The Regional Head, Membership Services provides strategic leadership and coordination for National Society development (NSD) support across the Africa Region. The role ensures a coherent portfolio of support in line with Strategy 2030, the Africa Region, and IFRC Renewal, operating as one global team with the Geneva NSD Department. The incumbent represents the IFRC with internal and external stakeholders, promotes regional adoption of global policies, and drives consistent use of evidence for decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Coordination
- Represent the IFRC with internal and external stakeholders in all aspects of National Society development.
- Provide strategic leadership and coordination for NSD support to National Societies across the Africa Region, ensuring alignment with global frameworks.
- Promote regional adoption of global NSD policies, standards, tools, and frameworks (NSD Framework, Policy, Compact, and Results Framework).
- Lead integration of NSD priorities into Unified Country Plans and operational plans using the Way of Working (WOW).
- Oversee region-wide support across foundational NSD areas: volunteering and youth, auxiliary role, Fundamental Principles, leadership/governance, and financial sustainability.
- Embed NSD in emergencies by leveraging DREF and Emergency Appeals for targeted institutional strengthening.
- Serve as the focal point for integrity issues, ensuring compliance with rules and procedures.
- Promote peer-to-peer learning, communities of practice, and collaboration with Reference Centers.
Effective Matrix and People Management
- Lead and manage the regional NSD team, including direct reports and matrix reporting lines across cluster and country delegations.
- Ensure a well-managed team while promoting a culture of performance and continuous learning.
- Coordinate effectively with technical units of the Regional Office and focal points from various delegations and Geneva.
General Duties
- Work towards the achievement of the Federation Secretariat’s goals.
- Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles.
Requirements and Qualifications
Education
- Master’s degree or equivalent in International Affairs, Political Science, Law, Economics, Public Policy, Social Studies, or a relevant field (Required).
- Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with extensive relevant experience.
Experience
- At least 7 years of experience in Governance and/or National Society Development (or a combination) within the RCRC Movement (Required).
- At least 7 years of experience managing staff and leading multi-disciplinary teams (Required).
- Experience with National Societies on capacity building, membership services, and policy issues (Required).
- Experience working with partners and in a multicultural, international environment (Preferred).
- Experience leading region-wide portfolios and matrix management (Preferred).
Knowledge and Skills
- Highly developed leadership and influencing skills; ability to inspire stakeholders.
- Familiarity with IFRC and NS pledging, resource development systems, and domestic resource mobilization.
- Strategic analysis, systematic planning, and implementation skills.
- Professional credibility and strong analytical/communication skills.
- Proven ability to motivate and manage a team; excellent collaboration skills.
- Proficiency with evidence-based NSD approaches (OCA, PER, CRRA) and NSIF/NSID dashboards (Preferred).
Languages
- Fluent spoken and written English (Required).
- Good command of another IFRC official language: French, Spanish, or Arabic (Required).
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