Are you a high-performance humanitarian professional who can provide inclusive leadership to the Danish Red Cross strategic engagement in the Africa region

Danish Red Cross aims to make a difference for people with high vulnerability living in complex, fragile and protracted crises contexts, and facing disasters and conflicts. Danish Red Cross has a focus on achieving humanitarian breakthroughs within health, disaster management and inclusion (International Strategy 2022 – 25) Regional priorities for Africa in 2023 include scale-up of food crisis preparedness and response; increased support to people living with non-communicable diseases; mainstreaming of anticipatory action approaches; humanitarian assistance and protection of people on the move; improved data and information management; and branch development initiatives in crisis- and conflict affected contexts.

Danish Red Cross in Africa is engaged through Red Cross and Red Crescent partners in Mali, Niger, Sudan, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Somalia. The region counts 55 staff with eight Country Managers and a deputy Head of Region (based in Senegal). The regional office is situated in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and consist of approximately ten staff working with admin, finance, and technical expertise areas (some line managed from Headquarters).

The overall purpose of the Head of Region position is to provide leadership in setting the strategic direction for the region; in partnership, operation, programme and business development; ensure high risk management; as well as manage and support Country Managers in becoming high performant managers. As part of the international extended management group, the Head of Region is guided by and expected to carry out the Danish Red Cross leadership values. The Head of Region for Africa is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and refers to the Head of International Operations, based in Copenhagen.

Key responsibilities

• Strategic direction and support
• Line management of Country Managers and regional office
• HR and staff well being
• Risk management (security, operational)
• Programme and business development
• Partnership and stakeholder management
• Extended management participation and responsibilities

Expected results :

• The region’s strategic direction is relevant, updated and provides clear guidance to the organization (this includes approval of country strategies).
• Country Managers are highly performant, delivering on their country strategies, results, line management responsibilities, and live up to the leadership values.
• Risk management is effective, and high risks are elevated in the management line (operational, financial, partnership, Security etc.).
• New opportunities for strategic engagement and business development are identified and pursued across the region.
• Regional partnerships and partnerships with National Societies, Movement and non-Movement partners, donors and other key stakeholders are developed and well managed.
• Strong contribution to Danish Red Cross’ extended management group and effective collaboration across the organisation.

Required experience and qualifications
You have a relevant academic background, e.g., a master’s degree in social or economic sciences, development studies, or another relevant field and with:

• Minimum of 8 years relevant work and leadership experience from humanitarian organisations in humanitarian and fragile or protracted crisis contexts.
• Knowledge of the African humanitarian context.
• Strategic mindset and outreach to partners.
• Capacity to perform through others and promote diversity and inclusion
• Proficiency in team and staff management including security management.
• Experience with business, idea, and concept development within the humanitarian sector.
• Experience with programme development and implementation through partner organisations.
• Working experience from Africa an advantage.
• Experience from the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is an asset.

In addition:

• Confident self-management.
• Ability to work in demanding situations under pressure.
• Excellent communication, coordination, networking, and facilitation skills.
• Impact oriented management style that promotes motivation, trust, inclusion, collaboration, sustainability, and quality.
• Full proficiency in English speaking and writing is a requirement, French is an asset.

Employment Conditions
The starting date is 1 July 2023. The duty station is Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with considerable travel requirement.

Deadline for submission of application is 20 March 2023.

Interviews are expected to take place in the week 20-24 March 2023 and 27-31 March 2023.

Salary and employment conditions will be according to Danish Red Cross collective bargain agreement with HK and AC between DKK 46.000 and 62.000 including allowances and pension depending on experience and qualifications.

In case you need more information on the position, please contact Danish Red Cross Head of International Operations, Signe Yde-Andersen, +45 53611917