Iraq: Deputy Director of Operations

Iraq is emerging from over three years of civil war against the Islamic State and remains one of the most complex operating environments in the world. The devastating human consequences to huge numbers of people will endure for decades and the destruction of communities, livelihoods, homes and infrastructure will take years to repair. Over 4 million Iraqis have returned in the past year, but 1.9 million remain displaced. 230,000 Syrians continue to seek refuge in the Kurdish region. The new government will struggle to rebuild trust and restore basic services.

A lead responder in Iraq since 2003, the IRC delivers aid and services that help communities survive, recover, and gain control of their future. The IRC is providing robust programming across six governorates through women’s protection and empowerment, child protection and protection and rule of law programming; cash distributions and livelihoods programming in support of economic recovery and development; education programming; and integrated early childhood development programming. Our work spans emergency response to long-term programming supporting our clients to rebuild their lives.

Job Overview/Summary:

Reporting to the Country Director (CD) and serving as a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), the Deputy Director of Operations (DDO) provides leadership, direction and coordination for field management and operations functions, toward the shared goal of achieving the IRC Iraq Strategy Action Plan. The DDO will oversee the Field Coordinators as well as Supply Chain and IT. A significant part of the DDO responsibility is the deployment, maintenance and oversight of sound field management practices to optimize timely program delivery while managing risk and ensuring compliance with donor and IRC policies. S/he will work with the CD and program teams to lead the provision of high-quality, responsive and cost-efficient program support services in accordance with IRC principles and donor guidelines, delivered in a timely manner and within budget limitations. The DDO is expected to contribute to organizational strategic thinking, planning, and overall coordination efforts. The DDO will play a lead role in rolling out the IRC’s new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, Integra. This position has close working relations with the Finance Controller, HR Director, Deputy Director Programs, Regional Supply Chain Director, and other program and regional staff.

Coordination and Representation

• Represent IRC Iraq in interagency operations meetings or with government officials (e.g. Directorate of NGOs, etc).
• Deputize for the CD during absences, taking on general management duties, as required.

Field Operations

• Directly line manage Coordinators based in field offices, ensuring that field structures are fit-for-purpose throughout program expansion and transition phases.
• Provide overall support and guidance to field operations, with a focus on supply chain and logistics, including providing support to ensure field offices and program centers are functioning efficiently and transparently and in compliance with IRC policies.
• In cooperation with the CD and Safety and Security Coordinator, ensure the risks IRC field staff face in their work environment are mitigated against to the degree feasible given the context, and ensure Security Management Plan and SOPs for field staff and offices are in place, kept current and implemented by all staff at all times.
• Ensure field leadership competency in budgeting functions, contributing to proposal and operating budgets and leading on field budget vs actual oversight.
• Verify that information technology policies and procedures are documented, disseminated and consistently applied across field offices.

Supply Chain

• Directly supervise the Supply Chain Coordinator and oversee all Supply Chain staff.
• Ensure that the Supply Chain team meets the needs of the programs in a timely manner.
• Assist supply chain staff in partnering effectively and cooperatively with other units to improve planning and resource utilization.
• Ensure that training plans are developed, fully implemented and refresher trainings provided, both for Supply Chain and non-Supply Chain staff.
• Provide technical support to field teams to ensure all field offices are functioning efficiently and transparently and are in compliance with IRC Supply Chain policies and SOPs.
• Maintain close working relations with the Finance Controller to ensure full and coordinated support is extended to the Supply Chain department.
• Ensure full implementation and consistent use of the BvA system by the Supply Chain department in coordination with finance and grants units.

Policies, Compliance and Budgeting

• Ensure supply chain compliance with donor regulations.
• Ensure timely roll-out and implementation of IRC global Supply Chain policies at national level.
• Ensure consistent enforcement of IRC Iraq Supply Chain policies.
• Contribute to IRC Iraq operating budgets to ensure all operational requirements are met, including plans for capital equipment replacement.
• Ensure all new project proposals have received thorough operations review.
• Ensure full proactive involvement in key processes with the finance department including input for Budget Versus Actual (BVA) reports.
• Act as a budget holder for operations budget lines as required.

Staff Performance Management, Learning & Development

• Hire, supervise, and build the capacity of team members in technical and management competencies.
• Coach, supervise and mentor 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; ensure nationalization goals and succession planning are part of these processes.
• As required, identify staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these in accordance with the National Staff Employment Policies.
• Maintain 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.
• Promote and monitor staff care and well-being.
• Adhere to the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures, and communicate through word and example a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations.

Key Working Relationships

Position Reports to: Country Director

Position directly supervises: Field Coordinators, Supply Chain Coordinator, IT Manager

Key Internal Contacts: Deputy Director for Programs (DDP), Security and Access Coordinator, Finance Controller, HR Director, Regional and HQ Support Departments

External: Government bodies, NGO coordination bodies, community stakeholders

Qualifications

• University degree or technical qualification in a related field. Advanced degree is a plus.
• Six or more years’ progressive management and leadership experience with an international NGO.
• Experience managing country program teams with a diverse portfolio; knowledge of major donors (including USAID/OFDA/PRM, ECHO/EC, DFID, UN Agencies).
• Very strong background in Supply Chain and Logistics, and field management and coordination.
• Experience managing security in a hostile environment is an advantage.
• Excellent leadership, people management, interpersonal and negotiation skills and a demonstrated ability to develop harmonious teams in cross cultural context.
• Strong diplomatic skills. Ability to establish good working relationships with partners, donors and other stakeholders in a sensitive environment.
• Experience in IT is an advantage.
• Regional experience; knowledge of the context (in experience and expertise) and understanding of the Middle East a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring/capacity building of staff and commitment to staff training and development.
• English fluency required, Arabic strongly preferred.

Travel: The position is based in Erbil, Iraq but requires frequent travel to Baghdad and field offices.

Working Environment: The overall security situation in Erbil is relatively calm. Security in field sites and Baghdad is currently fairly stable but subject to change at any time.

IRC is offering this post as limited accompanied for the successful candidate including: vacation leave, home leave, housing and utilities, and other generous benefits. The position includes private housing with modern amenities.

Diversity, Inclusion and Gender Equality: IRC acknowledges and honors the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status or disability. IRC is also 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.

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.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Applications to be submitted on:https://rescue.csod.com/ats/careersite/jobdetails.aspx?site=1&c=rescue&id=4322