Deputy Country Director

Manage the development and implementation of the support functions to facilitate the implementation of the country programme strategy. Providing leadership, strategic direction, management and evaluation of all aspects of the support functions, the Deputy Country Director also plays a key role in external representation, legal compliance and team leadership.

Project Overview

In response to the ongoing crisis in Iraq, Medair’s programme is delivering emergency assistance to Iraqi IDPs, returnees and host communities in Dohuk, Ninewa, Kirkuk and Salah-al-Din. Projects include Emergency Health Response, Shelter and NFI Assistance, Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance and WASH. The Iraq programme operates within the Medair Middle East programme, collaboration, coordination and shared learning of projects is expected within the region.

Medair

Medair is a humanitarian organisation inspired and motivated by Christian faith to relieve human suffering in some of the world’s most remote and devastated places. We bring relief and recovery to people in crisis, regardless of race, creed or nationality. As signatories of the Red Cross Code of Conduct, we believe that aid should be given to everyone who is in need, regardless of political, social or religious viewpoint. We save lives in emergencies and then stay to help people recover from crisis with dignity—working side by side with communities to leave a lasting impact. We provide a range of emergency relief and recovery services: health care and nutrition; safe water, sanitation, and hygiene; shelter and infrastructure. Internationally recruited field and headquarters staff lead the organisation, supported by nationally recruited staff to implement programmes locally.

Workplace

Field based position in Erbil, Iraq. Take a look at Medair’s work in Iraq.

Starting Date

As soon as possible

Initial Contract Details

Full time, 24 months

Key Activity Areas

Programme Management

• Assisting the Country Director with the identification and design of future projects.
• Oversight of programme activities in Duhok and Ninewa ensuring support to the Projects Coordinator and timely communication on programme issues to the Country Director.
• Assisting the programmes teams with donor reports and proposals where necessary and in close coordination with the Programme Funding Manager, advisors and project coordinators.
• Provide coaching support to project managers to ensure high quality implementation of programmes.
• Review monthly project reports to monitor progress of programme implementation for Duhok.
• Lead on the development of cross cutting themes in project design and implementation.

Programme Support Management

• Support field managers in all aspects of finance, administrative, human resource and logistics management, ensuring knowledge of and adherence to applicable operational systems, donor requirements and country programme strategy.
• Prepare and implement policies, procedures and guidelines, to enhance the smooth running of the programmes through standardised procedures and improved support. This may include finance and governance procedures, staff management, fleet management and IT security and infrastructure.
• Ensure all in-country legal requirements are met including registration, reporting, insurance, work permits, contracts, liaising as necessary with government departments and other official bodies.
• Represent Medair at relevant meetings with government officials, contractors, other NGOs.

Financial Management

• Supervise the budget management and expenditure for support and shared costs, in collaboration with field managers and HQ staff, ensuring budgets are spent according to donor proposals and regulations and within the appropriate time frame.
• Monitor programme spending, ensuring relevant guidelines and procedures and being followed and that systems are in place for the prevention and detection of possible fraud.

Staff Management

• Line manage designated staff, including direct supervision and development.
• Assist other managers in their line management responsibilities, including recruitment, objective setting, development and training, disciplinary action, and deputise for them during periods of absence.
• Facilitate regular team meetings for support managers through a consultative leadership style and a transparent, honest and supportive communication structure, develop and build an effective team.
• Reflect the vision and live the values of Medair at all times and especially when interacting with team members and provide them with leadership, advice and support.
• Develop direct reports to improve their knowledge competence and performance.

Security Management

• Ensure staff members and visitors receive briefings and on-going training in security-related topics.
• Oversee and monitor staff adherence to security protocols, including security incident reports.
• Ensure security plans and protocols for Duhok and Ninewa are implemented.
• Assist the Country Director in managing security incidents, as required.
• Ensure timely gathering and analysis of security information through the Security Officer in Erbil and communication of information to key staff members as relevant.

Communication

• Develop and maintain a transparent, honest and supportive communication structure with colleagues to ensure they are kept informed of support related activities and requirements.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with suppliers, local authorities, other NGOs and any other stakeholders, representing Medair and ensuring good co-operation and partnerships.

Quality Management

• Supervise the Monitoring & Evaluation manager and ensure adequate roll out of Information Management systems within programmes through the IM team.
• Promote and use the Medair Box and other operating procedures, ensuring that all standardised formats are used and guidelines are followed
• In conjunction with relevant managers, review, develop and implement systems to improve transparency and to detect and ultimately prevent loss or fraud. Carry-out regular inspections and spot-checks, both on systems and on-going work, to ensure the best use of Medair assets and resources.

Field - Team Spiritual Life

• Reflect the vision and values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, and external contacts.
• Fully contribute to the rich spiritual life of your team, including team devotions, prayers, and words of encouragement.
• Live, work and pray together in our Christian faith-based team settings.
• Instigate and contribute to prayer times within internationally recruited staff and HQ teams.
• Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international programmes and HQ prayer network.

This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organisational needs.

Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant subject such as Management / Development Studies / Business Administration or in a relevant technical subject.

Languages

• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written)

Experience / Competencies

• 2 years post-qualification experience in a management position.
• At least 1 year post-qualification experience in a complex humanitarian emergency.
• Experience in dealing with donors and government officials.
• Knowledge of Humanitarian Essentials, Sphere and CHS Standards and other international humanitarian guidelines and protocols.
• Good knowledge of UN and other humanitarian actors and of current humanitarian debates and issues.
• Advanced planning, assessment and analytical skills.
• Advanced leadership and management skills.
• Excellent communication skills, coaching and training skills.
• Able to oversee multiple tasks, prioritising and delegating as required.
• Creative, open-minded, flexible, self-learner.
• Capacity to work under pressure and manage personal stress levels.

Profiles sought for Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS) roles in the field

Relief experience

• Professionals with 12 months or more relevant relief or development experience (Experienced Relief Workers).
• Professionals with less than 12 months relevant relief or development experience (New Relief Workers).

Professional

• Experienced professionals in a relevant Medair sector of expertise.
• Overseas intercultural experience.

Values

• Fully committed to the Medair values; to reflect the vision and values of Medair with team members, local staff, and external contacts.

Personal qualities

• Able to live and work in a multicultural team under difficult conditions.
• Strong character traits, including emotional stability, adaptability, ability to handle stress, cultural and gender sensitivity, honesty, and physically fit.

Availability

• Single or married (with no children under 18). If married, your spouse must also apply.

Final selection.

• All potential candidates for field positions must successfully complete the Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC). Information, dates and related costs can be found via this link.

Benefits Package provided to all Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS)

• Comprehensive briefing at our Swiss Headquarters, as well as an in-country briefing.
• Security training for those going to insecure environments.
• Accommodation, food, and transportation in-country.
• Return flights to and from the country programme (one return flight for every year of service).
• Rest and recuperation (R&R) leave (including travel, accommodation, and food).
• Annual leave.
• Comprehensive medical and emergency rescue insurance, with up to 60 days post-assignment coverage, including debriefing.
• Disability insurance.

Specific benefits for Experienced Relief Workers (IRS)

(Applicants with 12 months or more relevant relief or development experience)

• A salary based upon the grade of the position and experience of the position-holder, starting from USD 1,700 per month.
• Contribution matching programme for retirement savings.
• Additional contract benefit allowance for those who commit to longer contracts.
• Highly subsidised contribution to Medair ROC travel and accommodation costs.

Working Conditions

• This is a field-based position and working and living conditions may be very different to that previously experienced

Application Process

Before you apply, please ensure you are fully aware of the:

1. Medair organisational values.

2. Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC) (which forms part of the recruitment selection process for field positions).

Then to apply, go to http://relief.medair.org/en/jobs/positions/deputy-country-d . . . then:

1. apply for this vacancy (or another position that matches your profile), or

2. apply for a Medair ROC (where we can try and match your competencies to our vacancy needs).

Please do not make multiple applications. We will not review email applications. Only English-language applications / CVs will be reviewed. Medair does not set closing / deadline dates for applications; recruitment is on-going until the position is filled.