Project Delegate (m/f/d), Southern Africa

The German Red Cross (GRC) is part of a worldwide community assisting victims of conflicts and disasters and people affected by social or health related crises. The Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement provides vulnerable people with assistance without discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. The German Red Cross assists in disaster response, rehabilitation and capacity building projects on appeals of their sister organisations within the Movement.

GRC is currently looking for a regional Project Delegate (m/f/d) for a Regional Forecast-based Financing project in Southern Africa.

The Project Delegate is responsible for the overall project implementation and project management of the project “Forecast-based Financing: Closing the gap between disaster preparedness and emergency relief in Southern Africa”. which is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office. The project is running until 31st of December 2022. A FbF project has been implemented and Early Actions Protocols have been developed over the past four years in Mozambique focusing on cyclones and floods. The new regional project aims to use the learnings and tools developed by this previous project to support the expansion of the FbF mechanism further in the Southern Africa region in general and in two additional countries in particular, as well as to provide continued support to the FbF initiatives in Mozambique to consolidate the use of the two existing EAPs and potentially develop one for drought.

Duration: 12 months (from January 2020) with possible extension

Location: Southern Africa*

Responsibilities and Tasks:

• Lead the direct implementation of the Forecast-based financing (FbF) project in 2-3 Southern African countries (yet to be defined, but including Mozambique);
• Lead the process of developing Early Action Protocols (EAP) addressing different hazards in 2-3 Southern African countries (including an EAP on droughts in Mozambique);
• Contribute to an increased Preparedness for Effective Response (PER) capacity of the respective national Red Cross society (incl. Mozambique Red Cross (CVM));
• Facilitate a strong exchange and communication between the different national Red Cross societies involved in the regional project, especially sharing of experiences and lessons learned between Mozambique Red Cross and other national societies;
• Provide advice and support to ensure the continuation and regular updating of the EAPs on floods and cyclones in Mozambique working with CVM and relevant stakeholders and authorities;
• Improve access to validated forecast data and forecast-based thresholds for early actions in flood and cyclone prone areas are developed;
• Ensure compilation and sharing of results, lessons learned and updates with other FbF initiatives (e.g. through the regional FbF Dialogue Platforms, but also other coordination mechanisms);
• Contribute to the further development of the FbF methodology at global level by contributing learnings and best practices and in particular by providing inputs to the Anticipation Hub that will be launched by GRC; RCRC Climate Centre and IFRC in 2020;
• Liaise, coordinate and cooperate closely with national Red Cross societies, government authorities as well as relevant national & international organizations and stakeholders (e.g. Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre);
• Strengthen the capacities and advocacy role of the National Red Cross societies in the field of FbF and PER;
• Ensure regular monitoring of project implementation including the collection and analysis of data for the indicators and project monitoring/control;
• Ensure accurate project budgeting, financial management and expenditure tracking according to GRC and donor (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) requirements;
• Ensure quality, timely narrative and financial reporting in compliance with the GRC and the donor (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) policies and regulations;
• Ensure visibility according to German Government requirements/standards and present information on the project.

Required Skills:

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction
• Knowledge and experience with FbF or EWEA are a strong asset;
• Knowledge and experience with PER (Preparedness for Effective Response) is an advantage;
• Excellent communication skills, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively and build relationships at all levels, considering cultural and language differences;
• Experience in implementing and managing donor funded projects (MoFA experience will be an asset);
• Willingness to frequently travel within Southern Africa;
• Oral and written fluency in English, good command of Portuguese (or Spanish)
• Ability to work independently and as a team member;
• Ability and agreement to adhere to the Red Cross Red Crescent ;
• Ability to work effectively in multi-cultural environments;
• Ability to complete a thorough medical screening process ‘working abroad under specific climate and health conditions’;
• Valid Driving Licence.

*Potential stations of duty (Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini or South Africa). Please indicate in your application your availability for the potential locations.

What we offer you:

You will be part of a highly motivated professional and multicultural team. We offer you a compensation package according to the collective employment agreement of the GRC, an expatriation allowance during your mission as well as the accommodation/personal allowance to cover your accommodation. In addition to a full insurance package GRC is covering a home flight within a 12-months period of assignment. You will benefit from a comprehensive training package and receive briefings and coaching prior as well as during and after your mission. Medical check-ups and Psychosocial Support Service are included in your assignment.