DANISH RED CROSS JOB DESCRIPTION Position Title: Senior Regional Coordinator MADAD (SRCM) Department: MENA region Location: Beirut, Lebanon Line Manager: Head of Region (HoR) for Middle East & North Africa (MENA), based in Beirut Reference to: HoR MENA Technical reference to Head of International Support Unit (DRC HQ), based in Copenhagen PURPOSE STATEMENT Date Completed: 7 June 2016 The purpose of Danish Red Cross (DRC) international activities is to reach more vulnerable people effectively and efficiently in partnership with National Red Cross / Red Crescent (RCRC) Societies and in collaboration with RCRC Movement partners. DRC and a number of RCRC Movement partners have applied for a substantial grant under the EU MADAD trust fund and received notice that the application has been reviewed and scored positively. When the grant is well received, the Senior Regional Coordinator - MADAD (SRCM) will play an essential role in the coordination between all MENA stakeholders. The role of the Senior Regional Coordinator - MADAD (SRCM) is to lead and facilitate proper coordination between DRC as MADAD grant-holder and the designated country leads in the four concerned countries in MENA region (Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt); the country leads are German Red Cross for Egypt, Netherlands Red Cross for Lebanon, Norwegian Red Cross for Iraq, and IFRC for Jordan. Coordination, cooperation and timely exchange of information are essential to ensure quality implementation. The SRCM will, as a key player, be the focal point for all stakeholders in the MADAD project in the region, especially for the country leads, and he/she will serve as the entry point for donor relations and wider RCRC Movement involvement in MADAD in the region. The SRCM will be centrally involved in designing structures and processes to make it possible to implement activities funded by MADAD as effective and efficient as possible, and troubleshoot emerging challenges. The SRCM will be a member of the DRC regional team in MENA, reporting directly to the Head of Region (HoR). S/he will also have a close link to and support from the Head of International Support Unit and the Resource Mobilization team in HQ. The SRCM directly supervises one position, a locally-recruited Regional Finance Officer for MADAD, who will monitor budgets and expenditure and support financial reporting by the respective MADAD country-leads. This Finance Officer also has technical reporting and support line to the Regional Finance Manager for the MENA Region. 1
Objectives and Results Programme coordination and provision of external support for the Madad Trust Fund (50%) MAIN TASKS Liaise with and coordinate between DRC and the country consortia leads and implementing National Societies / IFRC for the MADAD Trust Fund in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. Provide oversight of and support to the appointed country leads for the four countries as appropriate. Develop, together with the EU Trust Fund Adviser (DRC HQ, based in Copenhagen), a realistic project monitoring, evaluation and reporting (PMER) system and schedule for narrative and financial reporting for the MADAD Trust Fund that complies with EU requirements, and advise the Madad country leads and partners accordingly. Participate in monitoring and implementation visits to enable better reporting and EVRs when requested by the implementing country lead. Prepare consolidated reports from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon based on the input and reports received from the country leads. Facilitate communication between the MADAD Trust Fund partners in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon and DRC HQ, specifically the EU Trust Fund Adviser based in Copenhagen. Facilitate visits to the region by EU officials, DRC delegates and consultants in relation to the MADAD grant. Ensure that the EU s visibility requirements will be fulfilled and supported in region and, in particular, provide support to the DRC MADAD Communication Officer. Internal (to DRC) project management of the Madad Trust Fund (30%) Capacity development (15%) Support the DRC Country Coordinators in Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon to ensure that the MADAD Trust Fund objectives and activities are integrated in their regular DRC country programmes. Ensure close cooperation with the DRC regional financial staff to establish close links between finance and programmes, as well as ensure timely follow-up and monitoring of budgeted expenditure. Develop, with support from the EU Trust Fund Adviser (DRC HQ), plans for expansion and multiplication of the programmes in each country as well as contingency plans to handle new developments in the overall regional crisis. Ensure seamless communication and cooperation with the EU Trust Fund Adviser (DRC HQ), at all levels. Support the MENA Regional Grant Adviser delegate based in Beirut, in building the understanding and knowledge of EU funding amongst DRC delegates, through training and briefing. Ensure that the MADAD country leads as well as the host national societies receive support and capacity building in competencies needed for implementation and reporting on a EU funded project. Support the DRC Regional Finance Team to ensure that the MADAD partners in all four countries have adequate financial management capacity to satisfy the donor s requirements. 2
Other (5%) Support the HoR in developing country strategies and plans in the region that build upon the MADAD project and that ensure DRC is well-positioned to apply for other potential EU trust fund funding. Participate actively in the DRC Regional Office team support to country delegates. Perform any other related task assigned by the HoR, or requested by the Head of the International Support Unit (DRC HQ), (through the HoR). Decision-Making Power and Budgetary Responsibility The SRCM does not hold any budget but has a key advisory and coordination role with respect to the project, and therefore has the authority to represent DRC s official line, its policies and interests as the MADAD grant holder, to all other members of the consortium. The SRCM is responsible for timely liaison and communication to the relevant DRC line manager, at country, regional or HQ level, on any issue that significantly affects the performance of the MADAD programme, whether this would represent an opportunity to DRC or Movement partners or a risk, particularly to its international reputation. 3
Communication Daily communication with the HoR, who directly supervises the SRCM. Daily communication with and tasking of the MADAD Regional Finance Officer, who also has a technical reporting line to the Regional Finance Manager. Daily communication with the regional support team, with whom the SRCM is co-located at the IFRC Beirut office. Daily communication and close cooperation with the EU Trust Fund Adviser (DRC HQ). Frequent (at least weekly) communication with the Head of International Support Unit (DRC HQ). Frequent (at least weekly) communication and close cooperation with the Resource Mobilization Team (DRC HQ). Frequent (at least weekly) communication and close cooperation with the MADAD country leads in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon. Frequent (at least weekly) communication with the DRC Country Coordinators and delegates in Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon. Regular contact with staff of the other DRC HQ departments, particularly the Communications Department and relevant technical advisers in The International Support Unit (DRC HQ). Regular contact with relevant staff of other MADAD Partner National Societies (PNS), and with the respective Host National Societies (HNS) of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon, on issues of project management, PMER and capacity building. Contact, when requested by the HoR, in close coordination with the Head of International Support Unit (DRC HQ) and with the EU Trust Fund Adviser (DRC HQ), with the EU representatives in the region and in Brussels. Contact, when requested by the HoR, in close coordination with the Head of International Support Unit (DRC HQ) and with the EU Trust Fund Advisor (DRC HQ), with other actors in the region, including RCRC actors, humanitarian agencies and governments. The SRCM will take active part in experience exchange and lessons learned, within DRC, region, on trust fund project management. The SRCM is not expected to have any direct communication with representatives of the media, at local, national or international level. Competencies Required Experience (essential) A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in development and/or humanitarian project management and programming. A minimum of 5 years field experience in the direct project implementation in developing or post-crisis countries. Experience with EU specific fund management, in particular their application and reporting procedures. Proven project cycle and financial management experience in developing country contexts. Documented experience of donor proposal and report writing. 4
Technical skills (essential) Excellent English speaking and writing skills. Strong analytical and strategic development skills, in project design, and understanding donor requirements. A relevant academic degree in a social science, international development or similar. Full proficiency in Microsoft Office. A valid driving licence. Personal qualities Confidence in situations of stress, and able to handle a heavy but varied workload for a long period. Results-orientated but at the same time innovative and flexible. Understanding that process and ownership are key to achieving results in culturally and politically sensitive environments. Excellent diplomacy, communication, coordination, negotiation, networking and facilitation skills. Gravitas, authority and persistence in promoting key issues and upholding collective interests. The ability to travel frequently to Egypt, Iraq and Jordan as well as to Denmark and Belgium when required. Other desirable factors Ability to work in Arabic is a significant asset. Work experience in the Middle East is an asset. Experience of working within the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement is an asset. Expected Results Strong compliance with the project management regulations of both DRC and the EU, for the MADAD Project. A solid contribution to the implementation of the MADAD project portfolio and its financial status, in the MENA region, particularly through high quality and timely reporting. The reputation of the DRC, and of the wider RCRC Movement in Trust Fund management and implementation, are enhanced. The trust fund management capacity of DRC at HQ, MENA region, and country level, is enhanced. The funding available through MADAD is sustained / increased, and the EU would favourably consider applications by the RC/RC Movement for other related trust fund management. 5
Revision of the Job Description The description of responsibilities and tasks in this job description is indicative. It is the responsibility of the incumbent to be an active and supportive member of the regional team and the Red Cross as such. This means that the incumbent may be asked to take on additional responsibilities and tasks that are not described herein. If the changes in responsibilities and tasks constitute more than 25% of the working hours over a period of time, the incumbent or the manager can initiate a revision of the job description. 6