Project Manager

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. 

The IFRC has been present in the South Caucasus region, including through Country Delegation in Armenia since 1992 with large scale humanitarian programmes. Currently, IFRC has a Regional Country Cluster Delegation based in Tbilisi, Georgia that covers three countries in the South Caucasus. Since end of 2020, the IFRC opened a country office in Armenia.

Since September 2023, Armenia has experienced a massive influx of individuals following the military escalation starting on 19 September. Recognizing the urgency Armenian Red Cross Society (ARCS) is responding to the immediate needs of the people arriving to Armenia, as well as the medium- to longer-term humanitarian needs to contribute to early recovery of people affected by the disaster, including the population arriving to Armenia, host communities, and people from the disputed region who arrived during previous population movements. IFRC plays a constructive and proactive role in supporting the collective Movement response in close coordination with ARCS and ICRC. Thus, the Emergency Appeal was launched as part of a Federation-wide approach, based on the response priorities of the ARCS and in consultation with all Federation members contributing to the response.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this position is to support the IFRC Armenia country cluster well as the ARCS to strengthen project management cycle, with a particular focus on the current context of the Armenia crisis. The project manager takes up the lead in managing IFRC Emergency Appeal and DREF operations in yellow or orange level emergencies, in particular in taking the lead in the successful planning and implementation of the operational response in Armenia. The Project Manager takes up the lead in facilitating a structured capacity building of ARCS’s project-related areas tailored to the needs of the affected by-crisis population in Armenia.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Project cycle management:

• In charge of implementing the projects in the field of climate change, disaster risk management, and response to the current population movement crisis in Armenia (with a focus on livelihood, psychosocial support, protection, and education)
• Ensure proper project planning, preparation and activities organisation
• Monitor programme progress including regular nationwide field visits of Armenia to project locations
• Contribute to assessments, baseline study, participatory assessments etc. as relevant
• Support end of programme evaluations by ensuring proper design of tools and field trips for Evaluation Team
• Write project progress reports (Monthly/Quarterly/Annual) as well as Intermediary and Final reports based on Donors requirements
• In compliance with donors and ARCS regulations, realize tender procedures and produce tender documentation (if required) to ensure transparent financial management for the supply of materials and services
• Define project budget forecast based on sound analysis of activity plans
• In close cooperation with Finance Staff, ensure constant budget monitoring
• Contribute to the preparation of quarterly, intermediary and final finance reports
• Provide communication materials in link with project achievements

Technical quality:

• Ensure qualitative activities design and implementation
• Consult, disseminate and monitor relevant technical guidelines and materials use
• Provide technical guidance to staff and volunteers
• Facilitate external expertise contribution from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and partners National as well as expertise from external partners

Organizational and methodology development:

• Manage the IFRC field team and ARCS HQ and field team in the implementation of activities in climate change, disaster risk management, and response to the current population movement crisis in Armenia (with a focus on livelihood, psychosocial support, protection and education)
• Contribute actively to thematic areas development at the National level in ARCS

Coordination, information and communication

• Contribute actively to the inter-agency working groups, exchanges and meetings
• Serve as IFRC focal point between the IFRC thematic team, the IFRC field team, ARCS HQ and branches;
• Participate to the exchange with Red Cross partners in Country on thematic related matters
• Support the IFRC field team with communication with local authorities in geographic area of project implementation
• Facilitate external communication between the IFRC field team and the state authorities on regions and national levels

Education

Required:

• University degree, preferably in the field of social science, project management, humanitarian faculty, Civil Protection related background

Experience

Required:

• Previous work experience as project manager for 3 years 
• Integrity and honesty in dealing with confidential information 
• At least 5 years of professional experience in humanitarian field is required 
• Ability to work independently and execute tasks in a reliable and competent manner 
• Experience in narrative and financial reporting and proposal writing
• Experience in the Europe region

Preferred:

• Good time management and organizational skills
• Management and supervisory experience in a multicultural environment

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required:

• Knowledge of different Disaster Management and programme concepts, as well as the challenges and risks involved with implementing such programmes.
• Understanding of Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate change stakeholders in the NS, RCRC Movement, government, private sector
• Understanding and use of various beneficiary registration methods and systems
• Knowledge of feedback and response mechanism, including appropriate methods of beneficiary communication and channels
• Technical/professional knowledge within the areas of Disaster Management in humanitarian and/or development contexts, with an emphasis on the ability to design, implement and monitor cash responses, in a variety of contexts and in an inclusive manner.
• Ability to transfer knowledge, skills, and/or abilities to staff and volunteers
• Ability to translate Armenian to English and vice versa
• Fluent spoken and written English
• Fluent spoken and written Armenian language

Preferred:

• Strong interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills
• Understanding of integrated approaches to disaster response
• Knowledge of RCRC Movement CVA and Livelihoods tools and guidance

Competencies, Values and Comments

• Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability.
• Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and Teamwork; Pro-activity; National Societies and Customer Relations; Creativity and Innovation; Building Trust