Deputy Director of Cross Border Programs (DDXB)

The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, IRC offers life-saving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in more than 40 countries and in 22 U.S. cities, IRC restores safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted by conflict or disaster. IRC leads the way from harm to home.

BACKGROUND

The Syria crisis is often described as the worst humanitarian catastrophe since the end of the Cold War. Inside Syria, 6.5 people are internally displaced and 9.3 million are in need of humanitarian assistance; the region is hosting over 3.5 million refugees. IRC is offering a robust humanitarian response to the Syria crisis. With an annual budget in excess of $100 million and a rapidly expanding portfolio, supported by more than 1100 staff in the region, IRC is undertaking programs in Syria and the neighboring countries of Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan in the fields of health, child protection, education, women’s protection and empowerment, distribution of and core relief items, cash assistance, water and environmental health, and economic recovery. Our work in these challenging settings gives rise to some of the most pressing issues facing contemporary humanitarian action, including questions of access, security, funding and coordination.

The IRC Jordan program was established in 2007 and is currently operating programs in Jordan and Southern Syria with an annual budget of $36 million. The IRC is currently providing humanitarian assistance in Southern Syria in the sectors of protection, health and economic recovery and development through partnerships with Syrian NGOs and provision of life-saving relief items.  

POSITION SUMMARY

T he Deputy Director for Cross Border provides overall leadership to the development, management, implementation and growth of IRC’s programming portfolio in Southern Syria, with particular emphasis on responsiveness to needs, robust remote management, program quality and evidence of impact. In coordination with the Country Director, the DDXB builds and sustains strong donor relationships. Reporting to the Country Director and a member of the Senior Management Team, the DDXB supervises a total of four staff. The DDXB is responsible for ensuring that programs are driven by needs, based on evidence, monitored closely and resourced appropriately. As the crisis enters its fifth year, the IRC is launching its One Syria approach and the DDXB will work closely with the One Syria Unit to ensure cohesion across all IRC XB programming. 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Representation

• Provide leadership and supervisory management for cross-border programs in Southern Syria, including mobilization and stewardship of resources, staff and partner safety and security, program quality and accountability, and performance management.
• Work closely with Finance colleagues to ensure systems are in place and functioning effectively for budget development, management and realignment; cash management, financial planning and staff effort allocation.
• Participate actively in country program management and strategy meetings with other members of the senior management team.
• Actively engage with local authorities, government and key stakeholders to ensure access, staff protection and community acceptance.
• Provide leadership and support to partners and IRC staff in Syria through development and implementation of robust remote monitoring plans, capacity building and other identified areas of support.
• Actively liaise with IRC Turkey and Iraq country programs as well as the One Syria Unit to maximize coordination and strengthen the regional approach to partnership.
• Actively collaborate with partner organizations to avoid duplication of efforts, maximize impact and ensure a coordinated response in the area of implementation.
• Coordinate closely with other INGO and UN agencies on the ground.

Strategic Direction, Program Quality and Growth

• Provide cohesive leadership to Syria cross-border programming from Jordan, ensuring that priorities and opportunities identified are in line with and contribute to achievement of IRC’s objectives for the Syria Response region.
• Support the Country Director in fundraising efforts for cross-border programming.
• Work with colleagues in country program, region and HQ to identify funding opportunities and develop competitive, responsive proposals that meet internal standards, apply IRC’s global strategy and are donor compliant. Meet with donors to discuss current and potential funding.
• Work closely with operational support departments to ensure systems are regularly reviewed and in place to support strategic growth.
• Work with country program staff and HQ technical advisors to examine the suitability of introducing new sectors into the cross-border portfolio.
• Remain abreast of ongoing humanitarian response and funding trends in the region, and provide regular updates on these trends and analysis of how they may affect IRC programming.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with current and potential donors.
• Work with the Director of Policy, Advocacy and Communications to develop clear advocacy messages, contribute to policy analysis, and produce program-related information materials.
• Participate actively in sector coordination groups to advance IRC’s involvement in the emerging “Whole of Syria” response.
• Ensure appropriate representation and contribution to Jordan Health Nutrition Sector Working Group to support IRC’s role as co-lead; liaise closely with IRC Whole of Syria Health Co-Lead

Staff Performance Management and Development

• Supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting performance objectives, establishing a supportive environment while emphasizing accountability, providing regular and timely constructive performance feedback, and leading documented semi-annual performance reviews.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Promote and monitor staff care and well-being. Model healthy work-life balance practices. Support appropriate interventions in response to identified staff care needs of both national and international staff.
• Work with regional HR staff to identify and implement recruitment and retention strategies.

Grant Monitoring & Partner Management

• Develop, adapt and implement appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems; analyzing results to ensure and enhance program effectiveness and quality. Introduce and support use of mobile technology for data collection where appropriate.
• Working with the Program Coordinators, ensure appropriate and timely grant spending to achieve program goals, including procurement, use and distribution of supplies and resources.
• Support the submission of timely, accurate and well-written donor reports and other reporting requirements.

Risk and Security Management

• Ensure security procedures are in place and being followed. Maintain close coordination and communication with the DDO and the Regional Safety and Security Advisor on safety and security concerns and evolving issues that could adversely affect IRC staff or operations.
• Ensure business continuity through an integrated risk management approach, including security, financial, operational and reputation risks by developing contingency plans and scenarios; and take ownership of the action plans.
• Maintain close coordination and communication with the Jordan DDO and the Regional Safety and Security Advisor on safety and security concerns and evolving issues that could adversely affect IRC and partner staff or operations.
• Identify and/or develop and disseminate guidelines for IRC and partner organizations to operate safely with high-quality programs inside Syria.
• Develop ongoing relationships with community leaders and stakeholders within the operations area. Work to ensure that the mission and work of IRC/partners is known and accepted. Work to encourage stakeholders to work with the IRC/partners in ensuring that staff and programs are safe and allowed to continue humanitarian activities.
• Develop and/or identify optimal practices to minimize the diversion of aid and assistance in Syria.

Stewardship and Operational Management

• Drive operational excellence to achieve optimal efficiency and cost-effectiveness in all functions and operations of cross-border programs.
• Build consensus around priorities to improve the delivery of assistance inside Syria and with the Deputy Director Operations and Finance Controller, make business processes (e.g., financial, procurement, donor reporting) more consistent between partner organizations operating in Syria.
• Identify key areas for improvements in these processes and practices and work to push them forward.
• Oversee the development, deployment and utilization of financial and operational policies, procedures, and systems to deliver compliance with IRC and donor requirements.
• Provide timely and effective oversight of the financial position of IRC’s cross-border operations.
• Maintain effective and coordinated budget monitoring processes.
• Play an active role in preparing internal and external audits; ensure recommendations related to operations are followed and take all necessary measures to address audit findings.

Supervisory Responsibilities 

Four direct reports including the Senior Health Coordinator, Partnership Coordinator, Cross Border Team Leader and Protection Manager.

Key Working Relationships

Internal : Country Director; Jordan Senior Management Team; SRR regional team; other SRR DDP/DDXBs; HQ staff in various departments

External : Jordanian Government officials, Syrian contacts, public and private donor agencies, international and national NGOs, UN agencies, partner organizations, foreign governments.

Professional Standards

IRC staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Requirements

• Graduate degree in a relevant field
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience managing complex humanitarian programming. Previous experience in an emergency or conflict-afflicted setting is required
• Demonstrated successful leadership experience managing a multi-disciplinary team and cross-cultural dynamics
• Superior diplomatic and coordination skills are essential, both for internal coordination and for working with key stakeholders, including Iraqi and Syrian organizations and government officials.
• Demonstrated ability for rapid, accurate analysis of complex issues, strong decision-making, and translation of programmatic priorities into operational strategies
• Proven track record of leading multi-location teams
• Repeated, successful experience delivering appropriate levels oversight for a portfolio consisting of a variety of complex, high-value donor-funded projects
• Politically astute, with well-developed diplomatic and negotiating skills
• Fluency in spoken and written English; working knowledge of Arabic strongly preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with ability to express ideas and concepts clearly and persuasively with senior internal and external stakeholders
• Extensive representation and fundraising success, including prior experience with European, US and international donors
• Experience of managing security in a complex and rapidly changing security context
• Established capacity to deal with ambiguity in stressful situations
• Ability to respond to multiple priorities in a timely manner, producing high-quality outcomes
• A keen understanding of political complexities in the Middle East region
• Strong commitment to IRC’s vision, mission and core values
• Motivated, positive individual who excels at taking initiative and is able to motive team members to produce results under pressure while maintaining a sense of humor.

This position is based in Amman and is fully accompanied with individual accommodation in an apartment.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.