PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY ADVISER

Purpose of the Post:

The work of the Office of the Director-General focuses among other priorities on strengthening performance and accountability (P&A) management across the Institution.

The Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) Sector has the overall responsibility for setting the strategic direction and leading the performance and accountability (P&A) agenda. As such, it manages and coordinates the institution’s planning, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning efforts (PMEAL). Its work is geared towards operationalizing results-based management at all organizational levels through the design, implementation and management of ICRC’s field performance measurement system and evaluation function, the strengthening of institutional performance, the reform of the Annual Planning & Monitoring cycle, and the provision of guidance and support to managers on performance management issues.

The Department seeks to influence and support P&A approaches and good practice within ICRC and among partners.

The purpose of the Performance and Accountability Adviser is to contribute to the overall work of the PME Sector in strengthening institutional performance and accountability, especially in relation to internal developments related to performance management and accountability.

Main Responsibilities:

-      In support of the PME Sector, follow internal developments related to performance management and advise ICRC staff on their relevance for the organization; reinforce dialogue with internal stakeholders on performance management issues; and facilitate sharing developments to ensure that ICRC's performance management meets or exceeds sector standards.

-      Work with Head of PME Sector to identify important performance or accountability related issues to the ICRC requiring focused intervention; Support the PME Sector in anticipating and managing internal performance and accountability demands.

-      Act as an enabler and a convener by anticipating, managing and influencing ICRC corporate performance and accountability requirements ensuring strong linkages with relevant Departments and the field performance management system.

-      Support the PME Sector in defining the business requirements to ensure that PfR/MfR/PMT are fully adequate to ICRC’s and donors’ needs.

-      Serve as the Sector’s focal point on the Planning for Results process (planning, budgeting, monitoring and reporting of results), supporting the development and update of related processes, methodologies, procedures, and overall guidance to staff. Develop PME Sector related guidance, tools, frameworks, systems and processes and oversee their adoption to improve practice.

-      Manage the Sector’s efforts in determining RBM institutional standards and promote their implementation.

-      Coach departments and delegations on issues related to planning, monitoring, and evaluation and monitor the use of RBM methodologies across the organization.

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-      Lead the Sector’s effort in streamlining and harmonizing training initiatives around programme management and results-based management in order to strengthen staff capacity and accountability. Develop, update, and facilitate training modules accordingly.

-      Design, establish and manage ICRC’s evaluation function and ensure oversight at the institutional level. Provide guidance and support to internal and external stakeholders regarding evaluations at all level of the organization.

-      Provide overall change management leadership, supported by the Head of PME Sector, on themes, issues and initiatives that promote performance and accountability. Shape the practical and strategic aspects of such change initiatives to ensure that they remain relevant and appropriate, and manage their embedding into the ICRC's ways of working.

Background and experience required:

-      Strong advisory skills in international contexts (ideally from an HQ perspective).

-      Strong understanding of monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment.

-      Up-to-date knowledge of good practices in performance and accountability, particularly organisational performance, value for money, accountability to populations, donor accountability and quality codes and standards.

-      Proven ability to analyse complex issues and solve problems.

-      Ability to communicate well with individuals and groups and lead them through processes.

-      Ability to coach individuals and groups.

-      Confident use of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel).

-      Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, French a strong asset.

-      Post Graduate level, within an area relevant to international humanitarian aid and/or development, or in management.

Profile and skills required:

-      Proven overseas field experience in the humanitarian or development sector.

-      Proven understanding and experience of all aspects of performance and accountability.

-      Proven experience of supporting organisational planning, monitoring and reporting mechanisms, and leading on strategic processes.

-      Experience coordinating complex initiatives with multiple stakeholders.

-      Significant experience of change management from concept through to embedding within ways of working (processes, practices and systems).

-      Experience in applying monitoring and evaluation methods, and undertaking evaluations.

Desirable:

-     Experience in an international, cross-cultural advisory role.

-      Demonstrable experience of developing and delivering successful training and facilitating workshops.

-      Experience working with major donors.

-      Experience of the Red Cross desirable.

Additional information:

Length of Assignment: 2 years (possibility of renewal)

Starting Date: as soon as possible

Deadline for applications: 27.08.2017

Reporting Line: The person reports directly to the Head of PME Sector.

Please note that preselected candidates should be contacted for the interviews between September 4th and 14th (this schedule can be subjected to modifications according to operational constraints)