles.
• Identify and address needs for technical support to local partners; collaborate with DKH technical unit.

Country program management

• Execute the DKH Program and project planning 2023 and 2024 according to DKH standards, within the joint strategy and the agreed terms. Organize DKH response in case of disaster, coordinate with LWF/NCA PM, and ensure communication with DKH Berlin and SC.
• Ensure successful project and program implementation and quality assurance, including planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• Ensures timely roll out of new thematic tools, standard and procedures as endorsed by DKH in Berlin and in close collaboration with DKH Berlin Technical Unit and Standard and Procedures Department.
• Supervise staff to closely monitor and evaluate all project activities, ensuring adherence to approved timelines and budgets in project, field, and office work.
• Ensures participation of Somalia program staff in regional and global mechanisms.

Fundraising

• Collaborate with the LWF/NCA program manager (PM) and JO D to identify and pursue funding opportunities, contributing to the fundraising plan.
• Actively seek new funding prospects for the JO and engage in project development.
• Take the lead, in partnership with the LWF/NCA PM, in developing joint program initiatives and co-financed project options.

3. Sound Financial and Administrative Accountability

• Supervise and/or coordinate administration and finance work with the relevant DKH position of the DKH unit as well as with the JO.
• Ensure compliance and accountability of all fiscal controls with the requirements and regulations of the back-donor agencies, the Standard Procedures for Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe Offices Abroad (SPOA), the local laws and internationally recognized accounting principles.
• Guarantee that audit processes are followed in a timely manner and inform the region and Berlin about any inconveniences during the preparation and execution of the audit.
• Oversee budgets and financial reports.
• Provide basic review mechanisms of the finances and administration procedures.
• Supervise the set-up of the accounting and filing system, the procedures, and its documentation; oversee follow up on office checks from Berlin.

4. Representation, visibility & advocacy

• Carry out external representation on behalf of and in the name of the JO, as mutually agreed within the shared roles and responsibilities JO document and reflecting the views of all the agencies.
• Represent DKH when presentation of a unique organization of the JO is required, i.e., legal issues, taxes, specific donors, and the German Embassy.
• Follow up on publication of the DKH legal registration in the Official journal of Haiti and ensure compliance of DKH with Haitian laws and relevant Haitian authorities.
• Ensure provision of communication material (photos, video, etc.) for DKH Berlin’s communication department.
• Handle media/PR tasks.
• Ensure application and respect of the DKH visibility policy by all DKH team members and local partners.
• Cooperate with the JO D for joint visibility and communication, if decided by the SC.
• Facilitate DKH Berlin, donor, and other delegation visits.

5. Health, Safety and Security (HSS)

The JO AD, supported by the DKH Berlin Security Advisor, is the lead for JO on security and some other aspects of HSS. DKH is directly accountable for the safety and security of DKH staff but is not directly accountable for LWF/NCA contracted staff. The JO AD works in collaboration with the Country Security Coordinator who reported to her/him. Specific responsibilities include:

• HSS Plan: Main authorship updated annually or as needed, shared with JO colleagues, and regular updating of security-related documents and procedures (SOPs).
• Trainings: develop the yearly training program and ensuring adherence to the “fit for work” criteria.
• Security monitoring, oversight and reporting: continuously monitor and analyze the security situation, sharing relevant information and ensuring clarity for the teams. Author bi-monthly security report within the bimonthly executive report.
• Emergency communication equipment: manage maintenance, training, and service; allocating equipment as agreed with JO D.
• Visitor briefing: deliver security briefings and debriefings for visitors of the JO.
• Office security including assessment of guard services and threat analysis.
• Provide clear lines of communication and crisis management leadership.

For DKH specifically:

• Ensure organizational commitment to HSS management within DKH Haiti.
• Be responsible for the security of all team members and property of the mission.
• Ensure prompt and disciplined incident reporting.

OUR OFFER

• An attractive salary.
• The opportunity to manage and participate in a small, dynamic and motivated team.
• The opportunity to design and actively contribute to the management and supervision of a multi-sectoral program in an exciting region.
• The opportunity to contribute to the capacity strengthening and exchange with local organizations.
• The opportunity to participate in specific training related to the position.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field such as international relations, development studies, humanitarian assistance, or a related discipline. Higher degrees or certifications may be preferred.
• Extensive experience (typically at least 5-10 years) in humanitarian or development work, including progressive leadership roles. Previous experience in a similar position and context is highly valued.
• Proficiency in the French and English required; Haitian Creole is highly desirable; German advantageous.
• Proficiency in budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation.
• Demonstrated experience in humanitarian access; negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership, develop and implement organizational strategies, and manage complex humanitarian programs.
• Strong people management and team-building skills, with experience in leading and motivating multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with international donors (ECHO, UN, etc.); experience with German donors (AA, BMZ) would be an asset.
• Skills in building and maintaining relationships with government authorities, donors, local partners, and other stakeholders. Advocacy experience in influencing policy and support fundraising efforts.
• Knowledge of crisis and security management and the ability to ensure the safety and security of staff and operations in challenging environments.
• Commitment to upholding high ethical standards and adherence to humanitarian principles and CHS.
• Commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusion in all aspects of humanitarian programming.
• Commitment to equitable partnerships and localization; proven experience in working closely with local actors and investing in mutual capacity strengthening/ exchange.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently within Haiti and occasionally internationally.
• Additional assets: In-depth knowledge of food security, DRM, protection, resilience, community-led approaches, and cash & voucher assistance modality.