*The Canadian Red Cross, part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, is hiring a Country Representative - Afghanistan. Do you have a passion for helping others and want to work with other dedicated individuals? Read further to find out if this role is right for you.*
8 Month Contract
The Country Representative will be responsible for representing CRC in Afghanistan and to oversee and ensure the efficient and effective development and management of CRC programming in coordination with the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), IFRC and the other Red Cross Red Crescent Movement (RCM) Partners working in or supporting programs in Afghanistan, including close project coordination with Norwegian Red Cross.
In Afghanistan, the Country Representative ensures the application of the mandate of International Cooperation and Programs (ICP): mandate: International Cooperation and Programs assist people impacted by crises by leveraging Canadian expertise across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. It does so by developing and nurturing partnerships and maintaining a strategic presence around the world.
The Country Representative works as a collaborative member of the ICP Senior Management Team and actively participates in ensuring the alignment of programs towards CRC’s Operational Strategy, builds and drives cohesion, cooperation, shares information, provides updates on delivery and ensures accountability. The Country Representative will contribute to the success of CRC’s matrix model, the agility and scalability of the organization, delivering against the One Red Cross vision and interoperability and ensuring quality operations and programs overseas.
Who you are:
- You have international experience working in complex humanitarian contexts, preferably in Afghanistan
- You are an inspirational team leader with solid experience in project management and have strong technical capacity in community-based health programs
- You have experience working within the Red Cross Movement and / or other international non-governmental organization
You will enjoy:
- Culture: an organization that is guided by our fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality
- Opportunity: to work with the best and brightest in the non-profit field, in an environment that promotes continuous learning, creativity and collaboration
- Employee Benefits: achieve a work/life balance for you and your new team with competitive vacation time, generous personal days and flexible work arrangements
- Meaningful Work: The Country Representative is the most senior representative of the CRC in Afghanistan with supervisory and managerial responsibilities
As a Country Representative – Afghanistan you will:
Quality Program Management
Working with support from assigned NO or field program support staff (Program Coordinator, Program Officers) ensure the successful implementation of timely and quality CRC programming in Afghanistan that delivers results. Specifically:
- Coordinate with ARCS and RCM Partners in Afghanistan to ensure the consistent and quality implementation of all program activities as per expected objectives/goals, identified operating principles and within established budgets, timeframes, and compliance requirements.
- Work closely with technical advisors (CRC, ARCS, RCM Partners) to ensure quality program management, evaluation and record keeping in accordance with ICP/CRCS procedures.
- Understand the needs and concerns of ARCS and provide tailored and coordinated support to ARCS within the framework and budgets of the agreed upon projects.
CRC Representation and Coordination
- Maintain positive communications and partner relations in the best interests of CRC’s presence in Afghanistan, in line with CRC regional strategic directions and priorities.
- Actively provide high level representation, particularly at key coordination meetings as well as at other external meetings and advances the strategic interests of CRC programs in Afghanistan.
- Implement regular strategic mapping, analysis and engagement plans for stakeholders in Afghanistan, engaging regularly with the Head of Region on stakeholder engagement.
Relationship Management
- Actively maintain on-going risk and security assessment, networks, and sources of information (within RCM and externally), mapping, analysis, scenario planning and contingency and business planning for CRC presence, partnerships, and programs in Afghanistan.
- Ensure constant attention to incidents and events that may bring harm and/or disrupt programming, with early warning/early action communications to Head of Region CRCS Security as a top priority.
- Within existing RCM security frameworks, ensure the dissemination and enforcement of country delegation specific security rules and regulations and their understanding and respect by all CRCS staff in country, including visitors.
- Ensure that CRC policies, procedures, guidelines, and quality standards are known and adhered to within the country of operation.
We’re looking for:
- A university degree in Public Health, Management of Humanitarian Assistance or relevant field and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- A minimum of 5 years senior management experience in a conflict setting, in a similar role.
- A minimum of 3 years experience working in the RCM is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in senior level representation, relationship building and management, and strong diplomacy and negotiation skills.
- Experience in developing program/project proposals using RBM methodology and in designing and developing program implementation plans (PIP).
- Experience working in Afghanistan is a strong asset.
- Project management and stakeholder coordination, including planning, design, implementation, evaluation, and reporting.
- Advanced training in security management is an asset.
- Knowledge of Global Affairs Canada priorities and structure is an asset.
- Ability to live in a fragile/conflict environment and abide by strict security policies, including highly restricted movement.
- Strong, analytical, diplomatic and negotiation skills with previous experience in representational roles and liaising with numerous stakeholders.
- Strong program management skills, including a demonstrated understanding of program management in complex environments.
- Proven skills and experience in strategy development/implementation, finance and risk management, people and performance management
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, in English. Fluency in Dari or Pashto a strong asset.
- Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail and a proven ability to effectively multi-task.
- Demonstrated solutions-oriented manager, with proven analytical skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to the principles of the RCM.
- Resilience and adaptability to changing circumstances and an evolving environment.
Working Conditions:
This is a field-based position in a context of protracted conflict and restricted movement. Working in this context is very demanding, both physically and psychologically . Difficult working conditions are expected, including the following:
- Issues of access and mobility due to high security risks.
- Long hours of work in a demanding context with limited resources.
- Basic living conditions in shared accommodation that often experiences electricity and Internet outages.
- CRCS supports a safe working environment and comfortable accommodation; however, as in all contexts, delegates must be aware and responsible for their personal safety and that of employees under their supervision.
- In some contexts, legal frameworks and institutions to enforce the rule of law are largely undeveloped.
- In some remote areas access to healthcare could be limited or non-existent.
- All CRC delegates must be cleared by the Travel Health Team with full medical and vaccination clearance.
At the Canadian Red Cross, our mission is to improve lives of vulnerable people. We are driven by the power of humanity to create a diverse, accessible and equitable work environment. We celebrate uniqueness of every human being regardless of your race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, physical or mental disability, gender identity or expression.
Please notify us as soon as possible of any adaptive measures you might require at any stage of the recruitment process.
How to apply:
Click HERE to apply