Interim Country Representative, Mali

Position title:               Interim NLRC

Country Representative Mali

Duty station:               Bamako

Time period:                6 months

Starting Date:              As soon as possible

Status:                        Single posting/R&R

Purpose of the position

The Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC) is looking for an Interim Country Representative who will:

• Maintain and further develop relationships with Mali Red Cross, Red Cross Partners, Donors and other Stakeholders
• Lead the NLRC Country Team in Mali: Human Resources, Line management and Office

Position in the organization

The Interim Country Representative will be leading the country team in Mali, consisting of three delegates and local staff. The interim country representative is the direct line manager of the in-country expatriate staff and local staff in Bamako. The Country Representative reports to the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator (PPC), who is based in The Hague, The Netherlands. The Country Representative will ensure quality and adherence to established guidelines, policies and strategies of Mali RC, as well as in accordance with NLRC principles, guidelines and evidence-based best practices.

Key Responsibilities

Partnership Fostering and Development

• Represent NLRC  and maintain strong relations with the Mali RC, the other RC National Societies,  The International Federation IFRC, the ICRC, the national authorities, UN Organizations, international and national organizations and donors.
• Maintain relations with Netherlands Embassy in Bamako and pro-actively inform the Embassy about NLRC supported projects.
• Engage and actively participate in relevant networks, coalitions, alliances, meetings, forums or any other event related to the activities implemented in Mali.
• Represent the NLRC in coordination meetings with other Red Cross partners.
• Take the lead in identifying funding and or partnership opportunities in Mali which are  in line with strategies and priorities of Mali RC and NLRC.
• Human Resources, Line management and Office.
• Foster a positive, fair, participatory and ambitious professional work culture and constructive team approach among in-country staff.
• Ensure all Delegates are delivering on work plans and that all relevant external donor policies, procedures and deadlines are met.
• Oversee management of in-country project budgets for Delegates in agreement with the Portfolio Officer.
• Ensure all delegates adhere to NLRC’s Standard Project Approach, use the right (budget) formats, follow all NLRC procedures (e.g. Logistics, Security Guidelines) and use the right administrative systems (SPACE 2.0, Winpaccs, etc).
• Undertake regular strategic and operational meetings with Mali RC Senior Management Team to ensure work priorities and address any challenges in country NLRC team is facing.
• Responsible for managing employee performance, including providing employees with regular feedback, (conducting a Mid Term review and  a yearly performance appraisal).
• Maintain accurate written records of work plans, Management Team meetings and performance appraisals.
• In conjunction with each employee, identify learning and professional development needs and support the employee in getting these needs met e.g. approving their participation in courses, coaching them, providing them with “on-the-job” experience that will enhance their knowledge, etc.
• Develop Job Descriptions for new staff of the Country office, process recruitment and hiring in close consultation with the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator.
• Ensure that staff compensation and benefits are fair and understood by all employees.
• Ensure that Delegates comply with staff regulations and that breaches are documented and the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator notified.
• Develop the NLRC office budget, taking into account existing program budgets and request for approval by NLRC HQ.
• Organize missions for the NLRC, other Red Cross National Societies and external consultants upon request alongside the relevant project delegate. Develop terms of references for these missions.
• Be responsible for the efficient use of the funds and assets allocated to the projects.
• Conduct continuous assessments to identify needs and possibilities for new interventions within the mandates of the Mali RC/NLRC
• Security Management
• Ensure strict adherence of security policies and directions from NLRC and ICRC;
• Ensure that updated Security Regulations are in place and that all staff (local and International) are aware and follows the regulation.
• Develop on a yearly basis a country security document in close collaboration with the security advisor at HQ
• Disseminate information on security threats to staff in a timely manner.
• Regularly analyze context, identify risks and validate security rules.
• Maintain proper documentation of security incidents.
• Conduct security briefing for NLRC visitors to Mali

Requirements

• Master degree in Social Science, International Development, Business Management or other relevant field
• At least 5 years’ experience in the development and/or humanitarian field
• Demonstrated ability for high level representation
• Experience in the area of capacity building and development of non-governmental organisations, preferably of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
• Able to work in politically complex and challenging environment.
• Experience in working at managerial level in an international organisation.
• Experience in programme management , including programme identification, formulation, management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, preferably within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement
• Excellent narrative and financial reporting and proposal writing skills.
• Working experience in the region is preferred, as is knowledge on the political, economic and socio-cultural climate of Mali
• Able to adhere to policy and procedures of the NLRC whilst effectively managing programmes and people
• Able to make sound judgements and decisions.
• Good social/diplomatic skills and culturally sensitive, flexible and creative.
• Able to work independently, as well in a team with the guidance of the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator;
• Demonstrated accountability for staff security in a conflict/fragile environments.
• Fluent in spoken and written of French and English;
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Practical knowledge of computer Skills (Microsoft Office, Winpaccs,  Document Management programmes).

We offer

• A full time appointment (based on 40-hour work week) for 1 year, with the possibility of extension
• A flexible and human centred working environment in an international environment with a variety of international organizations.
• Well balanced employment conditions with space for initiative and development.

Applications

• Please submit your CV and motivation letter in English with reference to Annemieke van Teeffelen using our online application tool through the following link: https://werkenbij.rodekruis.nl/nl/Vacancy/Postulate/146222
• The vacancy will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
• The Interview process will start as soon as applications are received.
• For further information regarding the position please contact Wassim Beaineh, Partnerships and Portfolio Coordinator at NLRC via email at wbeaineh@redcross.nl

Please note that an assessment is part of the selection process.