Country Representative Lebanon

The Country Representative position for the Netherlands Red Cross Delegation in Lebanon focuses on fostering the relationships with the Lebanese Red Cross and Palestine Red Crescent Lebanon branch, Red Cross Red Crescent Movement Partners, the Dutch Embassy, donors (e.g. EU and Dutch MoFA) and other stakeholders. You monitor the implementation of the Partnership Agreement with the Lebanese Red Cross, 

Background

Lebanon has been grappling with overlapping emergencies, including a severe economic downturn, as well as a fragile healthcare system, growing food insecurity and inadequate social support mechanisms (World Bank, 2025). The resurgence of conflict in the south has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, leading to significant civilian casualties, forced displacement, and destruction of critical infrastructure.

The NLRC has been active in Lebanon since 1985, supporting the Lebanese Red Cross Society (LRC) and the diaspora branch of the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS/L). LRC is providing emergency medical services (ambulances), blood transfusion services, primary health care services (medical social centres and mobile medical units) and emergency relief and cash support through its Disaster Management sector. PRCS/L is focusing on primary and secondary health care services to Palestinian and Syrian refugees and other vulnerable people in and around the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. 

Purpose of the position

The role of the Country Representative will be to:

• Maintain and further develop relationships with the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC) and Palestinian Red Crescent Lebanon branch (PRCS/L), Red Cross Red Crescent Movement Partners, the Dutch Embassy, donors (e.g. EU and Dutch MoFA) and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate and monitor the implementation of the Framework Partnership Agreement between LRC and NLRC, in line with the strategic objectives and priorities of both partners.
• Take the lead in identifying funding and/or partnership opportunities to ensure continued support to the most vulnerable communities in Lebanon, in close collaboration with other Movement partners and building on NLRC’s areas of expertise as laid down in its Strategy 2030.
• Liaise and coordinate on behalf of NLRC with IFRC and ICRC MENA offices in Lebanon and with sister RCRC Societies in the MENA region.
• Manage and monitor the implementation and development of the joint project portfolio with LRC and PRCS/L.
• Lead the NLRC Country Team in Lebanon: Human Resources and Office Management.

Position in the organisation

The Country Representative (CR) will be leading the NLRC country team in Lebanon, currently consisting of two local staff. The Country Representative reports to the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator (PPC), who is based at NLRC HQ in The Hague. The CR works closely with staff based at NLRC HQ, including the Portfolio Officer, Disaster Response Coordinator for MENA, technical advisors, PMER and quality officers. The CR will ensure quality and adherence to established guidelines, policies and strategies of LRC, as well as in accordance with NLRC principles, Code of Conduct, guidelines and evidence-based best practices.

Summary statement and responsibilities 

Strategic partnership management and representation

• Facilitate and monitor the implementation of the Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA).
• Play a key role in developing NLRC’s long-term vision and strategy for Lebanon and the MENA, in line with NLRC’s localisation approach.
• Analyse and maintain an in-depth understanding of the context and key stakeholders, and more specifically, the humanitarian developments in Lebanon and the MENA region, ensuring that NLRC HQ remains well informed of pressing humanitarian issues and challenges.
• Ensure excellent and effective working relationships with LRC and PRCS/L counterparts and leadership, and other RCRC Movement partners, and represent NLRC in coordination meetings.
• Facilitate and maintain good relationships with representatives of relevant donors, embassies, the UN international agencies and other stakeholders in Lebanon, in close consultation with LRC.
• Actively engage with and represent NLRC in relevant networks, forums, meetings, conferences and other events when and where required.

Portfolio management and development

• Facilitate the development and monitoring of annual Country Operational Plans for Lebanon in close collaboration with the PPC and other counterparts at NLRC HQ (country desk, advisors, unit lead).
• Ensure an adequate flow of information regarding ongoing operations towards the relevant colleagues at NLRC HQ and for external communication.
• Based on ongoing assessment of the humanitarian needs in Lebanon, identify intervention gaps, funding opportunities and possibilities for project development with LRC and PRCS/L, while continuously seeking alignment with RCRC partners and other stakeholders to ensure synergy and maximum impact.
• Work in close collaboration with the country desk and technical advisors on the development of new proposals.
• Be accountable for the overall management of projects in terms of administrative and financial management, as well as reporting, in close collaboration with the implementing departments of LRC and PRCS/L and with support from the Portfolio Officer (PO), finance team and technical advisors at NLRC HQ.
• Ensure in new and existing projects that NLRC’s Standard Project Approach (SPA) is followed; donor requirements and conditions are met and deviations regarding project objectives and budget control are timely identified and communicated to NLRC HQ.
  

Country office and team management

• Lead the NLRC Team and manage the country office in Lebanon.
• Ensure effective management of personnel, maintaining and fostering a positive, fair and participatory working environment and constructive team approach. 
• Ensure ongoing coordination and technical support to LRC and PRCS/L based on identified needs and requests, as well as ensuring the quality of the NLRC supported interventions in Lebanon.
• Ensure that the team delivers on work plans and that all relevant external donor policies, procedures and deadlines are met.
• Ensure all delegates adhere to NLRC's Standard Project Approach, use the right (budget) formats, follow all NLRC procedures (e.g. Logistics, Security Guidelines) and use the proper administrative systems (e.g. SPACE, Winpaccs).
• Manage employee performance according to NLRC and LRC appraisal systems, including providing employees with regular feedback and jointly identifying professional development needs, supporting them with participation in courses, coaching and providing them with "on-the-job" experience to enhance their knowledge and skills.
• Maintain accurate written records of work plans, strategic & operational team meetings and performance appraisals.
• Ensure that all team members comply with Code of Conduct and other staff regulations and policies, and that breaches are documented and the PPC is notified.
• Develop and monitor the NLRC office budget in close collaboration with the PPC, taking into account existing project budgets.
• Monitor and act upon potential risks, be it quality, financial, reputational or other.
• Facilitate (field) visits by NLRC staff, advisors, consultants and other stakeholders in close coordination with LRC and PRCS/L and the country desk.

Security Management

• Follow strictly the security guidelines and guidance as set by LRC, the Movement security framework and NLRC HQ.
• Support the NLRC team and visitors with effective security management in strict adherence with the country security framework and NLRC policy and protocol.
• Keep the NLRC Country Security Plan updated, through continuous analysis of the context and validation of security rules, norms and procedures, and timely inform NLRC HQ about security incidents and trends.

Requirements

• University (Masters) Degree or advanced degree in a relevant field.
• At least 10 years’ experience in the development and/or humanitarian field, preferably within the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
• At least 8-10 years of experience in managing, coaching and supporting staff, preferably in an international organisation.
• Experience in the area of capacity building and development of humanitarian organisations.
• Experience in result based project management, including monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
• Experience in resource mobilization and grant management. 
• Demonstrated ability for networking and high level representation.
• Demonstrated success in (financial) planning, budgeting and monitoring;
• Ability to work in politically complex and challenging environment (security awareness).
• Knowledge of and working experience in the MENA region is an asset.
• Fluency in English, Arabic would be an advantage.
• Computer skills and knowledge of software programmes (e.g. Microsoft Office 365, Winpaccs and Document Management).

Key competencies

• Team player with excellent strategic leadership and management skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and networking skills.
• Able to make sound judgements and decisions.
• Diplomatic and culturally sensitive.
• Pro-active, flexible and adaptable to changing working conditions.
• Able to work independently, with guidance and support from the Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator.
• Demonstrated accountability for personal and staff security in conflict/fragile environments.
• Excellent narrative and financial reporting and proposal writing skills.

We offer

• A full-time appointment (based on 40-hour work week) for 1 year, with the possibility of extension.
• A flexible and human centred working environment in an international setting with a variety of international organisations.
• Well balanced employment conditions with space for initiative and development.
• Please note that this is an International mobile staff position. This means that you will need to be eligible to be dispatched to Lebanon.   

Join us!

• Please submit your CV and motivation letter in English with reference to Shelly Jonker before 8 June through the apply button.
• For further information regarding the position please contact Frederike de Graaf, Partnership & Portfolio Coordinator for Lebanon via email at: fdegraaf@redcross.nl.
• Please note that an initial assessment of candidates short-listed is part of the selection procedure.