Global Surge Team Roster: Deputy Director for Operations

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees delivers lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The IRC’s Global Surge Team (GST) is a roster of esteemed and highly qualified humanitarian professionals who deploy on short notice to non-emergency and emergency contexts to support the IRC’s mission. Members of the GST provide specialist support where talent is most needed for short-term deployments of up to three months. The GST is a flexible employment opportunity for staff, requiring members to be available for deployments only 50% of the year (with opportunities for additional deployments if incumbent is interested).

Job Overview:

The Deputy Director for Operations, Global Surge (DDO) provides leadership, decision-making and coordination on the country program’s critical support functions. You will ensure that programs are supported and that all necessary systems are in place and consistently implemented in all needed locations.

The position reports to the Country Director (CD) and is a member of the Country Management Team. The DDO directly supervises the Supply Chain Coordinator (SCC), Humanitarian Access Coordinator, Field Coordinator and the IT Manager. This position has close working relationships with the Finance Controller, HR Coordinator, Deputy Director Programs, Senior Grants & Accountability Coordinator and members of the regional support team.

Major Responsibilities:

Strategy, Planning, and Business Development

• Lead the implementation of the location’s Strategic Action Plan (SAP) as it relates to Operations

• Work with Country Director and Deputy Director of Programs to find opportunities for program expansion

• Ensure all new proposals are received and reviewed by the Operations function and that appropriate support cost and country program asset needs are budgeted for

• Supervise the ICT Manager and the Humanitarian Access and Security Coordinator and, and oversee the performance of all Humanitarian Access staff, Field Managers, and IT staff

• Lead the development and implementation of coordination mechanisms to guarantee that all operational units are interacting well with each other

Supply Chain

• Lead the Supply Chain Coordinator and be responsible for all Supply Chain staff; ensuring that the team meets the programs’ needs promptly while aligning with IRC policies

• Assist staff in partnering effectively and cooperatively with other program units, including supporting program staff with procurement planning and identification of operational support needs

• Provide inputs, including operational risk analysis, and recommendations to the Country Management Team related to operations spending and effectiveness of in-country reporting and planning systems

• Undertake periodic system reviews of procurement, assets, warehouse/inventory, suppliers and vendor contracts to verify that policies are adhered to and to identify areas for improvement.

• Correctly identify the risks IRC faces in its work and mitigate against to the degree feasible in the context

• Regularly update the Security Management Plan, SOPs and Contingency Plans, ensuring that staff are aware of and supported in following these documents

• Ensure the HAS Coordinator works closely with Regional and Global Security teams

• Ensure that Humanitarian Access, safety and security is factored into program design and implementation; and that all staff can access relevant safety trainings in a timely manner

Field Management

• Supervise the Field Coordinator and ensure Field Manager staff effectively lead the day to day activities of operations staff based in their location

• Ensure coordination and cooperation between and within the various program and operational departments in the field locations

• Ensure field offices have the staff and resources required to serve the needs of programs

• Support IRC to increase decentralization to field offices

Information Technology

• Verify that information technology policies and procedures are documented, disseminated and consistently applied

• Ensure that IT develops and effectively implements compliance monitoring processes

• Support the IT staff to provide effective IT services and support to the Country Office and across all field sites

Staff Leadership and Development

• Ensure implementation of HR policies and procedures at all times

• Provide supportive mentorship, leadership and clear performance objectives to team members

• Ensure that regular and quality staff evaluations are conducted for all program staff

• Set regular meetings with staff members to prioritize information-sharing and team-building

• Ensure that all reports develop and implement Capacity Building Plans for their teams

Representation and Coordination

• Represent IRC through the Logs cluster

• Serve as an active Country Management Team-member

• Serve as a focal point and maintain communication with HQ operations staff, and Regional Support

Requirements

•You should have excellent leadership, people management, interpersonal and negotiation skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to develop collaborative teams in a multi-ethnic context that requires cultural sensitivity. We are looking for someone with good team building skills and knowledge of participatory approaches; you should display flexibility, adaptability, culturally sensitivity, and a sense of humor.

• Graduate degree in business, management, administrative science or equivalent

• Excellent professional track record with 5-6 years of overseas experience, preferably in a conflict/post-conflict environment with leadership responsibilities

• Experience managing country program teams with a diverse portfolio

• Proven ability to think strategically, prioritize and meet deadlines in a complex and challenging environment

• Fluency in English. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Working knowledge of French, Arabic and/or Spanish strongly preferred

• Self-motivated, honest, highly responsible, and punctual

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

• Capable of working and living in an emergency environment while maintaining a healthy outlook. Willing to travel in remote and conflict affected areas

**Standard of Professional Conduct:**The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.