Regional Operations Manager - African Hunger Crisis at British Red Cross

To drive this scale-up plan, the IFRC has defined a strategic steering and response architecture. The response architecture has a Project Management Unit (PMU), led by an Regional OPS Manager (this JD), with other functions reporting to it: FSL/CVA, IM, PRD, Communications, Surge. The PMU is also responsible to provide advice to the delegation staff implementing the scale-up plan in their respective areas, and ensure the region is gearing the scale-up harmously. The Regional OPS Manager will thus be responsible to coordinate this team in the delivery of the defined outputs, engage and consult with the IFRC members in key aspects of the Hunger Crisis, report the status of the outputs and achievements to the IFRC leadership, GVA and IFRC Network.

While performing the above, the Regional Operations Manager is expected to work through and with the IFRC OPS and DM team in priority countries, providing them guidance, mentoring and technical support to deliver the above objectives. In case there is no OPS/DM team member in a particular country, the Reg. OPS/DM will step in to cover for the position.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategy and programme support

• Supporting the operational and technical design of the response to the Hunger Crisis, namely Emergency Appeal, Country Plans, Operation Strategy, and other necessary documents, ensuring harmonization across countries and National Societies
• Ensure the deliverables set in the work-plan are on track, working in coordination with other team members and departments. Revise the deliverables and add as agreed by the steering group
• Promote connection between the emergency track with the long-term strategic approach towards the Hunger Crisis, through the Zero Hunger initative;
• Provide technical support to colleagues in the delegations to strengthen their Disaster Management capacity in line with Federation-wide and, regional policies and strategies.

Operational Support

• Support delegations and National Societies in designing and conducting adequate assessments that would allow raising community-based information related to the hunger crisis
• Strengthen Organizational readiness (NS/Federation) through the promotion of trainings on VCAs, EWEA and the adoption of Cash and Voucher Assistance as a preferred modality
• Support the PMER teams in collecting necessary info to submit reports on time and with quality

Coordination and Collaboration

• Foster dialogue and partnerships with external players, such as UN, Governments, multilateral institutions such as the Africa Union.
• Ensure continued collaboration with IFRC Network and the ICRC in what regards the Hunger Crisis
• Lead IFRC secretariat coordination platforms related to the Hunger Crisis and harness support to ensure delivery

Financial Management

• Act as the budget holder for the Hunger Crisis appeal and other associated regional level projects (responsible for ensuring expenditures charged to their cost-centre or project are appropriately authorised, allocated and correctly stated. Authorisation of expenditures will be exercised according/in compliance with IFRC Financial procedures (through approval of transactions, monitoring and forecasting actual and future expenditure requisitions against the approved budget line, clarifying funds are available and ensuring donor earmarking requirements are met).

Programme planning monitoring, reporting and evaluation

• Ensure accurate and timely reports for the Federation and for donors per approved PMER Procedures and related guidelines.
• Develop plans as well as budgets based on expected year-end outputs, ensuring close monitoring of activities and disbursements as per pledges and donors' requirements;
• Work closely with IFRC regional counterparts to ensure effective communication and reporting mechanisms.

What we are looking for

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in disaster management, including field operational experience, with experience working in the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement;
• Experience setting up, managing and coordinating disaster response, including leading multi-national response teams;
• Experience in project cycle management with relevant experience on project and budget management;
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and networking skills;
• Strong team leadership and conflict resolution skills; Cultural sensitivity, consensus team building, and adaptability will be a strong asset;
• Fluently spoken and written in French and English.