Jordan: Area Coordinator--Northwestern Syria

The International Rescue Committee responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, IRC offers life-saving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in more than 40 countries and in 22 U.S. cities, IRC restores safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted by conflict or disaster. IRC leads the way from harm to home.

CONTEXTUAL BACKGROUND

The Syria crisis is often described as the worst humanitarian catastrophe since the end of the Cold War. Inside Syria, 7.6 million people are internally displaced and 12.2 million are in need of humanitarian assistance, with 4.8 million in hard-to-reach areas. There are 4 million Syrian refugees in neighboring countries. This is no short-term humanitarian episode. The devastating human consequences to huge numbers of people will endure for decades. The destruction of relationships, communities, livelihoods, homes and infrastructure will take years to repair.

IRC is offering a robust humanitarian response to the Syria crisis. With an annual budget in excess of $140 million and a rapidly expanding portfolio, supported by more than 3,000 staff and workers in the region, IRC is undertaking programs in Syria and the neighboring countries of Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan in the fields of health, child protection, education, women's protection and empowerment, NFI and food distribution, cash assistance, water and sanitation, and livelihood programming. Our work in these challenging settings gives rise to some of the most pressing issues facing contemporary humanitarian action, including questions of access, security, funding and coordination.

Job Overview/Summary

The Syria Area Coordinator--Northwest (ACNW) will be based in Amman and will supervise the field manager/team leader of the respective area of operation and report directly to the Deputy Director of Field Operations (DDFO). The AC will lead program implementation in Northwestern Syria field sites in close coordination and communication with key program, operations and finance personnel based in the IRC Syria office, in Amman, Jordan. Essentially, s/he is responsible for ensuring that program activities are carried out effectively, efficiently, and safely, in furtherance of objectives established by the DDFO, and taking into consideration all internal and external factors affecting the operational environment. It is critical that this person have the ability to project strategic, programmatic, and policy leadership remotely.

S/he will ensure the timely implementation of quality programming in coordination with technical program and operations coordinators from IRC Syria. In close coordination with the DDFO, S/he will support in the design of IRC programs in Syria from an operational and feasibility perspective, and lead the implementation of the programs in an integrated approach. Where applicable, The AC will also provide guidance and support to partner organizations and ensure the capacity building of IRC staff, Incentive Workers, and partners with active hands-on collaboration. S/he will promote coordination among field-based staff and colleagues based in the Amman office.

Major Responsibilities

Program support:

• Serves as point person for operational support to programs inside Syria and in coordination with the DDFO and other ACs, provides strategic leadership to overall programming in the designated area of operations in Syria.
• Oversees Field manager/Team leader and the work of the relevant field teams during the preparatory work, assessments, technical requirements, and selection of external entities in support of the specific projects/program.
• In Coordination with the DDFO, ensures full compliance with project/grant agreements and with statutory and technical legislation issued by appropriate government authorities.
• In coordination with the DDFO, supports the work of the Technical and M&E teams using appropriate IRC-developed tools and resources to maximize project impact on beneficiaries.
• Works closely with Program Technical Coordinators to identify programming technical needs and take the lead in implementation and follow up as appropriate and in close coordination with the program sector leads and guidance from the DDFO.
• Promotes strong linkages and exchange between operations and program teams, including Field managers and with other Syria Area Coordinators engaged in similar programming within the IRC Syria program to ensure the sharing of best practices and expertise.
• Closely monitors events in current and potential operational areas within Syria (humanitarian situation, politics, and security, etc.), in order to identify other possible programming areas and supports in identifying new (strategic) partners for IRC in close coordination with the DDFO.
• In close cooperation with DDFO and relevant Field Manager/Team Leader, leads emergency response.
• Advises the DDFO about strategic programming directions, opportunities, and issues affecting project implementation, or key local issues affecting future grants/projects developments.

Partnership and Capacity Building:

• Under guidance from the DDFO, works with the grants and partnership units to ensure excellent collaborative working relationships with local partners and strategically collaborate with local stakeholders where applicable.
• Manages relationships, negotiations and intensive communication efforts with stakeholders in all phases of grant/project implementation, facilitates coordination including knowledge management and learning for partner staff.

Operational Support and Finance:

In close cooperation with the Deputy Director of Field Operations, relevant support departments and input from the Field manager/team leader:

• Actively participates in development of local policies and adaption of IRC global policies to local context and ensures cohesion in policies and practices between different regions of Syria with consideration for context differences.
• Ensures that all policies, procedures and practices are in compliance with IRC, donor and national requirements.
• Supports the DDFO in managing field operational budgets for all Syria grants, including: liaising closely with Finance department to develop field support budgets, monitoring cash flow, reviewing BVAs and tracking program spending as per guidance from the DDFO.
• Oversees large procurements inside Syria as part of the tender committee in close cooperation with Supply Chain staff.
• Promotes team spirit, cohesion, respect and the IRC Way Standards for Professional Conduct among staff in Syria in close cooperation with Human Resources.
• Partners in investigations of misconduct when required and actively collaborates with DDFO and Human Resources if disciplinary measures are required, taking into consideration safety and security of IRC staff, programs and assets in Syria.
• In close cooperation with security department and DDFO, promotes safety and security practices and adherence to IRC global security principles; supports in development and review of Field Security Management Plan for each region in Syria.
• In close cooperation with security department, advises and oversees security and humanitarian access assessments for new areas of program implementation and IRC response.
• In close cooperation with IT department, promotes and ensures compliant use of IRC equipment and communication resources, including adherence to BIS licenses, confidentiality and storage of data and similar.

Staff Management, Learning & Development:

• Coaches, trains, supervises and mentors direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting annual performance objectives, providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews; specifically, supervises the Field Manager/Team Leader ensuring that all tasks are completed in a timely manner.
• Maintains open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Approves and manages all time, attendance and leave requests to ensure adequate departmental coverage; ensures monthly, accurate timesheet submission and carries out probationary reviews.
• Holds high-quality meetings with each direct report on a regular and predictable basis, at least monthly.
• Provides a measurable development plan including on-the-job learning with the aim of strengthening technical capacity, exchanging knowledge within the team and providing guidance on career paths.
• Promotes and monitors staff care, well-being and self-care.
• Looks for opportunities to support staff in their career growth, where appropriate.
• As part of succession plan and nationalization goals, identifies, trains and develops capability and capacity of national staff to successfully transition role and responsibilities, by the end of assignment.
• Adheres to and acts in accordance with the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures, and communicates through word and example a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations.

Coordination and representation:

• External:

• Develops and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders - including community and religious leaders, NGOs, government ministries/authorities and UN agencies, to enhance cooperation and coordination between organizations.

• Participates in various camp and field working group meetings.

• Internal

• Ensures various sector teams are integrated and there is collaboration and coordination amongst the teams;

• Supports the DDFO in the coordination of timely and accurate reporting to donors, government and IRC headquarters as needed.

• Supports the DDFO in providing critical input for the Grants Unit for use in developing proposals and preparing consolidated reporting.

• In Coordination with the DDFO, communicates field support requirements to the Shared Services Unit for continuity of operations.

Expected Deliverables:

• General daily operation updates to the DDFO.
• Weekly situation update reports to the DDFO on the assigned tasks and responsibilities.
• Monthly updated Field operational budgets to the DDFO for the designated area of operations.
• Ad hoc reports as requested by the DDFO.

Key Working Relationships

Position Reports to: Syria Deputy Director of Field Operations.

Position directly Supervises: Field Managers/Team Leaders

Key Internal Contacts:

• Country Program: Deputy Director of Programs, Program Technical Coordinators, Human Resources, Finance and M&E.
• Regional/Shared Services: Supply Chain, Finance, HR, Security, Grants and Partnership.

Key External Contacts:

• Community and religious leaders
• NGOs
• Government ministries/authorities
• UN agencies
• Camp and field working groups

Job Requirements

Education:

University Degree in Management or Supply Chain, preferred, OR related field OR Technical degree/certification in related field with significant applicable experience.

Work Experience:

• 5 years minimum successful management experience in a humanitarian and/or development context; at least 2 years managing field programs, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
• Work/living experience in Northwestern Syria (Idlib Governorate) a strong advantage.
• Experience living and working in complex, unstable environments, while maintaining a focus on program outcomes, preserving calm and a sense of humor.
• Experience and reliability in carrying out safety and security protocols.

Demonstrated Technical Skills:

• Proven experience as an efficient and effective manager (including remote management of people, projects and budgets).
• Highly skilled in organizing large-scale, fast-paced, responsive field programs.
• Situational awareness and opportunity awareness.
• Solid ability to provide team-building, coaching, and development for staff as well as encourage cross-functional collaboration and cooperation in a remote management context.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills.

Demonstrated Managerial/Leadership Competencies:

• Excellent relationship-building, interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively represent IRC at forums.
• Strong negotiation skills essential with experience in conflict resolution desirable.
• Superior oral and written communication skills, with ability to express ideas and concepts clearly and persuasively with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience of working with local stakeholders such as local and international NGOs, government, etc.
• Proven ability to design and lead training engagements with staff and partners to enhance skills and adapt to changing program demands.

Languages Required:

• Strong written and spoken English required.
• Excellent written and spoken Arabic required.

Computer/Other Tech Requirements:

• Full professional competency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Ability to Travel: Travel to Syria once a month if access is possible and the security situation permits.

Standards of Professional Conduct The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

Attention Returning National Candidates IRC strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff in our programs. We strongly encourage national or returning national candidates to apply for this position. If you are a national of the country in which this position is based and are currently located outside of your home country and possess over two years of international work experience, the Middle East Region has introduced an attractive remuneration package. The package includes competitive compensation, return flight to post, shipping allowance, temporary housing and a relocation allowance. Certain restrictions may apply.

Working Environment

The overall security situation in Jordan is relatively calm, especially in Amman. The Jordanian government is stable, and civil unrest is largely peaceful. However, Jordan's generosity in hosting refugees from Palestine, Iraq and now Syria have created huge strains on the country's economy and infrastructure. The IRC office is in a modern professional building.

IRC is offering this post as fully accompanied for international hire and accompanying dependents including:vacation leave, home leave, education allowance, housing, water, electricity, internet connectivity, and other generous benefits. Modern amenities (health care, international schools, etc.) are readily available.

The position is based in Amman with travel to Syria if access is possible and security situation permits. Transportation and accommodation to be provided in case of travel to Syria.

Please follow this link to apply: http://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=YXN0cmlkLm1hdGhldy42OTQxNS4zODMwQGlyYy5hcGxpdHJhay5jb20