Country representative - Haiti

Summary

In response to the January 12 earthquake in Haiti, the American Red Cross seeks an experienced Country Representative to develop and carry out the objectives of the American Red Cross relief, recovery and mitigation framework in Haiti. ARC staff is responsible for programming in disaster management, shelter, water and sanitation, livelihood, community based health & disease prevention, and monitoring programs funded by the ARC but implemented by Red Cross and non-Red Cross partners. The Country Representative represents ARC at senior levels with Red Cross Movement and non-Movement partners, international organizations, government entities, the media, and coordination bodies. It is the Country Representative's responsibility to ensure that managerial, administrative, and financial procedures comply with provisions of the ARC and Red Cross Movement policies.

Responsibilities

The Country Representative is accountable, under the direction and guidance of the Regional Director, for representing the American Red Cross and managing and implementing ARC’s operational responsibilities and cooperation activities in Haiti. The Country Representative will be expected to use a high degree of initiative to achieve objectives within Haiti.

Specific responsibilities include

• Develop strategic plan with program staff and ensure its implementation in Haiti according to approved plans and budgets, regulations and policies including those activities/programs funded by the American Red Cross but implemented by Red Cross and non-Red Cross partners.
• Coordinate the in-country efforts of the American Red Cross and amalgamate the actions and initiatives of all ARC employees in Haiti.
• Analyze social, political, and economic trends that may affect the delegation’s strategic plan and make changes as required.
• Manage the delegation, including personnel, security, fixed assets, financial assets and other resources in accordance with ARC procedures and regulations.
• Promote the institutional and program development of the operating national society through a supportive working relationship.
• Ensure that delegation planning, budgeting and reporting is carried out in a timely and appropriate fashion in accordance with ARC requirements, formats and standards; provide support to the National Society in these areas when relevant.
• Represent ARC and build good relations with national authorities, Movement partners, international and national organizations, donor Governments and other organizations represented in the country/region, as well as national and international media.
• Take initiatives to raise funds in the country of assignment in support of ARC appeals and activities, and for National Society programs, in close coordination with NHQ and with the National Society.
• Ensure efficient and effective management of ARC resources in all areas.
• Ensure compliance with ARC and International Federation policies, procedures and processes in the area of operation.
• Supervise and provide support to all staff in Haiti and ensure standard operation procedures are adhered to.

Qualifications

Bachelors degree in business, management, public administration or related field required, masters degree preferred. Minimum of seven years relevant experience and three years overseas experience as a senior field representative or chief of party for a large donor agency, international NGO, and /or Red Cross entity required. Proven track record with program and staff management experience in a post-disaster environment, including experience in project design and implementation, financial management, and reporting strongly preferred as is familiarity with the Red Cross Movement. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and achieve results through collaboration are preferred. Must be flexible and adaptive to change and computer proficient, especially in MS Office. Fluency in French is strongly preferred.