Job: Syria INGO Regional Forum (SIRF) Coordinator, Mercy Corps, Amman, Jordan

Cross-posted from Mercy Corps:  https://mercycorps.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?fuseaction=app....

Syria INGO Regional Forum (SIRF) Coordinator - Amman, Jordan

Tracking Code

219117-927

Job Description

This position is contingent on funding

PROGRAM/ DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: In light of the increasingly regional nature of the Syrian Crisis, and the humanitarian and political effects on neighboring countries, the Syrian INGO Regional Forum (SIRF) was assembled in April 2013 to give voice to INGOs conducting humanitarian responses. Member organizations, as well as representatives of INGO country fora, have gathered regularly since the inception of SIRF to discuss priority issues, coordinate, share information. SIRF exists to serve the needs of its members and to act in their interest in advocating for populations affected by the Syrian crisis, with the ultimate goal of influencing regional humanitarian policy.

The Forum aims to provide joint and prioritized messaging to: regional bodies, the donor community, refugee host governments in general, GoS, UN agencies and, when not better served by INGO country fora, country bodies, through drawing together advocacy messages from INGO country fora and acting as a conduit to worldwide advocacy efforts on the Syrian crisis. This position will link with the SIRF advocacy co chairs to work on messaging. The position will also connect with the board on liaising to other global consortia (DC, London, Brussels, etc) country fora. It also aims to inform members of advocacy opportunities with respect to international bodies, UN agencies and donors, and, where possible, present agreed messaging. The forum also appoints representatives to regional initiatives relevant to the Syrian crisis and facilitates the exchange and best practice of information on humanitarian assistance in Syria in coordination with all key humanitarian actors.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The SIRF Coordinator will sit with Mercy Corps and report to the Syria INGO Regional Forum. S/he will assist in the board functions and report back to the members. The purpose of this position is support the day-to-day running of the SIRF board in order to ensure that activities of the board meet the needs and priorities of the NGO community. It will also provide administrative and technical support to the SIRF Advocacy Working Group (AWG) in order to maximize opportunities for influencing policy and practice. The SIRF coordinator will support the AWG to deliver on the strategic objectives that have been outlined by coordinating the day to day work of the AWG, taking the lead to draft and disseminate various SIRF outputs and products, and increasing the quality and quantity of the SIRF’s public media work. 

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Secretariat Coordination and Administration

• Scheduling, taking minutes and tracking action points for SIRF general meetings and sub-working group meetings.
• In coordination with the board, streamline communication and ensures that key documents, minutes etc. are shared with the SIRF membership as appropriate.
• Serve as a central contact point for the SIRF AWG.
• Provide an accessible first point of contact for general inquiries regarding the SIRF and its work.
• Maintain membership lists and databases.
• Draft protocols as relevant.

Advocacy, Media and Communications Support

• In coordination with the SIRF advocacy focal point, support the production of advocacy and communications products, including authoring briefings, press releases letters and talking points ahead of key advocacy moments.
• Support the development of common positioning on key humanitarian and operational issues, through providing members with most updated information gathered from meetings with various stakeholders, sectors and working groups.
• Assist to maintain the communications sub-working group.
• Manage distribution of key documents across the SIRF membership and collate feedback
• Drive sign-off for SIRF products across membership.
• If relevant and agreed, organize events, press conferences and manage media relationships.

Relationship Management

• Network and conduct outreach to key regional and local advocacy and media targets.
• On the request of the board, represent the SIRF at key stakeholder meetings.

Organizational Learning:  As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries: Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:  NA.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Policy and Advocacy Advisor.

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: SIRF Board. 

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: 

• BA/BS degree required.
• 1-3 years of relevant experience in a conflict or post-conflict setting with an NGO.
• Fluently spoken and written English is required. Good command of Arabic is a plus.
• Excellent computer skills, including experience with: Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work with sensitive issues in a multi-cultural environment and with virtual or/and dispersed teams.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating stakeholders’ activities.
• Familiarity with current standards for information sharing in humanitarian response.
• Familiarity with humanitarian principles, and response architecture.
• Extensive experience in administration and coordination of coalition or secretariat functions.

SUCCESS FACTORS:  

The successful candidate will have the ability to network effectively and influence and inspire others including governments, other agencies, and own peers, staff, and partners and will also have the ability to undertake strategic analysis and translate thinking into practice. S/He will work with sensitive issues in a multi-cultural environment and with virtual or/and dispersed teams and will have the ability to inspire, to build confidence and to find creative and constructive solutions to difficult issues. The successful candidate will be build trust and alliances and will empower others.

LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

This role is based in Amman, Jordan and is an accompanied position. Housing is individual accommodation with unlimited freedom of movement beyond the house/office. There are numerous International schools in Jordan. Staff will have a very high degree of access to medical and other services. This position requires up to 20 % travel to Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, and Egypt.

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Job Location

Amman, ‘Ammān (Al ‘A̅ şimah), Jordan

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular