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Humanitarian Director, Syria


Save the Children is the world's leading independent organisation for children. We work in 120 countries. We save children's lives; we fight for their rights; we help them fulfill their potential.

We work together, with our partners, to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

We have over two million supporters worldwide and raised 1.6 billion dollars last year to reach more children than ever before, through programmes in health, nutrition, education, protection and child rights, also in times of humanitarian crises.

There are 30 national Save the Children organisations around the world. By the end of 2012 all our international programmes will be delivered through a merged operation with 14 000 staff, managed through seven regional hubs and reporting to a relatively small, central office. We're changing to become more efficient, more aligned, a better partner, a stronger advocate, a magnet for world-class people and relevant for the 21st century.

ROLE:
SCI is seeking a Humanitarian Director, Syria Operations to build a team across different locations to respond to the humanitarian crisis inside Syria. The Humanitarian Director, Syria Operations will need to respond to a constantly changing environment in Syria to ensure the most effective humanitarian response via direct implementation and work with national partners. It is expected post holder will, once the opportunity arises, be based inside Syria. The Humanitarian Director, Syria Operations will need to develop a clear vision for the country programme, bringing the staff team together to deliver quality programmes, including advocacy, for children. The role is for 12 months (with possibility of extension) and based in Istanbul (TBC). Key areas of accountability:

As a member of the Regional Senior Leadership Team, contribute to strategic development and delivery of international humanitarian programming in line with the Save the Children mandate, strategy and theory of change.

Deliver a humanitarian response in Syria, including:
• Implementing a new operating model for the country, in consultation with the Regional Senior Leadership Team which focuses on partner engagement and direct implementation.
• engaging Save the Children staff, partners and other stakeholders to create shared ownership and collaboration
• creating an environment of continuous learning, where staff are encouraged and supported to grow and develop and are willing to be held accountable for their commitments
• developing and delivering improved outcomes for children through delivery of the Save the Children global programme strategy and global initiatives and response targets as set for the country
• ensuring that the focus of the organisation remains on the rights and needs of children
• Be accountable, and develop the capacity of, mentor and hold Senior Management Team and staff accountable for:
• developing strong country strategy and operational plans that identify and address significant issues facing children, and are in line with Save the Children’s overall strategy (with a focus on Global Initiatives) and theory of change
• preparing for and implementing rapid and effective responses to major emergencies affecting children, including building relationships with key humanitarian and development decision-makers and partners in-country
• delivering programmes and advocacy in line with the country strategy, operational plans, budgets and Member requirements that result in significant impact for children
• collaborating with colleague s in the region to deliver any regional programmes and advocacy, in line with regional strategies, operational plans, budgets and Save the Children member requirements that result in significant impact for children
• developing and maintaining good relations with Members and their donors
• growing the country programme to become the leading NGO addressing children’s issues in the country
• developing and maintaining efficient and effective operating systems, and ensure compliance with all Save the Children Minimum Operating Standards, with a particular focus on safety & security management
• developing and coaching staff to optimise their potential in pursuit of Save the Children’s objectives
• contributing to global knowledge and learning in Save the Children

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
• Substanti al experience of building, leading and developing a team of senior staff with different backgrounds and expertise – to deliver on both development humanitarian programs
• Experience of managing a humanitarian crisis situation requiring quick changes to priorities and rapid action to respond
• Excellent understanding & experience of programme, financial and operational management processes
• Experience of leading change in an organisation which has led to considerable results for the organisation and its stakeholders
• Experience of building personal networks at a senior level, resulting in securing new opportunities for the organisation
• Experience of managing security in a complex and rapidly changing security context
• Experience of solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward and ensuring buy-in
• Experience in the country with first-hand knowledge of the country context and key government and civil society stakeholders preferred
• Fluency in Arabic language preferred
• Good understanding of key trends in international and humanitarian development
• Commitment to Save the Children vision, mission and values

We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Please note that the closing date for applications is 14 May 2013.

For further information on this role, please see our website at www.savethechildren.net/jobs
How to apply:
Please apply with a covering letter and up-to-date CV to: jobs.32191.3830@savethechildrenint.aplitrak.com