Country Representative, Syria

WeWorld-GVC Damascus Syria Top Management
Warning! Vacancy expired

Company Description

WeWorld-GVC, recently constituted from the merger of two NGOs, is an Italian secular and independent organization working since 1971 in international cooperation and humanitarian aid. Present in 29 countries with 128 projects, WeWorld-GVC operates in the following areas of assistance: human rights (gender equality, prevention and combating violence against children and women, migration), humanitarian aid (prevention, emergency relief and rehabilitation), food security, access to water, health and hygiene, education, global citizenship education, quality teaching and international volunteering. WeWorld-GVC works mostly with girls, boys, women and youth, actors of change in every community for a fairer and more inclusive world. Supports people overcoming emergencies and guarantees a life with dignity, opportunities and a better future through human and economic development programs, in the framework of the 2030 Agenda. Joining the WeWorld-GVC team means being part of the development of a dynamic organisation where the contribution of each staff member is promoted and valued, working together towards the collective achievement of shared goals and vision.

Position

Position: Country Representative

Reporting Relationship: Head of Regional Unit

Location: Damascus, Syria

Type of contract: a first 3 (three) months collaboration contract subject to evaluation; a second collaboration contract of 9 (nine) months renewable, following the positive evaluation of the first three months of contract.

Starting Date: 15 September 2021

Application deadline: 16 August 2021

Working context

The presence of WW-GVC in Syria dates back to 2011, providing humanitarian assistance to the Syrian population and IDPs through several interventions funded by multiple donors (ECHO, UN-OCHA, UNICEF, AICS - Italian cooperation Agency). WW-GVC has focused its action in Aleppo, Rural Damascus and Deir-Ez-Zor HTR areas implementing Education and Wash interventions. Educational interventions, in line with INEE standards and the Back to School strategy, are aiming at strengthening the educational system promoting access to quality education through the creation of protective and inclusive learning spaces with disability and gender-sensitive Wash infrastructures, teacher training on active education and psychosocial support. The Wash projects have focused in increasing access to safe water for the vulnerable population, through the reparation of water and sanitation infrastructures, rehabilitation and equipment of filling points and the promotion of appropriate hygiene practices. WW-GVC is currently present in Syria with a coordination office in Damascus and two field offices operating in Aleppo and Deir-Ez-Zor.

Purpose of the Role

The Country Representative directs organizational programmes at the country level ensuring quality of the activities, from development through execution, included budget management and Human Resources Management (International and National Staff). Identifies programming opportunities and areas where the organization can demonstrate its value and relevance. The Country Representative develops relations with and represents the organization to donors, local and national governments, organizational partners, to maintain positive organizational profile, and is also responsible for the security management in the country.

Main functions and duties

Programme Management and Development

  • Oversee the registration of We World-GVC in Syria according to the National Legal requirements.
  • Lead the development and implementation of high-quality country strategic plan relevant to the local context and the organizational priorities.
  • Lead and oversee the grants acquisition of new projects in the country, ensuring a long-term portfolio and achievement of annual targets.
  • Lead, guide and supervise the Programs manager on performance and quality control, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Programs to ensure the effective and efficient execution of deliverables, in compliance with We World-GVC standards.
  • Lead and oversee the preparation and implementation of Programs documents (including SOPs, policy briefs, Programs plans and Risk Assessments).
  • Oversee the financial and logistic sustainability of programs and operations through effective and efficient resources development effort, outstanding financial ratios, effective budget administration and procurement management (i.e. management and maintenance of project assets and regular inventories).
  • Assist the HQ to maintain public/media/donor relations to actively engage their interest/support in promoting and communicating WeWorld-GVC achievements, competencies and interest at global level.

Representation and advocacy

  • Represent WeWorld-GVC in the Country in various fora on programmatic and technical issues, strategic meetings, conferences, forums and other public events and contribute towards consolidating and raising the profile of the organization.
  • Engage and liaise with relevant national-level stakeholders (government representatives, donors, CSO, multilateral organizations, communities).
  • Identify, engage and strengthen strategic in-country partners engaged in Education, child protection, Wash integrated responses, in line with We World-GVC Country Strategic Plan and Regional Strategies, to grow the pipeline of opportunities in Syria through a participatory process.
  • Identify additional areas of synergy and cooperation with donors, other NGOs, UN agencies and relevant institutions.
  • Promote WeWorld-GVC's organizational identity and capacity towards all stakeholders and partners in Syria and ensure WeWorld-GVC remains relevant to the changing needs of disadvantaged people in the country.
  • Establish priorities, in consultation with the Head of Regional Unit, for targeted investments in growth and innovation, contribute to the identification and implementation of innovation and continuous improvement, in support of organizational excellence and world-class performance.
  • Coordinate with HQ, maintaining frequent contact with the Desk Officer, partners and leaders of the project as well as relevant donors, in order to keep a regular update on the implementation of the project and to develop strategic planning.

Human Resources

  • Identify and plan Human Resources needs (International and National).
  • Timely inform HR HQ about both the present and the future International HR Needs (Annual and 3M updates) in order to facilitate a punctual recruitment process and deployment of the necessary workforce.
  • Direct and manage staff in the country, ensuring development of appropriate capabilities and competencies according to the strategic and operational needs of Programs/Projects.
  • Ensure transparent, equal and inclusive management and training of Human Resources in accordance with Policies and Procedures, and all regulatory requirements (WeWorld-GVC, host country legislation and donor’s policy).
  • Foster an inclusive and diverse work environment, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

Security Management

  • Update the country security strategy based on HQ and country information.
  • Identify risks and threats and develop systems of early warning flags.
  • Coordinate in the design, testing and communications of appropriate security and safety plans and programmes.
  • Develop and document emergency preparedness and disaster evacuation plans and programmes.

The duties and responsibilities set forth above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to perform additional duties.

Requirements

Job Specifications

Essential Requirements

Qualifications and Knowledge

  • An advanced university degree or equivalent in the field of Social or Political Science, Development Studies, International relations, Project Management, Human rights.
  • Good knowledge of main international donors’ policies and procedures.
  • Good knowledge of MS Office.
  • Fluent in English both written and verbal.

Professional experience

  • Minimum 5 years’ relevant working experience in related fields.
  • Working experience with international NGOs in management of international cooperation projects funded by institutional, private donors.
  • Proven experience in Project Cycle Management
  • Sound project development and proposal writing experience.
  • Experience in Security Management.

Skills and Abilities

  • Strong flexibility and capacity to adapt behavior to the needs of the situation.
  • Capacity to work autonomously and in problems prevention/resolution.
  • Proven organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks while fostering quality, team spirit and positive working relationships with colleagues.
  • Ability to identify, initiate and maintain good relationships with partner organizations, donors and national authorities including building professional relationships with senior decision-makers and influencers / leaders.
  • Good communication, negotiation skills and sensitivity in dealing with local institutions on critical issues.
  • Cultural, gender, religion, and age sensitivity and adaptability.
  • Strong commitment to the Mission of We World-GVC, genuine interest for international cooperation development topics.

Desirable requirements

  • Experience in Education, Protection or WASH
  • Previous work experience in the area.
  • Knowledge of Italian and/or Arabic