Head of Office (m/f/d) Middle East & North Africa (MENA), Lebanon

The German Red Cross (GRC) International Cooperation is dedicated to alleviating human suffering. True to the mandate of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (the RCRC Movement), we foster partnerships that transcend borders. We support our Sister National Societies worldwide, helping them deliver vital assistance to the most vulnerable people.

To assist people affected by disasters, crises and armed conflicts, we are a committed advocate for the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and an equal, relevant and reliable partner of our Movement, particularly our Sister National Societies, to fulfil their respective humanitarian mandates and national strategies.

We provide needs-based, flexible, innovative and sustainable support to Sister National Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the wider humanitarian community. We enable early and immediate life-saving assistance and implement anticipatory action and risk-reducing activities, particularly in the face of climate change and armed conflicts and their humanitarian consequences.

GRC is currently seeking a Head of Office (m/f/d) Middle East & North Africa (MENA) based in Beirut, Lebanon.

Duration: 24 months (extension possible)

Location: Beirut / Lebanon

Main Objectives are:

• Lead the regional GRC cooperation team to ensure that GRC delegations in country have access to support in terms of logistics, financial management, reporting, and advocacy to allow for effective cooperation with the Sister National Societies (SNS) in the MENA region.
• Maintain an overview of operational monitoring, identifying high level trends, issues, and lessons, and build synergies across sectors to improve operational effectiveness.
• Enable regional exchange and learning processes, ensuring knowledge management, and actively advising on resource allocation and change processes. Support and strengthen GRC’s partnership approach in the MENA region through advising and supporting the respective Head of Offices (HoO) in their work with the SNS and relevant movement partners.
• Represent GRC vis-à-vis RCRC Movement components on the regional level and in close coordination with the respective HoOs and maintain good relations with donors (EU, Foreign Office etc), potential partners (German development organisations, NGOs, IOs) as well as media representatives.

Main duties & responsibilities:

• Manage the MENA office in Beirut, including line management of a team of 16 Lebanese and international staff based in Beirut, fixed assets, financial assets and other resources in accordance with GRC procedures and regulations;
• Provide strategic guidance to the development of the GRC portfolio in MENA and contribute to the strategic processes of the organisation;
• Support the respective GRC HoOs to maintain a co-operative working relationship with the Sister National Societies and other movement partners, and to develop and implement a strategic vision for GRC’s further engagement in these countries;
• Explore possibilities for partnerships within the Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement and with external partners, including networking, cooperation, collaboration and technical advice as per country;
• Lead the regional team in a way so that they provide relevant and high-quality support to country teams and SNSs enabling them to learn from each other, grow and implement programs in line with SNSs’ priorities and needs;
• Report to headquarters (HQ) on all relevant strategic issues and implement HQ guidance on strategic processes;
• Enhance GRC’s profile in the public debate on humanitarian issues by identifying relevant topics in coordination with the country offices and HQ. Coordination / Representation with relevant regional structures of other RCRC institutions and partners (ICRC/IFRC) as well relevant technical and political networks.

Required Competencies & Skills:

• At least 10 years of experience in the humanitarian sector; preferably in the MENA region;
• Previous experience of working for the Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement and ability to confidently advocate the unique features of the Movement and interpret the principles for our work, to support and guide decisions, negotiations, ways of working and motivation.
• Strong communicator with analytical and diplomatic skills, guiding team members in problem-solving and decision making;
• Proven ability to create a positive collaborative environment where roles are clearly defined, feedback and open communication is encouraged, and operational goals are clear within the team and with wider stakeholders.
• Ability to see the overall objective in a changing context, pursue a strategic vision, and taking responsibility to motivate others to achieve it
• Hands-on experience in security and crisis management;
• Ability to maintain your own and others well-being in a stressful environment and cope with rapid change
• Proven experience in managing highly diverse, multi-cultural teams of national and international staff and applying conflict resolution approaches;
• Solid programmatic, financial and organisational planning skills;
• Ability to work independently and as a team member, being an active listener and delivering accurate, clear and concise messages;
• Ability and agreement to adhere to the Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles;
• Oral and written fluency in English, any additional language (especially German and/or Arabic and/or French) is of advantage;
• Willingness to travel in the region frequently;
• Ability to complete a thorough medical screening process ‘working abroad under specific climate and health conditions’;
• Valid Driving Licence.

What we offer you:

GRC offers you a compensation package according to the collective employment agreement of the GRC as well as an expatriation allowance during your mission. We provide a personal allowance to cover your accommodation. In addition to a full insurance package (health insurance for residence abroad, private accident insurance, private liability insurance, luggage insurance) GRC is as well covering a home flight withing a 12-month period of assignment and medical check-ups before and after your mission. Before your assignment you will benefit from a comprehensive training package and receive briefings and coaching prior as well as during and after your mission. This position is an accompanied post.