Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 192-member National Societies. The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

The Agenda for Renewal provides a vision for how the IFRC sees its role in the implementation of Strategy 2030. The Agenda for Renewal ensures that the IFRC provides strategic and operational membership coordination, National Society Development services and represents the collective with humanitarian diplomacy and advocacy.

The IFRC Secretariat work is guided by its Plan & Budget 2021-2025, articulated around five strategic priorities: Climate and Environmental Crises, Evolving Crises and Disasters, Growing gaps in health and wellbeing, Migration and Identity, Values Power and Inclusion. The Plan & Budget 2021-2025 also defines three enablers: Engaged, Accountable, Trusted.

This position will provide essential support in the grant management and coordination function for an exciting new partnership modality in support to the regional Grant Coordinator based in Nairobi. As part of the Africa regional team, they will work closely with twelve countries (and with a particular focus on the francophone countries) to provide effective grant management, coordination, information management, guidance and support to a number of stakeholders. The position will be based in Antananarivo, Indian Ocean Islands delegation (which covers Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles and Mauritius) and will provide support with building partnerships, growing income and guidance on domestic resource mobilization.

Job Purpose

To provide support the IFRC’s focal point for the PPP in the Africa region (Regional Grant Coordinator), and coordination of the global ECHO-funded Pilot Programmatic Partnership (PPP) in twelve African countries (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, DRC, eSwatini, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, Zambia).

Coordinate relationships with ECHO PPP Grant Manager in Geneva, IFRC technical departments and delegations, and African and European member National Societies.

To support the Indian Ocean Islands delegation (covering Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles and Mauritius) in strategic partnerships and resource mobilization efforts.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Grant Management for Pilot Programmatic Partnership (80%)

In close coordination with the Major Grants Coordinator, Head of PRD Africa and the Geneva Grant Manager, the post-holder will:

•  Ensure that relevant internal stakeholders (technical departments in Geneva, Africa region) and the Membership (African and European National Societies) receiving or providing international assistance under PPP are well aligned, coordinated, informed and engaged on processes and strategies.
•  Work closely with the teams in country, by monitoring the effective stewardship of PPP funds in line with partner expectations related to implementation, reporting and visibility.
•  Monitor progress and performance towards deliverables, identify risks and inform management of actions to be taken to mitigate risks.
•  Plan, convene and follow up on regular coordination meetings at regional and country levels, and provide input to global meetings.
•  Share information regularly with stakeholders to ensure that grant requirements are well understood and acted upon, and respond to queries in a timely and accurate manner.
•  Take the lead on gathering updated documentation and budgets to feed into modification requests, subsequent year proposals.
•  Facilitate review process of revised documents and budgets, ensuring regional and Geneva technical teams’ inputs are included and taken into consideration for finalisation.
•  Ensure that all relevant materials, documents and meetings are available in French as well as English.
•  Provide support to senior management in key internal/external dialogues on PPP.
•  Work closely with PMER to ensure that reporting requirements are adhered to, and that Africa region provides timely and quality reporting to the donor.
•  Work closely with communications to ensure that visibility requirements are met.
•  Promote a culture of accountability across all ECHO PPP stakeholders.
•  Document and promote ECHO PPP good practices, knowledge management and institutional learning and advise on lessons learned, best practices and technical innovation to be included in IFRC plans and project designs.
•  Travel when required in full consultation with Kinshasa delegation and PRD Unit.

Strategic Partnership and Resource Mobilization support for Indian Ocean Islands Country Cluster Delegation – 20%

•  Undertake fundraising and resource development for IFRC’s operations programmes
•  Lead on resource development for specific Emergency Appeals, as agreed with the regional head of PRD
•  Take an active role in researching, analysing and advising on potential new funding opportunities and partners
•  Undertake effective negotiation with National Societies, multilaterals, private sector organizations and other donors in order to secure pledges and grants
•  Take the lead in coordination of specific funding proposals, including acting as close liaison with National Societies, technical teams, delegations to ensure quality
•  Organize and facilitate partner conference calls and take an active role in preparation and delivery of partnership meetings
•  Track and analyse emergency appeal and operational plan coverage, lead and coordinate actions to be taken to increase coverage, and provide regular updates and recommendations to management
•  Process all pledges properly and in a timely manner, ensuring pledges reflecting agreed criteria are shared with donors and understood by relevant budget holders
•  Provide technical advice, guidance and capacity building to National Societies on domestic resource mobilisation, in close cooperation with the National Society Development team
•  Any other duty as required by the Head of Partnerships and Resource Development or Head of the IOI delegation.

Education

•  University degree in relevant discipline (ex. g. International Relations, Marketing, Humanitarian Affairs, Business Administration, Economics, Finance). Required
•  Masters’ degree in relevant discipline (ex. g. International Relations, Marketing, Humanitarian Affairs, Business Administration, Economics, Finance). Preferred
•  Relevant professional training courses (Red Cross/Red Crescent related, humanitarian and development sector, management). Preferred

Experience

•  At least 5 years relevant experience in managing relations with donors and partners. Required
•  Experience of working with multilateral partners e.g. European Commission, development banks, specialised funds. Required
•  Experience of managing complex, major grants. Required
•  Experience of managing DG ECHO funding. Preferred
•  Experience in managing relations with multiple stakeholders including donors and partners. Required
•  Work experience with Red Cross Red Crescent, other international organizations, large NGOs and/or governmental development agencies. Preferred
•  Experience of developing winning funding proposals and grant applications. Required
•  Experience of developing and implementing funding plans. Required

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

•  Proven grant management skills. Required
•  Excellent project management and coordination skills. Required
•  Demonstrated ability to negotiate funding agreements, to structure financial instruments, and to navigate complex funding mechanisms. Required
•  Ability to navigate complex funding instruments and requirements. Required
•  Outstanding networking, representational, communication and negotiation skills contributing to a client-focused culture. Required
•  Experience in identifying and articulating issues, risks and priorities that need to be brought to the attention of senior management. Required
•  Proven ability of donor communications, proposals and reporting. Required
•  Track record in producing high quality work within short deadlines and ability to make effective, timely decisions. Required
•  High degree of discretion, tact and sensitivity in dealing with internal and external clients and stakeholders at all levels. Required
•  Highly organised, with ability to work a strong team player. Required
•  Ability to coordinate with teams based in different geographic locations. Required
•  Ability to work in a multicultural, multilingual, multi-disciplinary environment. Required
•  Excellent communication, presentation, diplomacy and negotiation skills. Required
•  Excellent networking and relationship building skills. Required
•  Strong budgeting and finance management skills. Required
•  Demonstrated skills in analytical and strategic thinking. Required
•  Track record in producing high quality work under short deadlines and ability to manage competing priorities under pressure. Required
•  Excellent writing and editing skills in English and French. Required

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