Officer, Programme

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 five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

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.

Job Purpose

The purpose of the Country Program Officer is to optimize humanitarian outcomes through coordinating the design and implementation of country programs in West (TER&KHM) and in line with Operational Framework and technical standards.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic responsibilities

• Ensure the alignment of projects and adherence to the Operational Framework, including technical standards and project management methodologies.
• Oversee program development and ensure humanitarian results in line with predefined operational outcomes.
• Coordinate with HNS teams to ensure effective collaboration and smooth execution of the program portfolio.

Operational responsibilities:

• Oversee the day-to-day implementation of Norwegian Red Cross programmes in the west, ensuring activities are carried out in accordance with the country operational strategy and project documentation.
• Provides support in the development of quality project packages to be submitted for internal approval before project start up.
• Supports the design and implementation of baseline surveys.
• Supports the Health Coordinator in monitoring of progress and discusses adjustments to improve results and achieve objectives for all Norwegian Red Cross activities in the regions.
• Under direction from Norwegian Red Cross assures quality, advises, and supports on budgeting and financial reporting from partners.
• Contributes to adequate needs assessment to inform design of relevant projects.
• Provides support in managing expenses, ensuring they align with the budget and action plan, and assists the budget holder in approving the expenses.
• Ensures the logical project structure of effects and results according to existing guidelines and linkages between the Host National Society and Norwegian Red Cross results frameworks.
• Contributes to the development of SMART indicators that are supported by clear and concise indicator guidelines that operationalizes the indicators and explains the data sources, collection methods, frequency of monitoring and audience.
• Assures quality of overall data and reports provided by HNS.
• Supports the organization of end-line studies to quantitative measures changes in values of chosen variables.
• Facilitates mid-term and final evaluation the design and implementation of relevant end line exercises to measure programme success.
• Reports to the Health Coordinator issues related to project implementation and options to improve project objectives.
• Provides input to quarterly reports, yearly reports and indicator tracking table.
• Support in providing trainings and coaching Host National Society (HNS) project staff on the operationalization of established technical standards and when challenges arise.
• Acquires fluency in the understanding of Norwegian Red Cross work processes and digital tools.
• Contribute to emergency preparedness and response initiatives at country level if requested.
• Performs duties and tasks not covered in this job description and provide support to colleagues when necessary and assigned by the line manager.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

Mission specific responsibilities

This position will be based in  Khmylnitska  Oblast with frequent field visits to the field (Khmelnytskyi) to ensure close follow up on implementation and effective monitoring. Position will also play a strong coordination role between main country office, and the URCS regional branches.

Collaboration

• Liaise with line manager to ensure consistent accountability towards Norwegian Red Cross rules and regulations, guidelines and deadlines.
• Liaise with Technical Unit if necessary to ensure alignment and adherence to technical guidance and standards in Operational Framework
• Liaise with HNS technical, project teams and key local stakeholders to ensure relevance of technical assistance provided.

Liaise with the Global Disaster Management Unit related to preparedness and emergencies in country as relevant.

Duties applicable to all staff

Actively work towards the achievement of the Federation Secretariat’s goals

Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles

Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager

Education

University Degree in relevant technical discipline (Medicine, Nursing, Public Health etc.).

Experience

Required

Working experience relevant for focus

Proven experience from project management, including needs assessments project design, MEAL planning and reporting.

Knowledge in building technical capacities of partner organizations.

In-depth understanding and practical application of relevant technical standards in humanitarian projects.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required

Demonstrated ability to manage programs in challenging contexts.

Excellent communication and writing skills.

Basic knowledge of financial management and to use reporting applications.

Ability to work towards achieving objectives and results.

Ability to convince and gain acceptance

Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to be solution oriented.

Collaborates well with others and supports others in the pursuit of team goals.

Willingness to travel to security tense areas in the country

Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required. Working proficiency of other regional language is an asset.

Competencies, Values and Comments

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability 

Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust