Field Coordinator, Sulaymaniyah

The International Rescue Committee is one of the world’s largest humanitarian agencies. IRC provides relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support in 42 countries. IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation and creative partnerships.

The IRC originally entered Iraq in the 1990s and had extensive operations throughout the country from 2003 through 2005. Deteriorating security due to civil war forced IRC to leave in 2005. The IRC restarted programs in Iraq in November 2007 to assist thousands of internally displaced persons in northern, central and southern regions. The IRC subsequently scaled up to serve the influx of Syrian refugees fleeing into Iraq in 2012. In 2014, IRC instituted an emergency response to assist persons displaced from Anbar province and has initiated additional emergency response activities for persons displaced by the violent conflict that started in June. The IRC is one of the largest humanitarian agencies operating in Iraq with a current annual budget of $50million (funded by twelve different donors supporting 24 project grants) and approximately 500 staff. IRC’s program sectors in Iraq include: protection / access to justice, education, water and sanitation, WPE/GBV, camp management, NFI distribution and health.

SCOPE OF WORK:
The Field Coordinator is responsible for overall coordination of the Sulaymaniyah field sites in northern Iraq including IRC camp offices in the Sulaymaniyah governorate. Specific duties and responsibilities are outlined below. The Field Coordinator will work closely with the program and operations staff in Sulaymaniyah. The Field Coordinator will report to the IRC’s Deputy Director for Operations based in Erbil.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Support

• Support Program Coordinators and Managers in the oversight of program quality through regular field visits.
• Work in collaboration with the Deputy Directors to assure appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems are maintained and program implementation is consistently documented and in line with IRC standards.
• Coordinate the execution and collection of operational needs assessments and participate in proposal development processes in cooperation with Deputy Directors and Program staff. This should include contributing to and reviewing budgets to ensure that they are reasonable and sufficient to cover operational needs of the Sulaymaniyah field office.
• Chair and lead weekly all staff meetings amongst programs, administrative and supply chain staff

Supply Chain and Finance

• Supervise Sulaymaniyah based supply chain, finance and human resources staff to ensure that all tasks are completed properly and are up-to-date.

Warehouse and Fleet Management.

• Manage overall coordination of field operational budgets for Sulaymaniyah based grants; liaise closely with the finance staff and grants and compliance staff to monitor cash flow, review BVAs and track program operational spending.
• Ensure that all Sulaymaniyah based staff are adhering to IRC policies, procedures and practices and that Sulaymaniyah based staff are in compliance with IRC, donor and national requirements;
• In close coordination with the Deputy Director for Operations as well as the Safety & Security Manager, oversee the day to day safety and security of IRC staff, assets and premises (office, field sites and residences); ensure consistent review and updating of security management plans for the Sulaymaniyah office when applicable or requested.

Human Resources Field Management

• In coordination with the Human Resources Lead based in Erbil, ensure that human resources policies and procedures are documented, disseminated and consistently applied in the Sulaymaniyah office.
• Through collaboration with HR staff based in Erbil and program staff, ensure that each team is staffed appropriately according to need and funding availability.
• 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.
• Lead with commitment, integrity and accountability to the “IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct”.

Coordination

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders in Iraq – including community and religious leaders, NGOs, government ministries/authorities and UN agencies, to enhance cooperation and coordination between organizations.
• Participate in various camp and field working group meetings.
• Ensure various sector teams are integrated and there is cross collaboration and coordination amongst the teams.

Representation

• Facilitate field visits for donors, IRC HQ/technical units, IRC internal staff and other external visitors.
• Represent IRC Iraq in external coordination and policymaking forums and networks, including liaison with donors when necessary.

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

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of 4 years’ experience working in a humanitarian and/or development NGO
• Proven experience as an efficient and effective manager (including management of people, projects and budgets)
• Solid ability to provide team-building, coaching, and development for staff as well as encourage cross-functional collaboration and cooperation
• Exceptional organizational and coordination skills
• Knowledge of budgeting and familiarity with US and European donors and their rules, requirements and guidelines; Ability to live and work under pressure in an unstable working environment
• Experience and reliability in carrying out safety and security protocols
• Excellent relationship-building, interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively represent IRC at forums and with donors
• Strong negotiation skills essential with experience in conflict resolution desirable
• Fluency in English, knowledge of Arabic and/or Kurdish an advantage
• Flexibility and sense of humor

SECURITY SITUATION/HOUSING:
The security level is yellow in Sulaymaniyah, other parts of the country are orange, or red if clashes are ongoing. The majority security concern is the presence of armed men across the spectrum of regular armed forces, volunteer militias and armed opposition groups. Staff in Iraq must comply with all IRC security policies and procedures applicable to international staff. Shared housing in a guest house will be provided. The position is unaccompanied.