International Rescue Committee Director in Yemen
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 at the request of Albert Einstein, 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 and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.
The IRC’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit (EPRU) is managing the launch of emergency programming in the volatile country of Yemen where there remains substantial unmet humanitarian needs. The IRC envisages a humanitarian response program targeting displaced and war affected populations, with interventions in the sectors of water and sanitation, non-food item distribution, health and child protection.
Scope The Director will provide the strategic vision and leadership for the country program. S/he is responsible for ensuring the design and delivery of quality programs, donor and government relations, fundraising and budget management, security and operations management, and developing a motivated and professional team. Reporting to the Emergency Director, the Director will work closely with, and receive support from regional and headquarters program technical units, safety and security services, regional finance and operations staff.
Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Management • Working closely with the Emergency Director, Regional Director, and regional team, finalize and oversee the delivery of a strategic plan for the country program • Ensure that structures and systems are in compliance with IRC standards, and that they support program delivery and promote management coordination and efficiency throughout the country program • Lead a cohesive and effective senior management team, promoting collegiality and professionalism among peers.
Program Quality & Development • Develop program strategies in accordance with IRC’s mission and program framework (with particular emphasis on integrated sector strategies in health, education, and protection) • Ensure the consistent use of well managed assessment, design and proposal development processes • Promote a team approach and positive learning environment utilizing headquarters, country program and operations staff and partners to consistently enhance the quality of design and implementation
Key Partner & Donor Relations • Develop IRC as a partner of choice for major local and international donors (including USAID, OFDA, US BPRM, ECHO, EuropeAid, Danish Embassy, SIDA, UNHCR, UNICEF, Stitchting Vluchteling) • Develop and maintain a high level of understanding of donor priorities, country plans and planned funding initiatives • Maintain and expand participation with key donors, host government, local stakeholders and relevant policy and coordinating bodies • Play an active role in ensuring IRC is an active and lead participant in the UN clusters.
Fundraising and Budget Management • Ensure submission of appropriate, timely high quality proposals and lead required donor negotiations • Provide timely and effective oversight of the financial position of the country program including identification and implementation of required changes to match funding levels • Maintain effective and coordinated budget monitoring processes for grant funds and discretionary funds • Pro-actively seek appropriate funding opportunities and act as country program representative in discussions with HQ senior staff on strategic opportunities • Work with senior finance and compliance staff to ensure good financial forward planning and deal with audit requirements
Security & Operations Management • In coordination with the Regional Safety and Security Advisor ensure that the security management plan for the country program is updated and ensure the consistent monitoring and analysis of the security environment and adherence by all staff to the IRC security protocols and procedures • Working with country senior management team ensure the development, implementation and monitoring of financial and operational policy and procedures to ensure constant compliance with IRC and donor policies across the program • Promote coordination and teamwork between program and operations staff to improve quality of proposal submissions and program delivery
Staff Development & Retention • Develop a positive work environment for all staff supported by a professional level human resource management function • Ensure IRC national salaries and benefits remain competitive to attract and retain mid and senior level staff • Support and hold management staff accountable for providing staff development opportunities and planning • Identify and mentor high-performing national and international staff (including national staff with potential to transition to international positions within IRC)
Job Requirements/Experience Required: • Graduate degree in relevant field desirable • At least five years of international work experience covering both emergency and post-conflict development programming • Extensive program development and fund raising experience • Prior experience with European, US and international donors • Strong human resource management skills • Previous budget and fiscal oversight responsibilities • Extensive knowledge and experience in the region • A keen understanding of political complexities in the region, as they relate to post conflict recovery • Experience of remote management of programs in insecure environments useful • Fluency in written and spoken English required; Fluency in Arabic is a plus
This position is unaccompanied with separate housing offered. Security will be thoroughly discussed during the interview process.
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