The German Red Cross (GRC) is part of a worldwide community assisting victims of conflicts and disasters and people affected by social or health related crises. The Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement provides vulnerable people with assistance without discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. The German Red Cross aims to assist its Sister National Societies to be prepared for and adequately response to crises and shocks. The specific mandate of the Sister National Society and its strategic vision for its fulfilment are basis of our global engagement.
Country Representative (m/f/d), Türkiye
GRC is currently seeking a Country Representative (m/f/d) for Türkiye.
GRC has a long-standing and trusted partnership with the Turkish Red Crescent (TRC). Over the last years, GRC has been supporting TRC with a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) project and community centers in areas with large refugee populations. The GRC-TRC collaboration was scaled up quickly after the earthquake in February 2023, with a focus on essential in-kind goods, as well as MHPSS and CVA assistance, preparedness activities to TRC as well as additional activities currently under planning.
The Country Representative will establish a GRC presence in Ankara, Türkiye, in close consultation with TRC. The Representative will oversee the GRC-TRC collaboration portfolio, including GRC’s support to the earthquake response. The Representative will closely collaborate with TRC’s team to jointly decide how to best phase GRC-supported emergency activities into a longer-term, sustainable program which falls within TRC’s strategic priorities and GRC’s area of competence.
Starting Date: 01.04.2023
Duration: 12 months (with possible extension)
Location: Ankara, Türkiye, with travels to project areas
Main duties & responsibilities:
Representation/Partnership:
- Represent GRC in Türkiye towards TRC and Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement partners, donors, the German Embassy as well as national and international media;
- Oversee the GRC-TRC cooperation and joint program portfolio and further develop strategic plans within the established Memorandum of Understanding;
- Security and safety management.
Programme/Strategy
- To further develop and steer GRC country strategy for Türkiye; including financial forecasting and budgeting;
- To understand and analyse the humanitarian and political situation in country, and to advise GRC on risks and trends;
- To identify and develop new project and partnership opportunities, with a particular focus on Early Recovery, Migration and Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction;
- To provide technical guidance and quality assurance to GRC’s program portfolio, and manage visits of technical advisors according to TRC’s program priorities and GRC/TRC’s cooperation strategy;
- Ensure planning, implementation and MEAL of all activities and program components of the GRC/TRC projects in Türkiye together with TRC.
- Ensure project quality and communicate learnings from projects (lessons learned, best practices) to relevant MENA and HQ teams and regional national societies;
- In case of new acute emergencies, support TRC in their planning and implementation of disaster response activities.
Management, Finances and Compliance:
- Support TRC to ensure effective management of all GRC-supported programs in Türkiye, including financial forecasting, spending analysis, project and budget amendments if/when needed, financial and narrative reporting, and monthly and annual closure of accounts;
- Ensure compliance of all GRC operations and projects with signed Project Agreements, donor regulations and standards, including procurement processes and finance management;
- Responsible for office setup and management, including administration and filing.
Required Competencies & Skills:
Technical Experience
- At least 5 years’ experience in the field of emergency relief and/or development programs;
- Relevant experience in the field of Migration, Disaster Risk Reduction/Preparedness;
- Experience in strategy development processes and organizational development;
- In-depth understanding of the humanitarian system (preferably RCRC movement);
- Proven administrative, financial and organisational understanding and skills;
- Proven experience in monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance;
- Working experience in the MENA/Europe region is an asset.
Management/Partnership
- At least 5 years of budget and project management experience;
- Strong leadership skills, including strategic thinking and decision-making;
- Proven diplomatic and representation skills;
- Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills;
- Significant experience in working with partners, including in an advisory and coaching role;
- Substantial experience in implementing donor-funded projects;
- Ability to work result-oriented, independently and as a team member.
Security/Language/ Personal skills
- Ability and agreement to adhere to the Red Cross Red Crescent and the German Red Cross Code of Conduct;
- Oral and written fluency in English, German and/or Turkish is an advantage;
- Ability to complete a thorough medical screening process 'working abroad under specific climate and health conditions';
- Cultural sensitivity, underpinned by substantial working experience outside of home country;
- Committed to prevent and combat any occurrence of bullying, intimidation, harassment, abuse and exploitation, including of sexual nature, in the workplace and with regards to recipients of aid;
- Valid International Driving Licence.
What we offer you:
You will be part of a highly motivated professional and multicultural team. We offer you a compensation package according to the collective employment agreement of the GRC, an expatriation allowance during your mission as well as the accommodation/personal allowance to cover your accommodation. In addition to a full insurance package GRC is covering a home flight within a 12-months period of assignment. You will benefit from a comprehensive training package and receive briefings and coaching prior as well as during and after your mission. Medical check-ups and Psychosocial Support Service are included in your assignment.
Furthermore, Türkiye is an accompanied posting.
How to apply
Kindly apply by submitting your application by using the GRC online application system until 19th of March 2023.
Please note that due to the travel and visa regulations and the guidelines of our partners in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement certain vaccinations are required for this delegate position. Candidates on the short-list for this position will be asked to disclose their vaccination status.
We point out that the selection and nomination processes for this international delegate position may demand that information concerning your person be shared with involved Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners (IFRC, ICRC, National Society). This may include transmission into countries that do not apply data protection standards comparable to those of the European Union.
