Programme Assistant, British Red Cross

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

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 IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

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.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegations 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

The British Red Cross (BRC) opened an office in Abuja in January 2019. The focus of BRC work in Nigeria is the implementation of a disaster management programme in the states of FCT, Imo and Lagos (others to be added as the programme progresses).

Job Purpose

While formally reporting to the Head of Country Cluster, he/ she will be operationally managed by the Country Manager, British Red Cross and the Programme Officer, British Red Cross.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

He/ she will have the following responsibilities:

• Provide support to issues related to the Development of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, including:
• Coordination with the National Society and other relevant RC/RC movement partners on the follow-up of the findings of the due diligence process to ensure that identified organizational weaknesses will be addressed
• Support in preparing for meetings related to National Society Development (review of documents, drafting of position papers)
• Support in accompanying the National Society in the process of operationalizing the NRCS country strategy
• Support the BRC Programme Officer in planning, implementation and reporting related to the Disaster Management programme (and possibly additional programmes in future), as well as administrative management
• Prepare regular reports and organize records
• Provide support in the development of programme proposals
• Organize a filing system for important and confidential documents:
• Policies and procedures
• Financial documents
• Programmatic and strategy-related documents
• Contracts and agreements
• Maintain the office calendar:
• Keep an overview of relevant meetings and events
• Maintain an overview of staff on visits to Nigeria
• Support in the procurement of items and services according to office procedures
• Follow up on other office services and maintenance when needed (plumbing, painting, etc)
• General office administration
• Adhere to the RC/ RC movement values
• Undertake other duties as reasonably required.

Education

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a field relevant to the position

Experience

Required:

• Work experience in assistant positions (not necessarily in the Red Cross)
• Work experience within a multi-cultural environment
• Working experience with Disaster Management programming

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Strong communication skills
• Computer Literate (especially Excel, word, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Initiative and flexibility
• Accuracy and attention to detail

Languages:

• Strong communication skills

Competencies, Values and Comments

• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
• Initiative and flexibility
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Judgement and decision making
• Creativity and innovation
• Empowering others