Program Coordinator - German Red Cross

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.”  IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas.  IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.  

The German Red Cross (GRC) is part of a worldwide community assisting victims of conflicts and disasters and people affected by social or health related crises. The Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement provides vulnerable people with assistance without discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. The German Red Cross assists in disaster response, rehabilitation and capacity building projects on appeals of their sister organizations within the Movement.

Job Purpose

GRC is currently seeking a Program Coordinator(m/f) for the coordination of its emergency response projects in Lebanon and Egypt in connection with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Program Coordinatorwill act as the focal point for all managerial aspects of the different projects that are being implemented by the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC) and the Egyptian Red Crescent Society (ERCS) with GRC’s support, and to ensure efficient, effective, coordinated and timely implementation.

The PM will work under the supervision of the GRC Lebanon Head of Office and the Regional Program Coordinator and work in close collaboration with LRC and ERCS heads of program departments.

The Program Coordinator will be responsible for the support, guidance and quality control in planning, implementation and monitoring of activities of emergency projects in Lebanon and Egypt. A strong focus will lie on the provision of technical, on the job support and capacity building with regards to programming, reporting and MEAL.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Management

• Provide technical and managerial support to assess, plan, implement, monitor and report the GRC supported activities and operations together with LRC and ERCS.
• In close coordination with the GRC team, enhance the planning, set up and implementation of monitoring activities (including design of PMER – Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting – tools where necessary); Monitor and follow up the activities through regular field trips as security situation allows.
• Follow up on challenges and opportunities for the implementation of planned activities in various projects and coordinate the mitigation and adaptation with LRC, ERCS and GRC.
• Report projects progress internally and to external donors according to donor regulations;
• Support the development of new projects, concept notes, and proposals;
• Support the GRC team in monitoring of financial and operational processes. Ensure that internal and donor-specific quality standards are kept and documented;
• Through ongoing assessments of the situation, collect all relevant information to enable GRC to submit application for funds where suitable and provide support and input to the development and composition of the German Red Cross portfolio;
• In cooperation with the Movement, provide effective coordination and communication on programs issues, within the Movement and with international organizations, donor societies and other stakeholders.
• Ensure that humanitarian interventions are responsive to current and emerging needs and threats.
• Ensure that the response is based on frameworks and approaches that are consistent with or have considered national and international standards and guidelines, as well as IFRC policies, procedures and tools.

Partnership:

• Maintain a cooperative working relationship with LRC and ERCS, providing guidance and support in the development of capacities, quality assurance, management and reporting.
• Facilitate dialogue between different partners and donors, as required.
• Support the GRC Lebanon Head of Office in representing the GRC with LRC and the Regional Program Coordinator in representing GRC with ERCS, other partners of the Red Cross/ Red Crescent Movement, and other stakeholders or the media, as required.

General Management and Support:

• Support the GRC team in tasks related to the GRC operations, strategy, security and human resources management according to need.
• Contribute to internal and external communication about the project and the context in general, including visibility in the project activities where possible.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and agreements to minimize risk of harm to the IFRC and its Secretariat personnel, properties and resources. Special attention is to be given to compliance with procurement procedures and standards.
• Support the team in representing the GRC in relevant national and international engagements and meetings.
• Support the Lebanon Head of Office and the Regional Programme Coordinator in all other matters related to the GRC activities in Lebanon an Egypt and be prepared for changing working conditions and reasonable adjustments of the job description during the mission.
• Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles
• Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.

Duties applicable to all staff

1. Work actively towards the achievement of the Federation Secretariat’s goals. 
2. Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles.
3. Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.

Education

• Relevant Bachelor Degree - Required.
• Master’s degree in management of humanitarian field - Preferred.
• Relevant trainings in Project Cycle Management - Required.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years working experience in the field of Emergency Relief or Development in protracted crises - Required.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience and proven expertise in projects management  - Required.
• Minimum of 5 years and proven experience in the design and implementation of PMER tools and mechanisms, preferably working with local partners  - Required.
• Professional reporting and proposal writing skills; solid experience with donor-funded projects and working with different donors  - Required.
• Proven experience in Monitoring and Evaluation, Accountability and institutional Learning  - Required.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills (oral and written) - Required.
• Ability to work independently, highly solutions-oriented and as a team player - Required.
• Experience in on-the-job capacity building and organizational development - Required.
• Technical knowledge about community-based programming in fragile context is an asset - Required.
• Fluent spoken and written English - Required.
• Fluency in Arabic with good spoken and written command of the language - Required.

Competencies, Values and Comments

• Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability
• Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust

IFRC ensures equal employment opportunities.