Head of Office (m/f/d), Iraq

The German Red Cross (GRC) is part of a worldwide community assisting victims of conflicts and disasters and people affected by social or health related crises. The Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement provides vulnerable people with assistance without discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. The German Red Cross assists in disaster response, rehabilitation and capacity building projects on appeals of their sister organisations within the Movement.

GRC is currently seeking an experienced Head of Office (m/f/d) responsible for the overall planning, implementation and monitoring of all programmatic and strategic actions of GRC in Iraq. The position requires leadership, management, diplomacy, coordination, and representation skills as well as programmatic and technical expertise to guide GRC in-country delegates and Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) colleagues. Responsibilities include the design, supervision, monitoring and evaluation of various projects as well as team management, security management, development of the partnership with IRCS and coordination with Red Cross / Red Crescent partners in country as well as other stakeholders. The position will line manage all GRC staff in Iraq.

The GRC is cooperating and jointly implementing projects with IRCS since 2014. Currently, GRC and IRCS implement two projects in the field of relief, with a strong focus on cash assistance, disaster risk reduction, community-based resilience and livelihoods and one planned project on National Society Development related to Health and Volunteer Management. Projects are funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). This is an unaccompanied position. The overall line manager is the GRC country manager at Berlin HQ.

Starting date: 01.01.2023 Duration: 24 months with the possibility of extension

Location: Baghdad, with frequent travels to other regions

Main duties & responsibilities:

• To represent the German Red Cross in Iraq towards IRCS;
• Maintain a co-operative working relationship with IRCS and provide IRCS with guidance and support in the strategic development process, building and strengthening their capacities, quality assurance, management, reporting and finance;
• To maintain a close cooperation and ensure regular liaison with movement partners and other stakeholders;
• Maintain an in-depth understanding of the humanitarian and political situation in country and advise GRC on humanitarian risks and trends;
• Lead, manage and motivate a team of experienced international and national staff, with a consistent approach in the fields of Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, diversity management and learning and development;
• Safety and security management;
• Grant management, budgeting, financial and narrative reporting, monitoring;
• Ensure compliance of all GRC operations and projects with donor regulations and standards, including procurement processes and finance management;
• Office management including administration, filing and assets;
• To oversee and support implementation of ongoing projects in close coordination with IRCS and the GRC country team;
• Responsible for developing and implementing GRC’s country strategy, including financial forecasting and budgeting;
• To identify and develop new project and partnership opportunities.

Required Competencies & Skills:

• At least five years of senior leadership experience, including management of diverse teams;
• At least five years of experience in the field of international cooperation and/or humanitarian aid, including a profound understanding of the Humanitarian landscape, tools and topics;
• Expertise in Disaster Risk Reduction, Disaster Management, or Community-based approaches are an asset;
• Excellent programme coordination and project management skills, including financial management, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation and reporting, and thorough understanding of donor guidelines and regulations;
• Strong leadership skills, including strategic thinking, decision-making, presenting, and mediating conflict;
• Excellent understanding of the Movement and full commitment to the Red Cross fundamental principles and Code of Conduct. Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement experience is a strong asset;
• Strong diplomatic skills and experience in representation and networking;
• Outstanding resilience and stress management skills;
• Proven record of capacity strengthening in an advisory and capacity strengthening role, team development and coaching;
• Experience in the development and implementation of policies in the fields of safety and security, PSEAH, compliance and human resources development;
• Oral and written fluency in English, Advanced Knowledge of Arabic is an asset;
• Previous working experience in the MENA region is an asset;
• Ability to complete a thorough medical screening process ‘working abroad under specific climate and health conditions’;
• Valid Driving Licence.

What we offer you:

You will be part of a highly motivated professional and multicultural team. We offer you a compensation package according to the collective employment agreement of the GRC, an expatriation allowance during your mission as well as the personal allowance to cover your accommodation. In addition to a full insurance package GRC is covering a home flight within a 12-months period of assignment. You will benefit from a comprehensive training package and receive briefings and coaching prior as well as during and after your mission. Medical check-ups and Psychosocial Support Service are included in your assignment.