Area Director - Gaza

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Position Title: Area Director - Gaza
Location: Gaza
Country: Palestine
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is a humanitarian organization that partners with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disasters to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and well-being. Established in 2000, RI operates in 15 countries, including some of the most fragile regions such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. The organization employs over 4,000 staff in the Middle East and implements a range of humanitarian and development programs valued at approximately $700 million annually. RI operates under a shared management structure through its four corporate members: Relief International Inc., Relief International-UK, Relief International-France, and Relief International-Europe. The organization has a strong focus on health, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), education, and economic opportunity, aiming to address immediate needs while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery and resilience.

Job Overview:
The Area Director - Gaza will lead the operations of Relief International's response in the Gaza Strip. This role is critical for ensuring the effective implementation of programs in accordance with established designs and compliance standards, while remaining adaptable to the rapidly changing context in Gaza. The Area Director will oversee a team of both national and international staff, report directly to the Country Director, and participate in the senior management team. The position requires a proactive approach to decision-making and the ability to navigate complex challenges, including security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security concerns and access issues, to deliver life-saving services efficiently and effectively. The Area Director will also play a key role in establishing and mobilizing RI's operations in Gaza, ensuring that all necessary infrastructure and logistics systems are in place to support program delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Area Director will be accountable for managing the Gaza-based team responsible for program implementation and service delivery. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the establishment of RI operations in Gaza, including building the team and setting up office infrastructure.
• Ensuring optimal safety and security management procedures are in place and that all staff are trained accordingly.
• Overseeing logistics systems for the receipt, storage, and distribution of program supplies.
• Collaborating with program leads to ensure day-to-day implementation aligns with project plans, adapting to changing contexts.
• Monitoring adherence to security procedures and responding to new developments.
• Proposing new assessments and coordinating with management teams for program development.
• Fostering a team environment that prioritizes staff care and compassion.
• Holding staff accountable for performance and addressing HR-related issues in collaboration with the HR team.
• Upholding RI's code of conduct and safeguarding policies, ensuring ethical behavior and accountability within the team.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications for the Area Director position include:

• 3 to 5 years of emergency management experience in volatile settings.
• Knowledge of emergency response design and management standards within multi-sectoral interventions.
• Familiarity with program design, finance, and administration.
• Experience in internal and external coordination.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate positive leadership.
• Experience in complex decision-making. Desirable qualifications include previous experience in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, Yemen, or the occupied Palestinian territory, and prior roles as an emergency manager or head of an emergency mission.

Educational Background:
While the specific educational background is not detailed in the job description, it is typically expected that candidates for such senior roles possess a relevant degree in fields such as international relations, public health, humanitarian studies, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees may be preferred, particularly for positions that require extensive knowledge and expertise in emergency management and humanitarian response.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in emergency management, particularly in volatile and conflict-affected settings. This experience should include a strong understanding of emergency response design and management, as well as the ability to coordinate effectively with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations. Experience in leading teams and managing complex projects in challenging environments is essential.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is typically required for international positions, especially in humanitarian organizations. Knowledge of Arabic would be highly advantageous, given the location and context of the role, as it would facilitate communication with local staff and communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Gaza and involves travel between Gaza and Jordan, with a focus on establishing and managing operations in a highly dynamic and challenging environment. The role is classified as requiring enhanced due diligence, indicating that pre-hire checks will be conducted. The Area Director will be responsible for a significant budget, which will be determined based on ongoing projects. This is a full-time position that requires a commitment to RI's values and principles, including integrity, adaptability, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability.