Country Representative - Occupied Palestinian Territories

Department: Direction
Position: Country Representative OPT (Occupied Palestinian Territories) Contract duration: 12 months renewable Location: Jerusalem, Palestinian Territories Starting Date ASAP I. Background on ACTED

ACTED is an independent international, private, non-partisan and non-profit organization that operates according to principles of strict neutrality, political and religious impartiality, and non discrimination.

ACTED was created in 1993 to support populations affected by the conflict in Afghanistan. Based in Paris, France, ACTED now operates in 25 countries worldwide, with over 200 international and 3000 national staff. ACTED has a 80 million € budget for over 240 projects spanning 8 sectors of intervention; including emergency relief, food security, health promotion, economic development, education & training, microfinance, local governance & institutional support, and cultural promotion. For more information, please visit our website at www.acted.org.

II. Country Profile

ACTED started its activities in the Palestinian Territories in May 2007, through an ECHO-funded food security programme in the West Bank. The ACTED PT team consists of 12 staff members with two offices, including an administrative bureau in East Jerusalem and an operative base in Salfit, 70 km. north of Jerusalem. Today, ACTED Palestine continues its focus on food security through an agriculture programme to support vulnerable households and at-risk small ruminants breeders in the North-Central region of the West Bank Palestinian Territories (Salfit, Nablus, Qalqiliya and Ramallah governorates). The program offers support through fodder provision, encouragement of feed crop cultivation, commercial fodder alternatives, improvement of livestock health status, productivity gains and community organization. ACTED Palestine plans to expand its mission through agriculture, water supply, and economic development projects.

III. Position Profile Under the authority of the General Delegate, the Country Representative is responsible for the implementation of ACTED’s global mandate in the relevant country, and for the scope of activities developed within this mandate. Responsibilities: 1. Ensure ACTED Representation in-Country - Representation vis-à-vis national authorities: Ensure the official and effective registration of the Agency; Identify relevant coordinating institutions (Ministries, Agencies etc) ; Participate in official meetings to ensure maximum visibility vis-à-vis national authorities. - Representation vis-à-vis Donors: Establish and update contact details of potential Donors in-country; Participate in Donor meetings and communicate relevant information to HQ; Circulate the Annual Report. - Representation amongst other international organisations: Participate in inter-NGO Coordination meetings and those of UN Agencies (OCHA, UNDP, UNICEF, FAO, etc.), and any other relevant inter-governmental institution; Ensure maximum visibility of the Agency amongst the NGO community; Lead the production of reports and ensure the timeliness and accuracy of information provided, as well ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information.

More generally, the project manager is expected to contribute to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the organisation, notably through the application of ACTED’s mandate, ethics, values and stand-point with regard to other actors. 2. Develop a global intervention strategy and support its implementation - Analyse the context and develop strategic plans, in consultation with the Director of Operations and/or the General Delegate: Gather and analyse information regarding opportunities and risk; Define an operational strategy for finances and HR. - Implement the financial strategy: Oversee drafting of projects and budget development; Lead fund-raising and negotiations with Donors; On authority of the General Delegate, sign contracts negotiated in-country; Lead the application and adherence to contract terms and requirements; Supervise overall financial commitments and financial risk. - Implement the operational strategy: Supervise Area Coordinators and Project Managers in project implementation; Help the various teams in negotiations with provincial/local authorities and partners; Ensure global coordination and complementarity amongst projects and areas of intervention; Assess activities and ensure efficient use of resources. - Oversee reporting procedures: Develop a reporting schedule with regard to Donor deadlines; Plan and supervise the development of narrative and financial reports; Ensure adherence to FLAT procedures.

More generally, communicate systematically to both Director of Operations and HQ the development of the country strategy and its implementation. 3. Oversee Staff and Security - Guide and direct the staff of the mission: Organise and lead coordination meetings; Prepare and follow work plans; Ensure a positive working environment and good team dynamics (solve out potential conflicts); Promote team working conditions in the limit of private life; Adapt the organigramme and ToRs of personnel according to the mission development; Undertake regular appraisals of directly supervised colleagues and pass appraisal forms to the Country Administrator with recommendations (new positions, changes to contract or salary etc.); Ensure a building of capacity amongst technical staff in the relevant sectors. - Contribute to the recruitment of expatriate staff: Follow recruitment procedures: plan recruitment needs in advance; draft ToRs for open vacancies; if necessary undertake phone interviews with candidates; When requested by HQ, undertake interviews of expatriate candidates living in the country. - Oversee staff security: In cooperation with the Country Security Officer, monitor the country security situation and inform the HQ Security Officer through regular written reports; Update the country security guidelines (in countries at risk); Ensure that security procedures are respected by the whole staff.

IV. Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: • Master Level education in a relevant field such as International Relations or Development • Extensive project management experience (management, planning, staff development and training skills) in emergency and/or development programmes • At least four years of previous work experience in a high management position • Proven capabilities in leadership and management required • Excellent skills in written and spoken English (French for francophone posts/Spanish for Central American posts) • Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills, and flexibility in cultural and organizational terms • Knowledge of local language and/or regional experience an asset • Ability to work well and punctually under pressure

V. Conditions:

• Salary defined by the ACTED salary grid; educational level, expertise, hardship, security, and performance are considered for pay bonus
• Additional monthly living allowance
• Free food and lodging provided at the organisation’s guesthouse/or housing allowance (depending on contract length and country of assignment)
• Transportation costs covered, including additional return ticket + luggage allowance
• Provision of medical, life, and repatriation insurance + retirement package

How to apply:

VI. Submission of applications:

Please send, in English, your cover letter, CV, and three references to jobs@acted.org

Ref: CR/OPT/RW