DIRECTOR OF ZONE OFFICE, MENA

Vacancy No: 2011-276-fld Date: 19 December 2011	Application Deadline: 31 January 2012 Currently accepting applications
Place of assignment: Beirut, Lebanon Accompanied status: Accompanied with Spouse and Children	Organization unit: Zone Office, MENA Duration of contract: 24 Months Mission dates: ASAP -
Purpose of position:
The main purpose of this key field based senior management role is to provide strategic management and oversight of Federation Secretariat work in Middle East and North Africa Zone as well as to focus on coherent Humanitarian Diplomacy efforts. The Zone office is a decentralised part of the Secretariat of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (the Federation). Guided by the Federation's Constitution, the evolving Strategy 2020 and international and regional commitments, the Secretariat coordinates and supports the efforts of the membership to improve and scale up work aimed at addressing the increasing number of humanitarian and development challenges in the world. As part of the secretariat's senior management team, the Zone Director is expected to be able to engage at very senior leadership levels both within and outside the Movement. He/she will have overall responsibility for ensuring that Secretariat staff in the zone: - Provide relevant and efficient membership services to strengthen National Society capacities and their services and programmes - Coordinate and, where appropriate, lead efforts to effectively respond to humanitarian disasters - Monitor adherence of the membership to Federation-wide agreed performance and accountability standards aimed at ensuring relevant and effective delivery of RC/RC disaster response and development programmes - Facilitate partnerships and alliances and represent the Federation Secretariat in the zone to Movement partners, relevant inter-governmental bodies, international organisations, as well as international media. Reporting to the Secretary General, the post holder has overall responsibility for all sub-offices country delegations in the zone.
Description of Duties:
The post holder is responsible, within his or her area of geography, to manage and direct a range of activities defined under the headings below. National Society Development: - Line manage and guide the zone senior management team in their efforts of providing effective and integrated membership services to strengthen National Societies in the Zone. International Disaster Response: - Ensure that the zone response to major disasters is in line and coordination with global and regional systems and policies. Humanitarian Diplomacy: - Lead action in the zone to advocate for the Federation's position as the world's largest humanitarian network with local presence and service delivery. This includes building effective relations with and representing the Federation secretariat to all relevant governmental and intergovernmental authorities, international organisations as well as international media. - Provide guidance and advice to National Societies in their relationships with governments, the UN and other intergovernmental agencies. - Enhance National Societies' capacity to deepen their relationships with the general public, academia, foundations, the private sector and corporate partners in their countries. - Ensure effective communications and advocacy in the zone - Work closely with the Secretariat's Fundraising team to develop and supervise the implementation of fundraising strategies and plans for zone activities in support of National Societies when this can not be maintained from core contributions. General management: - Line manage and guide the zone senior management team in ensuring the efficient provision of Federation Secretariat support services (HR, sound financial management, IT and PMER). - Ensure overall compliance with Movement and Federation strategies, plans, regulations, procedures and standards - Ensure compliance with applicable laws and status agreements to minimise risk of harm to the Federation and its secretariat personnel, properties and resources. This includes ensuring of staff security.
Duties applicable to all staff: Actively work towards the achievement of the Secretariat's goals. Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross Red Crescent principles. Perform any other work related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Degree in Management or relevant university degree. Relevant post graduate degree or MBA preferred.
Experience:
At least fifteen years of management experience, including direct supervision of more than 10 people and the management of teams with more than 50 people. At least five years experience working in a voluntary membership-based organization at senior management levels. Experience in diplomacy and/or high level representation functions. Demonstrated success in planning, project management and reporting. Proven successful experience in strategy development and implementation. Proven successful experience in financial/resource management and risk management. Either 5 years experience working in a voluntary membership-based organisation at senior management level or working experience in international humanitarian assistance. Proven successful experience in people and performance management (particularly distance management). Working experience with the Red Cross / Red Crescent. Working experience in a national society. Working experience in international humanitarian assistance work.
Skills:
Ability to build effective teams. Ability to work in a multicultural environment. Good communicator. Negotiating and influencing skills. Excellent networking skills. Computer literate. Politically and culturally sensitive. Ability to adapt leadership style according to the situation.
Languages:
Fluent in written and spoken English and Arabic. Advanced knowledge of one or more of the following languages: French or Spanish. Advanced knowledge of one or more of the other major languages of the area.
Competencies:
National Society Relations Results Orientation Integrity Change leadership Strategic Orientation Team Leadership Developing Organisation capabilities Collaboration and influencing
WRITTEN EXERCISES AND INTERVIEW
Applicants may be requested to complete written exercises and/or be interviewed
The Federation is an equal opportunity employer.