Role & Responsibilities

Manage all aspects of the implementation and development of the assigned programme and support functions to facilitate the implementation of the country strategy. Providing leadership, strategic direction, management and evaluation of all aspects of the Medair programmes, the Deputy Country Director also plays a key role in external representation, security management, legal compliance, grant management, programme coordination and team leadership.

Project Overview

Emergency health projects, including the Ebola response, targeting displaced, war affected and vulnerable populations in regions that are in crisis in DRC. WASH interventions in communities and support of health centres are part of our health emergency responses. We try facilitating humanitarian access to remote areas.

Workplace & Conditions

Field based position in based in Goma, with frequent travel to the field locations. Take a look at Medair’s work in D.R. Congo.

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

As soon as possible. Full time, 24 months.

Key Activity Areas

Programme Leadership

• To deputise for the Country Director in his / her absence.
• Actively participate and contribute to the development and review of the Medair Strategy in country.
• Contribute and support the development of proposals and reports for the respective projects.

Operations Management

• Oversee programme implementation in consultation with the relevant senior managers in country and ensure objectives are met within the required time frames and budgets.
• Support field managers in finance, administrative, human resource and logistics management, ensuring knowledge of and adherence to operational systems, donor requirements and country programme strategy.
• Prepare and implement policies, procedures and guidelines to enhance the smooth running of the programmes through standardised procedures and improved support.
• Ensure all in-country legal requirements are met including registration, reporting, insurance, work permits, contracts, etc., liaising as necessary with government departments and other official bodies.
• Manage a comprehensive activity plan for the programme, covering the time frames of the project proposals.
• Represent Medair at relevant national and local meetings with government officials, contractors, other NGOs, etc., reporting back as applicable to staff, field managers and GSO.

Financial Management

• Supervise the project budget management and expenditure, ensuring budgets are spent according to donor proposals and regulations and within the appropriate timeframe and advising the senior field managers of the financial status of the projects. Organise project and budget reviews on quarterly basis.
• Develop and maintain financial tools in order to provide the right financial data at the right. High level overview of the different grants that fund the activities in the country programme, how they are tied together and how to maximise recovery of costs using contractual flexibility.
• Coordinate the development of budgets with the rest of the proposal writing process; identify the different funding gaps and develop / propose proposals to foundations or other sources of funding.

Staff Management

• Initiate recruitment of direct reports. Line manage staff, including direct supervision and development.
• Assist other managers in their line management responsibilities, including recruitment, appraisal, objective setting, development and training, disciplinary action, and deputise for them during any periods of absence.
• Hold regular team meetings and, through a consultative leadership style and a transparent, honest and supportive communication structure, develop and build an effective team.

Security Management

• Monitor, review and analyse the security status of the country with a specific focus on the area(s) of operation on a regular basis, liaising as appropriate, with the NGO Forum, other NGOs, the UN, local authorities or other relevant security bodies.
• Ensure all staff members receive appropriate briefings and on-going training in security-related topics.
• Oversee and monitor staff adherence to security protocols, including security incident reports.
• Ensure security plans and protocols are implemented in response to changes in the security situation.

Quality Management

• With relevant managers and Quality Director, review, develop and implement systems to improve transparency and to detect and ultimately prevent loss or fraud. Carry-out regular inspections and spot-checks, both on systems and on-going work, to ensure the best use of Medair assets and resources.
• Ensure country programmes are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with Medair, donor, country and international standards.

Team Spiritual Life

• Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, and external contacts.
• Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based team settings. Fully contribute to the rich spiritual life of your team, including team devotions, prayers, and words of encouragement.
• Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international prayer network.

This job description covers the main tasks that are anticipated. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant subject such as Management / Development Studies / Business Administration or in a relevant technical subject.
• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written).

Experience / Competencies

• 5 years post-qualification experience in a management position.
• 3 years post-qualification experience in a complex humanitarian emergency.
• Computer literate with good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Powerpoint and Outlook.
• Experience in dealing with donors and government officials.
• Knowledge of Humanitarian Essentials, Sphere and CHS and other international humanitarian guidelines and protocols. Advanced planning, assessment and analytical skills.