Regional Strategy Support Coordinator

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.

CONTEXTUAL BACKGROUND

The Syria crisis is often described as the worst humanitarian catastrophe since the end of the Cold War. Inside Syria, 7.6 million people are internally displaced and 12.2 million are in need of humanitarian assistance. Today’s 3.2 million refugees are expected to increase to 3.6 million by the end of 2015. 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, NFI and food distribution, cash assistance, water and sanitation, and livelihood programming. 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.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reports to the Regional Director and works closely with regional and country program colleagues to support the effective, accountable and timely implementation of IRC programs that are aligned with IRC’s mission, values, strategic priorities and stewardship responsibilities. This is not an administrative role; it is a strategic and facilitative one that requires a combination of focus and flexibility, as well as a willingness to play an active, behind-the-scenes role. It requires a highly resourceful individual with outstanding analytical, communication and organizational skills complemented by strong emotional intelligence. Tact, diplomacy and persistence are essential qualities for success in this role. The Regional Strategy Support Coordinator’s accountabilities fall into four broad areas:

Tracking, coordination, orchestration and follow-up of projects and commitments

• Leadership of special projects or initiatives
• Proactive identification of issues that could impact successful execution of IRC’s strategy in the region and the operations, investments and relationships that support it
• Support the region’s internal communications and facilitate its business processes

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy

• Assist in developing, implementing and measuring progress of regional and country strategy action plans;
• Ensure regional strategy and country action plans are aligned with overall organizational strategy;
• Liaise with the Strategy Implementation Board and the Strategy Support Unit in HQ to report regional strategy progress;
• Flag gaps and overlaps in regional and country strategies and recommend resolutions;
• Initiate and engage in root cause analysis on issues and opportunities that could impact IRC’s operations in the region; propose alternative approaches to addressing the problem or opportunity;
• Present ideas for special projects that might facilitate achievement of regional objectives or enhance country-level performance;
• Evaluate and offer recommendations on issues, processes and procedural priorities to increase management’s ability to make informed and timely decisions;
• Proactively suggest ways to improve country program-regional-HQ collaboration and collective impact.

Project Management

• Develop and maintain an inventory of critical path projects and initiatives for which the Regional Director’s awareness and involvement is essential;
• Track and apprise the Regional Director of project status and variations from schedule or scope;
• Work with Regional Director to develop and monitor indicators and data sources for tracking regional and country teams’ activities and operations;
• Scope, plan and execute multiple, often quick-turnaround projects with minimal assistance or supervision;
• Lead and/or participate in meetings to produce collaborative work products and improve business processes; track and follow up on action items;
• Proactively promote cooperation, coordination and professional working relationships among country program, regional and HQ colleagues.

Research, Writing, Communication

• Develop general background information about emerging trends or challenges;
• Participate in the proposal development process, which may include proposal writing, editing and proofreading, coordination of involved IRC departments, and preparation for submission;
• Ensure the regular and timely flow of relevant information within and beyond the region, internal to IRC.

Administration

Facilitate temporary assignments for regional undertakings, including establishing ToRs and deliverables; assist with monitoring, management and oversight of TTAs;

• Address and triage requests to the Regional Director from country program, regional and HQ staff;
• Initiate, facilitate, support and track staff participation in and impact of learning opportunities
• Assist with the preparation and refinement of presentations and related materials;
• Compile, edit and provide feedback on monthly reports;
• Be accessible to colleagues for appropriate guidance and support;
• Assist in the onboarding and orientation of new staff;
• Maintain up-to-date country program data – site descriptions, maps, contact lists, organizational charts, etc.

These responsibilities are indicative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not exhaustive.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Key Working Relationships

Internal: SRR Regional Director; SRR regional team; SRR Country Directors and country program colleagues; HQ staff as appropriate.

External: Host country government officials, public and private donor agencies, international and national NGOs, UN agencies, foreign governments, media representatives.

Professional Standards

IRC and IRC staff 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

• Advanced degree in relevant field required
• 5-7 years of increasingly responsible professional experience, including in an overseas setting
• Superb interpersonal, communication, relationship-building and negotiation skills
• Proven ability to persuade and influence colleagues not under supervisory authority
• Strong project management skills, including demonstrated ability to think independently, to be flexible, to juggle multiple priorities for multiple managers, and to be tolerant of ambiguity and complexity
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is essential, with demonstrated outstanding writing skills
• Excellent analytical, communication, presentation and reporting skills
• Ability to respond to multiple priorities in a timely manner, producing high-quality outcomes
• Ability to navigate interpersonal and inter-departmental organizational dynamics to keep focus on goals and products
• Must be willing and able to travel occasionally within the region
• Culturally sensitive, able and interested in working with a multi-ethnic team
• Strong commitment to the IRC’s mission, purpose and values
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, while being a team player
• A keen understanding of political complexities in the Middle East region is strongly preferred

Other Information: Amman is currently not assessed as a high-risk environment and it remains a generally safe city as long as IRC security protocols are observed. The post is fully accompanied and housing will be provided by IRC according to the IRC Jordan housing policy. Travel at approximately 10% of the Regional Strategy Support Coordinator’s time is anticipated.