Assistant, Programme

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC or “the Federation”) is the world’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network. The Federation is a membership organization established by and comprised of its membersNational Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Along with National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The overall aim of the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies 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.” It works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises. The IFRC is served by a secretariat based in Geneva, with regional, country cluster support teams and country offices throughout the world. The secretariat is led by the IFRC Secretary General and provides the central capacity to serve, connect, and represent National Societies. The secretariat’s focus includes providing support to the IFRC governance mechanisms; setting norms and standards; providing guidance; ensuring consistency, coordination, and accountability for performance; knowledge sharing; promoting collaboration within and respect for the Movement; and expanding engagement with partners.

The Colombo Office in Sri Lanka provides support to the Sri Lankan Red Cross under the guidance of the Country Cluster Delegation team in Delhi which provides support to the National Societies of India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives. The Colombo office also works closely with the ICRC and its members National Societies if present in the country in support of SLRCS.

The Programme Assistant -will support the Senior Manager- Programme in effective management of programmes and operations in Sri Lanka. Under the guidance of Senior Manager - Programmeswill closely with respective thematic and technical leaders to ensure that programmes and operations are planned, implemented, monitored, reviewed and reported in a timely manner. The Programme Assistant provide effective support in various aspects of programmes and operations including  annual work plans, Finance ,budget and monitoring, and compliance with reporting obligations.

Programme management:

• Support Senior programme Manager,CCD by contributing to ensure sound financial and risk management in IFRC regional Will support to ensure that the programmes are implemented according to approved plans and budgets, and in compliance with IFRC procedures and policies, :
  • Support to ensure effective and thorough cash pledge expense management in close coordination with unit
  • Contribute by working closely with technical leaders and finance units to ensure proper budget monitoring, accurate cash forecasts, and expenditures are properly tracked against approved budgets.
  • Support year end closing of accounts by reviewing detailed pledge Under guidance and advice of Senior Manager – Programme ,CCD will coordinate with Leads and finances team to make any necessary rectifications, in collaboration with technical leaders.
• Should undertake tasks related with translation (English - Sinhala/ Sinhala - English) for short publications and documents for internal use, and training materials.
• Should provide support in designing surveys on selected survey

Knowledge management, communications, and reporting:

• Should collate materials of program related activities in Sri Lanka and provide the same to line manager
• Coordinate with the Line Manager for the development of the Operational Bi-weekly report, collecting the information and sharing within the IFRC staff – stake holders
• Under the guidance of Senior Manager – Programme ensure creation and maintainance of a well-functioning filling system for the correspondence and documentation of the office. This would include both electronic and paper files.
• Under the guidance & supervision of Senior Manager – Programme create and maintain SharePoint and Microsoft Teams sites and assist the respective technical leaders with information management and knowledge-sharing.
• Under the guidance & supervision of Senior Manager – Programme coordinate briefings with other units according to internal rules as and when adviced to undertake.
• Maintain a database of contacts of the Programs/Operations in Sri Lanka.
• Ensure reporting arrangements are in place and implemented to ensure that the reporting requirements are met in a timely

Support the programme team in the annual planning process by contributing to relevant sections.

* Relevant university degree or an equivalent

* WORC, IMPACT or equivalent knowledge

* Technical training in programme management

* 3 years plus experience in administration or as a programme assistant

* Experience of working for the Red Cross/Red Crescent, preferably IFRC

* Relevent experience in financial management

* Proficient in computer literacy (use of Microsoft Office applications)

* High degree of discretion, tact and sensitivity in dealing with internal and external clients and stakeholders at all levels.

* Ability to work within a multi-cultural, multilingual, multidisciplinary environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.

* Methodical and organized approach to tasks, with an eye for detail

* Skills in using consultative processes to improve procedures and services

* Proficient in collaborative and cooperative approaches in teamwork

* Able to work independently, as well as working co-operatively as a team member

* Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple tasks

* Ability to work under stressful conditions, meet deadlines and travel extensively to support field operations or training

* Fluently spoken and written English

* 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 Societies and Customer Relations; Creativity and Innovation; Building Trust.