Summary:
The Regional Program Officer is based in Washington, DC and is responsible for providing support to international disaster management and community health programs of the American Red Cross International Services Department. The American Red Cross, with its partners in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, works to provide humanitarian assistance to the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Program Officers are expected to have a wide range of skills, experience and knowledge relevant to effective disaster management and community-based health promotion in an international setting, working with local partner organizations. Position reports to the Regional Director for Africa.

Responsibilities:
Manage and/or support regional programs:

• Lead NHQ point of contact for all projects in countries of responsibility (for local National Red Cross/Crescent Society counterparts as well as ARC staff).
• Ensure programmatic and financial compliance of field projects; including project start-up, agreements, budget oversight, compliance with monitoring and evaluation and reporting standards. Undertake periodic site visits, oversee project close-out.
• Maintain strong communications with and provide programmatic support to ARC field staff.
• Provide coverage to other regions or units as deemed appropriate (surge capacity related)

Planning and program development:

• Participate in the development of regional and country-specific plans aligned with wider International Services and ARC strategies and operational plans.
• Assist in identifying new program opportunities through monitoring of sources and liaising with external donors and other humanitarian agencies.
• Participate in the development (design) of new programs. Role will vary by type of proposal and available skill sets, but can involve coordinating the region’s participation or acting as lead writer.

Disaster Response:

• During disaster response periods, act as or support the Disaster Response lead in managing all aspects of disaster response, including planning for early recovery.
• Ensure timely response to disasters by prioritizing and facilitating rapid assistance in support of relief operations; allocation of financial and in-kind resources; management and tracking of internal processes; facilitation of coordination of key internal and external stakeholders.
• Help to oversee field operations, including potential deployment as part of a response team. Oversight includes ensuring appropriate and adequate distribution of relief supplies, cash, and other interventions; and supporting and ensuring a high level of performance by deployed field personnel.
• Monitor new, ongoing, and potential disasters in region; work with International Disaster Response Unit’s reporting function and Development, Communications and Marketing Departments to ensure up-to-date information.
• Serve as Duty Officer on a rotational basis and be willing to work after hours during an emergency. Backstop staff as necessary.

Qualifications:
Master’s degree or relevant equivalent experience and a minimum of seven years related experience, and a minimum of one year supervisory experience. Field experience working in developing countries managing disaster response and recovery programs required (project management, financial oversight, and representation). Experience working with local partner organizations. Program and proposal development experience. Working experience in Africa a plus. Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively and in a collegial fashion with people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English essential; fluency in a second language an asset.