occupied Palestinian territory: Country Representative

We help to strengthen resilience of vulnerable people exposed to hazards and crisis situations and we respond to disasters and conflicts to save lives and alleviate suffering. In the Netherlands with more than thirty thousand volunteers and internationally through technical assistance, supplies and money. Together we act before, during and after disasters to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people.

We do this without regards to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinion. Our seven principles guide our humanitarian work: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

The International Assistance department is responsible for all Netherlands Red Cross international support for victims of disasters and conflicts and for vulnerable people exposed to hazards.

The International Assistance department is looking for a Country Representative for the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt).

Position title: Country Representative

Duty station: Both Gaza City and Ramallah

Time period: 12 months, with the possibility of extension

Starting Date: 1 May 2017

Status: Non-accompanied

Purpose of the position

The purpose of this position is to support the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in implementation of two projects: 1. Improving access to quality health services, which aims to contribute to the resilience of vulnerable communities in Gaza Strip, and 2. Improving the resilience of young adults living in conflict affected areas. This project focuses on life skills and psychosocial support. The Country Representative is to support timely implementation, as well as reporting and monitoring of the projects supported by The Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC). In addition, NLRC and PRCS are finalizing the objectives of a long-term partnership in which the Country Representative plays a key role. The delegate is the liaison between PRCS and NLRC HQ in The Hague, as well as NLRC delegates working with PRCS in diaspora countries. The delegate will further be supporting PRCS and NLRC in developing new projects and initiatives to ensure continued support for vulnerable communities in this protracted crisis, in line with the framework of the PRCS-NLRC partnership.

Background

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and The Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC) are partners since the early 1990s. Considering the protracted challenging humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) and Palestinian diaspora we aim at strengthening our long-term partnership. The foundation of the partnership is based on the vision, goals and identified challenges of PRCS, as well as the strategies of both PRCS and NLRC. The main strategic objective for the NLRC is to support the development towards more resilient communities.

NLRC’s work in the oPt and diaspora country branches (among which Lebanon and Syria) is implemented through bilateral cooperation with PRCS. The context is one of protracted conflict, requiring challenging developmental as well as humanitarian interventions. Palestinians are facing severe economic and humanitarian conditions, including frequent armed conflict and long-term, as well as recent, displacement in addition to the complex consequences of occupation.

Like NLRC, PRCS is auxiliary to the public authorities in the humanitarian field as members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. As such, it endeavours to improve health and social conditions of the population in the oPt and diaspora branches. PRCS runs a number of hospitals and primary health care services throughout the oPt and in diaspora, in addition to programmes relating to health and ambulance services, rehabilitation, psychosocial, ability development, Disaster Management and Response, youth and volunteer support, International Humanitarian Law and organizational development.

Position in the organization

The Country Delegate will report hierarchically to the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator (PPC) and work according to the NLRC Standard Project Approach (SPA) with other relevant colleagues at NLRC HQ.

Summary statement and responsibilities

Partnership development

· Complete the partnership milestones and the Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA) process between PRCS and NLRC, with the support of NLRC HQ and the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator (PPC);

· Ensure activities being newly developed are aligned with identified priorities stated in the FPA;

· Assist PRCS/NLRC in periodic reviews and monitoring of progress and achievements against the FPA;

· Upon request of PRCS and in consultation with the PPC, support humanitarian response in case of an emergency, as well as advise NLRC on areas of support;

· Represent NLRC in relevant fora, meetings, conferences, workshops when and where required;

· Facilitate and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of relevant donors, international agencies, the UN, and other partners, when necessary and in consultation with PRCS;

· Familiarise with the context, the role and strategy of PRCS, and advise PRCS and NLRC on possible future directions for their long term partnership;

· Ensure excellent and effective working relationships with PRCS counterparts and leadership;

· Establish and ensure effective working relationships with other colleagues and partners, in particular from ICRC, IFRC and other RC entities.

Project management

· Support PRCS in developing efficient PMER systems, both at operational and HQ level;

· Together with PRCS ensure the development and implementation of projects based on agreed planning, logframes and budgets, and in line with PRCS and NLRC strategies;

· Accountable for the overall project management towards the donor in terms of administrative and financial management, as well as reporting, in close collaboration with the implementing departments of PRCS;

· Perform regular monitoring of activities and finances throughout the implementation of the project, and review narrative and financial reports prior to submission to NLRC HQ, and – upon request – provide technical assistance to PRCS in the drafting of the reports;

· Support the use and development of appropriate technologies and sustainable methods to maximise the milestones achieved during projects, and ensure qualitative services;

· Support the strengthening of coordination between PRCS departments and with other RCRC actors to ensure maximum synergy and complementarity;

· Seek alignment and synergy in coordination with other stakeholders where relevant and beneficial;

· Monitor any area of risk, be it quality, financial, reputational or other.

Security management

· Follow strictly the guidelines and guidance set by the ICRC and NLRC HQ;

· Keep PPC and Security Officer informed on security incidents and trends, and update the NLRC Country Security Plan on a regular basis;

· Maintain proper documentation of security incidents.

Requirements/Qualifications

· University (Masters) Degree or advanced degree, preferably in Public Health;

· Minimum of 5 years international experience in project management in a development or humanitarian setting, including project development, planning, implementation, reporting, monitoring and evaluation;

· Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of, and experience in, the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement;

· Proven experience in setting up partnerships and working with partners at national and sub-national levels;

· Experience in the transfer of capacities within a partnership framework;

· Experience with strategy development, strategic planning and its translation into concrete action;

· Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control procedures;

· Excellent communication skills with strong interpersonal and coaching skills, as well as cultural sensitivity;

· Fluency in written and spoken English, knowledge of Arabic is an advantage;

· Ability to travel to all project areas in the occupied Palestinian territories.

We offer

§ A full time appointment (based on 40-hour work week) for 1 year, with the possibility of extension;

§ A flexible, human centred and international working environment;

§ Well balanced employment conditions with space for initiative and development.

Please send your resume in English and letter of motivation with reference to Annemieke van Teeffelen before 3 April 2017 to http://werkenbij.rodekruis.nl/en/Vacancy/Apply/77763

For more information about the position, you can contact Ad Beljaars via email: abeljaars@redcross.nl.

An initial assessment of short-listed candidates is part of the selection procedure.

For more information of the work of the Netherlands Red Cross please go to www.rodekruis.nl. and www.rodekruis.tv. NLRC on Facebook: Facebook.com/rodekruis and Twitter: Twitter.com/rodekruis