Head of Base

Introduction

WeWorld-GVC, recently constituted from the merger of two NGOs, is an Italian secular and independent organization working since 1971 in international cooperation and humanitarian aid. Present in 29 countries with 128 projects, WeWorld-GVC operates in the following areas of assistance: human rights (gender equality, prevention and combating violence against children and women, migration), humanitarian aid (prevention, emergency relief and rehabilitation), food security, access to water, health and hygiene, education, global citizenship education, quality teaching and international volunteering. WeWorld-GVC works mostly with girls, boys, women and youth, actors of change in every community for a fairer and more inclusive world. Supports people overcoming emergencies and guarantees a life with dignity, opportunities and a better future through human and economic development programs, in the framework of the 2030 Agenda. Joining the WeWorld-GVC team means being part of the development of a dynamic organisation where the contribution of each staff member is promoted and valued, working together towards the collective achievement of shared goals and vision.

At present, the main donors are Italy (AICS), the EU (DG ECHO), UNICEF, OCHA, and Belgium (DGD).

Working context

Since 1967, occupation and political stagnation have directly affected the socio-economic situation of the Palestinian population in the West Bank. The movement restrictions policies are severely limiting Palestinians’ access to essential services and markets, and leading to serious and negative impact upon all aspects of their lives, and mainly their livelihoods.

Palestine is a sui generis case for aid delivery and cooperation, due notably to the occupation and the fragmentation of the territory. Efficiency and performance of development cooperation continue to be challenged by the Israeli occupation of Palestine, in all sectors NGOs are involved in. Palestine is divided into the Gaza Strip (under the control of de facto authorities not recognized by the international community), East Jerusalem (a de facto annexation by Israel also not recognized) and the West Bank (over which the Palestinian Authority (PA) has entire control only on Area A, i.e. 18% of the West Bank). The PA has therefore only a very limited authority, both in terms of territory and legal jurisdiction.

The situation of the PA remains challenging, with the persistence of a systemic fiscal crisis and crisis of political legitimacy following the suspension of the Palestinian Legislative Council in 2007 and the absence of national elections subsequently. In July 2013 direct talks were resumed between Israelis and Palestinians in the context of the Middle East Peace Process with the ambitious aim of achieving-agreement on all final status issues within nine months. The failure of the peace talking and the operation “Protective Edge” leaded to a tenser escalation, for which international NGOs are challenged to respond with innovative and sustainable cooperation strategies.

Job description

WeWorld-GVC is recruiting a Gaza Head of Base who will reports to Country Representative and works in coordination with Head of Programs, Head of Operations, Project Managers, Finance Manager and Gaza team.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Representation

• Representation vis-vis local authorities
• Establish and update contact details of potential Donors active in the area of activity
• Provides a quarterly accomplished work plan of fundraising and external communication activities with relevant stakeholders in his/her area of management
• Participate in Donor meetings at local and, if required, at national level and communicate relevant information to the Country Representative and Heads of Sectors
• Representation amongst other international organizations: participate in inter-NGO Coordination meetings, Clusters and those of UN Agencies (OCHA, UNDP, UNICEF, FAO, etc.), and any other relevant inter-governmental institution at local and, if required, at national level
• Ensure maximum visibility of WW-GVC amongst the NGO community at local level

Office Management

• Supervise overall financial commitments and financial risk
• Provides directly support to Project Managers of the area of intervention in project implementation
• Lead the production of reports and ensure the timeliness and accuracy of information provided, as well ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information
• Authorize the requests of expenses of the office to be submitted to Finance Manager and Country Representative
• Contribute to the recruitment of expatriate staff assigned to the relevant area
• Contribute to regular appraisals of directly supervised colleagues and pass appraisal forms to the Country Representative with recommendations (new position, changes to contract or salary etc.)
• Supervise the preparation and provide final validation of tender documents and MoUs in cases where WW-GVC is in charge of it
• Supervision of technical procurement processes
• Contracts execution: progressive stages’ quantity and quality monitoring control
• Final validation of the technical supervision of contracted works
• Ensuring final technical quality of all WW-GVC technical interventions implemented through beneficiary participation
• Authorization of contracts instalments payment
• Authorization and clearing of hand over processes and documentation

Staff Management

• Direct line management of the staff based in Gaza, including recruitment, coaching, capacity building and ensuring co-ordination
• Ensure a positive working environment and good team dynamics (solve out potential conflicts)

Program Development

• Responsible of the initial planning design of specific projects’ activities and directly in charge of the timeless and accuracy of the implementation of the activities and their budgets, agreed with Head of Program and Country Representative
• Guarantee the follow up of the methodology agreed with Head of Program and Country Representative, under direct supervision of assigned Project Managers
• Contribute to the development of a WW-GVC intervention strategy and lead its implementation at local level
• Support identification and elaboration of new project proposals and budget development, by providing a bi-yearly report to the Country Representative in collaboration with Head of Program
• More generally, communicate systematically and provide a bimonthly report to the Country Representative about the development of the WW-GVC strategy and its implementation in the area
• Ensure a sound and consistent financial planning for the Programmes assigned to his/her area of intervention, and provide accurate timely information and data to the assigned Project Managers, and the Financial Manager
• Responsible of the quality of any final output of every line of activities within the projects assigned in his/her area, under the supervision of the dedicated Project Manager and/or Heads of Sector
• In charge of the Protection Vulnerability Index development and monitoring

Safety and Security

• In cooperation with the Country Representative, monitor the local security situation and inform Security Focal points of developments through regular verbal and, if required, written reports
• Support in updating the security guidelines in the area of intervention
• Ensure that security procedures are respected by the whole staff
• Perform any other duty as requested by the line manager and Country Representative.

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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
• Project Development and proposal writing
• Project Management Cycle
• Knowledge of main donors’ policy and procedures (UN Agencies, EuropeAid, Italian Cooperation)
• Knowledge of the Palestinian context
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Valid and clean driving license

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 2-3 years of relevant working experience in project management
• Experience in Project Development and proposal writing
• Experience in Project Cycle Management
• Proven experience in coordinating and manage relationships with international and local partner organizations and donors

Skills and Abilities

• Computer skills, in particular MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, MS Project
• Ability to work under pressure
• Strong interpersonal relationships and demonstrated ability to leverage business networks and partnerships for continued growth
• 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
• Precision and meticulousness
• Problem-solver approach with demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and creating efficiencies
• Strong commitment to the Mission of WeWorld-GVC, genuine interest for international cooperation development topics
• Demonstrates integrity with regards to NGO values and ethical standards
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favouritism

DESIDERABLE REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience in the Country will be strongly preferred
• Previous work experience with international NGOs will be preferred
• Knowledge of Arabic or Italian would be considered an asset

Interested candidates should apply  through WeWorld GVC website by clicking on Apply now - تقدم الان لهذه الوظيفة no later than 31st  October 2020