National Society Development Officer

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 192-member National Societies. The overall aim of the IFRC is "to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to prevent and alleviate human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world." The IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

The IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of the IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

The IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

The IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The IFRC also has country cluster delegation and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

IFRC has been present in Afghanistan since 1990, supporting the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS)'s development, auxiliary role, contributing to its partnership development, humanitarian footprint, and sustainability. IFRC coordinates/facilitates engagement from and cooperation with Partner National Societies (PNS) and represents them in the country as an international organization as well as engaging with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Movement Coordination and Cooperation in line with an existing Movement Cooperation Agreement. Other Movement partners with presence in Afghanistan are Danish Red Cross, Norwegian Red Cross, Qatar Red Crescent Society and Turkish Red Crescent.

Afghanistan continues to experience one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, exacerbated by deteriorating economic conditions, recurring natural hazards and compounding crises, gaps in health services and pre-existing needs. The ongoing humanitarian situation in Afghanistan requires innovative approaches, enhanced collaboration and coordination with and by humanitarian actors and close partnership with the communities and the authorities to address the challenges, reduce risks and build resilience.

Job Purpose
Under the supervision of the National Society Preparedness and Development Delegate, the National Society Development Officer will support effective coordination with in country and regional technical capacity for investments in the ARCS' development. Additionally, S/he will generate opportunities for enhanced collaboration and linkages with the Host National Society to better to manage the key elements of the National Society Development work with the ARCS with the aim to promote ownership and learning.

Job Duties And Responsibilities
National Society Development (NSD)

• Support the development of country specific National Society Development Strategies and Plans aligned with IFRC regional, global approaches and National Society Strategic Plan and Priorities.
• Under the guidance of the National Society Preparedness and Development Delegate, support the implementation of the National Society Development Plan and Strategy in close coordination and collaboration with in-country technical capacity and the wider IFRC network in accordance with the New Way of Working.
• Facilitate the integration, implementation, and monitoring of National Society Development components in multiple projects/programs within the country delegation.
• Provide support to ARCS in implementing its NSD initiatives – including but not limited to Branch Development, Digital Transformation, Finance Development, HR development, Leadership Development, Logistics Development, Quality and Accountability, sustainability of flagship services, and Volunteering and Youth Development – as defined by various working groups of the National Society and endorsed by the leadership.
• Promote and support the use of evidence-based tools not limited to, Organizational Capacity Assessment and Certification (OCAC) and Branch Organizational Capacity Assessment (BOCA), Safer Access Framework (SAF) and Preparedness for Effective Response (PER) for assessing National Society strengths and gaps and for developing a plan of action for implementing capacity strengthening actions, including the allocation of technical and financial resources.
• Support the development and institutionalization of working groups linked to the NS priorities and targeting areas of Branch, Finance, Sustainability and HR Development, Volunteering and Youth, Digital Transformation etc.
• Ensure the inclusion, alignment, implementation and monitoring of NSD components in all programmes and operations in accordance with the ARCS Strategic Plan and Operation Plan as well as IFRC strategy to integrate NSD across prog
• Complement the National Society Preparedness and Response Delegate in the dissemination and compliance with the IFRC Code of Conduct, Fraud and Corruption Prevention and Control Policy, and Safeguarding Policy among internal and external stakeholders.
• Track and maintain log of all National Society Development Investments undertaken by the Movement and provide reports monthly.
• Participate in regional meetings and working groups as necessary for the advancement of NSD work in Afghanistan.
• Serve as direct liaison to the National Society's middle managers and Branch leadership as may be required for the implementation of NSD activities.
• Undertake other tasks as requested in support of the Programs and Operations Department of the Country Delegation.

Project Management and Development

• Act as Project Manager and Budget holder as may be needed and work closely with counterparts to ensure smooth and timely implementation of activities and provide narrative and financial reports as required.
• Develop Project Implementation Plans, Project Management Frameworks and mechanisms for coordination and collaboration as may be required.

Education

*Required:*

• University degree or equivalent qualifying experience in relevant field.

*Preferred:*

• Background in Human Resources Management, Programme Management, Organizational Development or Political Science.
• IMPACT Training or equivalent knowledge.

Experience
Required:

• At least 3 – 5 years of relevant professional experience .
• At least 2 years of experience with a humanitarian or non-profit organization.
• Experience with Organizational Development processes, change management or program development and management.
• Experience of planning and managing finances and budgets.
• Experience in supporting multiple projects.
• Field experience in high-risk and/ or fragile context.

*Preferred:*

• Experience in managing and integrating projects and people within a specialized area.
• A broad understanding of global humanitarian issues, disaster recovery and related areas.
• Experience in working in both emergencies and developmental contexts within international Organization.
• Experience in NS capacity building in preparedness, response and recovery.
• Experience of working for the Red Cross / Red Crescent or other humanitarian organization.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

*Required:*

• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability promote and facilitate collaboration and motivate teams with diverse interests for achieving desired results and outcomes.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to negotiate while maintaining excellent working relations.
• Ability to work well in a multicultural team and in a changing environment.
• Good representation and facilitation skills.
• Self-supporting with computers and internet-based tools .
• Ability to be flexible to work in pressurised working environments e.g., disaster affected area.
• Able to travel frequently to project areas .
• Good command of English (spoken and written).
• Fluency in local official languages (Dari and Pashto).

*Preferred:*

• Knowledge of the Project Management Cycle.
• Ability to manage and motivate teams.
• In-depth knowledge of RC/RC Movement Principles .
• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic).

Competencies, Values and Comments

Values:
Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability.

Core competencies:
Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust.

Functional competencies:
Problem solving, Analytical thinking, Strategic orientation; Building alliances.