REACH Operational and Humanitarian Diplomacy Team Lead at Norwegian Red Cross

Purpose

•  The REACH Operational and HD Team Lead  will lead on establishing strategic dialogue and support partnership platform to REACH at country level in line with global/regional direction. The postholder will, in line with REACH SOPs outlined modalities, provide strategic support to National Society’s leadership and facilitate engagement with public health authorities through established coalition and partnership platforms at country level. She/he will also be strongly involved in resource mobilisation at all levels and in the strengthening of partnership with Africa CDC, via AU Delegation, as well as sub-regional and regional inter-governmental commissions, priority international organisations and Pan-African networks towards the accomplishment of REACH goals. The REACH Operational and HD Team Lead  will work closely with prioritized REACH Host National Societies, Participating National Societies, IFRC AU delegation, IFRC cluster delegations and Africa CDC to ensure the operational advancement of the REACH initiative.  

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of country level strategic plans and coordination platforms for the REACH initiative in line with global and regional direction, in line with REACH operational SOPs and Africa CDC agreed Country Support Planforms.
• Facilitate and support National Society's engagement with public health authorities through established coalitions and partnership platforms for the REACH initiative.
• Strengthen partnerships with Africa CDC, AU Delegation, inter-governmental commissions, international organizations, and Pan-African networks.
• Foster collaboration on REACH between Participating National Societies, African National Societies, AU delegation, and IFRC cluster delegations.
• Ensure the REACH initiative goals are met by closely monitoring progress and making adjustments as needed.
• Represent and present the REACH initiative in relevant forums and meetings with public health authorities and other partners.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders including donors, governments, and international organizations around the REACH initiative.
• Collaborate with other humanitarian actors involved in CHW scale-up initiative (AFF, UNICEF) to ensure the REACH  initiative aligns and complements wider humanitarian priorities and broader health systems strengthening efforts.
• Provide strategic support and guidance to National Society's leadership towards meaningful engagement in the REACH initiative linked to the Auxiliary role of the National Societies, including development of specific agreements for the purpose of REACH roll-out.
• Ensure the REACH initiative is well-coordinated with other related health and humanitarian activities.
• Develop and implement strategies to build the capacity of Community Health Workers and support HNS to define their staff and volunteer’s role in CHW scaleup.
• Lead on reporting and dissemination of results to relevant stakeholders.
• Foster relationships with relevant authorities and stakeholders to build support for the auxiliary role of National Societies.
• Support National Societies in strengthening their partnerships and collaboration with government agencies, civil society organizations, and other relevant actors.
• Develop and maintain a network of contacts and resources to support National Societies in promoting their auxiliary role in health.
• Represent IFRC in national, regional and international forums to ensure optimal visibility of the REACH Initiative.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public health, international relations, humanitarian affairs, or a related field.   
• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience    

Experience

• At least 10 years of experience in the health and humanitarian sector, with a focus on community health and partnerships.     
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and diplomacy, including working with government agencies, civil society organizations, and other relevant actors.   
• Extensive and Proven experience in developing and implementing capacity building initiatives for National Societies   
• Proven track record of influencing policy or decision-making in line with agreed strategic priorities 
• Successful experience in the development of policy campaigns, including strategy-building, inter-governmental advocacy, and evidence building    
• Experience supporting multidisciplinary and complex programmes   
• Experience of building strategic partnerships with tangible outcomes   
• Work experience within Africa and understanding of Africa Health and humanitarian landscape    
• Experience in the UN system, other intergovernmental organisations and/or development banks   
• Experience in the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement with an Understanding of the political and cultural context in which National
• Societies operate and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships.     

Knowledge and Skills Required Preferred

• Strong understanding of policy frameworks, systems, and initiatives relevant to humanitarian organisations in Africa   
• Excellent understanding of the dynamics, institutions, and political context of the international humanitarian and development sectors    
• Strong understanding of the issues which impact humanitarian organisations    
• Knowledge of international financing systems X  
• Exemplary influencing and networking skills X  
• Self-sufficient with ability to plan and deliver own work to a high standard X  
• Culturally sensitive and comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds X  
• Excellent relationship management and networking skills X  
• Strong strategic planning and project management skills including experience leading teams X  
• Ability to exercise initiative with discretion and judgement, and apply risk management controls as needed X