Position: Head of Gaza Emergency Operations

Reports to: Country Representative for Palestine Mission and Head of Middle East & LAC Regional Unit

Works in coordination with: Regional Management Team (Regional Finance Manager, Regional Proc&Log Manager, Desk Officer and Regional Communication focal point), Palestine Management Team

Location: Temporarily Amman (Jordan), with frequent missions to the Gaza Strip and/or Ramallah/Jerusalem as required

Deadline: 20/06/2024

Starting date: ASAP

Family duty station: NO

Working context

WeWorld has been present in the West Bank since 1992 and in Gaza since 1997 with a dual development and humanitarian mandate seeking new solutions to a long-standing crisis. The organization has been active in the fields of WASH, Shelter, Protection, Economic Development, Health, and Education and is funded mainly by the European Commission, UN agencies, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and other cooperation agencies. WeWorld in Palestine has 5 offices (central office in Jerusalem and field offices in the Gaza Strip, Ramallah, Hebron and Tubas). Currently WeWorld emergency Team engaged for the Gaza response operates from Amman, with potential possibility to be further deployed to Cairo if the situation on the ground would require such logistic arrangement.

As a response to the current hostilities, WeWorld in Gaza is engaged in a multisectoral and multi donors humanitarian intervention to support and address lifesaving needs of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in different sites and hosting communities protecting people’s dignity. The main sectors of intervention are WASH, Shelter/NFI, Child Protection, and Food Security for conflict-affected populations, with plans to scale up on education interventions as soon as the situation on the ground would allow.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Gaza Emergency Operations leads the Gaza Management Team, composed by program and operations managers. She/He directs organizational programs at Gaza mission level ensuring quality of the activities, from development through execution, including budget and Human Resources Management (International and National Staff). Identifies programming opportunities and areas where the organization can demonstrate its value and relevance. The Head of Gaza Emergency Operations develops relations and represents the organization with donors, local and national governments, and partners, to maintain positive organizational profile, and is also responsible for the security management for Gaza operations and Jordan base.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Representation, External Relations and Accountability

• In coordination with the Country Representative for Palestine mission (based in Ramallah), represents WeWorld and is responsible for relations with relevant authorities, donors, local and international partners, and all relevant stakeholders operating in Gaza Strip
• Responsible for the dissemination, implementation, compliance and monitoring of the application of WeWorld policies within Gaza operations
• Responsible for the analysis and assessment of risks present in Gaza mission, reporting periodically to the Country Representative for Palestine mission and the Head of Regional Unit
• Responsible for the safety and security of the organization’s people and assets in Gaza and Jordan, in line with WeWorld policy
• Responsible for establishing and adhering to WeWorld Security and Evacuation Plan in Gaza and Jordan in line with the organization’s relevant policy and procedures and updating it periodically in consultation with the Security Advisor

Strategy, partnerships and resource mobilization

• Responsible for the formulation and periodic review of WeWorld Gaza operations strategy and ensures its consistency with the organization’s regional and global strategy
• Builds and strengthens strategic partnerships in Gaza mission through active participation in networks and coordination mechanisms, promotion of new networks and partnerships by enhancing the expertise of the organization
• Examines the risks and opportunities presented by WeWorld strategic positioning in Gaza response and prepares appropriate responses to ensure sustainable projects and operations
• In collaboration with the management team and the Project Development and Knowledge Management department (PDKM), coordinates the drafting of short/medium term project/programme proposals designed for the Gaza response
• Strengthens and identifies relationships with institutional donors engaged in the Gaza response enhancing WeWorld expertise and achievements over time

Local Office(s) Management, Human Resources and Volunteers

• Is responsible for all human resources, expatriate and local, employed in the Gaza and Jordan Missions for the implementation of WeWorld institutional activities
• In collaboration with the Gaza management team, proposes and updates the most effective organizational chart, roles, and functions to carry out WeWorld activities in Gaza mission in a logic of sustainability and enhancement of local human resources

Program Management

• In collaboration with the Management Team, ensures that programs implemented in Gaza are in line and consistent with the organization’s country and regional strategy, have high quality standards, and achieve their objectives
• Responsible for the local office’s program monitoring system, and in collaboration with the Management Team, supervises and monitors the proper implementation of projects
• Ultimately responsible for the quality of project reporting and its compliance with the rules and timelines defined by WeWorld and those established by the relevant donors

Administration and Controlling

• Develops Gaza operations’ annual budget proposal and submits it to the Head of Regional Unit;
• Plans and monitors the approved annual budget
• Ultimately responsible for the proper use of WeWorld funds in Gaza and Jordan missions, in line with legal requirements, and promotes a culture of proper and efficient financial management, quality, transparency, and credibility

Communication, policy and advocacy

• Responsible for WeWorld external communication in Gaza and its adherence to the organization’s and Donors’ relevant regulations and guidelines
• Proposes external communication and advocacy activities in the country
• Coordinates and supervises the production of content for external communication at Gaza mission level on its own initiative and/or at the request of WeWorld Communication Department

Security and Safety Management

• Final responsible focal point to ensure security and safety of WW Staff and assets in Gaza and Jordan.
• Develop the Gaza security and safety strategy based on HQ and country information.
• Identify risks and threats and develop systems of early warning flags.

The duties and responsibilities mentioned above are not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to perform additional duties.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Knowledge:

• An advanced university degree or equivalent in the field of Social or Political Science, Development Studies, International relations, Project Management
• Program Development knowledge
• Project Management Cycle knowledge
• Knowledge of main donors’ policy and procedures (UN Agencies, EuropeAid, Italian Cooperation)
• Valid and clean driving license
• Computer skills, in particular MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, MS Project
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal

Professional Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ working experience with international NGOs in management of international cooperation projects funded by institutions and private donors, in emergency settings
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as Country Representative in emergency contexts
• Experience representing a leading organization to donors, external partners and authorities
• Experience with networking, advocacy and coordination, including donor contact, fundraising and networking
• Extensive program development and project proposal writing experience
• Experience in Budget management and multiple donor contract
• Experience in safety and Security Management

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to think strategically and conceptually and to translate these into concrete results
• Ability to identify, initiate and maintain good relationships with partner organizations, donors and national authorities including building professional relationships with senior decision-makers and influencers/leaders
• Proven organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks while fostering quality, team spirit and positive working relationships with colleagues
• Strong interpersonal relationships and demonstrated ability to leverage business networks and partnerships for continued growth
• Ability to work under pressure
• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the NGO values and ethical standards
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism
• Good communication, negotiation skills and sensitivity in dealing with local institutions on critical issues
• Cultural, gender, religion, and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Strong commitment to the Mission of WeWorld, genuine interest for international cooperation development topics

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

• Previous work experience in oPt
• Fluent in Italian and or Arabic, both written and verbal
• Valid HEAT certificate
• Advanced First Aid certificate/trauma response

WHAT WE OFFER

Type of contract: a first 3 (three) month collaboration contract subject to verification of the achievement of specific objectives (these objectives will be agreed together with the Line Manager upon arrival on assignment); a second collaboration contract of 9 (nine) months renewable, following the positive evaluation of the first months of contract

Economic conditions to be defined according to WeWorld Expatriates Compensation Policy: Base Salary (seniority/role held) + Contributions (role complex and hardship based on place of work)

Accomodation: Guesthouse at the duty stations

Annual leave: 2,5 days/month (working days)

Flight ticket: one return flight every 12 months of contract

Health insurance: covered

R&R: NO