Deputy Regional Representative Africa

The Norwegian Red Cross is part of the Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement, the world’s largest humanitarian network with millions of volunteers operating in 190 countries. The RCRC Movement’s mission is to alleviate human suffering, protect life and health, and uphold human dignity especially during armed conflicts and other emergencies. The international engagement of the Norwegian Red Cross is based on and guided by humanitarian needs and the humanitarian imperative aiming at achieving humanitarian objectives. Internationally we operates exclusively inside the framework of the RCRC Movement and have established regional and country ofices to ensure decentralized decision-making and proximity to partners and projects.

In Africa, Norwegian Red Cross aims to improve the health of vulnerable people and reduce excess morbidity and mortality in contexts affected by conflict and protracted crisis in the Sahel and Horn of Africa.

The Norwegian Red Cross focuses on building capacity of National Societies as well as supporting their programs in health emergencies. We support National Societies health care delivery, especially where the concerned governments are not able to fulfil the needs – always focusing on synergies together with other community- based programs. Another aim is to improve the regional emergency preparedness, early warning and response systems related to epidemic outbreaks, forced displacement and acute drought. A further objective is to strengthen the effectiveness of financial management and the quality of programme design and management of National Society partners.

Responsibilities of the Deputy Regional Representative:

The purpose of the position is to oversee results-based management of programmes in the region, manage Norwegian Red Cross contribution to Red Cross Movement’s (RCM) regional preparedness and response systems and deputize for the Regional Representative.

• Closely monitors relevant risks in the region and provides updated analysis and recommendations to the Regional Representative and Disaster Risk Management Unit at National Office (HQ) accordingly
• Lead the assessment of Emergency Appeals in the region and provides recommendation to the Regional Representative on support to emergency operations
• Coordinate that Norwegian Red Cross funded initiatives in the region and improve regional disaster preparedness and response operations in, order to achieve desired results
• Ensure that Norwegian Red Cross proactively contributes to timely and complementary RCM preparedness and response to acute disasters in the region
• Engage and motivate the professional development of regional technical delegates and Results Management Officer and follow up on yearly plans
• Oversee and ensure that technical delegates in the region work with other technical personnel globally to contribute to optimal use of technical resources across regions in international activities
• Ensures that all regional and country office staff have access to and can make use of technical resources
• Contribute to human resources planning for technical competencies in the region

Mission specific responsibilities:

• Oversee and coordinate (at regional level) the institutional efforts related to Community Based Surveillance (CBS) in close coordination with the national office and established plans
• Leads on establishing an effective institutional system at regional level to ensure timely identification of arising emergencies, and guides Norwegian Red Cross’ engagement in accordance with established criteria

Required education and experience:

• Higher education at master level within relevant field
• Experience from implementing humanitarian projects at field level
• Advanced knowledge of disaster preparedness and response mechanisms
• Leadership experience from an international organization within the humanitarian field
• Experience and practical knowledge of results-based management
• Track record of emergency response deployments is an asset
• Technical expertise in health, WASH or protection is desirable
• Fluency in English is required. Working proficiency of regional languages is an asset
• International driving license (manual gear) is required

We seek a person who:

• Takes initiative and responsibility, is a self-starter, makes things happen and is result oriented
• Communicates in a clear, precise and structured way; speaks with authority and conviction; presents effectively
• Collaborates well with others; shares knowledge, experience and information and supports others in the pursuit of team goals
• Creates a stable and re-assuring work atmosphere; supports and encourages team; is firm and reliable
• Develops people through delegation, empowerment and coaching; promotes career and self- development
• Provides team with a clear sense of direction, inspires and co-ordinates others and keep them focused on objectives

Additional information:

The position will report to the Regional Representative, and will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. The position is a family post.

Length of contract will be 24 months with possibility for extension.

Why should you apply?

Meaningful: Youll be a part of the world's largest humanitarian organization, reaching the most vulnerable people in their local community

Impact: You will help National Societies in the region to become strong, self-sustained and accountable humanitarian actors

Career: You will be connected to an international organization with staff based all over the world

A great place to work: You will work in a multicultural environment with hard-working, dedicated and fun colleagues with a strong culture of collaboration, continual improvement, and celebration of wins

Norwegian Red Cross striving to build a working culture based on respect, honesty and generosity.

We do a thorough background check on relevant candidate.

Please send your application here