Delegate, National Society Development

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

National Society Development (NSD) is one of the three main mandates of the IFRC. While the responsibility of NSD rests with each NS, the IFRC has the mandate to support the NSs in their development and to coordinate all external support. NSD is a direct contribution towards the seven Transformations of the IFRC Strategy 2030.

The NSD Coordinator will report to the Head of Country Delegation with a technical line to the Regional Head of Membership Services, IFRC MENA Regional Office. The position is based in the IFRC Delegation, in Damascus, Syria.

IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

Job Purpose

The NSD Coordinator will be responsible for overall coordination, strategic & technical guidance and coherence of NSD support tailored to the specific contexts of Syria and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) and aligned with its new Strategy 2023-2027 and organizational goal to build a relevant, accountable and sustainable NS with legal, ethical, financial foundations, systems, structures, and competencies in place, which can effectively plan, perform, and sustain services for the population of concern as long as needed.

The NSD Coordinator will support the Performance and Partnerships Support Department (PPSD), in addition, will engage SARC senior and middle management, provide regular strategic guidance, coordination, and technical support to SARC overall NSD, focusing on NSD priorities and linking them to programmes and services to ensure quality performance through implementing SARC Operational and Unified Plans. The role will also enhance and promote the agenda on PGI, and Safeguarding to ensure SARC accountability, integrity, and quality programming.

The post holder will coordinate and inform technical support from other Movement partners to develop, revise, and implement core SARC frameworks and strategies. This includes supporting the finalization of the NSD Framework, the revision of the Branch Development Roadmap (2024-2027), and alignment with other relevant SARC SOPs, policies, and strategies. This role is the focal point in IFRC Syria for all related output and actively represents IFRC and Movement partners in all matters related to NSD, ensuring a coherent approach to support, including during emergencies.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The NSD Coordinator provides strategic guidance and coordination across NSD and supports PPSD units (NSD & Strategic Planning, MEAL, Information Management, and Grants & Partnerships). The role engages SARC leadership to strengthen decision-making, capacity, and organizational performance through technical support, coaching, and influencing.

National Society Leadership Development

• Strengthen leadership capacity through induction, orientation, and branch development initiatives.
• Support volunteer management, leadership development, and organizational risk management.
• Promote PGI and safeguarding through policies, training, and best practices.

Organisational Change

• Support strategy review (2023–2027) and development of sustainability and resource mobilization plans.
• Guide financial sustainability efforts and reduce dependency on Movement funding.
• Strengthen governance, compliance, and integrity frameworks.
• Support risk management, policy updates, and resource mobilization efforts.

Strategic & Technical Support

• Provide guidance for integrated planning aligned with NSD frameworks and strategy.
• Coach PPSD teams and support key areas (branch development, volunteering, PGI, CEA, digital transformation).
• Lead NSD coordination, promote innovation, and support development of strategies and policies.

Line Management

• Coordinate with PGI staff and support cross-functional collaboration.
• Ensure alignment with IFRC standards and coordination with regional/global teams.

Project Management

• Manage NSD projects (including NSIA-funded initiatives), ensuring planning, monitoring, and compliance.
• Oversee reporting and act as focal point for key funding mechanisms.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

Coordination & Partnerships

• Coordinate with SARC, ICRC, and partners to align technical and financial support.
• Ensure coherent NSD support, including in emergencies.
• Represent IFRC, facilitate coordination, and advocate for NSD priorities.

Networking & Knowledge Sharing

• Maintain strong stakeholder relationships and promote knowledge sharing and learning.
• Support innovation, peer learning, and global NSD collaboration.
• Ensure reporting on NSD progress and indicators.

General Management

• Support resource mobilization and financial sustainability efforts.
• Promote performance, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Education

Required:

• Relevant University degree in a related discipline from an accredited academic institution with at least eight years of relevant professional experience

Preferred

• Master’s in business administration, MBA or equivalent
• IMPACT or equivalent training/knowledge

Experience

Required

• At least 7-9 years of progressive experience in a similar role
• At least 5-7 years of experience working in organizational development and volunteer development
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in coaching, institutional capacity strengthening, and staff development
• A minimum of 5 years of experience (at senior/ mid-management level) in change management and experience in supporting strategic planning and management
• At least 3-5 years of experience within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement or membership-based non-governmental organizations

Preferred

• Experience working in the MENA region

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required

• Proficient in providing strategic advice to leadership
• Proficient in mentoring and developing people and ability to work in empowering and participative ways
• Facilitation of organizational development and branch organizational capacity assessment processes
• Profound understanding of the RCRC mandate, values and approach to the delivery of humanitarian and development services
• Solid knowledge in supporting strategic planning and policy processes as well as systems development in the context of a non-profit organization
• Ability to transfer knowledge on organizational development principles and approaches
• Solid group process facilitation skills
• Excellent coordination skills
• Proficiency in project management
• Expert in problem-solving approaches and techniques
• Ability to work in a cross-cultural, multi-lingual and cross-functional environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and a good understanding of working in partnership
• Drive for change and improvements and ability to deliver strategies in a challenging environment
• Fluent in spoken and written English

Preferred

• Good command of another IFRC official language (Arabic)

Competencies, Values and Comments

• Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability
• Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust

IFRC Disclaimer

IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

If you appointed to or undertake a role within IFRC, whether as staff, staff on loan or secondees, you will be subject to the organization's Code of Conduct, which is available here and on our website.

Note: All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which include prior professional conduct checks and review of criminal records. IFRC will request a conduct check from all prior employers for a period of 5 years, including but not limited to employers who like IFRC participate in the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. For more details on the Scheme, please see ont-style: italic;">THE MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE SCHEME — SCHR.

IFRC ensures equal employment opportunities!