Global Communities works at the intersection of humanitarian assistance, sustainable development and financial inclusion to save lives, advance equity and secure strong futures. We support communities at the forefront of their own development in more than 35 countries, partnering with local leaders, governments, civil society and the private sector to achieve a shared vision of a more just, prosperous and equitable global community.
Global Communities has worked in the Palestine since 1994, and has developed hundreds of partnerships with ministries, local governments, the private sector, civil society organizations and others. These partnerships are a foundational part of our commitment to increasing quality of life and economic opportunities for the Palestinian people. Our work has included emergency response, as well as developing infrastructure, improving the environment, and expanding economic opportunity and job creation. In addition to connecting families with necessities in times of crisis, our programs also take the long view, working to build a sustainable long-term mortgage market and encourage homeownership, and investing in the extraordinary potential of Palestinian youth.
In Palestine, Global Communities advises the World Bank on institutionalizing civic engagement in water sector management and helped establish a national youth organization focused on voluntarism, democracy, and good governance. Following an escalation in conflict between Israel and Hamas, Global Communities has been supporting the needs of the population in Gaza with funding from private sector entities in Palestine and the region, and pivoting funding from USAID activities to address the protection, shelter, and WASH needs of Palestinians.
To support these efforts, Global Communities seeks a Team Lead that will 1) lead the set-up of new GC activities in Gaza, 2) Step in as interim Chief of Party for designated programs, and 3) support new business development efforts. They will report to the Country Director and work closely with the in-country and HQ teams. The Team Lead will manage any other team members as needed. They will be responsible for providing leadership and management oversight of assigned programs and/or activities, ensure GC’s strong external representation, and ensure the set-up of appropriate management, programmatic and support services. operational structures. With the support of resources developed by GC, the Team Lead along with other deployed team members, will take an intentional, pragmatic approach to capacity building and mentoring existing in-country team members and new hires in humanitarian response. They may also be asked to step in other acting roles while additional staff are identified or to support coverage during R&R, and will ensure a strong handover process on departure.
The position is expected to be for six months, with the possibility of extension. The position will be initially based in the West Bank with intention for travel/work in Gaza if possible.
Responsibilities
Leadership and General Management
- Provide leadership, management oversight, and technical direction for GC response activities.
- Lead Response Team, including supervising staff deployed on the response team and manage any in-country staff as determined by the Country Director
- Recommend changes to the response team composition, function, and roles and responsibilities within Country Office to maximize program quality and effectiveness.
- Create the conditions to ensure effective teamwork and morale. Ensure staff well-being is addressed.
- Ensure that capacity building and mentoring of existing in country staff and new hires takes place throughout the response.
- Ensure a smooth handover process, including clear documentation, the set-up of strong information management systems, and the development of a workplan that includes upcoming deadlines and priorities.
- Ensure transparency, accountability, and quality of work on the ground that adheres to GC policies and that remains in line with humanitarian principles and standards.
- Ensure assessments are executed and that integrated response, implementation and exit strategies are developed.
- Work with OGS and in-country security personnel to monitor the operational environment to support safety and security of GC staff and adapt the response accordingly.
Interim Program Management and Leadership
- As assigned, assume acting leadership roles (COP, DCOP, PD) of active projects
- Provide program leadership, direction, and supervision, including oversight of staff, consultants, and partners, monitoring and evaluation, and program implementation.
- Ensure implementation of technical interventions, with a particular focus on operations and logistics for delivery of immediate humanitarian needs.
- Lead regular work plan, budget, and implementation reviews to facilitate the cost-effective and timely achievement of deliverables.
- Foster linkages between program deliverables and overall country level humanitarian response strategy.
Representation and Business Development
- Establish and maintain constructive working relationships with other NGO’s, UN agencies, host government, bilateral and multilateral donors, and other principal stakeholders including the military where present and if necessary.
- Ensure information sharing and coordination through established coordination mechanisms and with external stakeholders.
- Representing the response with internal stakeholders, including ensuring reporting and communications, and making recommendations for organizational investment.
- Support business development efforts, including leading design discussions, drafting technical sections, and supporting with donor engagement.
POSITION SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Promote a culture of excellence, inclusion, learning, support, diversity, and innovation.
- Willingness to travel to Gaza.
- Visit project locations and partner activities for appropriate oversight and representation.
- Direct supervision of in-country department leadership.
Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree in a related field and a minimum of eight years of related work experience or a minimum of 12 years of related work experience.
- At least 5 years’ experience in a management role and 3 years of experience working in emergency response.
- Proven ability to work in a fast paced, demanding environment, often working under pressure in insecure environments.
- Experience in setting up new country program, capacity building of host country staff in programmatic, leadership and management skills an asset.
- Understanding of international best practices, including Sphere Standards and SAP (Safe & Accountable Programming) requirements.
- Experience with USG donors required, preferably USAID/BHA.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including ability to effectively communicate across cultures and demonstrated ability to write required documents in a clear, concise, well-organized manner.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with donors, project stakeholders, in-country collaborators, and staff at all levels of the organization.
- Commitment to the Humanitarian principles and Do No Harm.
- Knowledge and understanding of relevant donor rules and regulations.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
- Computer literacy, excellent knowledge of word processing, excel and PowerPoint is required.
- Fluency in English, working knowledge of Arabic highly desirable.
- HEAT certification preferred.
- A passion for the mission and values of Global Communities, and a commitment to equity and justice.