Senior Officer, Programs and Operations – Senegal

Area of ​​responsibility

The position ensures the implementation of high quality programs and operations in the four countries covered by the CCD, as well as identifying and pursuing program development opportunities based on the priorities of the National Societies. He/she is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the IFRC Network Country Plans (INP), ensuring assessments and updates as needed in changing contexts.

The postholder, under the direction and guidance of the Head of CCD, will be responsible for supporting and assisting National Societies to deploy the Movement’s resources in the most effective and efficient way so that humanitarian intervention is coherent within a common framework. The key program and functional areas prioritized by National Societies in the sub-region include migration, food security and livelihoods (FSL), climate action, health, protection, gender and inclusion, and disaster risk management, including preparedness and anticipation.

Tasks and responsibilities

Programs and operations

• Support National Societies in assessing the threats and humanitarian needs in their respective contexts, setting programme priorities by focus areas and developing IFRC Network Country Plans (INPs) that incorporate input from all IFRC members. Act as a central point of contact for monitoring the implementation of the programme components (focus areas) of the INPs.
• Support National Societies in developing preparedness plans for the main hazards identified and coordinate with the Movement and external partners in identifying resources to support National Societies’ disaster preparedness efforts.
• In close coordination with the respective National Societies, monitor emergency situations in Cape Verde, Mauritania, Gambia and Senegal that could have humanitarian implications.
• In the event of an emergency or disaster affecting one of the countries supported by the Cluster, immediately support the National Society in developing its response plan, accessing IFRC global tools when needed (e.g. DREF, Emergency Appeal, Surge). Support the NS in the initial implementation of the response (until Surge is established) and ensure that PNS contributions to the response are well coordinated and integrated into situation reports and IFRC-wide appeals.
• Ensure effective implementation and management (including financial and implementation oversight – budget holder) of IFRC’s ongoing response operations and projects/programmes in the countries supported by the Cluster.
• Ensure effective management of the planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting (PMER) of IFRC operations, projects, programmes and INPs to ensure compliance with standards and schedules, in coordination with the Planning and Reporting Manager.

Strategic relationships and program development

• Work closely with all IFRC members to identify priorities for programme development and ensure good coordination and the creation of synergies between the initiatives of different members (i.e. National Societies, Secretariat and PNS).
• Lead programme development initiatives, including proposal development, on climate action, food security and livelihoods, migration and other issues in line with the priorities of the National Societies supported by the Cluster and the Sahel+ Resilience Platform.
• Identify opportunities for joint development of proposals and coordinate inputs/contributions from different IFRC members.
• Ensure sound and effective implementation of strategic interagency projects and/or initiatives with governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and civil society.
• Lead the development of technical partnerships with the NS, government technical agencies, multi-agency technical cluster working groups, movement partners, and the international and local private sector.
• Develop new resource development opportunities with multilateral and bilateral donors and the private sector, including overseeing proposal preparation.
• Represent the IFRC in technical forums in Dakar to increase the visibility and profile of the IFRC among external partners.

Technical member coordination and movement cooperation

• Contribute to good coordination between the IFRC Secretariat, National Societies, PNS and the ICRC on technical matters.
• With the support of IFRC CCD focal persons (e.g. Livelihood Delegate, Migration Officer, Senior FSL Officer, Health Manager, PMER Manager, etc.), technical exchange meetings are convened for IFRC partners in the subregion with the aim of exchanging documentation, best practices and lessons learned, and harmonizing members’ programmatic and technical contributions.
• Promote a culture of technical excellence in programming among IFRC members by supporting the development and dissemination of key outputs within the membership (e.g. guidelines, best practices, case studies, evaluations, etc.).

Training

Necessary

• Relevant university degree or equivalent qualification
• Relevant university degree (Master or higher) or equivalent qualification

Experience

Necessary:

• Over 5 years of experience in international coordination and cooperation in the areas of disaster relief, reconstruction and development
• Experience in programme development and programme management, particularly with regard to experience with regional and cross-country programmes in the West Africa/Sahel region
• Experience in managing programs and projects in complex environments
• Experience in needs analysis, strategic planning and evaluation
• Work experience in the Sahel/West Africa region, particularly in the countries of interest of the Dakar CCD.
• Previous experience in disaster management

Preferred:

• Familiarity with the policies and guidelines of the Movement and the International Federation – the Seville Agreement and Complementary Measures and the Code of Good Partnership
• Previous experience in the areas of food security and livelihoods, migration, climate change mitigation and/or protection, gender and inclusion

Knowledge, skills and languages

Necessary:

• Very well organized and results-oriented
• A high level of competence in the management, planning and coordination of initiatives
• Excellent networking, communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills
• Ability to effectively coordinate and negotiate with a wide range of actors
• Good analytical skills and solution-oriented person
• Excellent stress management skills
• Excellent collaboration and teamwork skills
• Proven ability to motivate and lead a team
• Fluent in speech and writing English
• Fluent in speech and writing French

Preferred:

• Fluent in written and spoken Portuguese

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, trust building;