Branch Secretary Job at the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS)

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) was established through an Act of the Parliament in 1960 to complement public authorities in humanitarian interventions with the mandate to prevent and alleviate human suffering at times of peace or conflict, and to support individuals and communities to respond effectively to emergencies, without any form of discrimination as to class, gender, race, political opinions or religion.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Position: Branch Secretary

Job Location: Yobe

Job Purpose

• Under the guidance of the Branch Executive Committee and the Secretary General, Branch Secretary will be responsible for ensuring that Society is strategically and effectively positioned as key Partner and Partner of Choice to the State Government, Movement Partners and other humanitarian partners in the State.  
• This is done through a well-coordinated approach in service delivery to the communities within the State in line with their identified needs and priorities.
• He/She is also responsible for the growth and management of Programmes within the State.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
The Branch Secretary has the following responsibilities:

• Manage the branch office, its personnel, volunteers and members on a day-to-day basis in accordance with the Statutes and regulations of the National Society.
• Initiate and organize the Red Cross activities within the State in line with the National Society Strategic plan, objectives and policies.
• Keep the National Headquarters, its relevant coordinators and branch board members regularly updated on all activities.
• Supervise and monitor the activities of the Divisions and through Divisional Coordinators the activities at the Community level.
• Ensure compliance with all legal obligations and promptly inform the Secretary General of any legal risk or liability affecting the National Society and coordinate all response to same through the Secretary General.
• Abide by and enforce all National Society policies, rules and procedures particularly those affecting the fundamental principles, emblem and code of conduct.
• Organize local fund-raising activities and other income generating activities for the Branch with the approval of the National Headquarters.
• Coordinate through the Secretary General all international partnerships or internationally funded programmatic activities.
• In the event of an emergency ensure effective and timely response, and keep the National Headquarters regularly updated on the evolution of the crisis and response to enable a coordinated national or regional approach.
• Expand the membership and ensure the effective collection of membership dues.
• Liaise with the State Government, Movement partners and other agencies to ensure the smooth running of the Branch and its operations.
• Ensure the safety and maintenance of the Branch property including all relevant documents.
• Serves as Secretary to the Branch Executive Committee
• The Branch Secretary in consultation with the Branch Chairman, appoint and supervise Branch Personnel with the written consent of the Secretary General.
• Lead and coordinate the development and implementation of disaster management programmes at the state and Divisional level and ensure effective response to disasters.
• Prepare the Branch budget with advice of the Branch Finance and Planning Adviser
• Prepare accounts for auditing.
• Send quarterly and annual financial and narrative reports to the National Headquarters and branch board members
• Shall be category ‘A’ signatory of all Branch Accounts
• Represent the NRCS at local and state meetings, conferences and workshops and other forums.
• Provide departmental progress updates to HQ and Branch Executive Committee
• Provide supervisory support to Divisional Secretaries and Boards in the development of divisional programs and activities
• Coordinate the development, implementation of the annual plan and budget under the direction of the Secretary General and the support of the Branch Executive Committee 
• Coordinate dissemination of NRCS Volunteer and youth policy and guidelines outlining their recruitment and selection, deployment, training and development in order to achieve a self-sustaining network of volunteers 
• Coordinate Dissemination NRCS membership policy and guidelines, coordinate elections and build the capacity of Branch committees to ensure a more accountable and transparent governance 
• Coordinate risks mapping and vulnerability capacity assessment activities to plan prepare, respond and mitigate disaster impacts
• In consultation with the NHQ ensure effective resource mobilisation strategies, prepare and submit funding proposals according to donor requirements to supplement local budget allocations. Lead on robust income generating activities for branch sustainability.

Duties Applicable to all Staff:

• Actively work towards the achievement of the NRCS goals
• Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross Fundamental Principles and NRCS Statutes
• Show capacity to assist other members of staff and management, aptitude for maintaining cooperation and team spirit necessary to achieve the objectives of the National Society
• Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by Line Manager

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences especially in areas of Community Development, Management or equivalent qualifications with certificate in project management
• Minimum of 5 years of  managerial experience in planning, implementing and evaluating community-based programmes in emergency/relief context

Skills and Competencies:
Essential:

• Good leadership and accountability skills
• Strong judgment and ability to identify and analyse problems and to think strategically to anticipate, interpret and develop strategic responses to issues
• Ability to persuade, influence, negotiate, manage and sustain effective, successful strategic relationships both internally and externally
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office tools
• Fluency in written and spoken English

Desirable:

• Good knowledge of the work of the Red Cross in Nigeria and the State
• Experience in Programme design and management
• Experience in Volunteer Management
• Excellent interpersonal and effective communication skills
• Broad knowledge of project management, emergency and public health management, humanitarian relief issues, trends and goals aimed at preventing and alleviating human suffering.
• Strong leadership, team building, conflict resolution and ability to deliver the society’s articulated vision for change.
• Ability to initiate and manage change and align programmes to the strategic plan.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and resolve differences and conflicts.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Articulate when communicating, and a curious and effective listener
• Ability to protect the reputation of NRCS through the quality of work, knowledge and experience
• High ethical standards and honesty in handling the organizational resources and zero tolerance to corruption
• Culturally sensitive, globally minded and showing respect to the views and opinions of others
• Ability to collaborate and work well in a team
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV to: branchrecruitment@redcrossnigeria.org using the Job Position as the subject of the email.