Programme Assistant - Algeria

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 IFRC supports the Algerian Red Crescent through its country delegation in Algeria. It focuses on strategic and operational coordination, National Society development and humanitarian diplomacy. Over the last five years, the IFRC has supported the National Society in its emergency responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires, floods, cold waves and earthquakes. The IFRC provides technical support – and financial resources in some instances - for a range of services and supports the National Society with its work on different thematic areas such as first aid, migration, disaster preparedness and climate change among others. The IFRC also supports the National Society’s capacity development.

Job Purpose

Under the management of the acting Head of the Country Delegation, the Programme Officer (PO) will be the focal point for all programmatic aspects (Planning Monitoring evaluation reporting inclusive) of the IFRC Country support to Algerian Red Crescent Programmes and operations (emergency and non-emergency related), to ensure efficient, effective, coordinated and timely planning and implementation. This includes close collaboration and coordination with Movement partners, and networking at the programmatic level within the wider humanitarian network. The post-holder will work in close collaboration with the Algerian Red Crescent Society operational/support services divisions.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Programme Coordination/support:

• Ensure smooth and timely implementation of the planned activities by working closely with the ARCS partners.
• Support the ARCS in planning and implementing their initiatives, notably exploration and identification of entry points for the integration of Disaster Management, Climate change, social solidarity, digital transformation, Community health and first aid, Communications, and other innovative resources and best practices in the country jointly with the ARCS with the guidance from IFRC MENA technical thematic leads.
• Liaise with technical teams at the IFRC regional office and/or partner NS in areas requiring expertise and connect peers as needed;
• Provide accurate and timely narrative and financial reports and bi-weekly progress reports to line manager progress reports.
• Ensure robust and coherent analysis and monitoring of the operating environment and its potential evolution, and lead any revision of the running programmes and projects.
• Develop activities that support ARCS strategic Plan of Action and ensure they are articulated within the IFRC plans and IFRC membership delivery offers.
• Ensure that humanitarian and longer-term interventions are reflective of current and emerging needs and threats.
• Work closely with ARCS counterparts in all related programming roles and responsibilities, providing advice and recommendations that carefully consider local capacity and context.
• Assist ARCS in the achievement of planned outcomes and deliverables following quality standards, in a timely manner, and within budgets.
• Ensure that programme initiatives are 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.
• Under the supervision of the head of delegation, ensure the smooth running of the programmes and liaison with ARCS, ICRC and Partner National Societies (PNS) operating in the country or supporting from a distance (If applicable).
• Provide and coordinate information for accurate, regular and timely narrative and financial reports.
• Ensure IFRC active participation in external coordination mechanisms and multi-sector coordination forums and effective and efficient technical, programmatic and operational liaison with the relevant units at the IFRC MENA Regional Office.
• Provide effective coordination and communication on programmes issues, within the Movement and with international organizations, partner societies and other stakeholders.
• Supporting HoD in new initiatives/building new partnerships/networking and Embassies files and representing the IFRC in relevant national and international engagements and meetings.

2. National Society development

• Support the National Society Development work led by the ARCS including strategic planning exercise/s and roll-out.
• Support ARCS managers and staff in strengthening skills with a focus on operations & programme management, reporting and communications.
• Support resource mobilization initiatives.
• Foster a customer service-oriented culture that values proactivity, continuous improvement, innovation, high performance and cost-effectiveness;

3. Partnerships and membership coordination

• Under the guidance of the HoD, and in coordination with the ARCS HQ management, respective departments, and branch-level staff to promote coordinated and aligned agenda and initiatives in the country, in coordination with other RCRC partners.
• Coordinate with all Partner National Societies operating in the country to ensure common positions and consistency in approaches on development and humanitarian assistance being provided.
• Promote flagship programs in ARCS and the engagement of the membership to support the identified programs.

4. Lateral Relationships

• Establish and ensure effective working relationships with the other internal and external stakeholders
• Ensure effective relationships with technical and support service departments at the MENA regional Office;
• Serve as a key liaison between the IFRC MENA, ARCS, and other present/interested RCRC network partners in the MENA to ensure effective communication and relations to disseminate policies and strategies in support of ARCS;
• Collect and share updates with IFRC MENA on key developments and opportunities in the country relevant to IFRC and NS activities and interests;

Education

• Relevant University Degree - Required
• Basic Delegates Training Course or IMPACT training or equivalent knowledge - Preferred

Experience

• 2-5 years of relevant experience in managing humanitarian operations and development programs - Required
• Red Cross/Red Crescent knowledge and experience - Preferred
• Representation and diplomacy: Demonstrated professional experience working for the Government, an international organization, and/or diplomatic service - Required
• Experience in project management and reporting - Required

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Basic knowledge on organizational development and change management - Required
• Proven programme management skills including planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting - Required
• Analytical thinking and writing - Required
• Skills in data management and application of relevant software - Preferred 
• In-depth understanding of financial management - Required
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity: Experience in multi-cultural environments - Required
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written - Required
• Ability to prepare reports, plan of actions and budgets, programme updates, country operation plan, etc - Required
• Fluently spoken and written French, English and Arabic - 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