Iraq: EMERGENCY COORDINATOR – IRAQ

INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.

1. Terms of reference

Job title: Emergency Coordinator

Duty Station: Erbil with regular missions to Baghdad and other Iraqi Governorates, as necessary

Starting date: 1^st September 2017

Duration of contract: 8 months

Reporting to: Head of Mission

Supervision of: 7 international PM

Dependents: no

1. General context of the project

INTERSOS has been working in Iraq from 2003 till 2010 with programs aimed at responding to urgent material safety needs and enhancing access to basic social services for vulnerable individuals and communities in Central and Southern Iraq, Baghdad and Kurdistan. Over the years, INTERSOS operations developed, encompassing activities in health care, legal protection and assistance, warehousing and distribution of essential goods, mine/UXO clearance, shelter, water and sanitation, psychosocial support and education targeting internally displaced people and voluntary returnees, as well as host communities, with special focus on most vulnerable groups (children, women, elderly and persons with special needs).

Following the conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation which is negatively affecting also the neighbouring countries, in November 2013 INTERSOS has resumed the operations in the area to contribute towards ensuring emergency relief and social protection assistance for the Syrian refugees fleeing their home in search of safety. Furthermore, since the surge of violence between armed groups and government forces with fighting spreading into Central and Northern Iraq in July 2014 and further control of those areas by ISIS, INTERSOS extended its operations in the Kurdistan Region, providing services aimed at assisting both Syrian refugees and Iraqi IDPs in camp and non-camp settings, with interventions mainly concentrated on Community Services, Protection, Food Security and Education.

Since October 2016, INTERSOS has enlarged further its operation, both geographically and in term of sectors of intervention, in order to respond to the current Mosul humanitarian crisis. INTERSOS Mosul Response encompasses now a large number of interventions, both in camp and out of camp settings, in particular in Ninewa and Salah al-Din Governorates. The program includes life-saving activities in health, protection and Education in Emergencies sectors and is funded by UNHCR, OCHA, WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF and USAID/OFDA.

1. General purpose of the position

The Emergency Coordinator will support and collaborate with the Head of Mission, ensuring the coordination and follow up of the emergency programme, with particular focus on the Mosul humanitarian response. In particular he/she will be responsible of the overall management, oversight, leadership and strategic direction of the emergency portfolio made up of all emergency response projects. He/She will be also engaged in proposal development. Through close coordination with the Head of Mission, Project Managers and sectorial coordinators, he/she ensures that the on-going emergency interventions are properly implemented.

1. Tasks and responsibilities

Assessment, Programme Design and Planning

• In association with the HoM, ensure the implementation of in depth emergency assessments (with focus on INTERSOS’s core sectors: health, protection (including Child Protection and Gender based Violence), NFIs/Shelter and Education in Emergencies).
• Coordinate the development of all project implementation plans and budgets within the framework of the agreed emergency response programme and strategy.
• Assist and advise the HoM on securing donor funding for emergency projects.
• Together with the sectorial coordinators, lead the projects’ design and proposals preparation and submission for institutional and public funding and ensure the linkage with the ongoing program.

Emergency Project Management and Implementation

• Maintain ongoing surveillance of the humanitarian emergency situation and adjust activities accordingly.
• Oversee and establish partnerships in order to ensure proper implementation and monitoring of activities by partners.
• Ensure adequate monitoring, reporting and acquittal of emergency response activities in accordance with INTERSOS International humanitarian accountability framework, relevant SPHERE standards, and essential environmental mitigation measures.

General Management and Leadership

• Establish and maintain constructive working relationships with other NGO’s, UN agencies, host government, bilateral and multilateral donors, and other main stakeholders, including military forces where present and if necessary.
• Conduct performance appraisals of staff under his/her responsibility if and as required, ensuring regular feedback and mentoring on individual performance.
• Provide adequate support to local partners and support them to proactively review their capacities and fill gaps.
• Ensure that the HoM is kept informed about assessment progress, emergency response implementation and strategies, project plans, progress reports and other significant developments.

Human Resources

• Support the recruitment of the emergency team, manages, motivates, guides and supports the staff.
• Promote staff motivation and cohesion.
• Monitor ongoing human resources issues and makesrecommendations and adjustments accordingly.

Financial Management and Planning

• Together with the CFO, supervise the accurate administration of the emergency projects and the preparation of accounting documents for intermediate and final financial reports required by donors.
  

1. Required profile/experience
   

• Advanced university degree in social science related fields such as Political Science, International Relations, International Development Cooperation, Sociology, Psychology, Law, Human Rights or similar subjects. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Minimum 5 years of humanitarian aid experience in complex humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters.
  
• Previous experience in working in Middle East and specifically in Iraq (desirable)
  
• Previous experience in volatile environments / conflict settings (desirable)
  
• Strong understanding of the humanitarian emergency operating context, including Sphere, the humanitarian system, donors, security, civil military liaison and program management
  
• High level experience in management, including managing multi-million dollar budgets
  
• Experience in complex decision making and leading a multi-disciplinary, multi-national team under difficult circumstances
  
• High level of expertise in representation and negotiation with governments and donors
  
• Previous experience in developing and implementing M&E activities (desirable)
  
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, strong representation and negotiation skills
  
• Mastery of IT tools (MS Office package, internet, e-mail, etc.)
  
• Proficient knowledge of English is required. Knowledge of Arabic will be an asset.
  
• Demonstrated use of positive coping strategies in stressful environments
  
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with analytic approach
  
• Ability to work in austere and hostile environments
  
• Ability to share accommodation when required
  
• Holder of a driving license (desirable)

Qualified applicants are requested to submit their CV, motivation letter and 2 references to recruitment@intersos.org with subject line: “Emergency Coordinator – Iraq”.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.