naqarmoza

Country Director, International Rescue Committee, North Caucasus



Organisation: International Rescue Committee (http://www.theIRC.org)
Organisation description: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest humanitarian agencies in the world, providing relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of oppression and violent conflict. IRC has worked for over seven decades and today is involved in over 25 conflict zones in the world. We address both the immediate, life saving needs of conflict affected people in an emergency and the reconstruction needs in post conflict societies.

Job Location: Russian Federation (Chechnya & Ingushetia)

Closing date: 13 Aug 2007

Applications for this position should be sent to: We request that all applications be completed on line at www.IRCjobs.org

Job reference code: RW_753L6N-85



IRC was active in the Northern Caucasus during the First Chechen War in 1994, and returned at the start of the Second Chechen War in December 1999 to respond to the emergency education, shelter, water and sanitation needs of thousands displaced by the renewed conflict. Over the past two years, IRC has transitioned away from direct aid interventions toward broader recovery and development assistance in Chechnya and the surrounding Republics of Dagestan, Ingushetia and North Ossetia-Alania.



While maintaining our commitment to assist the most vulnerable sectors of society, IRC is working to increase and strengthen partnerships with a wide range of local government and non-government organizations to build capacity for social and economic revitalization throughout the region.



Responsibilities



The Country Director is responsible for the leadership, supervision and strategic planning of programming and operations with an annual budget of $4-5 million and of a team of 5 expatriate staff and 124 national staff. The Country Director is currently based in Vladikavkaz, and travels to offices in Nazran, Grozny and Moscow . Specific responsibilities include:



Strategic Planning



- Conduct an in-depth analysis of the country environment and be familiar with the country history, key stakeholders, and programming terrain.



- Review the strategic plan regularly and modify as appropriate.



Program Quality / Program Development



- Actively identify and pursue new programming opportunities with in accordance to the IRC Program Framework and the Country Strategic Plan.



- Ensure that a regular system of monitoring and evaluation is developed and maintained for all projects.



- Ensure that all projects are collecting valid and timely data to demonstrate project results.



- Assure that interim and end-project evaluation are included in project designs and budgets, and are carried out and reported in a timely way



Representation



- Develop and maintain a positive, professional relationship local authorities, donors, UN and NGO colleagues, community leaders.



- Pursue responsible media coverage of events, issues and programs related to IRC's program and/or mission.



- Develop and implement an internal and external advocacy plan on priority issues.



- Attend NGO, inter-agency, or governmental meetings as needed.



Grant/Financial Management



- Ensure the Country Office complies with contract and donor guidelines and policies, including timely financial reporting to donors as required



- Oversee the management of grants and assure timely grant reporting that clearly relates to the stated goals and objectives of grant and relates expenditures to activities.



- Develop a timely, accurate and complete annual operating budget.



- Manage and monitor the country office budget monitoring and control systems to avoid over-expenditures, under-expenditures and/or disallowed costs.



- Facilitate all audits and follow up on all audit comments and recommendations



- Directly supervise the Financial Controller and assure that all financial reporting requirements are followed.



- Ensure that an adequate system of separation of duties, and checks and balances is established and maintained in the finance and logistic departments.



Human Resource Management



- Delegate program duties in a responsible manner. Provide leadership, promote professional working relationships, and encouraging staff members to manage their staff and programs within budget and goals



- Identify and resolve staff conflicts and concerns in a timely manner.



- Participate in the selection of new staff, including: interviewing, skill assessment, general information on working and living conditions, and security briefings.



- Establish system for regular staff evaluation, job descriptions, and standard procedures for new position posting, interviewing, and applicant selection.



- Ensure that all local staff policies, contracts, and disciplinary documents conform to local labor laws.



- Develop and document standardized administrative procedures to improve office efficiency and accountability. (Filing system, intra-office communication procedures, paper flow procedures, computer use and protocols, etc.)



Communications and Authorizations



- Provide regular and detailed reports to IRC Headquarters on all key security, programmatic, country, and staff and health issues.



- Distribute a monthly update report on IRC activities to all key stakeholders.



- Develop, maintain and distribute regular program brochures, informational flyers, thematic reports, program fact sheets, etc., to key stakeholders.



- Obtain prior New York authorization for all new grants and contracts, international staff hiring and promotions, classifications, local policies, and commitments of IRC resources beyond approved limits



- Assure that proper channels of communication are maintained and respected. Regularly consult with IRC New York on all matters of significance to the program, staff and regional affairs



Security



- Develop and implement security policies addressing local conditions, and maintain an evacuation plan which is familiar to local staff and headquarters.



- Coordinate security planning and systems with UN , US and local authorities.



- Conduct regular discussions to identify and determine approaches to address staff’s stress levels and sense of security



- Develop strict local vehicle safety policies and assure that they are consistently implemented



- Promote and monitor staff adherence to all security guidelines.



Requirements



- Post-graduate degree in relevant field (social sciences, international development, economics) preferred;



- Experience in overseas post, working in post-conflict/development environment;



- Familiarity with operational (strategic planning and M&E) and grants management, particularly US government and European donors;



- Willingness to travel within the region;



- Excellent inter-personal skills;



- Ability to work independently with often tight deadlines;



- Computer skills;



- Fluent English (written and spoken), Russian language skills are a plus.

__________________
A believer is like a tender plant. The wind bends it in whichever direction the wind is blowing. Barely does it get (a chance to be) straight before the afflictions bend it again. A wicked person is like a pine tree: solid and straight until Allah uproots it if He so wills.
[Bukhari]

johny walker

i guess they found someone ahhhh professional)

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Proud to Be Irish