Head of Support III at ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross

Purpose

• Head of Support 3 oversees all the delegation's internal support functions, encompassing financial and human resources, logistics, information and communication technologies (ICT), information management and administrative office management.
• S/he reports directly to the Head of Delegation, acting in the capacity of Deputy Head of Delegation. Endowed with the necessary approval powers to act as ultimate signatory to validate financial/budgetary and human resources commitments, s/he enables the Head of Delegation to focus on implementing operational and diplomatic priorities.
• S/he acts in strong interaction with the delegation's Head of Operations (and possibly other delegations), and represents the ICRC vis-à-vis certain local authorities.
• S/he assumes line manager responsibilities for the team managers in charge of finance and administration, human resources, information management, logistics and ICT, determines priorities between the various functions under supervision, and arbitrates and resolves internal disputes between functional teams under supervision.
• As a core member of the delegation management team, s/he contributes to analysing, defining and implementing the delegation's strategic orientations/priorities and strategies.
• S/he maintains a strong functional link with reference persons from the different specialized divisions/units at headquarters and/or the regional support centres.

Scope & Impact:

• The role's scope and impact are directly linked to the criteria determining the positioning of the delegation. Head of Support 3 would typically be found in delegations whose Head of Delegation is positioned in level D2 or in comparatively large or medium-sized delegations in D1.
• NB: the description and positioning of the role will be reviewed at the end of the pilot phase for the new operating model.

Relationships:
Internally:

• Red line (solid line): Upwards: reports to the Head of Delegation. Downwards: acts as solid line manager for direct reports within the finance and administration, human resources management, logistics and ICT teams.
• Blue line (dotted line): Has no blue line responsibilities with respect to headquarters-based supervisors of the specialist functions concerned.
• Acts in conformity with the frameworks set globally by the functions under supervision locally.

Externally:

• Negotiates with and represents the ICRC to authorities (tax department / Ministry of Labour / Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassies), work councils and external partners (suppliers and implementing partners).
• Ensures that opportunities for joint/or complementary activities with other Movement components are proactively sought by the persons in charge of the different departments under his/her supervision. Interacts with and develops regular contacts with Movement counterparts present in the country.

Accountabilities & Functional Responsibilities
Financial Management:

• Oversees and supports the work of the Finance & Administration Manager and team.
• Acts as ultimate signatory for all (internal) budgetary and (external) financial and regulatory commitments (towards authorities, suppliers and implementing partners).
• As a budget owner of the structure concerned, is accountable for the appropriate allocation of financial resources within the budgetary framework, and for initiating the necessary contingency measures to respond to critical changes in the operating context.
• Approves the delegation's financial competency policy and oversees the financial controls established by the Finance & Administration Manager.

Human Resources:

• Oversees and supports the work of the Human Resources Manager and team.
• Acts as employer representative for all staff members (both under resident and mobile contract).
• Approves the delegation's human resources framework (including local staff regulations and remuneration system).

Logistics:

• Oversees and supports the work of the Logistics Manager and team.
• Approves the delegation's logistics policy in accordance with operational priorities and in close cooperation with the delegation's management.

Information System Management & Information Management:

• Oversees the work of the ICT Coordinator and local ICT team.
• Follows up, with the Head of ICT Region, implementation of the ICT strategy and its impact on ICT resources.
• Ensures that the security of the information system and data protection are respected according to the information security and data protection frameworks.
• Oversees and supports the work of the Assistant and Information Management Officer and team.

Compliance Duties:

• Safety and security: acts as liaison between the Head of Delegation/Head of Operations and his/her own direct reports for all safety and security aspects related to the functioning of the departments under supervision.
• Staff behaviour: is accountable for implementing and aligning all activities related to the ICRC’s compliance programme in the delegation and the functions under supervision; intervenes in cases of suspected violation of ethical standards.
• Audit, control and compliance reports: is responsible for the delegation’s response to and follow-up of observations/recommendations regarding support functions, and for liaising on these matters with the Department of Operations.
• Is accountable for following up with the regional Information Management Adviser regarding the implementation of and compliance with information management rules, procedures and tools.

People Management Responsibilities:

• Yes

Certifications / Education Required

• University Degree (or equivalent) in Business Administration or other discipline, if combined with a higher education degree in general management, business administration, finance, supply chain management, human resources and information systems.
• Fluent command of English and working knowledge of French; depending on the context, knowledge of Arabic, Russian or Spanish; knowledge of the local language an asset.
• Computer proficiency.

Professional Experience Required:

• Typically 15+ years’ overall professional experience.
• At least 5 years' proven track record in managing large (preferably multidisciplinary) teams within or outside the ICRC, ideally in the capacity of senior finance, human resources, supply chain, information systems or general manager.
• At least 3 years' international field experience in a humanitarian/non-profit environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and exposure to finance, plus at least one of the other three functions under supervision.
• Conceptual and analytical capabilities, strong negotiation skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement.
• Very good knowledge of the ICRC's mandate, policies and procedures.
• Recognized capability to achieve results and effectively manage resources.