Program Manager (m/f/d), Syria

The German Red Cross (GRC) is part of a worldwide community assisting victims of conflicts and disasters and people affected by social or health related crises. The Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement provides vulnerable people with assistance without discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. The German Red Cross assists in disaster response, rehabilitation and capacity building projects on appeals of their sister organisations within the Movement.

Program Manager (m/f/d), Syria

The German Red Cross (GRC) is part of a worldwide community assisting victims of conflicts and disasters and people affected by social or health related crises. The Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement provides vulnerable people with assistance without discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class, or political opinions and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality. The German Red Cross assists in disaster response, rehabilitation and capacity building projects on appeals of their sister organisations within the Movement.

GRC is currently seeking an experienced Program Manager (m/f/d) responsible for implementing the joint earthquake response program of GRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC). Following the devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria on 06 February 2023 GRC is supporting SARC response activities targeting people affected by the disaster. The programmatic focus of GRC is on humanitarian relief, (medical) logistics and Health (Community based Health and First Aid and Reproductive, maternal, new-born and child health) funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, ECHO and other donors. The earthquake response support will follow a similar logic. GRC has a longstanding cooperation with SARC and is present in country with three delegates, including a Head of office, a Program Manager and a Logistics Coordinator as well as a local Project Coordinator. The GRC office is within the premises of SARC HQ. This is an unaccompanied position.

Starting date: 01.04.2023

Duration: 12 months with possible extension

Location: Damascus with travel to other areas of Syria

Main duties & responsibilities:

• Ensure support, guidance, and quality control for the planning, implementation and MEAL of all activities and program components.
• Jointly with the SARC, adjust and implement the relief activities of the response program in Syria according to the needs and vulnerabilities.
• Provide regular project reports, including visibility in the project activities.
• Ensure that project funds are being used and reported against in compliance GRC and donor guidelines.
• Represent the GRC in meetings and networks with partners and stakeholders and coordinate and collaborate with other Red Cross / Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement partners and humanitarian actors including leading the coordination together with SARC on earthquake working groups such as RMCH and CBHFA, and any other that may arise.
• Develop new project proposals and contribute to the donor application process.
• Support the GRC Head of Office in tasks related to the GRC operations, strategy, security and human resources management according to need.

Required Competencies & Skills:

• At least 3 years’ experience in the field of emergency relief, humanitarian assistance, and/or recovery.
• Excellent project and budget management skills.
• Health background and experience in implementing with local partners and communities are a strong asset.
• Excellent MEAL and reporting skills, including beneficiary communication, complaint mechanisms, beneficiary selection.
• Excellent communication skills, problem-solving skills, and intercultural sensitivity, including managing expectations of different stakeholders in a balanced and diplomatic manner.
• Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement experience and expertise in community-based integrated programming is a strong asset.
• Willingness to work in a complex, insecure and dynamic environment and acceptance of the risks associated with this mission.
• Experience in implementing donor funded projects (preferably German Ministries, EU, ECHO).
• Oral and written fluency in English is a requirement; German and/or Arabic is a strong asset.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member with high cultural sensitivity, underpinned by substantial working experience in foreign contexts.
• Ability and agreement to adhere to the Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles.
• Ability to complete a thorough medical screening process ‘working abroad under specific climate and health conditions’.
• Valid Driving Licence.

What we offer you:

You will be part of a highly motivated professional and multicultural team. We offer you a compensation package according to the collective employment agreement of the GRC, an expatriation allowance during your mission as well as the accommodation. In addition to a full insurance package GRC is covering a home flight within a 12-months period of assignment. You will benefit from a comprehensive training package and receive briefings and coaching prior as well as during and after your mission. Medical check-ups and Psychosocial Support Service are included in your assignment.