Deputy Head of Delegation

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 Country Cluster Delegation for The Pacific provides coordination, management, and technical support to 13 National Societies in the Pacific and has an operational plan for 2023 which is aligned to the APRO operational plan. The CCD Pacific is a multi-country office, and its focus includes providing support to the Pacific IFRC governance mechanisms; ensuring adherence to, and contributing to, global norms and standards; providing guidance; ensuring consistency, coordination, and accountability for performance; knowledge sharing; promoting collaboration within and respect for the RCRC Movement; and expanding engagement with partners under a Membership Services approach. While the role covers the Pacific sub-region, there is a strong focus on coordination of NSD support at a country level under IFRC coordination frameworks.

This position is located in the IFRC CCD Pacific Office in Suva, Fiji.

Job Purpose

The Deputy HOD/Head of Programs for IFRC in the Pacific is responsible for leading the development and implementation of strong program management systems and capacity within the Pacific Country Cluster Delegation (CCD). The role also involves supporting National Societies in continuous improvement and localization of program quality, in line with their strategic ambitions. Additionally, the position deputizes, advises, and supports the Head of Delegation in the management of the CCD, and in leading strategic partnership and Humanitarian Diplomacy efforts in the Pacific. In the absence of the Head of Delegation, the DHD serves as the Acting Head of Country Cluster Delegation and represents IFRC in all matters pertaining to team management, humanitarian diplomacy, resource mobilization and capacity building.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Strategic Partnership Management and Humanitarian Diplomacy:

• Under the supervision of the HoCCD, develop and maintain effective strategic partnerships with key stakeholders such as governments, donors, UN agencies, NGOs, and civil society organizations – especially in the cause of advancing operational effectiveness of IFRC and Pacific National Societies.
• Represent IFRC in strategic forums and meetings with partners, to advocate for and promote the humanitarian goals and objectives of the organization.
• Support the Head of Delegation in developing and implementing strategic partnership plans to enhance the organization’s influence and impact in the Pacific.
• Under the guidance of the HoCCD, seek recognition of the IFRC’s mandate and work in key strategic events and funding decisions by the relevant public authorities.
• In coordination with the HoCCD, advance IFRC’s profile (visibility) and positioning (promoting IFRC interests and providing substantive inputs on humanitarian issues) in different high-level platforms and fora in the Pacific with a special focus on humanitarian operations and Climate Change.
• Support the implementation of the IFRC influencing agenda and other humanitarian diplomacy initiatives.
• Advise the IFRC Secretariat on forthcoming important events and issues of strategic, policy or operational interest, makes recommendations on IFRC and National Society participation and on how these issues should be handled.

2. Program Management:

• Lead the development and implementation of program management systems, processes, and tools to ensure effective planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs within the Pacific CCD.
• Provide leadership support to ensure implementation of the IFRC Strategy 2030 and the Agenda for Renewal across the Pacific including the development and implementation of CCD and National Society Unified Plans, in coordination with Movement Partners working in the Region.
• Provide technical guidance and support to National Societies in the design, implementation, and evaluation of their programs, ensuring alignment with the Strategic Framework and Program Quality Standards of IFRC
• Ensure effective membership coordination to increase the readiness and capacity of Pacific National Societies to quickly respond to disasters and crises, support greater community and institutional resilience, and promote Movement cooperation whenever relevant.
• Promote continuous learning and improvement in program management practices and facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among Partners and National Societies in the Pacific.
• Lead the development, monitoring and review of program budgets and support thematic program managers and National Societies to fulfil their financial and budget management responsibilities.
• Support the HoCCD to provide strategic and pragmatic advice to IFRC Management and IFRC membership as appropriate, based on an analysis of trends in public, private, multilateral agencies and intergovernmental deliberations and discussions.
• Remain informed about key issues and debates as well as develops and maintains a wide network of interlocutors.
• Provide regular management reports on the activities of the Country Cluster Delegation, as assigned.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

3. Resource Mobilization and Contract Management:

• In coordination with the relevant stakeholders at cluster and regional level, and under the guidance of the HoCCD, identify and pursue funding opportunities to support program activities in the Pacific, including donor engagement, proposal development, and grant management.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and reporting obligations and provide technical support to National Societies in resource mobilization efforts.
• Oversee contract management processes, including negotiation, monitoring, and reporting on program contracts with partners and suppliers.
• Provide regular updates for use by the Senior Management Team regarding opportunities for engagement and fundraising, which advance the interests of the organization.

4. People Management:

• Lead, manage, and develop a team of program staff, providing regular performance feedback, coaching, and mentoring.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusiveness, and professionalism within the program team.
• Promote staff capacity building and professional development through training, on-the-job learning, and knowledge sharing activities.

Education

Required:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., International Development, Public Administration, Humanitarian Studies) or equivalent experience

Preferred:

• Graduate-level degree in any relevant discipline.
• Certification or other qualification in Project Management and/or Negotiation, Mediation.

Experience

Required:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (International Development, Public Administration, Humanitarian Studies), or equivalent experience.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in humanitarian operations, organizational development, community development, or program quality, with leadership responsibilities.
• At least 10 years of experience in government and/or partnership relations at the national and/or regional levels, preferably in the Pacific region.
• Strong experience in governance and leadership support.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage teams, resources, and projects in high-pressure environments.

Preferred:

• Experience in field operations.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required:

• Strong management and organizational skills.
• Excellent mediation and negotiation skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Proficient in resource mobilization and fundraising.
• Strong intercultural and communications skills in a wide range of settings.
• Ability to work in a cross-cultural and cross-functional environment.
• Analysis, decision-making and problem-solving skills, including the ability to think strategically and tactically.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake a high-level representational and advocacy role.
• Excellent interpersonal negotiations skills, including tact and diplomacy as well as the ability to effectively communicate a vision, solve problems and manage conflict.
• Proven people management skills in a multi-cultural environment and strong track record of developing people. Understanding of, and commitment to, the IFRC’s mission and values.
• Ability to handle and advise on the management of confidential and sensitive information.
• Computer literate (Microsoft Office suite).
• Fluent spoken and written English.
  
  

Preferred:

• Good command of another IFRC official language.