Deputy Director of Operations

Job Description

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

Program Brief

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities which support them, as well as those who remain within their homes and communities. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela continues to intensify. Venezuelans face hyperinflation, which puts them out of reach of basic goods and services, including health care and food. A shortage of medical supplies means that it is difficult to diagnose and treat communicable diseases and sexual and reproductive health needs, among other services. The lack of food has resulted in hunger and malnutrition. From 2015-2018, over three million Venezuelans left to seek goods and services in primarily neighboring countries.

IRC has responded to the crisis by supporting Venezuelans crossing the arc of the migration pattern, including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. In Colombia, IRC works in the areas of health, protection, education, and multipurpose cash assistance in Cúcuta, Medellín, Cundinamarca, Norte de Santander, and Nariño (specifically Ipiales). In Venezuela, IRC has been developing programs through the support of local partners. Since January 2021, we have expanded our response in Ecuador and in 2022 to Peru, establishing projects and strategic alliances with local partners, with emphasis on border corridors. IRC works to strengthen the capacity of local partners to provide access to quality sexual and reproductive health services, nutrition, basic needs, and dignified livelihoods for the migrant population.

Scope

The Deputy Director of Operations will play a key role in the overall leadership and management of the IRC Venezuela crisis response program. The day-to-day portfolio will include direct supervision of the operations teams including operations, Administration, IT and Supply Chain; and supervision of the field level management working with the Finance department and the Country Director (CD) on overall financial management. Secondary responsibilities will include working with the CD and program teams to ensuring quality program support services according to IRC principles and donor guidelines and that these services are completed in a timely manner and within budget.

Reporting to the Country Director and serving as member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), the Deputy Director is expected to contribute to organizational strategic thinking, planning, and overall coordination efforts. As required the DDO will act as head of office on behalf of the Country Director. This position has close working relations with the DDPS, Programs Coordinators, DDF, DDHR as well as other program and region-based staff. The DDO will be based in Bogota with travel to the other IRC Field Offices as well.

Responsibilities

Administration & Supply Chain

• Supervision of all Supply Chain staff.

• Verify that Administration & Supply Chain policies and procedures are documented, disseminated and consistently applied across the country program.

• Oversee external financial commitments including procurement contracts and lease agreements for office, guesthouse and warehouses.

• Ensure that compliance monitoring processes are developed and effectively implemented.

• Assist the Administration & Supply Chain staff in developing and managing appropriate coordination mechanisms to ensure that all operational units are interacting well with each other, as well as with the Regional Unit, Global Supply Chain (GSC), the Country Office, across different field sites, and other IRC support entities.

• Assist supply chain staff in partnering effectively and cooperatively with other units to improve planning and resource utilization. Work with program staff to ensure procurement planning and identification of operational support needs.

• Ensure local supply chain staff understand and utilize the BvA on-line system, provide training and mentoring support where required and ensure new field offices are also able to utilize BvA online.

• In collaboration with the Finance Controller and CD, ensure systems are streamlined between HR, Administration, Supply Chain, Finance and Programs.

• Provide input including operational risk analysis and recommendations to the Country Director and Finance Controller related to operations spending and effectiveness of in-country reporting and planning systems.

• Ensure full proactive involvement of key processes with the finance department including budget versus actual report input and necessary information for operational budget accuracy.

• Provide support to all field and program teams to ensure all field offices are functioning efficiently and transparently and in compliance with IRC procurement guidelines.

Security

• Collaborate closely with the Security Manager to ensure the safety and security of operations staff in such a fluid context.

• Ensure that the Security Management Plan and SOP’s are regularly updated.

• Provide management support and oversight in implementing security policies and procedures. Ensure staff are trained in basic security procedures.

• Ensure all office and residential locations are safe and secure.

Information Technology

• Manage the Information Technology (IT) Officer.

• Verify that information technology policies and procedures are documented, disseminated and consistently applied across the country program.

• Ensure that IT compliance monitoring processes are developed and effectively implemented.

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

Field Staff Management

• Manage the Field Managers (Gerente de Campo).

• Ensure strong working relationships between the Field Offices, the country operations and program teams.

Programs Support, Strategy and Business Development

• Work with CD to identify opportunities for program expansion and support development of funding proposals.

• Support the Finance Controller in the development and updating of the country operating budget, while in coordination with the CD.

• Work with the CD on the Country Program Strategic Planning process.

• Provide added support to program coordinators as required.

Coordination & Representation

• Serve as an active member of the country program’s Senior Management Team and occasionally deputize for the Country Director when he/she is out of the country or on leave.

• Ensure proactive communication within the Regional Unit, HQ Support Departments, NY and UK offices as appropriate.

Responsibilities of Safety and security at work:

• All supervisory positions (i.e., with personnel in charge) must ensure adequate working conditions and environment in their area of operation, department, area or program, analyzing the work being developed and identifying potential risks and will manage what is necessary to minimize or reduce them, complying and enforcing compliance with the objectives established in safety and health, monitoring the observance of good practices.

• participate in the investigation of work accidents occurring in their respective area, department or program,

• participate and promote the participation of their direct reports in prevention activities,

• promote the participation of personnel in safety and health committees, work coexistence, road safety and emergency brigades

• Failure to comply with health and safety responsibilities and functions will be considered a serious offense, and will be cause for disciplinary proceedings and measures and/or termination of the employment contract.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in Business Management or relevant technical field preferred with a minimum of five years progressive management and leadership experience.

• Experience managing country program teams with a diverse portfolio; knowledge of major donors (including USAID/OFDA/PRM, ECHO/EC, DFID, UN Agencies).

• Strong background in HR management, Supply Chain and Administration.

• Strong finance background in financial management, budget development and analysis.

• Excellent leadership, people management, interpersonal and negotiation skills and a demonstrated ability to develop harmonious teams in cross cultural context.

• Strong diplomatic skills. Ability to establish good working relationships with partners, donors and other stakeholders in a sensitive environment.

• Experience in IT and security is strongly preferred.

• Regional experience is preferred.

• Spanish and English fluency required.

The position is based in Bogota with frequent travel to the field sites.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.

Working Environment

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

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Qualifications