Head of Country Office, Togo

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network, with 191-member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. IFRC uses the Triple R – response, resilience and respect – to deliver on Strategy 2030. IFRC responds to disasters and crises, ensuring timely, coordinated and locally led humanitarian action. IFRC supports its members in building community resilience in the areas of climate and environment, health and wellbeing, and migration and displacement. IFRC promotes respect for our fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality, including in our work on values, power and inclusion. The IFRC focuses throughout on our core mandate – our raison d’être – of strategic and operational coordination, humanitarian diplomacy, National Society development, and accountability. 

IFRC is led by its Secretary General and has its Headquarters in Geneva and five regional offices in Africa (Nairobi); the Americas (Panama); Asia Pacific (Kuala Lumpur); Europe (Budapest); and MENA (Beirut) as well as representation offices, service centres and delegations across the globe.

IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

The Head of Country Office (HoCO) is the senior representative of the Secretariat in Togo and will assume strategic leadership responsibilities for ongoing and new operations and longer-term programmes with guidance from the Head of Country Cluster Delegation and with the support of the Abuja Country Cluster Delegation operations and support services team. The approach aligns with changes that IFRC Secretariat is making as part of continual transformation to be more local, innovative, agile, focused, lean, and effective, driven by five strategic shifts: deepening localization and accountability; sharpening its humanitarian focus, influence and impact; intensifying trust and collaboration; accelerating digital transformation; and transforming the Secretariat to be more agile and impactful.

Job Purpose

The role of the Head of Country Office (HoCO) is strategic and support function to enable efficient and effective operations and programmes management adhering to IFRC and partner accountability and compliance policies and procedures. Together with the CCD team, the HoCO will work closely with Togo Red Cross Society (TRCS) to ensure timely and quality implementation of programmes and operations and will support the National Society (NS) in strengthening their support service capacities to sustain quality and relevant services.

This includes accompanying the leadership of the NS through management and governance transformations as may be required. The HoCO will also call for and manage surge capacities when required. The HoCO is actively engaged in membership coordination and Movement Cooperation to reinforce the red pillar actions. The HoCO is responsible for security of IFRC staff and visitors and could assume other strategic focal point tasks that the Head of Country Cluster Delegation and the Regional Director may consider appropriate.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Strengthening the local National Society (NS) to deliver services and to advocate on behalf of vulnerable people

• Establish and maintain close working relations with the leadership of the country NS related to issues of NSD, programmatic directions, policy and overall cooperation and coordination with the IFRC.
• Act as a guide and provide advice (as required) to the Governance and Management of the NS in such topics as branch and HQ structures, and effective management practices.
• Understand the needs and concerns of the local NS and ensure at all times that IFRC provides relevant support and make stronger the support to mutually identified priorities.
• Ensure that IFRC Secretariat delivers and provides quality support to the NS and core programmes are properly planned, managed and monitored; and that capacity building opportunities are fully exploited.
• Ensure that evaluations of IFRC supported programmes are carried out according to project/programme plans and that lessons are effectively shared.
• Lead resource mobilization for IFRC Secretariat and NS programmes in the country and for IFRC global activities in support of the NS.
• Support the NS in its plans to strengthen their financial sustainability and resource mobilization efforts as well its human resource development processes, in particular the volunteer growth and youth engagement.
• Support the international cooperation capacities of the NS through enhanced regional engagement with the Country Cluster Leadership group as well as effective Membership Coordination and engagement with other regional or global RCRC forums as relevant.

Implementation of Strategy 2030 and Renewal 3.0

• Ensure effective analysis of the humanitarian impact in-country of the IFRC five global strategic priorities identified on the S2030 and work with the NS on practical solutions to respond to the needs derive from those humanitarian challenges that are most relevant and impacting the country.
• Facilitate the conditions to put in place the IFRC Renewal to enhance the IFRC Secretariat internal efficiencies and the provision of relevant support to the NS priority transformations to respond to S-2030.
• Ensure a regular monitoring mechanism to evaluate the progress of the NS in the implementation of the operational and programme commitments.

Coordinate, cooperate, and form strategic partnerships

• Ensure effective Membership Coordination in the country to ensure greater efficiency in the collective financial and technical support of the IFRC network in-country. This will include greater compliance with IFRC policies, procedures, guidelines and quality standards and coherent support aligned with the NS priorities.
• Facilitate cooperation and coordination in all programmes and operations between the host NS, PNS and ICRC to ensure the most effective mobilisation and utilisation of resources across the country.
• Build effective partnerships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders in government, civil society, academia and the private sector to support the NS strategic and operational plan and priorities.
• Reinforce understanding, application and engagement of the NS and Movement partners around the Movement Coordination for Collective Impact Agreement (Seville Agreement 2.0).
• Engage with the Country Cluster Delegation on the strategic relations IFRC has with the government and on other relevant regional partnerships or initiatives.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

Support global IFRC initiatives

• Working with the NS and local Government, to build global alliances and develop interest in and support to the global work of the IFRC aligned to S-2030 and in line with Renewal 3.0.
• Support the leadership of the NS on global partnerships with the Government and other institutions in the country.
• Engage in actions to ensure greater agility, efficiency and impact on all IFRC activities.

Develop effective humanitarian diplomacy

• Monitor and analyze political, economic and social trends in the country for planning purposes and for keeping IFRC Secretariat and partners informed and using the information for the revision of annual plans together with the NS.
• Engage with the NS in the formulation of policy objectives for advocacy, communications and external relations for the country in line with IFRC global priorities.
• Represent IFRC at national events taking place in the country – also at meetings which are of global relevance assistance to the NS to enhance its auxiliary role in the humanitarian field and to develop effective humanitarian diplomacy, communications and external relations, and ensure that these build on IFRC priorities.
• Ensure effective cooperation with ICRC and IFRC membership in the country in representation and advocacy work.
• Together with the IFRC Addis delegation, contribute to the establishment of the AU Africa Humanitarian Agency, ensuring IFRC priorities are incorporated and engage Togo Government as a host country on the same.

Response to disasters

• Reinforce preparedness and readiness to respond to shocks, enhancing community resilience including early warning, action and anticipation to mitigate risks from multi-hazards affecting the lives, the livelihoods and the living conditions of vulnerable communities and most disadvantages and hard to reach.
• Reinforce capacity for responding to all types of crises and disasters in the most effective and efficient way to save lives and put in place conditions for early recovery.
• Provide effective support, to facilitate effective disaster response, coordination with national response mechanism and to build on and strengthen NS capacities in the country.
• Support the NS in the delivery of humanitarian assistance, including through the provision of surge support, financial assistance, technical expertise and relief items as may be required by the NS.
• Work with the Country Cluster Delegation team on the management of international appeals and international response coordination where and when appropriate and ensure effective membership coordination.

Management of Secretariat resources in the country

People

• • Ensure that an effective and relevant organizational structure is in place for effective support of the local NS.
• • Manage all staff under their authority - including those in the Country Office.
• • Ensure the application of all established HR policies and procedures, and that staff hired in country are employed in accordance with local laws and practices.
• • Implement the IFRC Secretariat's gender and diversity policies.
• • Ensure dissemination of the Code of Conduct for Staff to everyone under their authority.

Finance and Risk Management
• Ensure sound financial management of the Secretariat's programming in the country, that effective budget planning is in place, and that programmes operate within approved budgets.

Reporting

• Ensure the quality and timeliness of the reporting of the IFRC Secretariat's programming.

Continuation of Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain regular management reporting to the Head of Country Cluster Delegation and the Regional Director.
• Ensure highest standards of accountability through preventive measures and firmed actions on issues raising concern of no compliance on integrity, reputation and transparency along with the IFRC policies and procedures.
• Ensure sound risk management culture within the Office and in the support to the NS’s digital transformation to advance on a common agenda to address greater accountability and institutional operational efficiencies.

Security

• Ensure all IFRC personnel, assets, and operations under IFRC responsibility are adequately protected under comprehensive and effective 24/7 security management, and that identified security risk are mitigated and much as possible, including regular trainings, coordination and advice with security sensitive situations.
• Review security risk assessment of IFRC operation according to the needs to ensure compliance with IFRC's Minimum-Security Requirements (MSR) and develop/update appropriate security plans and procedures in accordance with MSR. This includes Office, Residential and Site security coordination.
• Monitor and analyse security, political and socio-economic situation, and identify security related trends and issues that affect the IFRC and establish and maintain coordination with external stakeholders and ensures country specific security briefings and debriefings as appropriated.

Promote Safeguarding
All members of the IFRC workforce must contribute individually and collectively towards a working environment where everyone feels safe and empowered to perform their duties. This includes the demonstration of zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment (including sexual harassment), sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power of affected populations and/or IFRC personnel. In this connection, IFRC expects and requires managers, as individuals and managers, to:

• Demonstrate their commitment to providing a safe and respectful work environment by maintaining a high standard of personal conduct; reminding team members of their obligation to demonstrate appropriate behavior in the workplace; encouraging healthy exchanges; and holding colleagues accountable for contributing to a healthy work environment
• Actively support and communicate the importance and benefit of a work environment free from any form of harassment and discrimination. This will include but not be limited to taking action to stop inappropriate conduct that others may find offensive or that may contribute to a hostile work environment
• Make themselves available to those who wish to raise concerns of inappropriate conduct by others in confidence and handle those concerns promptly and effectively in a confidential, victim-centered manner.
• Hold all staff who report to them accountable for compliance with IFRC's standards of conduct, including as set out in IFRC policies aimed at combating harassment and protecting staff from sexual exploitation and abuse, and indicate areas of concern and needed improvement in the annual performance appraisal process.
• Monitor staff wellbeing and take action to address any concerns, including ensuring that IFRC Personnel are aware of the training, resources and support available.

Education

• Post-graduate (i.e., Master’s degree or equivalent) in social sciences/development studies, strategic/programme management, management studies or other relevant discipline, or equivalent of qualifying experience. (Required)
• IMPACT course or equivalent knowledge (Required)

Experience

• 10+ years of work experience in managing operations for a humanitarian aid organization and or development cooperation organization. (Required)
• 5+ years of experience at a senior management level. (Required)
• 5+ years of work experience including management in a Red Cross/Red Crescent National Society, IFRC or ICRC.(Required)
• 5+ years of experience of proven high-level communication skills backed by proven track record in programmes management. (Required)
• Proven results-based experience on relationship management and resource mobilization. (Required)
• Proven experience in people management. (Required)
• Proven record of security regulations implementation. (Required)
• Proven experience of working in the region. (Required)
• Proven experience in governance and leadership support. (Required)
• Proven experience of acting in a representational role and maintaining donor and partner relations. (Required)

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Strong management and organizational skills, including ability to delegate authority and responsibility (Required).
• Good intercultural communication skills (Required).
• Ability to work in a cross cultural and cross functional environment Ability to work in a cross cultural and cross functional (Required)
• Strong financial management skills (Required).
• Computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Office (Required).
• Excellent interpersonal negotiations skills, including ability to effectively communicate a vision, solve problems and manage conflict (Required).
• Proven people management skills in a multi-cultural environment and strong track record of developing people (Required).
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high-level representational and advocacy role
• Drive change and improvements and the ability to deliver strategies in a challenging environment (Required).
• Understanding of and commitment to the IFRC’s mission and values (Required).
• Demonstrated initiative and creativity, and substantial experience of strategic thinking, including identifying, analyzing, problem solving and responding to opportunities and challenges and the ability to translate these into practical plans of action (Required).

Language

• Fluent spoken and written French and English. (Required).
• Good command of another IFRC official language (Arabic, and/or Spanish). (Preferred)

Competencies, Values and Comments

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability

Core Competencies: Communication; Collaboration and Teamwork; Judgement and Decision Making; National Society and Customer Relations; Creativity and Innovation; Building Trust;

Managerial Competencies: Managing Staff Performance; Managing Staff Development

Functional Competencies: Strategic Orientation; Building Alliances; Leadership; Empowering Others