Program manager, earthquake recovery

Competition Number IZO08-62

Background

The Canadian Red Cross Society (CRCS), a non-profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to helping Canadians, as well as the most vulnerable throughout the world, is currently seeking a Program Manager for the China delegation.

The Program Manager, China is the senior CRCS representative and program manager for the CRCS China Earthquake Recovery program, with clear management authority and responsibility. He/She is accountable for implementing the CRCS’ strategy for China in coordination with the National Society and covering the key tasks set out below and as specified in the terms of reference. He/She oversees both the CRCS bilateral interventions and multilateral program through the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) toward China Earthquake Recovery Program.

The successful achievement of this strategy depends critically on good teamwork between the IFRC, the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC), and other Participating National Societies (PNS). The position reports to both the IFRC delegation and the CRCS China Program Manager in Ottawa with specific focus on CRCS supported programming. In these relationships the PM in China will play a key role supporting the overall IFRC/Chinese Red Cross recovery work, more importantly, overseeing the CRCS supported activities in China including program planning, monitoring and evaluation; ensuring appropriate funding support and budget controls. The position is also responsible for providing appropriate information and analysis to assist in CRCS’ general strategic direction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintains relations with, as well as represent the CRCS to RCSC and IFRC; providing tailored and coordinated support to the RCSC;
• Oversee the annual planning and programming preparation in coordination with RCSC, CRCS, and IFRC;
• Ensure that evaluations of CRCS programs are carried out according to project/program plans and lessons are shared within the region and with the CRCS international program operations;
• Lead resource mobilization for CRCS programs as agreed with CRCS National Office in the fundraising strategy for China;
• Ensure CRCS policies, procedures, guidelines and quality standards are known and complied with in country;
• Facilitate coordination in all programs and operations to ensure the most effective mobilization and utilization of resources across the country;
• Monitor and analyze political, economic and social trends within China and the region as they affect the work of the CRCS and the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement for planning purposes and for keeping the CRCS and partners informed;
• Formulate policy objectives for advocacy, communications and external relations for the country in line with CRCS global priorities;
• Ensure effective cooperation with the ICRC in representation and advocacy work;
• Ensure that CRCS programming in support of NS core programs is properly planned, managed and monitored, and that capacity building opportunities are fully explored;
• Ensure that programs and projects of the CRCS achieve goals and objectives by managing the human resources and financial and/or technical inputs required;
• Ensure sound financial management of the CRCS programming in the country, that effective budget planning is in place and that programs operate within approved budgets;
• Ensure the quality and timeliness of the reporting of the CRCS’ programming in China.

Qualifications:

• University degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Minimum 3 years senior management experience in a similar role;
• 5 years international experience with a humanitarian organization, previous Red Cross Red Crescent experience an asset;
• Demonstrated skills and experience in strategy development / implementation, finance and risk management, people and performance management;
• Demonstrated success in planning, project design and management and reporting;
• Demonstrated experience in financial management and human resource management;
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing capacity building activities;
• Strong communication skills, both verbally and written in English; Mandarin language skills an asset;
• Strong commitment to the principles and values of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.