AFSC Country Representative, Israel and Palestine
AFSC is a Quaker organization devoted to service, development, and peace programs throughout the world. Our work is based on the belief in the worth of every person, and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Country Representative, Israel and Palestine
DEPARTMENT: International Programs
SUPERVISOR: Regional Director, Middle East
REGION/UNIT: Middle East
LOCATION: Jerusalem
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
AFSC began its work with Palestinian refugees in Gaza in 1949. Since 1950 AFSC has also maintained a presence in and worked with both Palestinian and Jewish populations in Israel. Today, AFSC has four strategic priority areas for its work in relation to Israel and Palestine: demilitarization, economic activism, non-violence and social change, and Palestinian cohesion. Work has so far been developed in the following ways. AFSC’s Israel and Palestine programs are separate but coordinated to meet these shared objectives. AFSC’s Israel Program supports partners who are working to counter the militarization of Israeli society, understanding that wide spread acceptance of militarism is one of the factors sustaining inequalities, occupation, and conflict. Its Palestine Program brings together Palestinian young adults aged 18-29 in the occupied Palestinian territories and Palestinian youth living in Israel to develop shared positions on important political and social issues and promote youth-led policy proposals for political and social change.
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Country Representative is responsible for overall management and program direction, legal obligations, reporting, interpretation, and stewardship of AFSC resources. The Representative serves as official representative of the AFSC; manages contacts with government ministries, media, UN agencies, and local and international NGOs. He/she reports to Regional Director for the Middle East, supervises program staff; consults and collaborates with Philadelphia based staff and others as appropriate.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES: The key responsibilities of the Country Representative, Israel and Palestine include the following:
Program Development and Management
1. Plan, develop and provide overall management and coordination for AFSC’s Israel and Palestine programs within the context of the AFSC regional and global strategic directions.
2. Participate in regional strategic planning activities and other joint planning and program review meetings; incorporate and adapt regional strategies into program approaches and contribute to regional and organizational learning.
3. Establish regular program monitoring and evaluation procedures in close collaboration with the Regional office and the Office for Planning and Evaluation in AFSC central office.
4. Ensure proper monitoring and evaluation of the programs and ensure the use of lessons from strengths and weaknesses to improve programming.
5. Promote inclusion in the program planning and management with emphasis on issues of differences within communities; young people’s leadership; gender equality and respect for diversity.
Representation and Networking
1. Articulate and integrate into the AFSC’s work the basic philosophical and faith-based principles of the organization as appropriate, including the organization’s commitment to a nonviolent approach to conflict and long-term strategy for peace-building.
2. Establish and strengthen institutional relationships and partnerships with stakeholders relevant to the peace-building goals of the program in local and international NGO sector, media, research institutions, UN agency officials and government ministries. Develop familiarity with relevant stakeholder plans. Participate in relevant coordination meetings.
3. In cooperation with the Middle East Regional Office, the International Programs and the Development Department, contribute to the planning and implementation of fundraising strategies including identification and relationship building with donors based in country, preparation of proposals , and periodic donor visits/speaking tours in the U.S. and Europe as agreed upon.
4. In consultation with the Regional Director, contribute to the elaboration of communication and advocacy strategies to influence changes at local, national, regional and international levels.
5. Working with AFSC U.S. based staff, seek and nurture opportunities for collaboration and joint programming as appropriate; provide program based evidence to ensure AFSC US based staff positions seeking to change systems and policies in relation to Israel and Palestine are grounded in our direct experience working to change the circumstances of individuals and communities.
Administration and Supervision
1. Maintain and update as needed country-relevant personnel and administrative policies and procedures, salary structure and benefits.
2. Maintain proper registration and legal status of the offices with government agencies as needed, consistent with AFSC guidelines and in consultation with the Middle East Regional Director.
3. Recruit, hire, and supervise national staff, including staff development, performance planning and review. Ensure that all staff are familiar with and work toward the long-term vision and strategic goals of AFSC.
4. Ensure fiscal management of supervised programs including oversight of budgeting and accounting procedures defined by AFSC and donor partners, preparation and timely processing of monthly financial reports, and oversight of contracts and materials.
5. Following the guidelines of AFSC’s security policies, develop security protocol, manage emergency situations as they arise, and make recommendations to the Regional Director regarding security and emergency response.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION: Master’s degree preferred in related field such as social studies, peace-building, international affairs, economics, and management.
EXPERIENCE: Five or more years of experience in managing international programs, planning and managing peace-building and/or humanitarian assistance, recovery and development programs in a conflict affected area. Deep understanding of issues related to non-violence, and conflict transformation in the Middle East.
OTHER REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Commitment to Quaker values and testimonies. Understanding of and compatibility with the principles and philosophy of the American Friends Service Committee including nonviolence and the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual.
2. Understanding of and commitment to the principles, concerns, and considerations of AFSC in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities. Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.
3. Track record of managing complex programs, ideally with an emphasis in conflict transformation and peace-building, and in urban settings. Demonstrated experience in strategic thinking, fundraising, grant writing, program planning and implementation.
4. Demonstrated administrative ability, including experience with staff supervision, financial management, narrative and financial reporting, and budgeting.
5. Fluency in written and spoken English; demonstrated ability to report orally and in writing; ability to write and edit materials for publication in English. Working knowledge of Arabic and Hebrew very desirable.
6. Experience with peace-building, conflict transformation programs, and nonviolent approaches to problem solving are highly desirable. Capacity to plan, organize and train others through participatory approaches.
7. Ability to work independently in an unstructured setting and program, yet within a framework of long-distance communication, consultation, and decision making.
8. Ability to cope in situations of high risk and in compliance with security measures, to work under pressure, and to organize time effectively.
9. Computer skills (PC/Windows), particularly in word processing, spreadsheet and database applications (MS Office), and e-mail.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to the Regional Director for the Middle East; collegial relationship with other staff as part of Middle East Leadership Team and in Philadelphia; collaborates with other AFSC US based staff as part of program strategies.
PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT: At least for 3 years.
COMPENSATION: In lieu of a fixed salary, AFSC provides a maintenance package which includes in-field, ongoing, vacation, savings, and new personnel allowances. Benefits include life insurance and health and dental coverage. Work related travel costs are covered. Details are available.
The American Friends Service Committee is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of their religious affiliation, race, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.
The American Friends Service Committee is a smoke-free workplace.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Country Representative, Israel and Palestine
DEPARTMENT: International Programs
SUPERVISOR: Regional Director, Middle East
REGION/UNIT: Middle East
LOCATION: Jerusalem
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
AFSC began its work with Palestinian refugees in Gaza in 1949. Since 1950 AFSC has also maintained a presence in and worked with both Palestinian and Jewish populations in Israel. Today, AFSC has four strategic priority areas for its work in relation to Israel and Palestine: demilitarization, economic activism, non-violence and social change, and Palestinian cohesion. Work has so far been developed in the following ways. AFSC’s Israel and Palestine programs are separate but coordinated to meet these shared objectives. AFSC’s Israel Program supports partners who are working to counter the militarization of Israeli society, understanding that wide spread acceptance of militarism is one of the factors sustaining inequalities, occupation, and conflict. Its Palestine Program brings together Palestinian young adults aged 18-29 in the occupied Palestinian territories and Palestinian youth living in Israel to develop shared positions on important political and social issues and promote youth-led policy proposals for political and social change.
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Country Representative is responsible for overall management and program direction, legal obligations, reporting, interpretation, and stewardship of AFSC resources. The Representative serves as official representative of the AFSC; manages contacts with government ministries, media, UN agencies, and local and international NGOs. He/she reports to Regional Director for the Middle East, supervises program staff; consults and collaborates with Philadelphia based staff and others as appropriate.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES: The key responsibilities of the Country Representative, Israel and Palestine include the following:
Program Development and Management
1. Plan, develop and provide overall management and coordination for AFSC’s Israel and Palestine programs within the context of the AFSC regional and global strategic directions.
2. Participate in regional strategic planning activities and other joint planning and program review meetings; incorporate and adapt regional strategies into program approaches and contribute to regional and organizational learning.
3. Establish regular program monitoring and evaluation procedures in close collaboration with the Regional office and the Office for Planning and Evaluation in AFSC central office.
4. Ensure proper monitoring and evaluation of the programs and ensure the use of lessons from strengths and weaknesses to improve programming.
5. Promote inclusion in the program planning and management with emphasis on issues of differences within communities; young people’s leadership; gender equality and respect for diversity.
Representation and Networking
1. Articulate and integrate into the AFSC’s work the basic philosophical and faith-based principles of the organization as appropriate, including the organization’s commitment to a nonviolent approach to conflict and long-term strategy for peace-building.
2. Establish and strengthen institutional relationships and partnerships with stakeholders relevant to the peace-building goals of the program in local and international NGO sector, media, research institutions, UN agency officials and government ministries. Develop familiarity with relevant stakeholder plans. Participate in relevant coordination meetings.
3. In cooperation with the Middle East Regional Office, the International Programs and the Development Department, contribute to the planning and implementation of fundraising strategies including identification and relationship building with donors based in country, preparation of proposals , and periodic donor visits/speaking tours in the U.S. and Europe as agreed upon.
4. In consultation with the Regional Director, contribute to the elaboration of communication and advocacy strategies to influence changes at local, national, regional and international levels.
5. Working with AFSC U.S. based staff, seek and nurture opportunities for collaboration and joint programming as appropriate; provide program based evidence to ensure AFSC US based staff positions seeking to change systems and policies in relation to Israel and Palestine are grounded in our direct experience working to change the circumstances of individuals and communities.
Administration and Supervision
1. Maintain and update as needed country-relevant personnel and administrative policies and procedures, salary structure and benefits.
2. Maintain proper registration and legal status of the offices with government agencies as needed, consistent with AFSC guidelines and in consultation with the Middle East Regional Director.
3. Recruit, hire, and supervise national staff, including staff development, performance planning and review. Ensure that all staff are familiar with and work toward the long-term vision and strategic goals of AFSC.
4. Ensure fiscal management of supervised programs including oversight of budgeting and accounting procedures defined by AFSC and donor partners, preparation and timely processing of monthly financial reports, and oversight of contracts and materials.
5. Following the guidelines of AFSC’s security policies, develop security protocol, manage emergency situations as they arise, and make recommendations to the Regional Director regarding security and emergency response.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION: Master’s degree preferred in related field such as social studies, peace-building, international affairs, economics, and management.
EXPERIENCE: Five or more years of experience in managing international programs, planning and managing peace-building and/or humanitarian assistance, recovery and development programs in a conflict affected area. Deep understanding of issues related to non-violence, and conflict transformation in the Middle East.
OTHER REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Commitment to Quaker values and testimonies. Understanding of and compatibility with the principles and philosophy of the American Friends Service Committee including nonviolence and the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual.
2. Understanding of and commitment to the principles, concerns, and considerations of AFSC in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities. Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.
3. Track record of managing complex programs, ideally with an emphasis in conflict transformation and peace-building, and in urban settings. Demonstrated experience in strategic thinking, fundraising, grant writing, program planning and implementation.
4. Demonstrated administrative ability, including experience with staff supervision, financial management, narrative and financial reporting, and budgeting.
5. Fluency in written and spoken English; demonstrated ability to report orally and in writing; ability to write and edit materials for publication in English. Working knowledge of Arabic and Hebrew very desirable.
6. Experience with peace-building, conflict transformation programs, and nonviolent approaches to problem solving are highly desirable. Capacity to plan, organize and train others through participatory approaches.
7. Ability to work independently in an unstructured setting and program, yet within a framework of long-distance communication, consultation, and decision making.
8. Ability to cope in situations of high risk and in compliance with security measures, to work under pressure, and to organize time effectively.
9. Computer skills (PC/Windows), particularly in word processing, spreadsheet and database applications (MS Office), and e-mail.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to the Regional Director for the Middle East; collegial relationship with other staff as part of Middle East Leadership Team and in Philadelphia; collaborates with other AFSC US based staff as part of program strategies.
PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT: At least for 3 years.
COMPENSATION: In lieu of a fixed salary, AFSC provides a maintenance package which includes in-field, ongoing, vacation, savings, and new personnel allowances. Benefits include life insurance and health and dental coverage. Work related travel costs are covered. Details are available.
The American Friends Service Committee is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of their religious affiliation, race, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.
The American Friends Service Committee is a smoke-free workplace.
Apply online: https://jobs-afsc.icims.com/jobs/1273/job
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