Head of Region – East/Horn of Africa

Mission

Geneva Call is a neutral and impartial non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting respect for international humanitarian norms in armed conflict and other situations of violence. Geneva Call is currently focusing its efforts on banning the use of anti-personnel mines, protecting children from the effects of armed conflict, prohibiting sexual violence in armed conflict and the protection of the medical mission.

Geneva Call consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. Geneva Call is an inclusive working environment for all its staff. Applications are particularly encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on the grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Overall activities

Head of Region is responsible of leading the operations of Geneva Call in the Horn and Eastern Africa (South Sudan, Sudan, DRC) and looking into developing operations in other countries of the region (Ethiopia, Somalia, Mozambique). Lead regional advocacy and fundraising efforts with regional actors in Addis Abeba and Nairobi.

General description and main activities

Operations Management

• Contribute to Geneva Call’s new operational framework agenda particularly regarding the responsibilities’ devolution to the field to increase the organization’s agility and effectiveness by creating field structures and accompanying their development.
• Ensure the appropriate design, implementation, monitoring, review, and evaluation of Geneva Call’s regional field operations, in line with Geneva Call programmatic guidelines (with a focus on plans and results management).
• Initiate and develop operations according to Geneva Call’s operational frameworks and means.
• Analyse regional strategic level trends related to armed conflicts and other situations of violence, and broader geo political developments to support the achievement of Geneva Call’s overall objectives.

Fundraising

• Explore fundraising opportunities at regional level and ensure the follow up with the Fundraising department.
• Responsible of ensuring that all projects and programmes in the region are being adequately financed. Responsible for the overall budget for the concerned region.

Security

Develop and maintain safety and security of region:

• Ensure that Geneva Call staff is working safely and in accordance with the appropriate security guidelines.
• Make sure that duty of care is applied when working with other partners.
• Set up and lead security crisis cells whenever needed with the Director of Operations’ support and concerned support departments as per security guidelines.

Representation & Networking

• Maintain and strengthen Geneva Call’s role as a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian actor, positioning the organization and its operations within the region to gain maximum access to ANSAs, influential stakeholders and affected populations.
• Engage frequently with high level stakeholders such as ANSA leadership, State authorities, political and religious leaders, international organisations to secure appropriate support for Geneva Call operations.

Compliance

• Actively contribute to Geneva Call’s public communication, raising awareness about the work of the organization in a way that reinforces our influence, access and response.

Main qualification

Education and experience

• Advanced degree in International Relations or International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law, political sciences or a related professional experience;
• At least 10 years of relevant field experience in a humanitarian organization with a focus on protection of civilians, prevention;
• Working in conflict areas, including in managing teams of at least 20 people;
• Advanced degree in International Relations or International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law, political sciences or a related professional experience;
• Demonstrable experience of engaging with ANonSAs would be an asset.

Technical skills

• Solid project management skills related to organizational development projects and international, cross-functional teams with a proven history of delivering results;
• Excellent dispute resolution, facilitation and team building skills;
• Substantial knowledge of international development systems, institutions and donors, and of procedures, accountability frameworks and best practices;
• Robust experience in developing and implementing organizational vision and strategies.

Languages

• Fluent English.
• Fluent in French.
• Other language is a plus.

Personal skills

• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a matrix management environment. Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation and coaching;
• Strong communications skills (both written and verbal) at a level appropriate for high level external representation and ability to tailor communications to different audiences;
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with experience of negotiation with weapon bearers and other high level stakeholders.

Performance management

The employee will be accountable for the responsibilities and the competencies, in accordance with the GC Performance Management p. The following documents will be used for performance reviews:

• The Job Description
• The individual Work- and Professional Development Plan
• The Competency Framework

Conflict of interest

Any candidate affiliated to, or openly supporting, one or more interest groups opposed to the Foundation’s principles and values, or whose previous position could engender safety issues for co-workers at Appel de Genève / Geneva Call, will be excluded from this selection process.

Conditions

• Position: Head of Region – East/Horn of Africa
• Type of Contract: Fixed term, Swiss work contract
• Activity rate: 100%
• Work place: Geneva, Switzerland
• Preferred start date: July 11th, 2022