Operations Manager Delegate – (Anticipatory Recruitment)

Description

The Canadian Red Cross Society (CRCS) is seeking to build its roster of Operations Managers. Reporting to the International Federation Red Cross Red Crescent (IFRC) regional Disaster Management (DM) unit or an IFRC Operations Coordinator, the Operations Manager will oversee the coordination of timely, efficient and effective IFRC support to a host National Societies (NS) in responding to sudden and slow onset disasters and crises events.

Delegates seconded to the IFRC will provide leadership for management of IFRC disaster and crises assistance in support of a local National Society in an affected country. She/he supports the National Society in successful planning and implementation of appropriate response. To achieve this aim, the Operations Manager works collectively and closely with the Disaster Management and technical units, regional and country offices of the IFRC, and focal points from the local National Society. The Operations Manager is often the only delegate deployed to directly support the national society in the management of relief operations and must therefore be able to work independently and with minimal supervision. Typical deployments are 3-12 months in duration, with the possibility of extension.

While delegates are recruited to deploy internationally with the IFRC, the CRC also uses its register of Operations Managers for domestic disaster management opportunities. Within domestic operations, Operations Managers could be inserted into senior level positions resulting in the need to be able to rapidly understand and navigate new and complex operations. We ask all candidates who are engaged in this register to be available for domestic operations or other relevant assignments.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

· Assume responsibility for leading IFRC’s contribution to the operation in the affected country in partnership with the local National Society, ensuring appropriate links with IFRC structure (Resource management and Programme management).

· Supervise IFRC technical sectors in country and in the regional office to ensure they work closely with the managers of relevant NS departments in all related programming roles and responsibilities, providing advice and recommendations that carefully consider local capacity and context.

· Constantly monitor the disaster situation and overall context and adapt the orientation or set-up of IFRC’s support

· Act as a link between the National Society (NS) and IFRC secretariat in case new assistance is required for responding to a new threat.

· Movement context, principles and values:

o Promote and assist the integration of humanitarian priorities and interventions within all relevant programming divisions in the NS.

o Analyze and adapt Movement systems and standard operating procedures and innovates with the National Society where needed to meet the needs of affected communities.

o Support the National Society in leadership and decision making related to response, in accordance with the Principles and Rules For Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian Assistance

· Coordination : Advocate for and collaboratively-design integrated operational strategies considering partner’s respective capacities and needs to ensure that all components of the response are identified, planned and carried out in a coordinated, collaborative and integrated manner

· Program management, planning, monitoring & reporting:

· Alongside the National Society, co-lead the operational strategy to develop programme approaches which strengthen and develop the National Society’s structures, capacity and performance; accompany the National Society in analysis of its current strengths and weaknesses and ensure provision of necessary technical and material support particularly in relation to the ongoing crisis.

o Encourage joint assessment, planning and implementation between sectors, where appropriate, moving towards an overall multi-sector integrated approach.

o Monitor implementation of IFRC interventions and ensure the projects remain fit for purpose.

o Ensure rigorous monitoring and management of budgets to all Federation-assisted programs within the NS, ensuring compliance with IFRC and National Society finance procedures and that expenditure is within income and approved ceilings and within donors earmarking requirements. Work with the National Society to identify problems and solutions in a timely and effective manner.

o Consider the exit strategy for the operation from an early stage and how it might link to and support the NS long-term programs.

· Resource management : Advise on the need of human resources, support deployments in coordination with the National Society, Country and Regional IFRC offices, HR departments and/or surge desk, and have overall responsibility for resource management.

· Direction setting, operational objectives and team planning: Work with the National Society to define and communicate the operation’s strategic direction to implement and develop capacities within the NS for emergency response and review contingency planning for identified threats in operational areas.

· Safety and Security, and Risk Management : Accompany the National Society in ensuring the safety and security of staff in the operation by supporting operational decisions based on changing risk levels, providing relevant updates to stakeholders and factoring in risk management into planning, through existing security structures when possible.

· Interpersonal communications and collaboration: Support and mentor the National Society’s operations focal point for a diverse range of communication channels to deliver accurate, clear and concise messages and handle media interviews confidentially, eloquently and professionally. Provide overall guidance for communications.

· In coordination with the NS, conduct strategic analysis of the situation to identify humanitarian issues and potential risks, including fraud and corruption, by gathering relevant information, evaluating its impact and managing sensitive information discreetly and professionally to support the effective implementation of the operation.

· Champion high quality accountability standards and work with the National Society to ensure compliance with relevant policy and procedures

CRC is committed to advancing Localization globally, including supporting the leadership, decision making, and capacity strengthening of National Societies in all operations. We aim to deploy the right person to the right place, as local as possible and as global as necessary.

Education

· Relevant university degree or extensive professional experience in related field

· IMPACT or equivalent

Experience

· Experience of working for the Red Cross/Red Crescent

· 5 years’ experience of working for a humanitarian aid organization in disaster management in developing countries.

· 5 years’ experience of analyzing, planning, and managing relief and development programs and resources

· 3 years’ experience of managing, coaching, and supporting staff including experience working with local actors

· Experience of planning and managing finances and budgets

· Experience of acting in a senior representational role

· Experience of managing or coordinating complex disaster response and recovery operations

Knowledge, skills and languages

· High motivation for improvement and ability to deliver in a challenging environment

· Dedication, commitment and integrity

· Problem solving abilities

· Ability to leverage local strengths and develop local capacities

· Communication, analytical and reporting skills

· Self-supporting in computers

· Ability to work in a cross-cultural and cross-functional environment

· Strong interpersonal skills and good understanding of the global organization as well as humanitarian response principles and best practices.

· Written and verbal communication skills required for interactions at all levels

· Ability to work toward tight deadlines and handle multiple tasks

· Valid international driving license for light vehicles

· Must be already eligible to work in Canada

· Fluently spoken and written in English. Additional languages are highly desirable.

Competencies and values

Core Competencies

Tier 1

Tier 2

Assessment

Community engagement and accountability

Protection, Gender and Inclusion

Tier 3

Movement context, principles and values

National Society Capacity Strengthening

Coordination

Direction Setting and Quality Programme Management

Information Management

Resource Management

Safety and Security

Transition and Recovery

Environmental Sustainability

Collaboration and teamwork

Conflict Management

Interpersonal Communication

Cultural awareness

Judgment and decision making

Motivating Others

Personal resilience

Integrity

Environmental Scan / Working Conditions

The living conditions and security can be difficult in most countries where the CRC supports programming. Working conditions can be stressful and require a high level of management. All CRC delegates must be cleared by the Travel Health Team with full medical and vaccination clearance.

The Canadian Red Cross is committed to gender equality and social inclusion in our workplace. All qualified applications will receive consideration without regard to sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, color, religion, nationality, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We encourage all qualified persons to apply particularly Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, visible minorities, and others who share our values and contribute to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Please notify us as soon as possible of any adaptive measures you might require at any stage of the recruitment process.