Country Director (Syria regional response - Jordan)

Role and Responsibilities

Leading a diverse team who are committed to serve the world's most vulnerable with practical and compassionate care the Country Director oversees all programme and support activities in-country. Representing Medair in all issues relating to the country programme, the Country Director plays a key role in donor relations and manages the country strategy and the project implementation in conjunction with senior field managers.

Project Overview

In response to the Syrian Crisis, delivering emergency assistance to Syrian refugees and host communities in Jordan and Lebanon, and to Syrian IDPs when possible. Projects in the sectors of Health, Nutrition, WASH, Shelter and Cash assistance.

Medair

Medair brings life-saving relief and recovery in disasters, conflict areas, and other crises by working alongside the most vulnerable. Its Internationally Recruited (IRS) and HQ staff are inspired by their Christian faith to care for people in need, providing practical and compassionate support, regardless of race, religion, or politics. Medair has achieved the ISO 9001:2008 certification, worldwide. This certification signifies that Medair effectively delivers goods and services with a focus on beneficiary needs. Founded in 1989, Medair's unwavering commitment continues to bring hope to the world's most vulnerable.

Workplace

Amman, Jordan

Starting Date

As soon as possible

Initial Contract Details

Full time, 2 years

Key Activity Areas

Leadership and Management

• Design, update and evaluate the regional strategy, in conjunction with the relevant senior field managers and HQ staff. Take into account community needs, donor criteria and strategies and an exit strategy in order to facilitate the long-term planning and development of the projects in the countries of operation.
• Manage the overall programme and support functions, including reviewing and refining the management structures and overseeing the development and maintenance of operational procedures for individual projects and support functions.

Communications

• Develop and maintain relationships with authorities, churches, donors, media, other NGOs and embassies with the objective of raising public awareness and identifying funding opportunities and other potential partnerships.

Financial Management

• Support the planning and construction of project budgets, in collaboration with relevant senior field managers and HQ staff.
• Manage the spending within the programme in-line with the approved budgets. Analyse projected cash flow, decide on the timing of major procurements, oversee audits and anticipate where over or under spending may occur and ensure necessary action is taken.

Staff Management

• Oversee all HR related issues within the programme including job descriptions, recruitment, performance management, development and training, health and safety, team structures, capability disciplinary action, etc. in collaboration with the relevant staff and managers.

Security Management

• Oversee the updating and implementation of country location security plans, guidelines and manuals.
• Ensure appropriate security procedures and awareness are maintained throughout the regional programme.
• Take the lead on decision making and contingency planning during security incidents or threats.

Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant subject such as Management / Development Studies / Business Administration or in a relevant technical subject
• Post-graduate degree in the humanitarian sector an asset
• Security management training desirable

Languages

• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written)
• Working knowledge of French (spoken and written) desirable
• knowledge of Arabic (spoken) an asset

Experience / Competencies

• 3 years post-qualification experience in a management position
• 1 years post-qualification experience in a complex humanitarian emergency
• Experience in the design, monitoring of implementation and evaluation of humanitarian / emergency programmes
• Experience in dealing with donors and government officials
• Knowledge of Humanitarian Essentials, Sphere and HAP Standards and other international humanitarian guidelines and protocols
• Self-motivated, energetic, hard-working, servant-hearted
• Team-player with good inter-personal skills

Medair Standard Working Requirements for the Field

• Experienced professionals in a relevant field
• Committed Christians
• Commitment to Medair values (faith, hope, accountability, integrity, dignity, compassion)
• Overseas intercultural experience
• Strong working knowledge of English, spoken and written
• Working knowledge of French, spoken and written for French-speaking field programmes
• Single or married (with no children under 18). If married, your spouse must also apply.
• Competent with Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Successful completion of Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC)
• Reflect the vision and values of Medair when interacting with team members, local staff, beneficiaries and external contacts
• Able to live and work with a multicultural team under difficult conditions
• Strong character traits, including emotional stability, adaptability, ability to handle stress, cultural and gender sensitivity, honesty, and physically fit

Benefits

• A salary based upon the grade of the position and the experience of the position-holder
• Full briefing at our Swiss headquarters, as well as an in-country briefing
• Security training for those going to particularly insecure environments
• Accommodation, food, and transportation in-country
• Return flights to and from the country programme (one return flight for every year of service)
• Rest and recuperation (R&R) leave (including travel, accommodation, and food)
• Annual leave; Disability Allowance
• Re-entry allowance for those who commit to longer contracts
• Comprehensive medical and emergency rescue insurance, with up to 60 days post- assignment coverage, including debriefing