Field Director - North East Syria

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IRC - The International Rescue Committee

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Job Description

Today, almost 11 years since the crisis began, 13.4 million people in Syria - more than half of the country's population - are in need of humanitarian assistance. The devastation wreaked by over a decade of conflict has been exacerbated by widespread economic collapse and most recently the Covid-19 pandemic. Stretching increasingly vulnerable people’s coping mechanisms to their very limit. More than 6.8 million refugees and asylum-seekers have been forced to flee the country, the vast majority now hosted by neighboring countries. This is no short-term humanitarian episode. The devastating human consequences to huge numbers of people will endure for decades. The destruction of relationships, communities, livelihoods, homes and infrastructure will take years to repair.

IRC is offering a robust humanitarian response to the Syria crisis via a rapidly expanding portfolio, supported by more than 1000+ staff in the Syria Country Program. IRC is undertaking programs in Syria and the neighboring countries of Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan in the fields of health, child protection, early childhood development, education, women’s protection and empowerment, non-food items and food distribution, cash assistance, water and sanitation, protection and rule of law, and livelihood programming. Our work in these challenging settings gives rise to some of the most pressing issues facing contemporary humanitarian action, including questions of access, security, funding and coordination.

Job Overview/Summary

The Field Director for Northeast Syria (NES) will report to the Deputy Director of Operations (DDO) of the Syria Country Program (SCP). The Field Director will oversee all field management of IRC’s work in NES and managing in partnership senior operations staff. The Field Director will oversee all field management and supply chain related aspects of IRC’s work in NWS. Specifically the position will directly line manage the field management teams, and will manage in partnership the Supply Chain team. He/she will be responsible for ensuring that field operations are functional and effective, in turn contributing to consistently high-quality programs. In close coordination with the DDO, s/he will actively participate in the design of IRC programs in Syria from an operational and feasibility perspective and work with the program lead (Senior Program Coordinator) to ensure IRC programs are implemented in an integrated approach during regular and emergency implementation. S/he will represent IRC in cluster and working group meetings held in NES and promote coordination amongst field-based staff and colleagues based in Jordan offices.

The Field Director will actively be involved in leadership at multiple levels of the Syria Country Program Structure. S/he will convene and lead the NES Field Management Team (FMT), and will also be a permanent member of the Syria CP Extended-Senior Management Team (ESMT). Additionally the Field Director will have an advisory seat on the SMT and will join meetings once a month to ensure appropriate representation of and timely response to field related matters affecting NES operations.

Responsibilities

1. Operational Support and Finance:

In close cooperation with the Deputy Director of Operations, relevant support departments and input from the Field manager(s):

• Actively participates in the development of local policies related to Supply Chain, Admin and IT and adaption of IRC global policies to local context and ensures cohesion in policies and practices between different regions of Syria with consideration for context differences.

• Ensures that all policies, procedures, and practices comply with IRC, donor, and national requirements.

• Manage the operational field budgets (OADF) for all Syria grants in NES, including liaising closely with Finance department to develop field support budgets, monitoring cash flow, reviewing BVAs and tracking program spending as per guidance from the DDO.

• Oversees large procurements inside Syria as part of the tender committee in close cooperation with Supply Chain staff.

• Promotes team spirit, cohesion, respect, and the IRC Way Standards for Professional Conduct among staff in Syria in close cooperation with Human Resources.

• Partners in investigations of misconduct when required and actively collaborates with DDO and Human Resources Director if disciplinary measures are required, taking into consideration safety and security of IRC staff, programs, and assets in Syria.

• In close cooperation with the Humanitarian Access and Security department and DDO, promotes safety and security practices and adherence to IRC global security principles; supports in development and review of Field Security Management Plan for each region in NES.

• In close cooperation with the security department, advises and oversees security and humanitarian access assessments for new areas of program implementation and IRC response.

• In close cooperation with IT department, promotes and ensures compliant use of IRC equipment and communication resources, including adherence to BIS licenses, confidentiality, and storage of data and similar.

• In coordination with Finance, oversee the development and submission of the consolidated monthly spending plan for the field activities.

• In coordination with Finance, Supply Chain, and programs, leads the communications with the Hawala service provider to secure the required liquidity for covering IRC activities in the field.

• Oversees the processing of the field payments among the supply chain and the finance departments to ensure smooth and timely delivery of payments.

2. Program support

• Serves as point person for operational support to programs inside NES and in coordination with the DDO, provides strategic leadership to overall programming in the designated area of operations in Syria.

• Oversees the field managers, the Field Coordinator, and the work of the relevant field teams during the preparatory work, assessments, technical requirements, and selection of external entities in support of the specific projects/program.

• In coordination with the DDO, ensures full compliance with project/grant agreements and with statutory and technical legislation issued by appropriate government authorities.

• In coordination with the DDO, supports the work of the Technical and M&E teams using appropriate IRC-developed tools and resources to maximize project impact on beneficiaries.

• Works closely with Program Technical Coordinators to identify programming technical needs and take the lead in implementation and follow up as appropriate and in close coordination with the program sector leads and guidance from the DDO.

• Promotes strong linkages and exchange between operations and program teams, including in the field, Jordan, and other offices, to ensure the sharing of best practices and expertise.

• Closely monitors events in current and potential operational areas within Syria (humanitarian situation, politics, and security, etc.), to identify other possible programming areas and supports in identifying new (strategic) partners for IRC in close coordination with the DDO.

• Advises the DDO about strategic programming directions, opportunities, and issues affecting project implementation, or key local issues affecting future grants/projects developments.

3. Emergency Response Support

• Closely monitors the context developments in the field to identify any significant movement of IDPs in areas of IRC operations, and other ways for possible expansion based on need.

• In coordination with the Senior Program Coordinator, supports SMT decision to initiate an emergency response when the situation requires.

• Collaborates with program focal points to tailor the IRC emergency response plan.

• Co-leads the emergency response meetings.

• Leads coordination with the field emergency response team and ensures that clear plans are set and communicated to the field team and supports the field team in addressing any implementation challenges.

• Collaborates with program focal points to issue Situational Reports.

• Support the DDO in updating and revising the emergency and contingency plans.

4. Coordination and Representation

External

• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with all stakeholders - including community leaders, NGOs, government ministries/authorities and UN agencies, to enhance cooperation and coordination between organizations. (remotely and in person)

• Represents the IRC at the NES level, participating in NGO Forum meetings as well as sectoral working group meetings and camp management meetings as appropriate.

Internal

• Convenes and leads the NWS-Field Management team, organizing and facilitating meetings and ensuring timely follow-up on action items

• Supports the DDO in the coordination of timely and accurate reporting to donors, government and IRC headquarters as needed.

• Supports the DDO in providing critical input for the Grants Unit for use in developing proposals and preparing consolidated reporting.

5. Staff Performance Management, Learning & Development

• Hire, supervise, and build the capacity of team members in relevant technical and management competencies.

• Develop and implement remote management capacity building approaches to build the strengths of teams in Syria.

• Coach, train, supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting annual performance objectives, providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews.

• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.

• Approve and manage time, attendance and leave requests to ensure adequate departmental coverage; ensure monthly, accurate timesheet submission and carry out probationary reviews.

• Hold high-quality meetings with each direct report on a regular and predictable basis, minimally on a monthly basis.

• Provide a measurable development plan including on-the-job learning with the aim of strengthening technical capacity, exchanging knowledge within the team and providing guidance on career paths.

• As required, identify staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these in accordance with the National Staff Employment Policies.

• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.

• Promote and monitor staff care and well-being with collaboration with HR. Model healthy work-life balance practices. Support appropriate interventions in response to identified staff care needs of both national and international staff.

• With collaboration of Human resources department, look for opportunities to support staff in their career growth, where appropriate. As part of succession plan and nationalization goals, identify, train and develop capability and capacity of national staff to successfully transition role and responsibilities, by the end of assignment.

Required Experience/qualification/Skills:

• 5 – 7 years minimum successful management experience in a humanitarian and/or development context; at least 2 years managing field programs, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

• Bachelor’s Degree required, Masters Degree is a plus.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• A commitment to IRC’s mission, vision, values and IRC Way – Professional Code of Conduct.

• Credible written, presentation and verbal communication skills; ability to convey information effectively and solid experience providing training and staff development

• Validated sense of professional discretion, integrity, and ability to handle complex situations diplomatically and to effective resolution.

• Excellent management and interpersonal skills and a solid ability to promote harmonious/cohesive teamwork, in a cross-cultural context.

• Validated ability to plan long-term, organize priorities and work under administrative and programmatic pressures with detail orientation and professional patience.

• Highly collaborative and resourceful; ability to establish positive working relationships with senior level management and all other partners to maximize cooperation and productivity.

• Curiosity, a desire to continually learn and develop and a sense of humor is a must.

• Analytical ability in creating effective solutions to complex matters while adhering to labor laws and internal policies.

Language/Travel:

• English is required, while Arabic is desired.

• Travel: 60% to field sites if Security situation allows and travel to Jordan for workshops and meetings.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Deputy Director of Operations (DDO)

Position directly Supervises: Field Managers, Supply chain Coordinator, Cluster Co-Leads

Key Internal Contacts: Country Program: Extended Senior Management Team members across programs, HR, Finance, Humanitarian Access, and policy, advocacy, and communication

Key External Contacts: Community leaders, International and national NGOs, UN agencies, Active forums and working groups that cover NES.

Professional Standards: IRC staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality. In accordance with these values, IRC operates and carries out policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Respect at Work Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Returning National Candidates: We strongly encourage national or returning national candidates to apply for this position. If you are a citizen of the Country in which this position is based and are currently located outside of your home country and possess over two years of international work experience, the Middle East Region has introduced an attractive remuneration package. The package includes competitive compensation, return flight to post, shipping allowance, temporary housing and a relocation allowance. Certain restrictions may apply. IRC strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff in our programs.

Accountability to Clients: IRC staff must adhere to the commitment of contributing to the sustainability and development of its (CR) Client Responsiveness Mechanisms, preserving the culture of prioritizing the needs of our clients and affected communities by systematically listening to their perspectives and using their feedback to make programmatic decisions and give them greater influence over program design and delivery.

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.

Diversity and Inclusion: at IRC MENA, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Organizations that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, nationality, and perspective are validated to be better organizations. More importantly, creating a safe workspace environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best is the right thing to do. So, bring your whole self to work.

IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. In keeping with our core values of Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality, IRC strives to maintain a work environment built on mutual respect in which all individuals treat each other professionally, and free of bias, prejudice, and harassment. IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of IRC Persons in any work setting. All IRC staff, wherever they are located, are accountable for creating an environment free of discrimination, harassment, bullying, and retaliation.

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Qualifications

Added 2 years ago - Updated 11 months ago - Source: rescue.org