Deputy Country Director

Location

Starting Date & Initial Contract Details

As soon as possible. Full time, 24 months.

Role Overview

The Deputy Country Director manages all aspects of the implementation and development of the programme and support functions to facilitate the implementation of the country strategy. Provide leadership, strategic direction, management and evaluation of all aspects of the Medair programmes. Play a key role in external representation, legal compliance grant management, programme coordination and team leadership.  

Project Overview

Medair has been operational in Syria since January 2015, with a Country Office based in Damascus, and 2 field bases in the following locations: Aleppo, Deir Ez-Zor. The programme is active in Medair’s key sectors: Health and Nutrition (support of basic health services including infrastructure repair, equipment and capacity building), Protection (in particular support of people with physical disabilities), WASH (small- to medium-sized repairs of water and sanitation networks) as well as Shelter (rehabilitation of household shelters and distributions of NFIs).

Our Culture

Key Activity Areas

Programme Support Management

• Facilitate cross cutting communications with the programme teams supporting programme strategy.
• Support field managers in all aspects of finance, administrative, human resource and logistics management, ensuring donor requirements and country programme strategy.
• Prepare and implement procedures and guidelines, so as to enhance the smooth running of the programmes through standardised procedures and improved support. This may include finance and governance procedures, staff management, fleet management and IT security and infrastructure.
• Ensure all in-country legal requirements are met including registration, reporting, insurance, work permits, contracts, etc., liaising as necessary with government departments and other official bodies.

Financial Management

• Supervise the budget management and expenditure for support and shared costs, ensuring budgets are spent according to donor proposals and within the time frame. Manage the day-to-day accounting.
• Ensure systems are in place for the prevention and detection of possible mismanagement.
• Report to donors, providing documents and narrative explanation of any anomalies or discrepancies.
• Manage internal and external field financial audits, providing information required by legislation, etc.
• Prepare monthly payroll list and payments for NRS salaries/allowances in accordance with regulations.

Staff Management

• Line manage designated staff, including direct supervision and development.
• Assist other managers in their line management responsibilities, including recruitment, appraisal, objective setting, development and training, disciplinary action, etc.
• Facilitate regular team meetings and, through a consultative leadership style and a supportive communication structure, develop and build an effective team.
• Develop direct reports to improve their knowledge competence and performance.
• Ensure all employment practices for nationally recruited staff comply with local labour laws.

Communication

• Develop and maintain a transparent, honest and supportive communication structure with colleagues to ensure they are kept informed of support related activities and requirements.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with suppliers, local authorities, other NGOs and any other stakeholders, representing Medair and ensuring good co-operation and partnerships.

Quality Management

• Promote and use the Medair intranet and other operating procedures, ensuring that all standardised formats are used and guidelines are followed.
• In conjunction with relevant managers, review, develop and implement (as applicable) systems to improve transparency and to detect and ultimately prevent loss or fraud. 

Team Spiritual Life

• Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, and external contacts.
• Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based team settings. Fully contribute to the rich spiritual life of your team, including team devotions, prayers, and words of encouragement.
• Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international prayer network.

This job description covers the main tasks that are anticipated. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant subject such as Management/Development Studies/Business Administration or in a relevant technical subject.
• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written).

What is the ROC and why is it required?

Experience

• 5 years post-qualification experience in a relevant management position. 
• Problem solving ability. Excellent communicator. Good numerical and report writing skills.
• Able to oversee multiple tasks, prioritising and delegating as required.
• Advanced leadership and management skills, good decision maker. Coaching and training skills.
• Team-player with good interpersonal skills and conflict resolution skills.
• Able to maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Committed to team-building and able to develop and support other team members.
• Capacity to work under pressure and manage personal stress levels.
• Creative, open-minded, flexible, self-learner.