Medair Deputy Country Director – Programme Support

Role and Responsibilities The Deputy Country Director – Programme Support (DCD PS) manages the development and implementation of the support functions for the country programmes. Providing leadership, strategic direction, management and evaluation of all aspects of the support functions, the Deputy Country Director – Programme Support also plays a key role in external representation, legal compliance and team leadership.

Project Overview Medair is working in DR Congo to respond to the humanitarian needs resulting from the conflict-related population displacements. Medair has been working in Province Orientale since 1996 providing an integrated programme of Health, WASH and Infrastructure Rehabilitation activities.

Medair Medair brings life-saving relief and rehabilitation in disasters, conflict areas, and other crises by working alongside the most vulnerable. Its Internationally Recruited (IRS) and HQ staff is inspired by their Christian faith to care for people in need, providing practical and compassionate support, regardless of race, religion, or politics. Medair has achieved the ISO 9001:2008 certification, worldwide. This certification signifies that Medair effectively delivers goods and services with a focus on beneficiary needs. Founded in 1989, Medair’s unwavering commitment continues to bring hope to the world’s most vulnerable.

Workplace Bunia, D. R. Congo

Starting Date April 2013

Initial Contract Details Full-time, Min.18 months

Key Activity Areas Programme Support Management
• Support field managers in all aspects of finance, administrative, human resource and logistics management, ensuring knowledge of and adherence to applicable operational systems and donor requirements.
• Prepare and implement policies, procedures and guidelines, as appropriate and with the relevant field managers and HQ staff, so as to enhance the smooth running of the programmes through standardised procedures and improved support. This may include finance and governance procedures, staff management, fleet management and IT security and infrastructure.
• Ensure all in-country legal requirements are met including registration, reporting, insurance, work permits, contracts, etc., liaising as necessary with government departments and other official bodies.
• Represent Medair at relevant national and local meetings with government officials, contractors, other NGOs, etc., reporting back as applicable to staff, field managers and HQ.

Financial Management
• Supervise the budget management and expenditure for support and shared costs, in collaboration with field managers and HQ staff, ensuring budgets are spent according to donor proposals and regulations and within the appropriate time frame. Advise the senior field managers of the financial status of the projects.
• Monitor programme spending, ensuring relevant guidelines and procedures and being followed and that systems are in place for the prevention and detection of possible fraud.

Staff Management
• Line manage designated staff, including direct supervision and development.
• Assist other managers in their line management responsibilities, including recruitment, appraisal, objective setting, development and training, disciplinary action, etc., and deputise for them during any periods of absence.
• Facilitate regular team meetings and, through a consultative leadership style and a transparent, honest and supportive communication structure, develop and build an effective team.
• Reflect the vision and live the values of Medair at all times and especially when interacting with team members and provide them with leadership, advice and support.
• Develop direct reports to improve their knowledge competence and performance.

Security Management
• Ensure all staff members and visitors receive appropriate briefings and on-going training in security-related topics. vOversee and monitor staff adherence to security protocols, including security incident reports.
• Ensure security plans and protocols for the programme location(s) are updated and implemented in response to changes in the security situation.
• Train and support relevant field managers in security planning, management, implementation and monitoring.
• Assist the Country Director in managing security incidents, as required.

Communication
• Develop and maintain a transparent, honest and supportive communication structure with colleagues to ensure they are kept informed of support related activities and requirements.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with suppliers, local authorities, other NGOs and any other stakeholders, representing Medair and ensuring good co-operation and partnerships.

Quality Management
• Promote and use the Medair intranet and other operating procedures, ensuring that all standardised formats are used and guidelines are followed.
• In conjunction with relevant managers review, develop and implement (as applicable) systems to improve transparency and to detect and ultimately prevent loss or fraud. Carry-out regular inspections and spot-checks, both on systems and on-going work, to ensure the best use of Medair assets and resources.

Qualifications
• University degree in a relevant subject such as Management / Development Studies / Business Administration or in a relevant technical subject

Languages
• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written)
• Working knowledge of French (spoken and written)

Experience / Competencies
• 2 years post-qualification experience in a management position
• Advanced leadership and management skills
• Good numerical and report writing skills
• Capacity to work under pressure and manage personal stress levels
• Team-player with good inter-personal skills
• Problem solving ability; Excellent communicator
• Committed to team-building and able to develop and support other team members
• Committed to consultative and servant leadership
• Self-motivated, energetic, hard-working, servant-hearted

Medair Standard Working Requirements for the field
• Experienced professionals in a relevant field
• Committed Christian
• Commitment to Medair values (faith, hope, accountability, integrity, dignity, compassion)
• Overseas intercultural experience
• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written)
• Working knowledge of French (spoken and written) for French-speaking roles
• Single or married (with no children under 18). If married, your spouse must also apply.
• Competent with Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Successful completion of Medair Relief & Rehabilitation Orientation Course (ROC)
• Reflect the vision and values of Medair when interacting with team members, local staff, beneficiaries and external contacts
• Able to live and work with a multicultural team under difficult conditions
• Strong character traits, including emotional stability, adaptability, ability to handle stress, cultural and gender sensitivity, honesty, and physically fit

Benefits
• A salary based upon the grade of the position and the experience of the position-holder
• Full briefing at our Swiss headquarters, as well as an in-country briefing
• Security training for those going to particularly insecure environments
• Accommodation, food, and transportation in-country
• Return flights to and from the country programme (one return flight for every year of service)
• Rest and recuperation (R&R) leave (including travel, accommodation, and food)
• Annual leave, and re-entry allowance for those who commit to longer contracts
• Disability Allowance
• Comprehensive medical and emergency rescue insurance, with up to 60 days post- assignment coverage, including debriefing

How to apply: 

Application Process
Follow this link: www.medair.org/work-with-us to read about the Medair values, programmes and culture, the “Medair ROC” and how to apply, and then follow links to Apply for a Medair ROC, or for a Field vacancy.

We request that you complete all applications on-line at www.medair.org. Only English-language applications and CV’s will be reviewed. We will not review email applications. Medair does not set closing / deadline dates for applications; recruitment is on-going until the position is filled. We review every online application.