Greece: Field Coordinator - Northern Greece

BACKGROUND:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries, the IRC aims to restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure.

In response to the influx of refugees in Greece, The IRC Hellas has been working in Greece since June 2015 and started its operations in Northern Greece in March 2016, providing support to refugees and asylum seekers.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Field Coordinator is expected to respond effectively to a constantly changing environment for refugees and asylum seekers in Greece with effective humanitarian programs via direct implementation and with national partner organizations where appropriate and in line with the overall strategy of the IRC Hellas country office. At the same time, s/he will be asked to contribute to a longer term vision regarding the integration of refugee caseloads through urban programming

The Field Coordinator is responsible for overall leadership and supervisory management of the IRC Northern Greece Field office and operations, including stewardship of resources, staff safety and security, program quality and accountability, and performance management. The Field Coordinator will oversee the program implementation in field sites (6) in Northern Greece, in close coordination and communication with key program, operations and finance personnel based in the Country office. The Field Coordinator will also provide guidance and support to the partner organizations and ensure the capacity building of IRC staff, and partners with active hands-on collaboration. He/she will promote coordination between Northern Greece-based staff and colleagues based in the Country Office (Athens)

Success in this position requires an individual with demonstrated team leadership abilities; capacity to synthesize program ideas; representational (including media relations), communications and risk management skills; and a facility for developing networks to build partnerships and diversify program resources.

Based in Thessaloniki, the Field Coordinator oversees all IRC operations in the north of Greece. Reporting to the Country Director, this position receives support from country office level and regional staff in the areas of program quality, new business development, safety and security management, finance, HR, operations management, and external affairs. This position is unaccompanied and requires extensive in-country and occasional regional travel.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program support

• Serves as point person for programs in Northern Greece and provides strategic leadership to overall programming which would likely include a technical emphasis on protection (including Unaccompanied Minors), environmental health (WASH), and Economic recovery development (ERD)
• Oversees the work of programming teams during the preparatory works, assessments, technical requirements, and selection of external entities in support of the specific projects/program.
• Ensures full compliance with project/grant agreements and with statutory and technical legislation issued by appropriate government authorities.
• Ensures the development and implementation of strong M&E systems using appropriate IRC developed tools and resources to maximize project impact on beneficiaries.
• Works closely with program coordinators and managers to identify programming technical needs and take the lead in implementation and follow up as appropriate.
• Promote strong linkages and exchange with other IRC offices engaged in similar programming to ensure the sharing of best practices and expertise.
• Closely monitor events in northern Greece (humanitarian situation, politics, and security, etc.), in order to identify other potential programming areas and new (strategic) partners for IRC.
• Advise senior management about strategic programming directions and issues affecting project implementation, or key local issues affecting future grants/projects developments

Partnership and Capacity Building

• Ensure excellent collaborative working relationships with local partners and strategically collaborate with local stakeholders.
• Manage relationships, negotiations and intensive communication efforts with stakeholders in all phases of grant/project implementation, facilitates coordination including knowledge management, learning and capacity building for partner staff.

Operation support and Finance

• Ensure proper financial management systems are in place and followed in coordination with the IRC Greece based finance team /department.

• Manage field operational budgets for all Northern Greece grants; liaise closely with finance to monitor cash flow, review BVAs and track program spending

• Ensure that all policies, procedures and practices are in compliance with IRC, donor and national requirements;

• Responsible for safety and security of IRC staff, assets and premises (office, field sites and residences) in coordination with Deputy Director of Operations ensure consistent review and updating of security management plans

Human Resources Management & Development

• 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.
• Ensure timely completion and submission of monthly timesheets, probations reviews and performance reviews.
• If/as required identify staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these in accordance with the employment policies.
• Take responsibility for discussing job expectations, performance, and objectives on a, quarterly basis with all staff and as a part of the annual Performance Review and Planning Process
• Adhere to and act in accordance with the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures
• Adhere to and serve as a champion of the IRC Way Standards for Professional Conduct

Coordination and representation

• External:

• Develop 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.

• Participate in working group meetings

• Internal

• Ensure various sector teams are integrated and there is cross collaboration and coordination amongst the teams

• Coordinate timely and accurate reporting to donors, government and IRC headquarters;

Professional Standards

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional 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, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 7 years minimum experience working in a humanitarian and/or development NGO;
• Proven experience as an efficient and effective manager (including management of people, projects and budgets);
• Solid ability to provide team-building, coaching, and development for staff as well as encourage cross-functional collaboration and cooperation
• Solid organizational and coordination skills;
• Experience and reliability in carrying out safety and security protocols
• Excellent relationship-building, interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively represent IRC at forums and with donors
• Strong negotiation skills essential with experience in conflict resolution desirable;
• Experience of working with local stakeholders such as local and international NGOs, government etc.
• Fluency in English required. Fluency in Greek, Arabic or Farsi language skills are a plus.

Working Environment: The position will be based in Thessaloniki and cover needs in North Greece.

Disclaimer Clause: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, effort, duties and responsibilities associated with position.

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 or disability.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Please follow this link to apply: http://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=a2F0cmluYW1pbGxlci43MTEzNy4zODMwQGlyYy5hcGxpdHJhay5jb20