Coordinator, Programs and Operations

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 four main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Coordination, (ii) Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization, (iii) People and Strategy, and (iv) Legal, Governance Support and Accountability.

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.

The position is primarily located in Tunisia, but covers three countries, namely Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. The position reports directly to the Head of the Country Cluster Delegation North Africa. The role holder will fundamentally facilitate coordination and technical assistance within and between the Federation and the respective NSs in the IFRC Noth Africa Cluster.

Reporting to the Head of Country Cluster Delegation (HoCCD), with a technical reporting line to the Regional Head of HDCC, the Programs and Operations Coordinator leads IFRC’s programmatic and operational coordination at the cluster level. This role aligns with regional and global priorities to ensure cohesive and unified strategic direction across the IFRC membership. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating and providing technical support across all aspects of disaster preparedness and response. Additionally, the role supports programmatic and technical areas including health, climate change, and migration; ensures capacity building and resilience; strengthens localization efforts; and facilitates the coordination of both short-term and longer-term initiatives and interventions.

Relationship management and program development

• Lead the identification, development and management of IFRC’s strategic and operational inclusive partnerships and programs in the CCD in collaboration with the MENA Regional Office’s
• Support the CCD in mapping and outreaching to membership and stakeholders in close collaboration with relevant colleagues in MENA Regional Office.
• Develop and expand cooperation mechanisms with Movement partners to maximize coordinate program development, fundraising and advocacy potential.
• Coordinate with NSs and Partner NSs (PNSs) to ensure a unified planning and Federation-wide approach, including multilateral and bilateral partners, and including those within the region; liaise with the ICRC on all relevant matters
• Advise on Government partnerships in cooperation with respective PNSs and Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization (SPRM) Team.
• Strengthen cooperation with multilateral and international financial institutions – such as the European Commission (in close coordination with EUNS), international cooperation agencies, development banks with country/regional presence, UN agencies, and specialized funds (e.g.: Global Fund, GAVI, GCF) and other donors with an interest in CCD countries.
• Lead on membership coordination with EUNSs and develop synergies and complementarities with regards to EC funding and programs.
• Encourage synergies between internal and external partners of the Movement to implement the Regional Operation Plan for the CCD.
• Promote knowledge sharing of program development expertise amongst NSs in the CCD and that links are facilitated with regional networks.

Operations and Programs oversight

• Lead IFRC support to NSs in strengthening its service delivery systems, designing and delivering program and contributing to the Strategic Aims of Strategy 2030 and IFRC operational plans and budgets
• Promote integrated programming approach, linking DRM with Health and Care, Shelter, Migration, Food Security & Livelihoods and National Society Development (NSD).
• Lead a collaborative and cooperative approach across all the aspects of the (technical) support, ensuring that all program areas have continuous access to technical advice and guidance to support program implementation, including backstopping for technical support as required.
• Work closely with the NSD and other technical delegates in the enhancement of NS capacity.
• Ensure that evaluations carried out are timely, relevant, effective and implemented to the best international practice of shared learning and accountability and ‘lessons learned’ are incorporated in future programming.

Grant management

• Grant-manage and coordinate support to NS in the implementation of funding received in support of their Unified Plans, with a particular focus on the Migration grant for the Algeria Red Crescent Society.

Strategic and priority setting support to NSs

• In coordination with NSD Encourage the revision, actualization and alignment of NSs’ strategies so that they are in line with the IFRC regional and global priorities.
• Ensure establishment technical coordination spaces to review the pillars of the CCD NSs’ strategies to reflect the needs at the operational level at the national and regional context.
• Lead on strategic guidance to NSs in the identification of resources and technical expertise needed to support the identified priorities the quality of their interventions and work in the national context.

Effective matrix and people management

• Contribute to the effective coordination with technical units of the Regional Office.
• Responsible for identifying risks within their work area, monitoring the development of the risks, and implementing risk responses or escalating to the HoCCD when necessary.
• Effectively manage, coach, develop and mentor prospective reporting staff and interns.

Required

• Relevant university degree in social sciences and/or development studies on programs, humanitarian response and organizational development
• Master’s degree or equivalent in management, political science, social sciences, international studies, international relations, international development, humanitarian affairs.

Required

• At least 7-8 years of experience in program and operations management, donor relations or resource mobilization.
• Experience working in a multicultural, international environment.
• Demonstrable experience in external donor relations, fundraising and project/funding proposal preparation.
• Experience in program development and program management, particularly with references to experience with regional and multi country programs.
• Experience in partnership development, diplomatic representation, resource development or fundraising.

Preferred

• Experience of working in the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement.

Required:

• Highly developed leadership skills.
• Professional credibility, strong analytical skills, and ability to work at various levels of complexity.
• Excellent oral and written communication, networking, and representation skills.
• Proven ability to motivate and manage a team.
• Strategic analysis, systematic planning, data analysis and implementation skills.
• Excellent collaborative and teamwork skills.
• Highly organized and results oriented.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills and ability to negotiate while maintaining effective working relations.
• Ability to work and communicate efficiently in a multi-cultural, multilingual and cross-functional environment, including dispersed teams.
• Fluent spoken and written English

Preferred

• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic)

• 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.
• Functional competencies: Strategic orientation; Building alliances; Leadership; Empowering others.
• Managerial competencies: Managing staff performance; Managing staff development.